The CPCT may be asked to assist the nurse or physician with providing first aid or to be part of a rapid response team. Follow your agency's policies and guidelines for providing first aid. Never perform tasks that are not permitted by your scope of practice. Many agencies require health care workers to have a current CPR card. Refer to Chapter 3 for information about CPR.

Assist the Patient with Incentive Spirometry

The incentive spirometer is a device that promotes circulation to the lungs and the movement of air into the lungs. The device is designed to minimize the risk of getting pneumonia in patients that are confined to a hospital bed, are immobile, or have had recent surgery, by forcing them to forcefully inhale through the device. The provider will prescribe the treatment frequency and determine the appropriate target number the patient should achieve while using the device.

Check Dressings for Increased Saturation and Changes

The CPCT may be asked to determine the level of saturation in a dressing. The CPCT must examine the dressing and determine if the dressing is dry, has blood soaking through, and if the dressing is securely taped to the skin. It is also important for the CPCT to note the amount, color, and odor of any drainage.

Follow the Five Rights of Delegation

The CPCT must always function within his or her scope of practice. Always consider the following when performing any task delegated by a nurse:

1. The Right Task- Is this in your job description? Were you trained for the task? Is this task approved by the state?

2. The Right Circumstances- Can you perform the procedure safely under the present circumstances? Do you have the right tools?

3. The Right Person - Are you the right person for the task? Does this task fall within your scope of practice?

4. The Right Directions - Did you understand the nurse's directions? Did the nurse provide you with enough information to complete the task safely?

5. The Right Supervisor - Is the person delegating the task to you allowed to do so? For example, did a nurse delegate the task or was it a fellow CPCT? Only nurses can delegate tasks to CPCTs.

Prioritize Patient Care Based on Patient Needs

The CPCT has many competing priorities that need to be dealt with throughout the shift. The nursing staff is responsible for delegating tasks to the CPCT and for prioritizing delegated tasks. However, the CPCT must be able to prioritize the tasks assigned to him or her. The CPCT should always ask for direction and clarification if he or she doesn't understand a task.

Monitor Vital Signs and Patient Status During Blood Transfusions

Nurses are responsible for starting, maintaining, and discontinuing blood transfusions. The CPCT is responsible for monitoring vital signs before, during, and after the transfusion. The CPCT is also responsible for reporting the vital signs measurements to the nurse. Every facility has different rules governing the administration of blood products. The CPCT should be familiar with his or her agency's rules. When measuring vital signs or reporting abnormal findings, be sure to follow any directions provided by the nursing staff.

Assist Patient with Taking Self-Administered Prescribed Medications

The CPCT can assist patients with taking self-administered prescribed medications by handing the patient the medication and reminding the patient when he or she should take it. The CPCT must never prepare, prescribe, or directly administer any medications to the patient.

Apply Oxygen Therapy

A provider or nurse may order oxygen for a patient. If directed to do so, the CPCT may apply oxygen the~apy. There are numerous commercial oxygen delivery devices and the CPCT should be familiar with the specific devices used in his or her facility. The most common oxygen delivery devices are the nasal cannula, simple facemask, and the non-rebreather facemask. Nasal cannulas have two nasal prongs that are inserted into the patient's nostrils. The oxygen tubing is placed around the patient's ears and the adjustment tab is moved into position near the patient's neck. Simple facemasks and non-rebreather facemasks are placed over the patient's mouth and nose. They are secured with an elastic band around the back of the head. Once the delivery device is applied to the patient, the nurse, respiratory therapist, or physician sets the oxygen flow rate.

Assist with Patient-Administered Nebulizer Treatments

The CPCT may assist with a patient-administered nebulizer treatment by handing the patient the device and properly positioning the patient in bed. Patients should sit up when using their inhalers. The CPCT must never administer the medication to a patient.

Weigh a Patient

It is important to weigh patients accurately, because many treatments and medications are weight-based. The patient's weight is typically recorded in kilograms. The CPCT should ("zero") the scale prior to use. Each scale is different, so the CPCT must be familiar with the device. The CPCT must also ensure the patient's safety by eliminating any tripping hazards near the scale. Encourage patients to use safety features such as ramps and handrails to get on and off the scale. The CPCT may use a chair or bed scale to weigh patients that are unable to ambulate.