It’s a busy day in the ward, and the nurse on duty is now preparing the medicines of her patients on the medication tray. She hands you a tube of Terramycin ointment and gave instructions to apply it to Mrs. Harris’ eyes. How would you respond to this?
Explanation
Answer: D - Politely refuse the nurse’s request and explain your job limitations as a patient care technician. You must work under the direction of a licensed nurse or doctor. Your job responsibilities are limited to those specified in your job description.
Limitations often include giving medications (includes applying prescription skin creams, lotions, or ointments), taking orders from a doctor, and performing any procedures prohibited by law or by the employing facility. When in doubt about performing any function or task for which you are unfamiliar or unsure, consult your immediate supervisor. In medicine, the adage “Do no harm” applies to your practice as well.
