What is a key responsibility of a PCT in patient care?

Assisting with daily living activities and monitoring patient vitals constitutes a key responsibility of a Patient Care Technician (PCT). PCTs play a vital role in supporting patients with their basic needs, such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and mobility, which enhances the patients' quality of life and overall well-being. They also closely monitor vital signs like blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate, which are essential for assessing the patient's health status and alerting healthcare providers to any changes that may require further intervention.

In contrast, performing major surgical procedures falls outside the scope of practice for PCTs, as these tasks are reserved for trained surgeons or medical professionals with specialized qualifications. Diagnosing medical conditions is also not within the responsibilities of a PCT, as this requires the expertise of licensed healthcare providers, such as doctors or nurse practitioners. Furthermore, providing psychological counseling is a specialized field that typically requires extensive training and licensure in mental health practices, making it beyond the qualifications of a PCT. Thus, the role focuses primarily on direct patient care and support rather than complex medical or psychological interventions.