What should a PCT do if they notice a change in a patient’s condition?

A Patient Care Technician (PCT) plays a vital role in monitoring patients and recognizing any changes in their condition is essential for ensuring their safety and well-being. When a PCT notices a change, the appropriate action is to report it to the nurse or supervising medical personnel. This is crucial because nurses are trained to assess patient conditions and determine the necessary interventions. They have the expertise to evaluate the situation properly and take the required medical actions based on the reported changes.

In this context, timely communication with nursing staff is critical, as they can assess the patient's needs and implement care adjustments accordingly. This collaborative approach ensures that patient care is consistent and responsive to any new developments.

The other actions, such as documenting the change immediately or informing the patient's family before notifying medical personnel, compromise timely and efficient communication. Waiting for the patient to mention the change delays critical care and can potentially worsen the patient's condition, which is not in line with best practices in patient monitoring and response. Therefore, promptly reporting changes to the appropriate medical staff is the most effective and responsible course of action for a PCT.