When a patient must be turned every two hours during the night, the first action of the PCT when waking the patient should be to ____________________.

When waking a patient who needs to be turned every two hours, the first action of the Patient Care Technician (PCT) should be to speak quietly and calmly to the patient. This approach helps create a gentle and reassuring environment, minimizing confusion or anxiety for the patient who may be disoriented from sleep. Speaking in a calm and soothing manner establishes rapport and allows the patient to gradually become aware of their surroundings.

Using a gentle tone also respects the patient’s comfort and dignity, which is critical in patient care. This method encourages better communication and promotes a host of positive interactions as the PCT assists the patient in adjusting their position.

While turning on the light can help in orienting the patient to their surroundings and is sometimes necessary, it should not be the first action as it could cause abrupt disruption or discomfort to the patient. Touching the patient gently is also important, as it helps in transitioning them more comfortably, but initiating the process with a calm verbal cue sets a positive tone. Shouting the patient's name is inappropriate because it can alarm the patient and create additional distress. Therefore, starting with a calm and quiet approach is the most respectful and effective method to wake the patient.