What is one of the tasks a PCT assists with during patient admission?

Taking initial vital signs is a fundamental task that a Patient Care Technician (PCT) assists with during patient admission. This responsibility is crucial as it provides healthcare professionals with baseline information about the patient’s health status. Vital signs—such as temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, and blood pressure—help to assess the patient's immediate health condition and can indicate any urgent medical needs that must be addressed.

During the admission process, obtaining and recording these measurements is often one of the first steps in patient care. It ensures that the healthcare team has a clear understanding of the patient's current health and can monitor any changes over time. This task is essential in creating an effective care plan and determining appropriate interventions as part of the overall treatment strategy.

In contrast, conducting surgery and prescribing medication are responsibilities that fall under the purview of licensed healthcare professionals such as surgeons and physicians, respectively. Discharging a patient is also a role typically handled by nurses or doctors rather than PCTs, as it involves evaluating the patient's condition to ensure they are ready to leave the healthcare facility safely. Thus, taking initial vital signs aligns directly with the PCT's role in supporting patient care during admission.