Master the Political Compass 2026 – Navigate Your World with the CPCT Challenge!

The action that is within a Patient Care Technician's (PCT) scope of practice during wound care is irrigating the wound. PCTs are trained to assist with basic wound care procedures, which often include cleaning and irrigating wounds to promote healing and prevent infection. This step is crucial in the wound care process as it helps to remove debris and bacteria from the wound site, thereby decreasing the risk of infection and facilitating better healing conditions.

Irrigation typically involves using saline or another sterile solution to flush out the wound. This is a task that aligns with the competencies and responsibilities outlined in the training of PCTs, as it does not require advanced medical training or professional licensure.

In contrast, other options involve tasks that lie outside the typical scope of a PCT's practice. For instance, prescribing medication requires a licensed medical professional due to the implications of drug therapy and patient safety. Performing suturing is a skill that is generally reserved for healthcare providers with specialized training, such as doctors or physician assistants, due to the complexity and potential for complications involved. Applying a compression bandage can sometimes be within a PCT’s role, but it often requires specific clinical judgment and understanding of the condition being treated. Therefore, while PCTs