Which activity could a patient care tech undertake in SCI patient care?

• A. Obtain a blood pressure.
• B. Assess the IV site.
• C. Do initial teaching for incentive spirometer.
• D. Turn the patient independently.

Answer: (A)

This item tests understanding of what tasks a patient care tech can perform in SCI patient care. A patient care tech is typically trained to take routine vital signs, including blood pressure, and report them to the nurse. Measuring blood pressure is a straightforward, noninvasive task that does not involve interpreting results or making clinical decisions, so it fits the delegated duties under supervision. In spinal cord injury care, vitals are closely monitored because autonomic changes can occur, making timely BP checks essential. The other options involve activities that usually require licensed personnel: assessing an IV site requires nursing assessment for signs of infiltration or infection; teaching a patient how to use an incentive spirometer involves education and demonstration by nursing or respiratory therapy; turning a patient independently can be restricted by spinal precautions and safety concerns, often needing guidance or assistance. Therefore, obtaining a blood pressure is the activity a patient care tech could undertake.