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Core Competency Areas
The exam tests for 'Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities' (KSAs) in the following core competency areas:
1%Role of a PCT
2%Charting
7%Law and Ethics
7%Safety and Infection Control
13%Basic Anatomy and Physiology
33%Medical Terminology
7%Pathology
30%Procedures and Treatments
Topical Breakdown
Use the following topical guide to help you prepare for the exam:
I. Role of a PCT (1%)
II. Charting (2%)
- Subjective Information
- Objective Information
- Corrections
III. Law and Ethics (7%)
- HIPAA Regulations
- OSHA Regulations
- Empathy
- Sympathy
- Compassion
- Competence
- Neglect
- Malpractice
- Stages of Grief
- Tort
- Tact
- Ethics
- Morals
- Professionalism
- Communication
- Defamation of Character (Libel and Slander)
- Felony
- Assault and Battery
- False Imprisonment
IV. Safety and Infection Control (7%)
- Hand Hygiene
- Clean/Sterile Technique
- Asepsis
- Surgical Asepsis
- Autoclaving
- Nosocomial
- solation Technique
- CDC
- Pathogens and Modes of Transportation (Airborne, Droplet, Vector, and Fomite)
V. Basic Anatomy and Physiology (13%)
VI. Medical Terminology (33%)
- Abbreviations
- Root Words
- Prefixes
- Suffixes
VII. Pathology (7%)
- Embolism
- Rotavirus
- DVT
- Pressure Sores
- Decubitis Ulcer
- Shock
- Septic
- Necrotic Tissue
- Pneumonia
- Malaise
- Cyanosis
- Ecchymosis
- Seizures
- Hemothorax
- Pneumothorax
- Petechiae
- Renal Calculi
- Fractures
- Syncope
- Edema
- Brady/Tachycardia
- Dyspnea
- Hypo/Hypertension
- Local/Systemic Infections
- Para/Quadriplegia
VIII. Procedures and Treatments (30%)
- PCT Role in Performing Procedures
- Performing Procedure and Treatment
- Equipment Required
- Complications
- Dressings
- Wound Care
- Sitz Bath
- Cytotoxic Solution
- Hemodialysis
- Throat Swabs
- Chest Tubes
- GI Tubes (Nasogastric, Gastric, and Jejunum)
- Suppositories
- Enemas
- Ostomy
- ECG
- Catheterization of the Urinary Bladder (Indwelling and In and Out)
- Venipuncture
- IV
- UA (Random, Clean Catch, and 24 hour)
- Type and Cross
- Diabetic Testing
- Ventilator
- Crash Cart and AED
- Ports
- Chemotherapy (Side Effects Only)
- Pulse Ox
- Cold and Heat Therapy
- Tracheotomy
- Traction
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