DaVita Competency Evaluation/Assessment Practice Exam

A licensed nurse should be alerted to conduct a pretreatment assessment when there are abnormal findings noted by the patient care technician (PCT). This is critical because abnormal findings can indicate potential complications or changes in the patient's health status that need to be addressed before starting treatment. The pretreatment assessment allows the nurse to evaluate these findings and take appropriate actions, such as modifying the treatment plan or conducting further evaluations if necessary.

In the context of patient care, it's essential to ensure patient safety and provide the best possible treatment outcomes. The nurse's expertise enables them to interpret abnormal findings and intervene as needed, which is fundamental in a clinical setting where patients may be vulnerable.

While family inquiries, punctuality for treatment, or a patient's pain tolerance can provide valuable information about a patient's overall condition, they do not inherently signal the need for an immediate pretreatment assessment in the way that abnormal findings do. Such findings directly point to possible issues that must be resolved to ensure the patient is safe and ready for treatment.