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AHN 106 - Patient Care Assisting Techniques
This course is designed to teach the student the skills necessary to function as a patient care assistant in hospitals and ambulatory care facilities. The role of the patient care assistant has evolved and expanded to include diagnostic testing skills that are performed under the supervision of the professional nurse or other licensed health professional. These skills include phlebotomy recording electrocardiography applying basic oxygen therapy, pulse oximetry, measuring blood glucose levels, and collection and processing various body fluids for testing.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:
- Explain the purpose of electrocardiography as it is related to the basic anatomy and physiology of the heart.
- Perform the skills necessary to complete an electrocardiogram.
- Describe basic hematology laboratory tests and the components and function of the blood.
- Perform phlebotomy skills, including venipuncture and skin puncture correctly and successfully.
- Demonstrate proper technique in obtaining blood glucose measurements and other components of blood obtained through skin puncture.
- Explain the reasons for the collection of urine, stool and sputum specimens in assessing health status and diagnosing disease.
- Perform procedures for collecting, measuring and testing urine, stool and sputum specimens appropriately.
- Describe basic anatomy and physiology of the respiratory system and the underlying principles associated with respiration.
- Demonstrate skills in administration of low-flow oxygen therapy, reservoir systems, hyperinflations therapy, and oxygen assessment.
Prerequisite: Nursing Assistant Theory and Practice I (AHN 100) or approved NA credential
30 hours lecture 2 credits
60 hours lab 2 credits