Patient Care Technician Certification (PCTC) Terminology Practice Test

Ergonomics is the science of designing a job to fit the worker. It focuses on aligning tasks, tools, and the work environment with the human body’s capabilities and limits, so movements are safer and more comfortable. In patient care, applying ergonomic principles means setting up the workstation and workflows to reduce awkward posture, excessive force, and repetitive motions. This includes using assistive devices (like slide sheets or transfer belts), keeping loads within easy reach, arranging equipment to minimize twisting, and allowing proper rest to prevent fatigue. The goal is to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and improve efficiency by making tasks fit the worker. Body mechanics, by contrast, is the technique of using the body safely during movements—how to bend, lift, and carry. Personal Hygiene and Patient Care covers hygiene and direct patient care, while Medical Asepsis relates to infection prevention and sterile technique.