Which procedure is performed by Patient Care Technicians to initiate intravenous therapy?

• A. Lab Orders
• B. IV Starts
• C. Radiographs
• D. Respiratory Procedures

Answer: (B)

Initiating intravenous therapy is about establishing venous access to begin IV treatment. Patient Care Technicians are often trained to perform IV starts under facility protocol, which means they can insert an IV catheter to create the access point needed for fluids and medications. This specific task directly enables IV therapy, so it is the correct choice. The other options involve activities outside the PCT scope in most settings: lab orders are physician or nurse responsibilities, radiographs are handled by radiology techs, and respiratory procedures are performed by respiratory therapists.