Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living Flashcards

When providing oral care to an unconscious hospice patient, what is the most important safety precaution?

Answer: Position the patient's head to the side to prevent aspiration

Turning the head to the side allows fluids to drain out and prevents aspiration into the airway in a patient who cannot protect their own airway.

How often should a bedridden hospice patient typically be repositioned to prevent pressure injuries?

Answer: Every 2 hours

Repositioning every 2 hours relieves prolonged pressure on bony prominences and reduces the risk of pressure injuries in immobile patients.

When assisting a hospice patient with a bed bath, which approach best supports patient dignity?

Answer: Expose only the body part being washed while keeping the rest covered

Exposing only one body part at a time preserves privacy, maintains warmth, and respects the patient's dignity during personal care.

When performing passive range-of-motion exercises on a hospice patient, what is the key principle to follow?

Answer: Support the joint above and below and move slowly within the pain-free range

Supporting the joint above and below while moving slowly within the pain-free range prevents injury and discomfort during passive range-of-motion exercises.

When providing perineal care to a female hospice patient, in which direction should the nursing assistant cleanse?

Answer: From front to back

Cleansing from front to back (urethra toward rectum) prevents the introduction of fecal bacteria into the urinary tract, reducing infection risk.

Which footwear is most appropriate for an ambulatory hospice patient to reduce fall risk?

Answer: Non-skid slippers or shoes with a firm sole

Non-skid footwear with a firm sole provides traction and stability, significantly reducing the risk of falls in ambulatory patients.

When changing bed linens with a patient remaining in bed, what is the most important safety consideration?

Answer: Keep side rails up when not actively working on that side and never leave the patient unattended

Raising side rails when not actively working on that side and never leaving a patient unattended prevents falls from the bed during linen changes.