Free HHA Mobility and Transfer Techniques Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before assisting a patient to stand from a chair, the aide should:
- Stand behind the patient and pull them upward by the waistband
- Ask the patient to scoot to the edge of the seat, place feet flat on the floor, and lean forward before standing (Correct answer)
- Lift the patient under the arms from the front
- Wait until the patient stands independently then offer a hand
Correct answer: Ask the patient to scoot to the edge of the seat, place feet flat on the floor, and lean forward before standing
Positioning the patient at the seat edge with feet flat and weight shifted forward leverages the patient's center of gravity and uses their leg muscles, making the stand safer and reducing aide injury risk.
Question 2: The term "gait belt" refers to:
- A belt that restricts patient movement
- A sturdy belt placed around the patient's waist to give the aide a secure grip during ambulation or transfers (Correct answer)
- A device attached to the bed rails
- A belt worn by the aide for back support
Correct answer: A sturdy belt placed around the patient's waist to give the aide a secure grip during ambulation or transfers
A gait belt (transfer belt) provides a safe, secure handhold during ambulation and transfers, reducing the risk of falls and protecting both patient and aide from injury.
Question 3: When helping a patient walk with a cane, the aide should position themselves:
- In front of the patient to guide them forward
- On the patient's weaker side (Correct answer)
- Behind the patient at all times
- On the patient's stronger side
Correct answer: On the patient's weaker side
Standing on the weaker side allows the aide to provide support where the patient needs it most. The cane is held on the stronger side to complement this support pattern.
Question 4: A mechanical (Hoyer) lift should be used when:
- The patient can bear full weight but is slow
- The patient cannot bear weight or the aide cannot safely transfer the patient using manual techniques (Correct answer)
- The patient refuses all care
- The aide wants to speed up transfers
Correct answer: The patient cannot bear weight or the aide cannot safely transfer the patient using manual techniques
Mechanical lifts are required for non-weight-bearing patients or when manual transfer poses injury risk to the patient or aide. The care plan will specify when a lift is required.
Question 5: Proper body mechanics for the aide during a transfer include:
- Bending at the waist with knees straight
- Twisting the spine while lifting
- Keeping the back straight, bending at the knees and hips, holding the load close to the body (Correct answer)
- Standing with feet together to maintain balance
Correct answer: Keeping the back straight, bending at the knees and hips, holding the load close to the body
Correct body mechanics — neutral spine, knee/hip flexion, load close to the body, wide base of support — protect the aide from musculoskeletal injuries during patient handling.
Question 6: If a patient begins to fall during ambulation, the aide should:
- Step aside to avoid being pulled down
- Try to catch the patient and pull them back upright quickly
- Ease the patient gently to the floor using the gait belt, protecting their head (Correct answer)
- Call for help before doing anything
Correct answer: Ease the patient gently to the floor using the gait belt, protecting their head
Controlled lowering to the floor prevents injury from an uncontrolled fall. Attempting to pull a falling patient back upright can injure both patient and aide.
Free HHA Mobility and Transfer Techniques Questions and Answers 2
Before assisting a patient to stand from a chair, the aide should: