Free PCT Assisting with ADLs and Mobility Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assisting a patient with a weak right side to get dressed, which arm should the PCT put into the sleeve of the shirt first?
- The left arm
- The right arm (Correct answer)
- It does not matter which arm goes first
- Whichever arm the patient prefers
Correct answer: The right arm
When dressing a patient with a weakened or affected side, the clothing should be put on the weak side first. This minimizes strain and movement of the affected limb. When undressing, the clothing should be removed from the strong side first.
Question 2: To safely transfer a patient who can bear some weight from the bed to a wheelchair, the PCT should position the wheelchair:
- At the foot of the bed, facing away
- On the patient's weaker side, at a 90-degree angle
- On the patient's stronger side, parallel to the bed (Correct answer)
- At the head of the bed, facing the patient
Correct answer: On the patient's stronger side, parallel to the bed
The wheelchair should be placed on the patient's stronger side, parallel to the bed, with the wheels locked and footrests moved out of the way. This allows the patient to use their stronger side to push off the bed and pivot safely into the chair.
Question 3: When providing perineal care for a female patient, the PCT should clean the area:
- From front to back (Correct answer)
- From back to front
- In a circular motion
- From side to side
Correct answer: From front to back
To prevent the transfer of microorganisms from the anal area to the urethra, it is crucial to clean from front to back (urethra to rectum). This technique helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). A new part of the washcloth should be used for each stroke.
Question 4: A gait belt should be applied over the patient's clothing and around their:
- Chest
- Hips
- Waist (Correct answer)
- Thighs
Correct answer: Waist
A gait belt is a safety device used to assist with ambulation and transfers. It should be applied snugly, but not tightly, around the patient's waist, over their clothing, to provide a secure point of contact for the caregiver to hold.
Question 5: Which of the following is an example of passive range of motion (PROM) exercise?
- The patient lifts their own arm above their head.
- The PCT moves the patient's leg to bend at the knee. (Correct answer)
- The patient squeezes a stress ball.
- The patient walks down the hallway with assistance.
Correct answer: The PCT moves the patient's leg to bend at the knee.
Passive range of motion (PROM) exercises are performed when the patient is unable to move the joint on their own. The caregiver moves the joint through its range of motion to maintain flexibility and prevent contractures. Active range of motion is when the patient performs the exercise independently.
Question 6: When giving a bed bath, the PCT should change the water when it becomes:
- Cool, soapy, or dirty (Correct answer)
- Only after the entire bath is complete
- After washing the patient's face
- Only if the patient requests it
Correct answer: Cool, soapy, or dirty
For infection control and patient comfort, the bath water should be changed whenever it becomes cool, soapy, or dirty. This ensures the patient is being cleaned effectively and prevents chilling. It is standard practice to change the water after washing the front of the body and before performing perineal care.
Question 7: To prevent pressure ulcers in a bedridden patient, the PCT should reposition the patient at least every:
- 8 hours
- 6 hours
- 4 hours
- 2 hours (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 2 hours
Frequent repositioning is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers (bedsores) by relieving pressure on bony prominences. The standard of care is to turn and reposition bed-bound patients at least every two hours. Patients in wheelchairs should be repositioned more frequently.
When assisting a patient with a weak right side to get dressed, which arm should the PCT put into the sleeve of the shirt first?