HAC HAC Mobility & Rehabilitation Assistance 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assisting a patient to transfer from bed to wheelchair, where should you position the wheelchair?
- At a 45-degree angle to the bed on the patient's stronger side (Correct answer)
- Directly in front of the bed
- At a 90-degree angle on the patient's weaker side
- Behind the patient
Correct answer: At a 45-degree angle to the bed on the patient's stronger side
Positioning the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed on the stronger side minimizes the pivot distance and allows the patient to use their stronger limb for support.
Question 2: Which of the following is the safest way to use a gait belt when assisting a patient to walk?
- Place it loosely around the patient's waist over clothing
- Secure it snugly around the patient's waist and grasp it from behind and to the side (Correct answer)
- Wrap it around the patient's arm for easy control
- Use it only on patients who have never fallen before
Correct answer: Secure it snugly around the patient's waist and grasp it from behind and to the side
A snugly secured gait belt grasped from behind and to the side gives the aide a firm, safe hold to stabilize or catch the patient if they lose balance.
Question 3: What does the term 'range of motion' (ROM) exercise refer to?
- Exercises that move a joint through its full arc of movement (Correct answer)
- Exercises performed only by physical therapists
- Exercises that increase muscle mass
- Breathing exercises for lung capacity
Correct answer: Exercises that move a joint through its full arc of movement
Range of motion exercises move a joint through its complete arc of movement to maintain flexibility and prevent contractures.
Question 4: When performing passive range of motion exercises, the healthcare aide should:
- Push the joint as far as possible to stretch ligaments
- Move the joint smoothly to the point of resistance, not pain (Correct answer)
- Only work on the patient's legs
- Have the patient resist the movement for strength training
Correct answer: Move the joint smoothly to the point of resistance, not pain
Passive ROM should be performed smoothly, stopping at the point of resistance or patient-reported pain to prevent injury.
Question 5: A patient with left-sided weakness is being helped to dress. Which arm should be dressed first?
- The right (stronger) arm
- The left (weaker) arm (Correct answer)
- It does not matter
- Ask the patient to do it independently
Correct answer: The left (weaker) arm
The weaker extremity is dressed first so it can be guided into the sleeve with minimal manipulation, reducing strain on that side.
Question 6: Which body mechanic principle should a healthcare aide apply when lifting or moving a patient?
- Bend at the waist and keep legs straight
- Keep the load close to your body and bend your knees (Correct answer)
- Twist your torso to redirect the patient
- Lift quickly to reduce time under strain
Correct answer: Keep the load close to your body and bend your knees
Keeping the load close to the body and bending the knees transfers weight to the stronger leg muscles and protects the lower back.
HAC HAC Mobility & Rehabilitation Assistance 1
When assisting a patient to transfer from bed to wheelchair, where should you position the wheelchair?