HAC Healthcare Aide Patient Care & Assistance 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which action demonstrates correct hand hygiene technique according to CDC guidelines?
- Rinsing hands under cold water for 5 seconds
- Scrubbing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- Using hand sanitizer immediately after removing gloves and before handwashing
- Drying hands with a shared cloth towel
Correct answer: Scrubbing hands with soap for at least 20 seconds
The CDC recommends scrubbing all surfaces of the hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.
Question 2: A patient receiving tube feedings must be positioned at what minimum angle during and after feedings to prevent aspiration?
- 15 degrees
- 30–45 degrees (Correct answer)
- 90 degrees (fully upright)
- Flat (0 degrees)
Correct answer: 30–45 degrees
Elevating the head of the bed to 30–45 degrees during and for at least 30 minutes after tube feedings reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia.
Question 3: When applying elastic compression stockings (TED hose), the aide should:
- Apply them while the patient is sitting up after ambulation
- Apply them in the morning before the patient gets out of bed (Correct answer)
- Apply them only to the leg with edema
- Fold the top down if the patient finds them uncomfortable
Correct answer: Apply them in the morning before the patient gets out of bed
Compression stockings should be applied in the morning before the patient rises because edema is minimal and veins are less distended.
Question 4: A patient states they are in pain and rates it 7 out of 10. The healthcare aide's BEST response is to:
- Reassure the patient that 7/10 is manageable and continue care
- Document the pain score and inform the nurse promptly (Correct answer)
- Administer the patient's PRN pain medication
- Encourage the patient to distract themselves with television
Correct answer: Document the pain score and inform the nurse promptly
Aides do not administer medications; the correct action is to document the finding and notify the nurse so appropriate pain management can be provided.
Question 5: Which statement about urinary incontinence care is CORRECT?
- Limit fluids to reduce incontinence episodes
- Clean the perineal area from back to front after each episode
- Change the patient promptly and provide thorough perineal care to prevent skin breakdown (Correct answer)
- Use double incontinence briefs to extend the time between changes
Correct answer: Change the patient promptly and provide thorough perineal care to prevent skin breakdown
Prompt changing and thorough perineal cleaning protect skin integrity by removing moisture and bacteria that cause irritation and infection.
Question 6: A patient with dysphagia is at greatest risk for which complication?
- Pressure injuries
- Aspiration pneumonia (Correct answer)
- Urinary tract infection
- Deep vein thrombosis
Correct answer: Aspiration pneumonia
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) causes food or liquids to enter the airway, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Question 7: When using a mechanical lift (Hoyer lift) to transfer a patient, the healthcare aide should:
- Perform the lift alone if the patient is lightweight
- Always have a second person assisting during the lift (Correct answer)
- Raise the patient to the maximum height of the lift
- Remove the sling immediately after lowering the patient into the chair
Correct answer: Always have a second person assisting during the lift
Mechanical lifts require at least two staff members to safely guide the patient and prevent swinging or falls.
HAC Healthcare Aide Patient Care & Assistance 3
Which action demonstrates correct hand hygiene technique according to CDC guidelines?