HCA - Health Care Assistant Certification Health Care Assistant Safety and Emergency Procedures 1

Question 1

A resident begins choking and cannot speak, cough, or breathe. After calling for help, what is the HCA's next immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Deliver up to 5 back blows followed by up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre)

Answer

Perform a finger sweep of the mouth to remove the obstruction

Answer

Position the resident flat on the floor and begin chest compressions

Answer

Offer the resident water to help dislodge the object

Question 2

During a medication round, an HCA notices a resident has developed hives, facial swelling, and is complaining of throat tightness shortly after taking a new antibiotic. What does this presentation most likely indicate?

Accepted Answer

An anaphylactic reaction requiring immediate emergency response

Answer

A common side effect that can be managed with a cool cloth

Answer

A mild allergic reaction that should be documented and reported at the next shift change

Answer

A panic attack triggered by swallowing difficulties

Question 3

An HCA smells smoke in a resident's room but sees no visible fire. According to safe workplace procedures, what is the FIRST step?

Accepted Answer

Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and remove the resident from the room

Answer

Open windows immediately to ventilate the room

Answer

Search the room thoroughly to confirm there is a fire before activating the alarm

Answer

Notify the charge nurse via intercom before taking any other action

Question 4

When using a fire extinguisher to combat a small, contained fire, which acronym describes the correct operating sequence?

Accepted Answer

PASS — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

Answer

RACE — Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish

Answer

SAVE — Stand back, Aim, Vent, Extinguish

Answer

FAST — Focus, Aim, Spray, Turn off

Question 5

A resident with a known history of seizures begins convulsing. Which action by the HCA is MOST appropriate during the active seizure?

Accepted Answer

Clear the area of hard or sharp objects, time the seizure, and place the resident in the recovery position once movements stop

Answer

Insert a padded tongue depressor between the resident's teeth to protect the airway

Answer

Restrain the resident's limbs firmly to prevent injury from flailing

Answer

Immediately begin CPR as the resident may have stopped breathing

Question 6

An HCA is alone with a resident who suddenly collapses and is unresponsive. There is no AED immediately available. After calling for help, what is the CORRECT order of actions?

Accepted Answer

Check for responsiveness and normal breathing, call for help (or activate emergency response), then begin CPR at 30 compressions to 2 breaths

Answer

Check for breathing, open the airway, then call for help

Answer

Check for a pulse for at least 30 seconds before beginning CPR

Answer

Begin rescue breaths first to oxygenate the resident before starting chest compressions