HCA - Health Care Assistant Certification Health Care Assistant Safety and Emergency Procedures 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident begins choking and cannot speak, cough, or breathe. After calling for help, what is the HCA's next immediate action?
- Perform a finger sweep of the mouth to remove the obstruction
- Position the resident flat on the floor and begin chest compressions
- Deliver up to 5 back blows followed by up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre) (Correct answer)
- Offer the resident water to help dislodge the object
Correct answer: Deliver up to 5 back blows followed by up to 5 abdominal thrusts (Heimlich manoeuvre)
For a conscious adult with a complete airway obstruction, the standard first-aid protocol is to alternate 5 back blows with 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled or the resident loses consciousness. Blind finger sweeps can push the object deeper and are not recommended.
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?
- A common side effect that can be managed with a cool cloth
- A mild allergic reaction that should be documented and reported at the next shift change
- An anaphylactic reaction requiring immediate emergency response (Correct answer)
- A panic attack triggered by swallowing difficulties
Correct answer: An anaphylactic reaction requiring immediate emergency response
Hives, facial/throat swelling, and throat tightness together are classic signs of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. The HCA must call for emergency help immediately, as rapid deterioration can occur. Delay can be fatal.
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?
- Open windows immediately to ventilate the room
- Search the room thoroughly to confirm there is a fire before activating the alarm
- Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and remove the resident from the room (Correct answer)
- Notify the charge nurse via intercom before taking any other action
Correct answer: Activate the nearest fire alarm pull station and remove the resident from the room
The smell of smoke alone is sufficient to activate the alarm and begin evacuation — confirming visible flames is not required. Early alarm activation is the highest priority because it alerts the whole team and triggers the emergency response system.
Question 4: When using a fire extinguisher to combat a small, contained fire, which acronym describes the correct operating sequence?
- RACE — Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish
- PASS — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (Correct answer)
- SAVE — Stand back, Aim, Vent, Extinguish
- FAST — Focus, Aim, Spray, Turn off
Correct answer: PASS — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
PASS describes how to operate a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. RACE is the facility-wide emergency response protocol, not the extinguisher operation sequence.
Question 5: A resident with a known history of seizures begins convulsing. Which action by the HCA is MOST appropriate during the active seizure?
- Insert a padded tongue depressor between the resident's teeth to protect the airway
- Restrain the resident's limbs firmly to prevent injury from flailing
- Clear the area of hard or sharp objects, time the seizure, and place the resident in the recovery position once movements stop (Correct answer)
- Immediately begin CPR as the resident may have stopped breathing
Correct answer: Clear the area of hard or sharp objects, time the seizure, and place the resident in the recovery position once movements stop
During a seizure the HCA should protect the environment (remove hard objects), never restrain the person or put anything in the mouth, and time the event. After convulsions stop, the recovery position maintains the airway. CPR is only started if the resident has no pulse after the seizure ends.
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?
- Check for breathing, open the airway, then call for help
- Check for a pulse for at least 30 seconds before beginning CPR
- Check for responsiveness and normal breathing, call for help (or activate emergency response), then begin CPR at 30 compressions to 2 breaths (Correct answer)
- Begin rescue breaths first to oxygenate the resident before starting chest compressions
Correct answer: Check for responsiveness and normal breathing, call for help (or activate emergency response), then begin CPR at 30 compressions to 2 breaths
Current CPR guidelines specify: confirm unresponsiveness and absence of normal breathing, activate emergency response, then begin cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Compressions take priority over breaths in adult cardiac arrest.
HCA - Health Care Assistant Certification Health Care Assistant Safety and Emergency Procedures 1
A resident begins choking and cannot speak, cough, or breathe.
After calling for help, what is the HCA's next immediate action?