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

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?

Accepted Answer

An anaphylactic reaction requiring immediate emergency response

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

PASS — Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

Answer

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?

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

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.

(HCA) Health Care Assistant Certification Practice Test

(HCA) Health Care Assistant Certification Practice Test

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