HCA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield HCA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. After a hospice patient dies, how should the HCA handle the patient's personal belongings? → Collect and store them according to facility policy while documenting what was gathered
2. A resident with dementia becomes agitated and says she wants to go home. What is the most therapeutic response for an HCA? → Tell her she is already home and redirect her to an activity she enjoys
3. How should the HCA document observations about a patient who is near death? → Document observations objectively, accurately, and in a timely manner
4. Which of the following actions by a Health Care Assistant BEST protects a patient's confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA? → Logging out of the electronic health record system when stepping away from the computer.
5. A family member expresses frustration about their relative's care and raises their voice at you. What is the most appropriate HCA response? → Remain calm, listen without interrupting, and offer to involve your supervisor
6. When assisting a patient who uses a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), the HCA's role is to: → Remind the patient to use their inhaler as scheduled and observe for any adverse reactions
7. What is one way to prevent falls in a healthcare setting? → Keep floors dry and free of clutter
8. During a bed bath, what should the HCA do to prevent chilling the resident? → Cover body areas not being washed with a bath blanket and keep the room warm
9. A patient on bed rest tells the HCA they are in pain and asks for more pain medication. The HCA should: → Notify the nurse of the patient's pain and document the complaint
10. What is the correct donning (putting on) order for personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering a contact precautions room? → Gown first, then mask/eye protection, then gloves
11. Which of the following best describes the purpose of 'comfort measures' in end-of-life care? → To minimize pain, maintain dignity, and support emotional well-being
12. After a patient passes away, what should the HCA do first? → Notify the nurse or charge nurse of the death
13. What is the purpose of range-of-motion (ROM) exercises for a bedridden resident? → To maintain joint flexibility, prevent contractures, and improve circulation
14. When assisting a client with a tub bath, which of the following actions is the highest priority for the Health Care Assistant (HCA) to ensure client safety? → Checking the water temperature before the client gets in.
15. When assisting a client with dressing, which principle should the HCA follow for a client with a weak or injured arm? → Dress the weak arm first, then the strong arm.
16. What is the correct order of vital signs typically measured and recorded by an HCA? → Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure
17. A resident has a Stage 2 pressure injury on their coccyx. What is the correct HCA action? → Report the finding immediately to the nurse and document in the care record
18. What is a normal SpO2 reading for a healthy adult? → 95–100%
19. Which of the following is an example of active listening during personal care? → Maintaining eye contact and nodding while the resident speaks
20. When communicating with a resident who has hearing loss, which approach is most effective? → Face the resident directly, speak clearly and at a slightly slower pace
21. To use a fire extinguisher correctly, a Health Care Assistant should remember the acronym PASS. What does the 'A' in PASS stand for? → Aim at the base of the fire.
22. What is the role of signage in healthcare safety? → Alert people to hazards and procedures
23. What is the correct body mechanics principle to follow when assisting a resident to move up in bed? → Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your leg muscles to provide force
24. Why is cultural sensitivity important in communication? → To respect differences and improve communication
25. How should you record patient data? → Objectively and clearly
26. Which piece of equipment is used to measure a patient's blood pressure? → Sphygmomanometer
27. A family member is crying and grieving at the bedside of a dying patient. What is the best response from the HCA? → Offer compassionate presence, listen without judgment, and provide emotional support
28. Which is the most effective method for hand hygiene? → Washing with soap and water
29. A resident is crying and says she feels lonely since her family stopped visiting. How should the HCA respond first? → Sit beside her, offer a gentle touch if appropriate, and allow her to express her feelings
30. What is the minimum number of seconds recommended to count a pulse when it is irregular? → 60 seconds (one full minute)