Communication Skills & Emotional Support Flashcards
6 cards from real HCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Communication Skills & Emotional Support flashcards as text
An HCA notices a resident seems withdrawn and tearful every morning. What is the most appropriate first action?
Answer: Gently ask the resident if something is bothering them and report observations to the nurse
Gently inquiring shows empathy and gathering information allows the nurse to assess for depression or other concerns.
What does the term 'empathy' mean in the context of HCA care?
Answer: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another person without losing your own perspective
Empathy is the ability to recognize and understand another's emotional state while maintaining professional objectivity.
A resident who speaks limited English needs to understand a care procedure. What is the most appropriate action?
Answer: Request a professional interpreter or use available translation resources before proceeding
Professional interpretation ensures accurate, confidential, and culturally appropriate communication for informed consent.
Which of the following behaviours demonstrates professional boundaries in HCA communication?
Answer: Keeping personal information about your own life private while focusing on the resident's needs
Maintaining professional boundaries means keeping the focus on the resident's needs and keeping personal information private.
When should an HCA use 'open-ended questions' rather than 'closed questions' during care?
Answer: When encouraging a resident to share their feelings or preferences in more detail
Open-ended questions invite elaboration and are ideal for emotional support conversations, while closed questions suit urgent or identification scenarios.
A cognitively intact resident tells you they do not want certain information shared with their adult children. What should the HCA do?
Answer: Respect the resident's right to confidentiality and inform the supervisor of their wishes
Cognitively intact adults have the right to control their personal health information under PIPEDA and PHIPA.