Personal Care and Mobility Flashcards

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?

Answer: Checking the water temperature before the client gets in.

The highest priority is to prevent burns by checking the water temperature. While other actions contribute to comfort and efficiency, ensuring the water is at a safe temperature (typically between 98.6°F and 105°F or 37°C and 40.5°C) is a critical safety measure. The client's skin, especially in older adults, can be very sensitive and susceptible to burns.

A male client is uncircumcised. What is the correct procedure for providing perineal care?

Answer: Retract the foreskin, clean the glans, and then wash the shaft of the penis.

For an uncircumcised male, the correct procedure is to gently retract the foreskin, wash the head of the penis (glans) from the meatus outward in a circular motion, rinse, and then gently return the foreskin to its natural position. This prevents the buildup of smegma and reduces the risk of infection. Failing to return the foreskin can cause swelling and restrict blood flow.

You are assigned to help Mr. Smith, who has weakness on his right side from a stroke, transfer from his bed to a wheelchair. Which of the following describes the safest technique?

Answer: Position the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle to the bed on his strong (left) side.

When transferring a client with one-sided weakness, the wheelchair should be placed on their strong side at a 45-degree angle to the bed. This allows the client to use their stronger side to pivot and support their weight during the transfer, enhancing safety and stability. The HCA should block the client's weaker leg and pivot with them.

Which of the following is a key principle of Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM)?

Answer: Using mechanical lifts and assistive devices whenever possible to reduce injury risk.

Safe Patient Handling and Mobility (SPHM) programs emphasize the use of mechanical lifts and other assistive devices to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries to healthcare workers. Manual lifting is a major cause of injury and should be minimized or eliminated whenever feasible.

While providing oral care to an unconscious client, the HCA should position the client in which way to prevent aspiration?

Answer: Side-lying (lateral) with the head of the bed slightly elevated.

Positioning an unconscious client on their side (lateral position) with their head turned to the side allows secretions and cleaning solutions to run out of the mouth by gravity, preventing aspiration (fluid entering the lungs). The supine position greatly increases the risk of aspiration in a client who cannot protect their own airway.

When assisting a client with dressing, which principle should the HCA follow for a client with a weak or injured arm?

Answer: Dress the weak arm first, then the strong arm.

The correct principle is to dress the weak or affected side first and undress it last. This method minimizes the need to move the injured limb excessively and reduces strain and discomfort for the client. The acronym 'TOSS' (Take Off Strong Side) and 'POW' (Put On Weak) can be helpful to remember this rule.