- Health Care Assistant Personal Care and Mobility Questions and Answers 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 - Health Care Assistant Personal Care and Mobility Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A resident who normally walks independently has been unsteady and reported dizziness this morning. What should the HCA do before assisting with ambulation?
Answer: Report the change in status to the nurse before proceeding with ambulation and document the report
A change in status (new dizziness, unsteadiness) requires nursing assessment before any ambulation to identify the cause and prevent falls.
What is 'two-point gait' when using a cane, and when is it used?
Answer: The cane and the weak leg move forward together simultaneously, followed by the strong leg; used for mild weakness or balance impairment
Two-point gait advances the cane and weak leg simultaneously, maintaining a natural gait rhythm for residents with mild impairment.
When assisting a resident with nail care (excluding diabetics), what principles should the HCA follow?
Answer: Use clean equipment, soak nails if needed to soften, cut fingernails in a rounded shape, file smooth edges, and report any abnormalities to the nurse
For non-diabetic residents, nail care is within HCA scope with proper technique, clean equipment, and observation of any concerning findings.
A resident is returning from physiotherapy and complains of significant knee pain during transfer from wheelchair to bed. What is the most appropriate HCA response?
Answer: Pause the transfer, assess the resident's comfort and safety, and notify the nurse before completing the transfer
Pain during a transfer is a safety signal requiring nursing assessment before proceeding to prevent injury or fall.
What is the purpose of using a transfer (gait) belt when assisting with transfers?
Answer: It provides a secure grip for the HCA around the resident's waist, reducing fall risk and protecting both the HCA's back and the resident during transfers
A transfer belt provides a secure, safe handhold that reduces injury risk for both resident and HCA during stand-assist transfers.
A resident wishes to perform their own shaving but their tremor makes this unsafe with a razor. What is the best approach?
Answer: Offer an electric razor as a safer alternative, teach its use if needed, and allow the resident to shave independently with the electric razor
An electric razor adapts the task to the resident's ability, preserving independence while managing safety risk.