Patient Care Techniques & Daily Living Support Flashcards

A resident who normally self-feeds begins having difficulty coordinating a spoon and often misses their mouth. What is the most appropriate HCA response?

Answer: Document the change in function, report to the nurse, and suggest an OT referral for adaptive utensil assessment

A change in self-feeding ability is a functional change requiring nursing and OT assessment for underlying cause and adaptive strategies.

During a bed bath, the HCA notices a darkened bruise on the resident's upper arm that was not present during the previous bath. The resident says 'I don't remember how I got that.' What should the HCA do?

Answer: Document the exact location, size, shape, and colour of the bruise, complete the care gently, and report the finding to the nurse with the resident's statement

Unexplained bruising is a potential indicator of abuse or unreported injury and must be documented and reported to the nurse immediately.

A resident with a history of falls has a new bed alarm in place. The alarm sounds and the HCA arrives to find the resident attempting to get out of bed unassisted. What should the HCA do?

Answer: Respond immediately to assist the resident safely, assess their reason for wanting to get up (e.g., toileting, pain), assist with the need, and report the episode

Bed alarms are monitoring tools, not substitutes for care; the underlying need must be identified and met to prevent further fall attempts.

What is the appropriate technique for an HCA when performing a back massage as part of a comfort care plan?

Answer: Use smooth, rhythmic effleurage (stroking) movements; avoid direct pressure over the spine; use warm lotion; observe skin for changes; stop if the resident reports discomfort

Gentle effleurage strokes away from the spine with warm lotion promote comfort; avoiding spine pressure and wounds is essential for safety.

A resident who uses a manual wheelchair requests to be pushed faster in the hallway. What should the HCA consider?

Answer: The resident's safety, the safety of other residents and staff in the hallway, and facility mobility policies — maintain a safe walking pace

Resident preferences are respected within safety parameters; a reasonable walking pace protects the resident, other corridor users, and the HCA.

How should an HCA safely assist a resident who uses a cane to descend a staircase?

Answer: The cane goes down first, then the weaker leg, then the stronger leg; the HCA walks behind and slightly to the side of the weaker leg

For stair descent, 'lead with the weak' — the cane and weaker leg go first to control descent; the HCA positions at the rear on the weak side as a safety backup.