Personal Care and Mobility Flashcards

When assisting a client with a mechanical lift, what is the FIRST step before attaching the sling?

Answer: Explain the procedure to the client and obtain consent

Informing the client and gaining their consent before any procedure respects their dignity and promotes cooperation.

A client with left-sided weakness needs to transfer from bed to wheelchair. Which side should the wheelchair be placed?

Answer: On the client's right (stronger) side

Placing the wheelchair on the stronger side allows the client to use their stronger limb to pivot and bear weight during the transfer.

Which action is MOST important when providing perineal care to a female client?

Answer: Wipe from front to back (urethra to rectum)

Wiping front to back prevents contamination of the urethral area with fecal bacteria, reducing infection risk.

A client refuses to take a bath and becomes upset. The HCA should:

Answer: Document the refusal and report it to the supervisor

Clients have the right to refuse care; the HCA must document the refusal and report it to the supervising nurse so the care plan can be adjusted.

What is the purpose of a draw sheet (turning sheet) when repositioning a client in bed?

Answer: To reduce friction and shear forces on the client's skin

A draw sheet reduces skin friction and shear during repositioning, helping prevent pressure injuries.

When ambulating a client who uses a cane, where should the HCA position themselves?

Answer: On the client's weaker side, slightly behind

Standing on the weaker side and slightly behind allows the HCA to provide support and catch the client if they lose balance toward their weaker side.

Which technique helps prevent shoulder injury when dressing a client with a right-sided paralysis?

Answer: Dress the affected (right) side first, then the unaffected (left) side

Dressing the affected limb first requires less range of motion and avoids overstretching the paralyzed arm, reducing injury risk.