HCA - Health Care Assistant Personal Care and Mobility Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

When trimming a diabetic resident's toenails, what should the HCA do?

Accepted Answer

Refer to the care plan; if not authorized for the HCA, report the need to the nurse for a foot care nurse referral rather than trimming independently

Answer

Trim nails straight across with clean clippers as a routine hygiene task

Answer

Soak feet in hot water first to soften nails before trimming

Answer

Only trim nails if they are causing pain to the resident

Question 2

A resident with a right-sided weakness (hemiplegia) is being dressed. What is the correct approach?

Accepted Answer

Dress the weak (right) side first and undress the weak side last

Answer

Dress the strong (left) side first as it is easier for the resident

Answer

Have the resident dress themselves entirely to promote independence regardless of time constraints

Answer

It does not matter which side is dressed first as long as the resident is comfortable

Question 3

A resident requests a shower but their care plan specifies a bed bath. What should the HCA do?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge the preference, explain the care plan, and discuss with the resident; escalate to the nurse to review whether the care plan can be updated

Answer

Provide the shower immediately to respect the resident's preference without consulting anyone

Answer

Refuse the shower and insist on the bed bath without explanation

Answer

Tell the resident the care plan cannot be changed and offer no alternatives

Question 4

Which of the following is a correct technique when assisting a resident with ambulation using a standard walker?

Accepted Answer

The resident moves the walker forward first, then steps with the weaker leg, then the stronger leg

Answer

The resident lifts and moves both legs simultaneously while holding the walker stationary

Answer

The resident should grip the top rail of the walker as high as possible to improve balance

Answer

The HCA should hold the walker and walk in front of the resident during all ambulation

Question 5

How should an HCA assist a resident with oral hygiene if the resident is semiconscious or at risk of aspiration?

Accepted Answer

Position the resident in a side-lying position or with head turned to the side, use small amounts of water or foam swabs, and suction if available per the care plan

Answer

Perform full tooth brushing with toothpaste while the resident lies flat

Answer

Skip oral care until the resident is fully alert to prevent aspiration

Answer

Use large volumes of water for rinsing to thoroughly clean the mouth

Question 6

A resident with severe arthritis in their hands is having difficulty fastening clothing. What is the most appropriate HCA response?

Accepted Answer

Suggest adaptive clothing with Velcro or magnetic closures and report the difficulty to the occupational therapist

Answer

Do all fastening for the resident each time without exploring adaptive options

Answer

Tell the resident to wear only hospital gowns as regular clothing is too difficult

Answer

Ignore the difficulty as clothing fastening is not a care priority