HCA Patient Rights and Communication 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An HCA notices bruising on an elderly patient that the family cannot explain. The HCA should:
- Assume it is from a fall and document it
- Report findings to the charge nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Confront the family directly
- Wait to see if more bruising appears
Correct answer: Report findings to the charge nurse immediately
Unexplained injuries in vulnerable patients must be reported immediately as potential abuse or neglect.
Question 2: Using 'I' statements during difficult conversations with patients is effective because it:
- Places blame on the patient
- Expresses the caregiver's feelings without accusing the patient (Correct answer)
- Demonstrates authority
- Avoids all conflict
Correct answer: Expresses the caregiver's feelings without accusing the patient
'I' statements communicate feelings and concerns without putting the patient on the defensive.
Question 3: A patient has a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. During a routine visit the patient stops breathing. The HCA should:
- Begin CPR immediately
- Call 911 and begin CPR
- Call the nurse and follow the care plan per the DNR (Correct answer)
- Wait for family to arrive before acting
Correct answer: Call the nurse and follow the care plan per the DNR
A valid DNR order means resuscitation should not be attempted; the HCA must notify the nurse and follow facility policy.
Question 4: Which action best demonstrates cultural competence in patient communication?
- Treating all patients identically regardless of background
- Asking patients about preferences related to their cultural beliefs (Correct answer)
- Assuming cultural practices based on appearance
- Avoiding the topic of culture entirely
Correct answer: Asking patients about preferences related to their cultural beliefs
Asking patients about their cultural preferences shows respect and allows individualized, competent care.
Question 5: A patient's right to privacy means the HCA should:
- Discuss the patient's condition in hallways only
- Close curtains and knock before entering the room (Correct answer)
- Allow family members in during all procedures
- Share information with other patients for support
Correct answer: Close curtains and knock before entering the room
Closing curtains and knocking before entry upholds the patient's right to privacy and dignity.
Question 6: When documenting a patient's complaint, an HCA should:
- Paraphrase the complaint in professional terms
- Use the patient's exact words in quotation marks (Correct answer)
- Omit subjective complaints from the chart
- Summarize the complaint without details
Correct answer: Use the patient's exact words in quotation marks
Quoting the patient's exact words in documentation accurately reflects their complaint and is a legal best practice.
Question 7: Under the Patient Self-Determination Act, healthcare facilities must:
- Create advance directives for all patients
- Inform patients of their right to make advance directives upon admission (Correct answer)
- Require patients to have a living will
- Notify family members of all care decisions
Correct answer: Inform patients of their right to make advance directives upon admission
The Patient Self-Determination Act requires facilities to inform patients of their right to make advance directives at the time of admission.
HCA Patient Rights and Communication 3
An HCA notices bruising on an elderly patient that the family cannot explain.
The HCA should: