HCA Personal Care and Mobility 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client's skin appears reddened over a bony prominence that does not blanch when pressed. This indicates:
- A superficial abrasion that needs a bandage
- A Stage 1 pressure injury requiring immediate repositioning and reporting (Correct answer)
- Normal skin discoloration from clothing
- A bruise that will resolve on its own
Correct answer: A Stage 1 pressure injury requiring immediate repositioning and reporting
Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is the hallmark of a Stage 1 pressure injury and must be reported and addressed immediately.
Question 2: Which of the following is the SAFEST water temperature for a client's bath?
- 105–115°F (40–46°C)
- 90–95°F (32–35°C)
- 100–105°F (38–41°C) (Correct answer)
- 115–120°F (46–49°C)
Correct answer: 100–105°F (38–41°C)
Bath water between 100–105°F is warm and comfortable while minimizing the risk of scalding, especially for clients with reduced sensation.
Question 3: When performing passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises, the HCA should:
- Move each joint quickly to complete the session faster
- Push through any resistance or pain to improve flexibility
- Support the joint above and below and move it to the point of resistance (Correct answer)
- Skip joints that show any swelling or discoloration
Correct answer: Support the joint above and below and move it to the point of resistance
Supporting the joint proximally and distally while moving to the point of resistance (not beyond) prevents injury during PROM.
Question 4: A client who is on bed rest needs to be repositioned how often to prevent pressure injuries?
- Every 4 hours
- Every 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Once per shift
- Only when the client requests it
Correct answer: Every 2 hours
Repositioning every 2 hours is the standard of care for bed-bound clients to relieve pressure over bony prominences and prevent pressure injuries.
Question 5: During oral care for an unconscious client, the HCA should position the client:
- Flat (supine) to keep the mouth accessible
- In Trendelenburg (head lower than feet)
- On their side with the head slightly lower than the body (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright at 90 degrees
Correct answer: On their side with the head slightly lower than the body
A lateral position with the head slightly lowered allows secretions and fluids to drain out of the mouth, preventing aspiration.
Question 6: Which item is REQUIRED when ambulating a client in a hallway for fall prevention?
- Slippers or socks with grips on the bottom only
- Non-slip, properly fitting footwear (Correct answer)
- A gait belt worn around the client's chest
- Two HCAs at all times
Correct answer: Non-slip, properly fitting footwear
Properly fitting non-slip footwear is essential to prevent slipping or tripping during ambulation.
Question 7: When caring for a client's fingernails, which action is OUTSIDE the HCA's scope of practice?
- Filing nails with an emery board
- Cleaning under nails with a soft brush
- Trimming nails straight across
- Trimming or cutting toenails of a diabetic client (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Trimming or cutting toenails of a diabetic client
Toenail care for diabetic clients carries high infection risk and must be performed by a licensed nurse or podiatrist, not an HCA.
HCA Personal Care and Mobility 3
A client's skin appears reddened over a bony prominence that does not blanch when pressed.
This indicates: