Mobility and Transfer Techniques Flashcards
7 cards from real HHA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Mobility and Transfer Techniques flashcards as text
Which environmental hazard is the MOST common cause of falls in the home setting?
Answer: Loose rugs, clutter, and slippery floors
Loose rugs, clutter on the floor, and slippery surfaces are consistently identified as the leading environmental fall hazards in home care.
When a patient begins to fall during ambulation, the HHA should:
Answer: Ease the patient down to the floor in a controlled manner
Controlling a descent to the floor prevents impact injuries; attempting to stop a fall outright can injure both the patient and the HHA.
Orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing) can be reduced by:
Answer: Having the patient dangle legs at the bedside before standing
Dangling legs at the bedside for a few minutes allows the cardiovascular system to gradually adjust before full weight bearing.
A patient falls at home while the HHA is present. After ensuring the scene is safe, what should the HHA do NEXT?
Answer: Assess the patient for injury before moving them
Moving a patient before assessing for injury can worsen fractures, head trauma, or spinal injuries caused by the fall.
What type of footwear is MOST appropriate for a patient during home ambulation?
Answer: Non-skid soled shoes or slippers that fit securely
Non-skid, well-fitting shoes provide traction and ankle support, significantly reducing slip and trip risk during ambulation.
Which patient characteristic places someone at the HIGHEST risk for a fall?
Answer: History of a previous fall, on multiple medications, with impaired gait
Prior fall history is the single strongest predictor of future falls; combined with polypharmacy and gait impairment, the risk is very high.
A patient refuses to use their prescribed walker, saying it makes them look old. The HHA should:
Answer: Report the refusal to the supervising nurse and document it in the care record
Refusal of a prescribed assistive device is a safety concern that must be reported to the supervisor and documented so the care plan can be updated.