Assisting with Daily Living Activities Flashcards

When cutting a client's fingernails, the PCA should cut them:

Answer: Straight across to help prevent ingrown nails

Cutting fingernails straight across reduces the risk of ingrown nails and skin tears.

A client who is visually impaired sits down to eat. The PCA can best orient the client to the meal tray by:

Answer: Describing food locations using a clock-face reference (e.g., 'potatoes at 6 o'clock')

The clock-face method gives a visually impaired client a reliable spatial reference to eat independently.

During perineal care on a female client, the PCA should clean:

Answer: From front to back to prevent introducing bacteria into the urinary tract

Front-to-back cleaning prevents fecal bacteria from contaminating the urinary tract and reducing infection risk.

A client with Parkinson's disease is dressing and is very slow due to tremors. The PCA should:

Answer: Allow extra time and offer assistance only when the client struggles

Allowing extra time and assisting only when needed supports the client's independence and dignity.

Which water temperature is generally considered safe for a client's bath?

Answer: 100–105°F (38–41°C)

Water between 100–105°F is comfortable and safe; hotter water risks burns, especially for clients with reduced sensation.

A client has a contracture in their left arm. When dressing the client, the PCA should:

Answer: Dress the affected left arm first, then the right

Dressing the affected limb first reduces pain and awkward maneuvering when range of motion is limited.

A client spills food on themselves during mealtime assistance. The PCA's first action should be to:

Answer: Calmly assist the client to clean up and check for skin irritation

Promptly cleaning a spill and checking for skin irritation protects the client from discomfort and potential skin breakdown.