Basic Patient Care Skills Flashcards

A patient's cultural background prohibits opposite-sex caregivers from providing personal care. How should the PCA respond?

Answer: Report the preference to the nurse so a same-sex caregiver can be assigned if possible

Cultural and religious preferences must be respected and communicated to the charge nurse to arrange appropriate staffing when possible.

Which is an early sign of dehydration a PCA should observe and report?

Answer: Dry mouth and decreased skin turgor

Dry mucous membranes and poor skin turgor are early, observable signs of dehydration in patients.

When assisting a patient who uses a walker to ambulate, the PCA should walk:

Answer: Slightly behind and to the side of the patient

Walking slightly behind and to the side allows the PCA to support and catch the patient if they lose balance.

A patient with dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) is at greatest risk for which complication during meals?

Answer: Aspiration pneumonia

Dysphagia increases the risk of food or liquid entering the airway, leading to aspiration pneumonia.

What does RACE stand for in fire safety procedures used in healthcare facilities?

Answer: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish

RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish — the standard fire response sequence in healthcare.

A patient with Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated during morning care. The most therapeutic response by the PCA is to:

Answer: Stop care, speak calmly, and try again after the patient has calmed down

Pausing and using a calm voice reduces agitation in dementia patients and makes re-attempting care safer and more successful.

A PCA notices a patient's colostomy bag is nearly full. What is the appropriate action?

Answer: Empty the bag when it is one-third to one-half full

Emptying the colostomy pouch when one-third to one-half full prevents leakage and protects the surrounding skin.