Health and Safety Procedures Flashcards
7 cards from real PCA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Health and Safety Procedures flashcards as text
When a client has a seizure, the PCA's priority is to:
Answer: Clear the area of hard objects, time the seizure, and stay with the client
Protecting the client from environmental hazards, timing the seizure, and staying present are the correct first-aid responses; restraining or placing objects in the mouth is dangerous.
Which of the following is a sign of anaphylaxis that requires an immediate 911 call?
Answer: Throat tightening, difficulty breathing, and a sudden drop in blood pressure after a bee sting
Throat tightening, respiratory distress, and hypotension are systemic anaphylactic reactions that can be fatal within minutes without emergency intervention.
To reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in female clients, the PCA should always clean the perineal area:
Answer: Front to back with separate strokes of the cloth
Wiping front to back with separate strokes prevents fecal bacteria from being introduced into the urethra, which is the leading cause of UTIs.
A client's colostomy bag is about to overflow. The PCA should:
Answer: Empty the bag into the toilet, clean and reattach it
Emptying the ostomy pouch before it overflows is within a PCA's scope and prevents skin irritation and odor from a leak.
A client on a mechanical soft diet asks the PCA for a whole raw carrot. The PCA should:
Answer: Offer a properly prepared alternative that meets the mechanical soft texture requirement
Diet orders exist to prevent choking and aspiration; the PCA must follow the care plan and offer safe alternatives while respecting client preferences.
What is the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in a client's home?
Answer: To provide hazard information and safe handling instructions for chemical products
SDS documents provide information on chemical composition, health hazards, safe handling, and emergency measures for cleaning or chemical products.
A client refuses to take their blood pressure medication. The PCA should:
Answer: Explain the importance of the medication and immediately report the refusal to the supervisor
Clients have the legal right to refuse care; the PCA must document, educate when appropriate, and report to the supervisor for follow-up.