PCA Basic Patient Care Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When repositioning a bedridden patient, how often should you change their position to prevent pressure ulcers?
- Every 15 minutes
- Every 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Every 4 hours
- Once per shift
Correct answer: Every 2 hours
Repositioning every 2 hours reduces pressure on bony prominences and prevents pressure ulcer formation.
Question 2: A PCA notices a patient's skin over the sacrum is red and does not blanch when pressed. This indicates which stage of pressure ulcer?
- Stage II
- Stage III
- Stage I (Correct answer)
- Stage IV
Correct answer: Stage I
Non-blanchable redness on intact skin is the hallmark of a Stage I pressure ulcer.
Question 3: When assisting a patient with a weak left side to transfer from bed to wheelchair, the wheelchair should be placed on which side?
- Left side (weak side)
- Right side (strong side) (Correct answer)
- Directly in front
- Behind the patient
Correct answer: Right side (strong side)
The wheelchair is placed on the patient's strong side so they can lead the transfer with their stronger leg.
Question 4: Which technique is correct when performing passive range-of-motion exercises for a patient?
- Move joints rapidly past resistance
- Support the joint and move it smoothly to the point of resistance (Correct answer)
- Only move the joint to the midpoint of its range
- Have the patient push against your hand
Correct answer: Support the joint and move it smoothly to the point of resistance
Supporting the joint and moving it smoothly to—but not past—resistance prevents injury during passive ROM.
Question 5: An oral temperature reading is contraindicated in which situation?
- Patient has a fever
- Patient recently had oral surgery (Correct answer)
- Patient is elderly
- Patient is on oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct answer: Patient recently had oral surgery
Recent oral surgery or injury to the mouth makes oral temperature unsafe; an alternate site must be used.
Question 6: When providing oral care to an unconscious patient, the PCA should position the patient in which way?
- Flat on their back (supine)
- Side-lying (lateral) position (Correct answer)
- High Fowler's (90 degrees)
- Prone (face down)
Correct answer: Side-lying (lateral) position
Side-lying position allows fluids and secretions to drain out of the mouth, preventing aspiration.
Question 7: Which food texture is appropriate for a patient on a mechanical soft diet?
- Raw carrots
- Mashed potatoes (Correct answer)
- Crackers
- Hard-boiled eggs
Correct answer: Mashed potatoes
Mashed potatoes require minimal chewing and are the standard example of a mechanical soft diet food.
PCA Basic Patient Care Skills 2
When repositioning a bedridden patient, how often should you change their position to prevent pressure ulcers?