PCA Personal Hygiene & Grooming 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client wears a hearing aid. What should the PCA do with the hearing aid before bathing the client?
- Leave it in place since modern aids are water-resistant
- Remove it and store it in a safe, dry location (Correct answer)
- Wrap it in a wet cloth to prevent static damage
- Ask the client to hold it during the bath
Correct answer: Remove it and store it in a safe, dry location
Hearing aids are sensitive electronic devices that must be removed and stored safely away from moisture before any bathing procedure.
Question 2: When combing a client's tangled hair, the PCA should begin combing:
- At the scalp and work toward the ends in long strokes
- At the ends and work upward in small sections (Correct answer)
- From the middle outward in both directions simultaneously
- Only with a wide-tooth comb using firm pressure
Correct answer: At the ends and work upward in small sections
Starting at the ends and working upward removes tangles gradually without causing pain or hair breakage.
Question 3: A client has a catheter. During perineal care, the PCA should clean the catheter tubing by wiping:
- In a circular motion around the tube
- From the insertion site outward away from the body (Correct answer)
- From the collection bag toward the insertion site
- Only with alcohol wipes to ensure sterility
Correct answer: From the insertion site outward away from the body
Wiping from the insertion site outward prevents bacteria from being pushed toward the bladder, reducing the risk of catheter-associated infection.
Question 4: How often should a bedridden client receive a complete bed bath?
- Once a week unless soiled
- Every other day only
- At least daily or as care plan specifies (Correct answer)
- Only when family members request it
Correct answer: At least daily or as care plan specifies
Bedridden clients should receive a complete bed bath at least daily to maintain skin integrity, hygiene, and dignity, per the care plan.
Question 5: Which action BEST protects client privacy during personal hygiene care?
- Working as quickly as possible to minimize exposure time
- Closing the door and draping the client, exposing only the area being cleaned (Correct answer)
- Asking family members to leave the building
- Dimming the lights to reduce visibility
Correct answer: Closing the door and draping the client, exposing only the area being cleaned
Closing the door and using draping techniques maintains the client's dignity and privacy while allowing necessary access for care.
Question 6: A PCA notices redness and skin breakdown on a client's coccyx during a bed bath. The CORRECT action is to:
- Apply a thick layer of lotion and reposition every 4 hours
- Continue the bath, then document and report to the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Pop any blisters and cover with a dry dressing
- Apply hydrogen peroxide to prevent infection
Correct answer: Continue the bath, then document and report to the supervisor
Skin breakdown is a significant finding that must be documented and reported immediately so the care team can intervene before the pressure injury worsens.
Question 7: When shaving a male client with a safety razor, the PCA should shave:
- Against the direction of hair growth for a closer shave
- In the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation (Correct answer)
- In circular motions to cover large areas quickly
- Without shaving cream to better see the hair direction
Correct answer: In the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation
Shaving in the direction of hair growth minimizes skin irritation, razor burn, and the risk of cuts, especially for elderly clients with fragile skin.
PCA Personal Hygiene & Grooming 3
A client wears a hearing aid.
What should the PCA do with the hearing aid before bathing the client?