Physical Care Flashcards

Which of the following is not a reason to assist residents with grooming?

Answer: Being well groomed can enhance the resident's medication use

While good grooming significantly enhances a resident's self-esteem, feelings of self-worth, and desire to participate in activities, there is no direct or established link between being well-groomed and the enhancement of medication use. Medication efficacy is determined by factors such as adherence, proper dosage, and physiological responses, not by personal grooming habits. Therefore, this option is not a valid reason.

Which of the following encourages independence with activities of daily living?

Answer: All of the above

Encouraging independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) requires a supportive environment and approach. Providing adequate lighting improves visibility and safety, placing items within easy reach reduces the need for assistance, and praising efforts reinforces positive behavior and motivation. All these strategies collectively empower residents to perform tasks themselves, fostering greater autonomy and self-reliance.

ADLis an acronym for:

Answer: Activities of Daily Living

ADL is a widely recognized acronym in healthcare, particularly for personal support workers and caregivers. It stands for Activities of Daily Living, which refers to the basic self-care tasks that individuals perform daily, such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. Assessing a resident's ADL capabilities helps determine their level of independence and the specific care they require.

A resident who needs the grooming items set out and partial performance of the task by the caregiver is considered:

Answer: Stand by assist

A 'stand by assist' level of care means the caregiver is present and ready to provide support if needed, but the resident performs most of the task independently. In this scenario, the caregiver sets out items and performs only a partial part of the task, allowing the resident to complete the rest. This perfectly aligns with the definition of stand by assist, where the caregiver is 'standing by' to intervene.

When assisting a resident to transfer, you should:

Answer: Bend at the knees

When assisting a resident to transfer, it is crucial for caregivers to use proper body mechanics to prevent injury to themselves and the resident. Bending at the knees, rather than the waist, keeps the back straight, engages stronger leg muscles, and maintains a stable center of gravity. This is a fundamental principle of safe lifting and transferring techniques, promoting safety for both parties.

How should the water for the shower be checked?

Answer: By the caregiver, then pointed away from the resident allowing him to feel it with his hand

Checking water temperature is paramount for resident safety and comfort during a shower. The caregiver should first verify the temperature to ensure it's safe and appropriate. Then, by pointing the water away from the resident and allowing them to feel it with their hand, the resident can confirm their comfort level before the water is directed onto their body, preventing burns and respecting their preferences.

When washing the resident's face:

Answer: Use what the resident prefers

Person-centered care prioritizes respecting the resident's individual preferences and choices whenever possible. Some residents may prefer soap for a thorough clean, while others with sensitive skin might prefer water only to avoid dryness or irritation. Asking and adhering to the resident's preference ensures their comfort, dignity, and promotes their autonomy in personal care routines.

When assisting the resident to shave with an electric razor, the face should be:

Answer: Dry

Electric razors are specifically designed to be used on dry skin. Their cutting mechanism works by lifting and shearing hairs without the need for water or lather. Using an electric razor on wet skin can cause irritation, reduce the razor's effectiveness, and potentially lead to damage to the device itself, making dry skin the correct preparation.

When assisting the resident to shave with a safety razor, the face should be:

Answer: Wet

Safety razors, which use sharp blades, require the skin to be wet and typically lathered with shaving cream or gel. This preparation softens the hair, lubricates the skin, and creates a protective barrier, allowing the blade to glide smoothly. Shaving with a safety razor on dry skin can cause significant friction, irritation, nicks, and discomfort, making wet skin essential for a safe and effective shave.

If a resident has a weakened arm due to stroke, when dressing you should:

Answer: Put the sleeve on the weak side first

When dressing a resident with a weakened arm, the sleeve should be put on the weak side first. This technique minimizes movement and discomfort for the affected limb, as it allows the garment to be pulled up and over the weaker arm with less manipulation. It also helps to prevent overstretching or injury to the weakened joint and muscles, promoting comfort and safety during the dressing process.

If a resident has a weakened arm due to stroke, when undressing you should:

Answer: Take off the strong side first

When undressing a resident with a weakened arm, the garment should be removed from the strong side first. This allows the strong arm to be freed, providing more mobility and control for the resident or caregiver to then gently remove the clothing from the weakened side. This approach minimizes strain and discomfort on the affected limb, making the process safer and more comfortable for the resident.