Caregiver Activities of Daily Living 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is the most appropriate way to assist a client with dressing who has weakness on the left side?
- Dress the strong side first, then the weak side
- Dress the weak side first, then the strong side (Correct answer)
- Always have the client dress themselves without help
- Use only pull-over garments to avoid buttons
Correct answer: Dress the weak side first, then the strong side
When assisting a client with one-sided weakness, dress the affected (weak) side first and undress it last to reduce pain and strain.
The standard caregiving principle follows the rule: dress the affected side first, undress it last. Putting the weaker arm into the garment first minimizes the range of motion required from that limb, reducing discomfort and risk of injury.
Question 2: A client refuses to take a bath. What should the caregiver do first?
- Force the client into the bathtub
- Document the refusal and skip bathing entirely
- Explore the reason for refusal and offer alternatives (Correct answer)
- Call the supervisor immediately
Correct answer: Explore the reason for refusal and offer alternatives
The caregiver should try to understand why the client is refusing and offer alternatives such as a sponge bath, while respecting autonomy.
Client autonomy is fundamental. The caregiver should calmly explore the underlying reason (fear of falling, embarrassment, pain) and offer alternatives like a sponge bath, adjusting water temperature, or bathing at a different time.
Question 3: What is the correct water temperature for a client's bath?
- 95-100°F (35-38°C) (Correct answer)
- 105-110°F (40-43°C)
- 85-90°F (29-32°C)
- 115-120°F (46-49°C)
Correct answer: 95-100°F (35-38°C)
The recommended bath water temperature is 95-100°F (35-38°C). Water too hot can cause burns in elderly clients with reduced sensation.
Elderly and disabled clients are at increased risk for scalds because they may have decreased skin sensitivity. The safe range of 95-100°F feels comfortably warm without burn risk. Always test with a thermometer or inner wrist before the client enters.
Question 4: When assisting a client with eating, what prevents aspiration?
- Have the client lie flat in bed during meals
- Position the client upright at 60-90 degrees (Correct answer)
- Encourage the client to eat quickly
- Offer only liquid foods
Correct answer: Position the client upright at 60-90 degrees
Positioning the client upright at 60-90 degrees during and for 30 minutes after meals helps prevent food from entering the airway.
Aspiration occurs when food enters the airway instead of the esophagus. Sitting upright uses gravity to direct food downward. The client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after eating. Offer small bites and monitor for coughing.
Question 5: Which ADL task requires the caregiver to wear gloves?
- Helping the client brush their hair
- Assisting with mouth care (Correct answer)
- Folding the client's laundry
- Setting up the client's meal tray
Correct answer: Assisting with mouth care
Gloves should be worn when there is potential contact with body fluids or mucous membranes. Mouth care involves contact with saliva.
Standard precautions require gloves whenever there is possibility of contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or non-intact skin. Oral care involves direct contact with the mucous membranes and saliva.
Question 6: A client with dementia keeps trying to leave the house. What is the best initial response?
- Lock all doors and remove the keys
- Physically restrain the client
- Redirect the client with a calm activity or conversation (Correct answer)
- Ignore the behavior
Correct answer: Redirect the client with a calm activity or conversation
Redirection is the preferred first approach for wandering behavior in dementia. Calm distraction often resolves the situation safely.
Wandering is common in dementia and should be managed with the least restrictive approach first. Redirection involves guiding attention to something else such as a favorite activity, snack, or conversation topic. Physical restraints are a last resort.
Caregiver Activities of Daily Living 2
Which of the following is the most appropriate way to assist a client with dressing who has weakness on the left side?