HCA HCA - Health Care Assistant Medication Assistance and Treatment Support 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary role of an HCA when a patient is receiving oxygen therapy?
- Adjust the oxygen flow rate as needed
- Observe and report any signs of breathing difficulty to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Remove the oxygen mask if the patient is uncomfortable
- Increase the oxygen level if SpO2 drops below 90%
Correct answer: Observe and report any signs of breathing difficulty to the nurse
HCAs observe and report changes in the patient's condition; adjusting oxygen levels is outside their scope of practice.
Question 2: When assisting a patient who uses a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), the HCA's role is to:
- Administer the inhaler if the patient is too tired
- Remind the patient to use their inhaler as scheduled and observe for any adverse reactions (Correct answer)
- Determine the correct number of puffs to administer
- Replace the inhaler when it appears empty
Correct answer: Remind the patient to use their inhaler as scheduled and observe for any adverse reactions
HCAs may remind patients to use their inhalers and observe them for any concerning reactions.
Question 3: Which action best demonstrates proper HCA support during wound dressing changes performed by a nurse?
- Cutting and applying new dressings independently
- Providing supplies and keeping the patient calm and still (Correct answer)
- Removing the old dressing without gloves to save time
- Deciding which type of dressing is appropriate
Correct answer: Providing supplies and keeping the patient calm and still
HCAs support nurses during procedures by gathering supplies and comforting the patient.
Question 4: A patient receiving IV fluids tells the HCA the IV site is painful and swollen. The HCA should:
- Increase the IV flow rate to flush the site
- Remove the IV catheter immediately
- Notify the nurse right away as infiltration may be occurring (Correct answer)
- Apply a warm compress and continue the infusion
Correct answer: Notify the nurse right away as infiltration may be occurring
Pain and swelling at an IV site are signs of infiltration and require immediate nurse evaluation.
Question 5: What is the safest way for an HCA to dispose of a used sharps item (e.g., lancet)?
- Wrap in a paper towel and place in the trash
- Recap the needle and place in a regular bin
- Place directly into a designated sharps container (Correct answer)
- Hand it to another staff member
Correct answer: Place directly into a designated sharps container
Used sharps must be placed immediately into an approved sharps container to prevent needlestick injuries.
Question 6: If an HCA accidentally receives a needlestick injury, the first action should be to:
- Continue working and report it at the end of the shift
- Wash the site with soap and water and report the incident immediately (Correct answer)
- Cover the site with a bandage and say nothing
- Squeeze the wound to remove any contamination
Correct answer: Wash the site with soap and water and report the incident immediately
Immediate washing and reporting of a needlestick is required to initiate exposure follow-up protocols.
HCA HCA - Health Care Assistant Medication Assistance and Treatment Support 2
What is the primary role of an HCA when a patient is receiving oxygen therapy?