HCA - Health Care Assistant Basic Nursing and Restorative Skills Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the purpose of range-of-motion (ROM) exercises for a bedridden resident?
- To maintain joint flexibility, prevent contractures, and improve circulation (Correct answer)
- To build muscle strength sufficient for independent ambulation
- To replace the need for repositioning every two hours
- To assess the resident's pain tolerance
Correct answer: To maintain joint flexibility, prevent contractures, and improve circulation
ROM exercises maintain joint mobility and promote circulation; they do not build strength and do not replace repositioning.
Range-of-motion exercises are a key restorative skill for HCAs. Passive ROM (performed by the HCA) and active-assisted ROM maintain synovial joint lubrication, prevent contractures, and stimulate circulation, reducing the risk of deep vein thrombosis. They do not build significant muscle mass. HCAs in BC and Ontario perform ROM as directed by physiotherapists or the care plan, documenting the resident's tolerance and reporting any pain or resistance to the nurse.
Question 2: A resident has a Stage 2 pressure injury on their coccyx. What is the correct HCA action?
- Report the finding immediately to the nurse and document in the care record (Correct answer)
- Apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly and cover with gauze
- Reposition the resident and check again in 24 hours before reporting
- Massage the reddened area vigorously to improve blood flow
Correct answer: Report the finding immediately to the nurse and document in the care record
Pressure injuries require immediate reporting to the nurse; wound treatment is beyond HCA scope and massage over a wound is contraindicated.
Stage 2 pressure injuries involve partial-thickness skin loss (blister or open wound) and require clinical assessment and a formal wound care order. HCAs must not apply products or massage wounds, as this can worsen tissue damage. The HCA's role is to observe, document accurately using staging terminology, and report immediately. Prevention through regular repositioning (every 2 hours) and skin assessment continues under nursing direction.
Question 3: Which technique is essential when using a mechanical lift (e.g., Hoyer) to transfer a resident?
- Always have two trained staff present and ensure the correct sling size is used (Correct answer)
- One staff member can manage the lift alone if the resident is lightweight
- The lift straps can be reused across multiple residents without cleaning
- The resident should bear full weight during the mechanical lift transfer
Correct answer: Always have two trained staff present and ensure the correct sling size is used
Mechanical lifts require two trained staff for safety; correct sling sizing and hygiene protocols are mandatory.
WorkSafeBC and Ontario's WSIB safe patient-handling guidelines require two trained staff for mechanical lift transfers to ensure sling positioning, resident safety, and safe lift operation. Using the incorrect sling size risks resident falls or injury. Slings must be resident-specific or cleaned between uses to prevent infection transmission. The resident should be safely supported in the sling and should not bear independent weight during the lift.
Question 4: What is the correct body mechanics principle to follow when assisting a resident to move up in bed?
- Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your leg muscles to provide force (Correct answer)
- Bend from the waist and pull the resident using arm strength
- Stand as far from the bed as possible to get a better grip
- Ask the resident to hold their breath while you position them
Correct answer: Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and use your leg muscles to provide force
Proper body mechanics protects the HCA's spine by using large leg muscles rather than the back.
Musculoskeletal injuries are among the most common occupational hazards for HCAs. Correct body mechanics requires a wide base of support, bent knees, a straight spine, and using the stronger leg muscles to generate movement. Bending from the waist places excessive load on lumbar discs. Equipment such as draw sheets, slide boards, and ceiling track lifts further reduce injury risk. WorkSafeBC and Ontario WSIB mandate ergonomic safe-handling training for all HCA workers.
Question 5: During a bed bath, what should the HCA do to prevent chilling the resident?
- Cover body areas not being washed with a bath blanket and keep the room warm (Correct answer)
- Complete the entire bath as quickly as possible regardless of water temperature
- Leave all covers off to allow the resident to air dry between areas
- Use cold water to stimulate circulation and prevent overheating
Correct answer: Cover body areas not being washed with a bath blanket and keep the room warm
Draping uncovered areas with a bath blanket and maintaining a warm room prevent heat loss and protect dignity.
Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable to hypothermia during personal care due to reduced thermoregulatory capacity. HCA best practice requires keeping bath water at 37–41°C (check with a bath thermometer), covering exposed areas with a bath blanket, minimizing air exposure, and closing windows or adjusting room temperature beforehand. Speed at the expense of comfort is unsafe; dignity and comfort must be balanced.
Question 6: What is the key purpose of restorative care in the HCA role?
- To help residents regain or maintain maximum possible independence in activities of daily living (Correct answer)
- To provide complete care for residents to reduce their physical effort
- To replace the need for physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- To document care tasks only, without actively assisting residents
Correct answer: To help residents regain or maintain maximum possible independence in activities of daily living
Restorative care focuses on promoting resident abilities and independence rather than doing tasks for them.
Restorative care is a person-centred approach that focuses on enabling residents to do as much as they can for themselves, with HCA assistance at the level required (cueing, guiding, partial assist). This preserves muscle strength, cognitive engagement, and self-esteem. BC and Ontario HCA programs emphasize the rehabilitation philosophy: 'Do with, not for.' Restorative activities are directed by the physiotherapist or occupational therapist and documented in the care plan.
HCA - Health Care Assistant Basic Nursing and Restorative Skills Questions and Answers 2
What is the purpose of range-of-motion (ROM) exercises for a bedridden resident?