HCA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield HCA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. After a hospice patient dies, how should the HCA handle the patient's personal belongings? → Collect and store them according to facility policy while documenting what was gathered
2. Which technique is correct when performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises? → Support the joint and move slowly within comfortable limits
3. A resident with dementia becomes agitated and says she wants to go home. What is the most therapeutic response for an HCA? → Tell her she is already home and redirect her to an activity she enjoys
4. How should the HCA document observations about a patient who is near death? → Document observations objectively, accurately, and in a timely manner
5. Patients have the right to receive care regardless of their ability to pay under which law? → EMTALA
6. A health care assistant accidentally gets a patient's blood on their mucous membranes. What is the FIRST action to take? → Flush the area thoroughly with water
7. Which of the following actions by a Health Care Assistant BEST protects a patient's confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA? → Logging out of the electronic health record system when stepping away from the computer.
8. A resident tells the HCA they feel lonely and that 'no one cares about me.' Which response demonstrates therapeutic communication? → 'That sounds really hard. Can you tell me more about what you're experiencing?'
9. Which blood pressure reading would the HCA report as a possible hypertensive emergency? → 185/115 mmHg
10. Which of the following is TRUE about the use of physical restraints for clients with dementia? → Restraints require a physician's order and should be used only as a last resort
11. Which action by the HCA best supports a client's cultural or religious dietary needs? → Report the dietary preferences to the care team and ensure the meal plan reflects them
12. A client with Alzheimer's becomes agitated during bathing. The BEST strategy is to: → Use calm music, warm water, and step-by-step verbal cues to reduce anxiety
13. A family member expresses frustration about their relative's care and raises their voice at you. What is the most appropriate HCA response? → Remain calm, listen without interrupting, and offer to involve your supervisor
14. What does the acronym PPE stand for in infection control? → Personal Protective Equipment
15. When assisting a patient who uses a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), the HCA's role is to: → Remind the patient to use their inhaler as scheduled and observe for any adverse reactions
16. When removing (doffing) contaminated PPE, what should be removed FIRST? → Gloves
17. A client is on a clear liquid diet post-surgery. Which item is appropriate to serve? → Apple juice
18. When caring for a client's fingernails, which action is OUTSIDE the HCA's scope of practice? → Trimming or cutting toenails of a diabetic client
19. What is one way to prevent falls in a healthcare setting? → Keep floors dry and free of clutter
20. When performing passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises, the HCA should: → Support the joint above and below and move it to the point of resistance
21. 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
22. Which of the following best describes the 'chain of infection'? → The series of elements that must be present for an infection to spread
23. A cognitively impaired patient attempts to sign an informed consent form. The HCA should: → Alert the nurse that the patient may lack decision-making capacity
24. A patient on bed rest tells the HCA they are in pain and asks for more pain medication. The HCA should: → Notify the nurse of the patient's pain and document the complaint
25. A patient tells the HCA, 'I feel like no one listens to me.' The BEST therapeutic response is: → 'I hear you — can you tell me more about what happened?'
26. An HCA notices bruising on an elderly patient that the family cannot explain. The HCA should: → Report findings to the charge nurse immediately
27. What is the correct donning (putting on) order for personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering a contact precautions room? → Gown first, then mask/eye protection, then gloves
28. A resident with dysphagia is on a pureed diet. The HCA notices the kitchen sent regular scrambled eggs. What should the HCA do? → Return the tray and request the correct pureed texture
29. Which of the following best describes the purpose of 'comfort measures' in end-of-life care? → To minimize pain, maintain dignity, and support emotional well-being
30. A hearing-impaired patient needs discharge instructions. The BEST approach is to: → Provide written instructions and arrange a sign language interpreter if needed