HCA Basic Nursing and Restorative Skills 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When repositioning a bedridden patient to prevent pressure ulcers, how often should you turn them?
- Every 4 hours
- Every 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Every 6 hours
- Once per shift
Correct answer: Every 2 hours
Patients should be repositioned at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure and prevent skin breakdown.
Question 2: Which technique is correct when performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises?
- Move joints quickly through full range
- Support the joint and move slowly within comfortable limits (Correct answer)
- Push past resistance to increase flexibility
- Only move the joint if the patient reports pain
Correct answer: Support the joint and move slowly within comfortable limits
During passive ROM, the HCA supports the joint and moves it slowly within the patient's comfortable range without forcing movement.
Question 3: A patient has a right-sided weakness after a stroke. When assisting them to walk, where should you stand?
- Behind the patient
- On the patient's left side
- On the patient's right (weaker) side (Correct answer)
- In front of the patient
Correct answer: On the patient's right (weaker) side
The HCA stands on the patient's weaker side to provide support and catch them if they fall.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of a bed cradle (foot cradle) for a patient?
- To elevate the patient's feet above heart level
- To keep bed linens from touching the patient's feet or legs (Correct answer)
- To provide traction for leg injuries
- To warm the patient's lower extremities
Correct answer: To keep bed linens from touching the patient's feet or legs
A bed cradle keeps the weight of bed linens off sensitive or injured feet and legs to prevent discomfort and skin breakdown.
Question 5: When applying an elastic (compression) bandage to a patient's leg, you should wrap it:
- From the thigh downward toward the foot
- From the foot upward toward the thigh (Correct answer)
- In a circular pattern around the calf only
- Loosely so circulation is not affected
Correct answer: From the foot upward toward the thigh
Elastic bandages are applied distal to proximal (foot to thigh) to promote venous blood return toward the heart.
Question 6: A patient using a walker for the first time should be instructed to:
- Lean forward over the walker for balance
- Move the walker forward first, then step into it (Correct answer)
- Move both feet forward simultaneously with the walker
- Keep the walker as far forward as possible
Correct answer: Move the walker forward first, then step into it
The correct walker technique is to advance the walker first, then step forward with the weaker leg, followed by the stronger leg.
Question 7: Which of the following is a sign of a properly fitted cane for a patient?
- The elbow is fully extended when the hand grips the cane
- The elbow is bent at approximately 15–30 degrees when holding the cane (Correct answer)
- The cane handle reaches the patient's hip bone
- The patient must lean slightly to one side to hold the cane
Correct answer: The elbow is bent at approximately 15–30 degrees when holding the cane
A properly fitted cane allows a 15–30 degree elbow bend, which provides optimal leverage and support during ambulation.
HCA Basic Nursing and Restorative Skills 2
When repositioning a bedridden patient to prevent pressure ulcers, how often should you turn them?