HCA Personal Care and Mobility 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assisting a client with a mechanical lift, what is the FIRST step before attaching the sling?
- Raise the bed to the highest position
- Explain the procedure to the client and obtain consent (Correct answer)
- Position the lift over the client's center of gravity
- Lock the wheels on the mechanical lift
Correct answer: Explain the procedure to the client and obtain consent
Informing the client and gaining their consent before any procedure respects their dignity and promotes cooperation.
Question 2: A client with left-sided weakness needs to transfer from bed to wheelchair. Which side should the wheelchair be placed?
- On the client's left (weaker) side
- On the client's right (stronger) side (Correct answer)
- Directly in front of the client
- Whichever side is most convenient for the HCA
Correct answer: On the client's right (stronger) side
Placing the wheelchair on the stronger side allows the client to use their stronger limb to pivot and bear weight during the transfer.
Question 3: Which action is MOST important when providing perineal care to a female client?
- Use circular motions to clean the perineal area
- Wipe from the rectal area toward the urethra
- Wipe from front to back (urethra to rectum) (Correct answer)
- Use a single washcloth for the entire procedure
Correct answer: Wipe from front to back (urethra to rectum)
Wiping front to back prevents contamination of the urethral area with fecal bacteria, reducing infection risk.
Question 4: A client refuses to take a bath and becomes upset. The HCA should:
- Proceed with the bath since hygiene is medically necessary
- Document the refusal and report it to the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Ask a family member to convince the client
- Try again in 10 minutes without notifying anyone
Correct answer: Document the refusal and report it to the supervisor
Clients have the right to refuse care; the HCA must document the refusal and report it to the supervising nurse so the care plan can be adjusted.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a draw sheet (turning sheet) when repositioning a client in bed?
- To keep the client warm during repositioning
- To reduce friction and shear forces on the client's skin (Correct answer)
- To secure the client to the bed during movement
- To absorb moisture and keep sheets dry
Correct answer: To reduce friction and shear forces on the client's skin
A draw sheet reduces skin friction and shear during repositioning, helping prevent pressure injuries.
Question 6: When ambulating a client who uses a cane, where should the HCA position themselves?
- Directly in front of the client
- On the client's stronger side, slightly behind
- On the client's weaker side, slightly behind (Correct answer)
- Two steps behind the client at all times
Correct answer: On the client's weaker side, slightly behind
Standing on the weaker side and slightly behind allows the HCA to provide support and catch the client if they lose balance toward their weaker side.
Question 7: Which technique helps prevent shoulder injury when dressing a client with a right-sided paralysis?
- Dress the unaffected (left) side first, then the affected (right) side
- Dress the affected (right) side first, then the unaffected (left) side (Correct answer)
- Ask the client to hold both arms up simultaneously
- Dress both sides at the same time using two HCAs
Correct answer: Dress the affected (right) side first, then the unaffected (left) side
Dressing the affected limb first requires less range of motion and avoids overstretching the paralyzed arm, reducing injury risk.
HCA Personal Care and Mobility 2
When assisting a client with a mechanical lift, what is the FIRST step before attaching the sling?