HCA Safety and Emergency Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A client begins choking and cannot speak or cough. What is the FIRST action the HCA should take?
- Call 911 immediately
- Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) (Correct answer)
- Give the client water to dislodge the object
- Pat the client firmly on the back five times
Correct answer: Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
When a conscious adult is choking and cannot speak or cough, the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) should be performed immediately to expel the obstruction.
Question 2: Which color coding is used in a hospital fire evacuation plan to indicate the fire location?
- Code Blue
- Code Red (Correct answer)
- Code Orange
- Code Purple
Correct answer: Code Red
Code Red universally signals a fire emergency in healthcare facilities, prompting staff to follow the RACE protocol.
Question 3: When using a fire extinguisher, what does the 'S' in the PASS acronym stand for?
- Stand back and wait
- Start the timer
- Sweep side to side at the base of the fire (Correct answer)
- Signal for help
Correct answer: Sweep side to side at the base of the fire
PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side to cover the fire's base.
Question 4: A client's family member slips and falls in the hallway. What should the HCA do FIRST?
- Clean up the hazard that caused the fall
- Help the person stand up right away
- Continue care for the assigned client only
- Assess the person for injuries before moving them (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Assess the person for injuries before moving them
The HCA must first assess for injuries before moving a fall victim to avoid worsening a possible spinal or fracture injury.
Question 5: Which of the following is a correct step when evacuating a client in a wheelchair during a fire?
- Use the elevator to reach a lower floor quickly
- Leave the client in the room with the door closed
- Carry the client down the stairs without assistance
- Move the client toward a fire-rated stairwell or area of rescue assistance (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Move the client toward a fire-rated stairwell or area of rescue assistance
Clients in wheelchairs should be moved to an area of rescue assistance near a fire-rated stairwell; elevators must never be used during fires.
Question 6: An HCA notices a co-worker has accidentally been stuck by a used needle. What is the immediate FIRST step?
- Wash the puncture site thoroughly with soap and water (Correct answer)
- Report to the charge nurse before doing anything else
- Apply a bandage and continue working
- Test the client whose needle it was
Correct answer: Wash the puncture site thoroughly with soap and water
Immediate and thorough washing with soap and water is the first response to a needlestick injury to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) in a healthcare setting?
- To list emergency phone numbers for the facility
- To document equipment maintenance schedules
- To record client medication allergies
- To provide information on hazardous chemicals and safe handling procedures (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To provide information on hazardous chemicals and safe handling procedures
An SDS (formerly MSDS) provides critical information about chemical hazards, safe handling, storage, and emergency procedures for each substance.
HCA Safety and Emergency Procedures 2
A client begins choking and cannot speak or cough.
What is the FIRST action the HCA should take?