Roles and Responsibilities
What document tells an HCA what care a client needs?
The Care Plan
Which Act protects the confidentiality of clients' health information and sets rules for how that information is collected, used and shared?
Health Information Act (HIA).
What does the ethical principle of beneficence mean in health care?
Doing good and acting in the best interests of the client.
What does WHMIS stand for?
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.
What is the single most effective practice for preventing the spread of infection in health care?
Hand Hygiene
An HCA notices that a client's mobility has changed since yesterday. What should the HCA do before assisting with a transfer?
Report the change to the supervising nurse and follow the current care plan and updated directions. Never assume yesterday's transfer method is still safe.
Which Act identifies restricted activities that may be performed by health care workers in Alberta?
Government Organization Act (GOA).
What does the ethical principle of non-maleficence mean in health care?
To do no harm and avoid causing unnecessary harm to clients.
What is the purpose of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) under WHMIS?
To provide information about a hazardous product, including its risks, safe handling, storage and what to do in an emergency.
What is the difference between standard precautions and additional precautions in infection prevention?
Standard precautions are used with every client, regardless of infection status. Additional precautions are used when a client has a known or suspected infection requiring extra measures to prevent transmission.
What are the five principles of the Canada Health Act?
Public administration, comprehensiveness, universality, portability, and accessibility.
Under the Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act, what is the main difference between a guardian and a trustee?
Guardian: Makes personal decisions, such as health care and living arrangements.
Trustee: Makes financial decisions, such as managing money, property and paying bills.
What does the ethical principle of autonomy mean in health care?
Respecting a client's right to make their own decisions and choices about their care.
An HCA notices a portable space heater positioned directly beside a curtain in a client's home. What environmental hazard should the HCA identify, and what action should be taken?
A fire hazard. The heater should be kept safely away from flammable materials, following the client's consent and workplace safety procedures.
What is the difference between direct and indirect contact transmission? Give one example of each.
Direct contact: Infection spreads through physical contact with an infected person, such as touching infected skin.
Indirect contact: Infection spreads through a contaminated object or surface, such as shared equipment.
What is the difference between objective and subjective information when documenting client care?
Objective information is what you can observe or measure. Subjective information is what the client tells you about how they feel or what they experience.
What are the two main purposes of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP)?
1. To give individuals the right to access information held by public bodies.
2. To protect individuals' personal information and privacy.
What is an ethical dilemma in health care?
A situation where two or more ethical principles or values conflict, making it difficult to decide on the right course of action.
What is the difference between medical asepsis and surgical asepsis?
Medical asepsis: Clean technique used to reduce the number and spread of microorganisms.
Surgical asepsis: Sterile technique used to prevent contamination by microorganisms.
What is fatigue?
Physical or mental exhaustion that can affect a person's ability to function safely and effectively.
What is a managed risk agreement, and why might it be used when a client chooses to live at risk?
A managed risk agreement documents a client's informed choices, the risks involved and the agreed measures to reduce harm while respecting the client's independence and right to make decisions.
What is the difference between the Health Professions Act (HPA) and the Government Organization Act (GOA)?
HPA: Regulates health professionals and establishes professional standards.
GOA: Identifies restricted activities and the circumstances under which they may be performed.
What are the four main ethical principles used to guide decision-making in health care?
Autonomy – Respecting client choices.
Beneficence – Doing good.
Non-maleficence – Doing no harm.
Justice – Treating people fairly.
Name the six links in the chain of infection.
1. Infectious agent
2. Reservoir
3. Portal of exit
4. Mode of transmission
5. Portal of entry
6. Susceptible host
What is the principle of least restraint, and why is it important when caring for clients?
Using the least restrictive approach possible, trying alternatives before restraints, and protecting the client's safety, dignity and independence.