A+ VERIFIED
HCA | WRITTEN EXAM |
Health Care Aide (HCA)
Written Exam
Provincial HCA Curriculum | Entry-to-Practice
GRADE A | VERIFIED
50
Questions
MCQ
Format
A
Grade
WHAT THIS COVERS
Role & Responsibilities of the HCA Elimination & Toileting
Communication Skills Mobility & Ambulation
Infection Prevention & Control Vital Signs & Measurement
Body Mechanics & Safe Handling Cognitive & Mental Health Support
Personal Care & Hygiene Dementia Care
Nutrition & Meal Assistance End-of-Life & Palliative Care
ABOUT THIS ASSESSMENT
This written assessment covers the core knowledge and skills expected of a Health Care Aide working under the
direction of a regulated nurse. Coverage spans the HCA role and scope of practice, communication and
interpersonal skills, infection prevention and control, body mechanics and safe handling, personal care and
hygiene, nutrition and meal assistance, elimination and toileting, mobility and ambulation assistance, vital signs
measurement, cognitive and mental health support, dementia care, and end-of-life and palliative care.
Items emphasize safety-first practice, client dignity and autonomy, therapeutic communication, accurate
observation and reporting to the nurse, and adherence to the care plan. Scenarios reflect realistic home,
continuing-care, and acute-care settings and respect the HCA scope of practice: HCAs do not administer
medications, perform sterile procedures, assess, or develop care plans.
This is an original study assessment. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any official
provincial or institutional examination, and is intended for educational review only.
STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM
,HCA | WRITTEN EXAM | Provincial HCA Curriculum | Entry-to-Practice
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HCA | Questions 1–5
1. A new client asks the HCA to give them an extra dose of their pain medication because they are hurting.
The medication is in the client's drawer. What should the HCA do?
A. Give the medication since the client is in pain and it is already prescribed
B. Explain that giving medication is outside the HCA's role and report the request to the nurse
C. Suggest the client take the medication themselves when the nurse next visits
D. Tell the client they must wait until the next scheduled dose without informing the nurse
CORRECT ANSWER: B — Explain that giving medication is outside the HCA's role and report the
request to the nurse
Rationale: Option B is correct because administering medications is outside the HCA's scope of practice; the HCA must report
the client's request and pain to the nurse, who can then assess and act. Option A is incorrect because HCAs do not administer
medications, even prescribed ones. Option C is incorrect because suggesting self-administration still circumvents the nurse's
assessment and proper medication protocols. Option D is incorrect because the client's report of pain must be communicated to
the nurse so it can be addressed.
2. While providing morning care, the HCA notices a new reddened area on the client's hip that was not there
the previous shift. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Document and report the finding to the charge nurse before leaving the client
B. Apply a barrier cream and continue with care
C. Wait until the end of the shift to see if the redness disappears
D. Tell the client to mention it to the nurse when they next see them
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Document and report the finding to the charge nurse before leaving the
client
Rationale: Option A is correct because changes in skin condition must be reported and documented promptly so the nurse can
assess and update the care plan. Option B is incorrect because applying products without direction exceeds the HCA's role and
may delay needed intervention. Option C is incorrect because waiting could allow a pressure injury to worsen. Option D is
incorrect because passing responsibility to the client does not ensure timely reporting.
STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM Page 2
, HCA | WRITTEN EXAM | Provincial HCA Curriculum | Entry-to-Practice
3. The care plan states the client should be encouraged to dress independently each morning. Today the
client says, "I'm too tired, you do it." What is the best response by the HCA?
A. Dress the client completely so they can rest, since they have the right to choose
B. Refuse to help at all and insist the client dress themselves
C. Tell the client the care plan cannot be changed and leave the room
D. Offer to help with difficult fasteners while the client does the rest, and report the new fatigue
CORRECT ANSWER: D — Offer to help with difficult fasteners while the client does the rest, and
report the new fatigue
Rationale: Option D is correct because it follows the care plan's goal of encouraging independence while supporting the client
and reporting a new symptom (fatigue) that may indicate a change in condition. Option A is incorrect because taking over fully
undermines the care plan's rehabilitation goal. Option B is incorrect because refusing any help is not client-centred and ignores
the care plan's intent. Option C is incorrect because the HCA should not be rigid about the care plan, and new fatigue should be
reported, not ignored.
4. In the staff lunch room, a colleague asks the HCA about a client they both cared for, mentioning the client
is "the one in room 4 with the infection." What is the best action by the HCA?
A. Discuss the client's condition because the colleague also works on the unit
B. Confirm the diagnosis and add details the colleague may not know
C. Decline to discuss client information outside of care-related communication and redirect the conversation
D. Report the colleague to the manager immediately for a privacy breach
CORRECT ANSWER: C — Decline to discuss client information outside of care-related
communication and redirect the conversation
Rationale: Option C is correct because client information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis for direct care, not in
social settings such as a lunch room. Option A is incorrect because working on the same unit does not justify discussing clients
socially. Option B is incorrect because sharing additional details expands the privacy breach. Option D is incorrect because the
situation does not require immediate escalation; a respectful reminder and redirection is appropriate.
5. A client tells the HCA, "You're the only one who really understands me. Here's my home phone
number—call me sometime." What should the HCA do?
A. Politely decline, explain that professional boundaries prevent personal contact, and report the offer to the nurse
B. Accept the number to be polite and call after work hours
C. Take the number but never use it
D. Tell the client they are being inappropriate and leave the room
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Politely decline, explain that professional boundaries prevent personal
contact, and report the offer to the nurse
Rationale: Option A is correct because maintaining professional boundaries protects both the client and the HCA, and unusual
requests should be reported. Option B is incorrect because personal contact with a client violates professional boundaries and
agency policy. Option C is incorrect because accepting the number still crosses a professional line, even if unused. Option D is
incorrect because the response is dismissive and does not preserve the therapeutic relationship or follow reporting procedures.
COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS | Questions 6–9
STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM Page 3
HCA | WRITTEN EXAM |
Health Care Aide (HCA)
Written Exam
Provincial HCA Curriculum | Entry-to-Practice
GRADE A | VERIFIED
50
Questions
MCQ
Format
A
Grade
WHAT THIS COVERS
Role & Responsibilities of the HCA Elimination & Toileting
Communication Skills Mobility & Ambulation
Infection Prevention & Control Vital Signs & Measurement
Body Mechanics & Safe Handling Cognitive & Mental Health Support
Personal Care & Hygiene Dementia Care
Nutrition & Meal Assistance End-of-Life & Palliative Care
ABOUT THIS ASSESSMENT
This written assessment covers the core knowledge and skills expected of a Health Care Aide working under the
direction of a regulated nurse. Coverage spans the HCA role and scope of practice, communication and
interpersonal skills, infection prevention and control, body mechanics and safe handling, personal care and
hygiene, nutrition and meal assistance, elimination and toileting, mobility and ambulation assistance, vital signs
measurement, cognitive and mental health support, dementia care, and end-of-life and palliative care.
Items emphasize safety-first practice, client dignity and autonomy, therapeutic communication, accurate
observation and reporting to the nurse, and adherence to the care plan. Scenarios reflect realistic home,
continuing-care, and acute-care settings and respect the HCA scope of practice: HCAs do not administer
medications, perform sterile procedures, assess, or develop care plans.
This is an original study assessment. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representative of any official
provincial or institutional examination, and is intended for educational review only.
STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM
,HCA | WRITTEN EXAM | Provincial HCA Curriculum | Entry-to-Practice
ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HCA | Questions 1–5
1. A new client asks the HCA to give them an extra dose of their pain medication because they are hurting.
The medication is in the client's drawer. What should the HCA do?
A. Give the medication since the client is in pain and it is already prescribed
B. Explain that giving medication is outside the HCA's role and report the request to the nurse
C. Suggest the client take the medication themselves when the nurse next visits
D. Tell the client they must wait until the next scheduled dose without informing the nurse
CORRECT ANSWER: B — Explain that giving medication is outside the HCA's role and report the
request to the nurse
Rationale: Option B is correct because administering medications is outside the HCA's scope of practice; the HCA must report
the client's request and pain to the nurse, who can then assess and act. Option A is incorrect because HCAs do not administer
medications, even prescribed ones. Option C is incorrect because suggesting self-administration still circumvents the nurse's
assessment and proper medication protocols. Option D is incorrect because the client's report of pain must be communicated to
the nurse so it can be addressed.
2. While providing morning care, the HCA notices a new reddened area on the client's hip that was not there
the previous shift. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Document and report the finding to the charge nurse before leaving the client
B. Apply a barrier cream and continue with care
C. Wait until the end of the shift to see if the redness disappears
D. Tell the client to mention it to the nurse when they next see them
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Document and report the finding to the charge nurse before leaving the
client
Rationale: Option A is correct because changes in skin condition must be reported and documented promptly so the nurse can
assess and update the care plan. Option B is incorrect because applying products without direction exceeds the HCA's role and
may delay needed intervention. Option C is incorrect because waiting could allow a pressure injury to worsen. Option D is
incorrect because passing responsibility to the client does not ensure timely reporting.
STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM Page 2
, HCA | WRITTEN EXAM | Provincial HCA Curriculum | Entry-to-Practice
3. The care plan states the client should be encouraged to dress independently each morning. Today the
client says, "I'm too tired, you do it." What is the best response by the HCA?
A. Dress the client completely so they can rest, since they have the right to choose
B. Refuse to help at all and insist the client dress themselves
C. Tell the client the care plan cannot be changed and leave the room
D. Offer to help with difficult fasteners while the client does the rest, and report the new fatigue
CORRECT ANSWER: D — Offer to help with difficult fasteners while the client does the rest, and
report the new fatigue
Rationale: Option D is correct because it follows the care plan's goal of encouraging independence while supporting the client
and reporting a new symptom (fatigue) that may indicate a change in condition. Option A is incorrect because taking over fully
undermines the care plan's rehabilitation goal. Option B is incorrect because refusing any help is not client-centred and ignores
the care plan's intent. Option C is incorrect because the HCA should not be rigid about the care plan, and new fatigue should be
reported, not ignored.
4. In the staff lunch room, a colleague asks the HCA about a client they both cared for, mentioning the client
is "the one in room 4 with the infection." What is the best action by the HCA?
A. Discuss the client's condition because the colleague also works on the unit
B. Confirm the diagnosis and add details the colleague may not know
C. Decline to discuss client information outside of care-related communication and redirect the conversation
D. Report the colleague to the manager immediately for a privacy breach
CORRECT ANSWER: C — Decline to discuss client information outside of care-related
communication and redirect the conversation
Rationale: Option C is correct because client information should only be shared on a need-to-know basis for direct care, not in
social settings such as a lunch room. Option A is incorrect because working on the same unit does not justify discussing clients
socially. Option B is incorrect because sharing additional details expands the privacy breach. Option D is incorrect because the
situation does not require immediate escalation; a respectful reminder and redirection is appropriate.
5. A client tells the HCA, "You're the only one who really understands me. Here's my home phone
number—call me sometime." What should the HCA do?
A. Politely decline, explain that professional boundaries prevent personal contact, and report the offer to the nurse
B. Accept the number to be polite and call after work hours
C. Take the number but never use it
D. Tell the client they are being inappropriate and leave the room
CORRECT ANSWER: A — Politely decline, explain that professional boundaries prevent personal
contact, and report the offer to the nurse
Rationale: Option A is correct because maintaining professional boundaries protects both the client and the HCA, and unusual
requests should be reported. Option B is incorrect because personal contact with a client violates professional boundaries and
agency policy. Option C is incorrect because accepting the number still crosses a professional line, even if unused. Option D is
incorrect because the response is dismissive and does not preserve the therapeutic relationship or follow reporting procedures.
COMMUNICATION & INTERPERSONAL SKILLS | Questions 6–9
STUVIA ACTUAL EXAM Page 3
