ALBERTA HCA PROVINCIAL EXAM PRACTICE
TEST (105 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH RATIONELS
DOMAIN 1: ROLE, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ETHICS (Questions
1–15)
1. A client refuses to have their vitals taken. The HCA should:
a) Take vitals while the client sleeps.
b) Respect the refusal and document it.
c) Ask family to convince the client.
d) Tell the client they have no choice.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: Clients have the right to refuse care (informed refusal).
Forcing care is assault. Document and report to the nurse.
2. Which action is a breach of confidentiality?
a) Charting in the client’s record at the nursing station.
b) Discussing a client’s bowel movement with the nurse.
c) Posting a client’s photo on social media with their first name only.
d) Leaving a voicemail for the nurse with client initials.
,✔ Answer: c
Rationale: Any identifying information (photo + name) on social media
violates HIA (Health Information Act). Even first names or initials may
be a breach if identifiable.
3. A client gives the HCA a $50 gift. The HCA should:
a) Keep it as a thank you.
b) Politely decline, explaining the employer’s gift policy.
c) Accept it secretly.
d) Ask for more next time.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: HCAs are professionals; accepting gifts creates boundary
issues and is prohibited by most employers (conflict of interest).
4. Who is the primary decision-maker for a client’s care plan?
a) The HCA
b) The family
c) The client (if capable)
d) The doctor
✔ Answer: c
Rationale: Client-centred care means the capable client directs their
own care. Others support but do not override.
5. An HCA witnesses another HCA yelling at a client. What should
they do?
,a) Ignore it to avoid conflict.
b) Report it to the supervisor immediately.
c) Yell at the other HCA.
d) Join in to calm the client.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: Abuse (verbal) must be reported. HCAs are mandatory
reporters for vulnerable adults under Alberta’s Protection for Persons
in Care Act.
6. A client asks the HCA for advice about a serious medical
diagnosis. The HCA should:
a) Give their best opinion based on experience.
b) Tell the client to ask their doctor or nurse.
c) Look it up online and explain.
d) Change the subject.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: HCAs cannot diagnose or give medical advice. Stay within
scope – refer to the regulated professional.
7. What is the most important reason for following the care plan
exactly?
a) To avoid getting in trouble.
b) To ensure consistency and safety for the client.
c) To impress the nurse.
d) To finish work faster.
, ✔ Answer: b
Rationale: The care plan is a legal and professional document.
Deviations can cause harm (e.g., falls, medication errors, pressure
injuries).
8. A client with capacity refuses a bath for the 3rd day. The HCA
should:
a) Force the bath for hygiene.
b) Document refusal and offer alternatives (e.g., bed bath, wipes).
c) Bath the client while sleeping.
d) Call police for neglect.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: Respect autonomy. Offer options. Document refusal and
notify nurse. Lack of bathing is not neglect if client refuses.
9. An HCA notices a client’s money is missing from the nightstand.
The HCA should:
a) Search coworkers’ bags.
b) Report to the supervisor immediately.
c) Confront the last visitor.
d) Give the client their own money.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: Possible theft → report. Do not investigate yourself. Follow
employer’s missing property protocol.
TEST (105 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
WITH RATIONELS
DOMAIN 1: ROLE, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ETHICS (Questions
1–15)
1. A client refuses to have their vitals taken. The HCA should:
a) Take vitals while the client sleeps.
b) Respect the refusal and document it.
c) Ask family to convince the client.
d) Tell the client they have no choice.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: Clients have the right to refuse care (informed refusal).
Forcing care is assault. Document and report to the nurse.
2. Which action is a breach of confidentiality?
a) Charting in the client’s record at the nursing station.
b) Discussing a client’s bowel movement with the nurse.
c) Posting a client’s photo on social media with their first name only.
d) Leaving a voicemail for the nurse with client initials.
,✔ Answer: c
Rationale: Any identifying information (photo + name) on social media
violates HIA (Health Information Act). Even first names or initials may
be a breach if identifiable.
3. A client gives the HCA a $50 gift. The HCA should:
a) Keep it as a thank you.
b) Politely decline, explaining the employer’s gift policy.
c) Accept it secretly.
d) Ask for more next time.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: HCAs are professionals; accepting gifts creates boundary
issues and is prohibited by most employers (conflict of interest).
4. Who is the primary decision-maker for a client’s care plan?
a) The HCA
b) The family
c) The client (if capable)
d) The doctor
✔ Answer: c
Rationale: Client-centred care means the capable client directs their
own care. Others support but do not override.
5. An HCA witnesses another HCA yelling at a client. What should
they do?
,a) Ignore it to avoid conflict.
b) Report it to the supervisor immediately.
c) Yell at the other HCA.
d) Join in to calm the client.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: Abuse (verbal) must be reported. HCAs are mandatory
reporters for vulnerable adults under Alberta’s Protection for Persons
in Care Act.
6. A client asks the HCA for advice about a serious medical
diagnosis. The HCA should:
a) Give their best opinion based on experience.
b) Tell the client to ask their doctor or nurse.
c) Look it up online and explain.
d) Change the subject.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: HCAs cannot diagnose or give medical advice. Stay within
scope – refer to the regulated professional.
7. What is the most important reason for following the care plan
exactly?
a) To avoid getting in trouble.
b) To ensure consistency and safety for the client.
c) To impress the nurse.
d) To finish work faster.
, ✔ Answer: b
Rationale: The care plan is a legal and professional document.
Deviations can cause harm (e.g., falls, medication errors, pressure
injuries).
8. A client with capacity refuses a bath for the 3rd day. The HCA
should:
a) Force the bath for hygiene.
b) Document refusal and offer alternatives (e.g., bed bath, wipes).
c) Bath the client while sleeping.
d) Call police for neglect.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: Respect autonomy. Offer options. Document refusal and
notify nurse. Lack of bathing is not neglect if client refuses.
9. An HCA notices a client’s money is missing from the nightstand.
The HCA should:
a) Search coworkers’ bags.
b) Report to the supervisor immediately.
c) Confront the last visitor.
d) Give the client their own money.
✔ Answer: b
Rationale: Possible theft → report. Do not investigate yourself. Follow
employer’s missing property protocol.
