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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Ace Your HCA Test: Free Practice Quiz with Questions & Answers

Ready for your HCA practice exam? Dive into this HCA practice test now!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Zayan HoodaniUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art quiz illustration showing realistic HCA practice test papers and answer sheets on sky blue background

This HCA practice quiz helps you work through real HCA test questions and answers so you can find weak spots before the exam. After you finish, try the HHA quiz for patient care practice or the NHA quiz to round out your prep.

Which action best prevents the transmission of infection during direct client care?
Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after care
Using alcohol gel only at the start of the shift
Wearing double gloves for all tasks
Changing uniforms at midday
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In the event of a small contained fire in a client room, what is the first step you should take following RACE?
Activate the fire alarm
Extinguish the fire with the nearest extinguisher
Rescue anyone in immediate danger
Confine the fire by closing doors and windows
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You observe a new skin breakdown on a client's sacrum. What is your best immediate action?
Report the finding promptly to the nurse and document accurately
Take a photo for your personal reference
Wait to see if it improves by the next shift
Apply a thick layer of zinc ointment and continue care
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Proper body mechanics when lifting help reduce which primary risk?
Skin tears
Dehydration
Respiratory infections
Musculoskeletal injuries such as back strain
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What is the most accurate method to confirm client identity before providing care?
Use two identifiers such as full name and date of birth matched to the care plan or ID band
Check the client's room number only
Recognize the client by face
Ask the roommate for confirmation
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Which food choice is best for a client on a low-sodium diet?
Deli ham sandwich with pickles
Canned soup with added crackers
Frozen entree with gravy
Fresh grilled chicken with steamed vegetables
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Which action best supports a client with dementia during bathing?
Offer step-by-step cues and allow extra time
Insist the client follow directions immediately
Use cold water to stimulate alertness
Complete the bath quickly without explanation
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Which vital sign measurement is outside the normal adult resting range?
Respiratory rate of 10 breaths per minute
Pulse of 76 beats per minute
Oral temperature of 98.6 F (37 C)
Blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg
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Which statement best reflects HIPAA privacy requirements for HCAs?
Share client information only with staff directly involved in the client's care
Release records to any family member upon request
Discuss client progress with family friends if they seem concerned
Post success stories using first names only on social media
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When assisting a client with a stroke who has right-sided weakness, how should you position the cane during ambulation?
On the client's strong (left) side
Held behind the client for balance support
On the client's weak (right) side
Centered directly in front of both feet
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A diabetic client shows signs of hypoglycemia (sweating, confusion, shakiness). What is the best immediate action if the client is conscious?
Encourage a brisk walk
Offer high-protein food only
Provide a quick source of glucose per care plan and notify the nurse
Wait to see if symptoms resolve in 30 minutes
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When should an HCA use an alcohol-based hand rub instead of soap and water?
After using the restroom
When hands are not visibly soiled and after removing gloves
After caring for a client with C. difficile
When hands are visibly dirty with blood
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How should you measure an adult radial pulse for routine monitoring?
Count for 10 seconds and multiply by six regardless of rhythm
Use your thumb for 15 seconds and multiply by four
Use the pads of two or three fingers for 30 seconds and multiply by two if regular
Use a blood pressure cuff to estimate pulse
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Which observation is most urgent to report during oxygen therapy?
Bluish discoloration of lips or nail beds
Client requesting water
Humidifier bottle half full
Nasal prongs slightly out of place
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Which PPE sequence is correct for donning?
Gown, mask or respirator, goggles or face shield, gloves
Gloves, mask, gown, goggles
Mask, gloves, goggles, gown
Goggles, gown, gloves, mask
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The correct response to a client who expresses suicidal thoughts is to:
Ignore the comment if the client often jokes
Tell them others have it worse
Promise to keep the secret to build trust
Stay with the client if safe, ensure immediate safety, and report to the nurse at once
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A client with new-onset shortness of breath is found sitting upright, anxious, and using accessory muscles. Your priority is to:
Apply oxygen at the highest setting without orders
Stay with the client, ensure an open airway, and call for the nurse immediately
Have the client lie flat to rest
Offer a glass of water and leave to find the nurse
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Which practice helps prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections?
Keep the drainage bag below bladder level at all times
Clamp the catheter while transporting the client
Disconnect the tubing daily for cleaning
Secure the bag to the side rail
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You accidentally stick yourself with a used needle. What is your first action?
Wait until the end of shift to notify your supervisor
Wash the area with soap and water and report immediately per exposure protocol
Continue your tasks to avoid alarming the client
Suck the wound to remove blood
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Which is the safest practice when using a mechanical lift?
Operate the lift alone on the first attempt
Move quickly to reduce client anxiety
Ensure the correct sling type and size, lock brakes when appropriate, and follow manufacturer guidelines with two trained staff if required
Use any sling available if in a hurry
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand HCA Test Question Formats -

    Identify common question types and structures used in HCA test questions and answers to build familiarity and reduce surprises on exam day.

  2. Analyze Realistic Care Scenarios -

    Break down patient-centred situations featured in the HCA practice test to sharpen critical thinking and decision-making skills.

  3. Apply Best Practice Techniques -

    Use evidence-based approaches when responding to HCA practice exam items, reinforcing safe and effective healthcare assistance.

  4. Evaluate Performance Gaps -

    Review detailed answer explanations to pinpoint knowledge gaps and target study efforts on areas needing improvement.

  5. Enhance Time Management Skills -

    Adopt pacing strategies during timed HCA practice test sections to build exam endurance and confidence.

  6. Boost Exam Confidence -

    Track progress through self-assessment results to gain reassurance and readiness for the real HCA test.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Mastering Vital Signs Monitoring -

    Reviewing common hca test questions and answers on vital signs ensures you know normal ranges for temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. Practice using the ABCDE approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure) and record readings accurately, as outlined in NHS clinical guidelines. For example, remember "100 over 60" as a typical adult blood pressure reference.

  2. Infection Prevention & Control -

    Understanding standard precautions and the WHO "5 Moments for Hand Hygiene" is crucial for passing your hca practice test. Memorise the mnemonic "SOAP" (Standard, Observe, Aseptic, Protective gear) to recall steps for safe care. Refer to Public Health England's guidance on PPE donning and doffing to reinforce proper technique.

  3. Effective Communication with SBAR -

    Employing the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) framework helps you structure clear handovers in your hca practice exam. Practice real-world scenarios where you succinctly convey patient information to colleagues or supervisors. This method, endorsed by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, boosts clarity and reduces errors.

  4. Safeguarding & Consent Principles -

    Familiarise yourself with the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and Gillick competence when answering safeguarding hca test questions and answers. Know the five statutory principles of capacity and the importance of obtaining informed consent from patients or their advocates. Use the mnemonic "CLAP" (Consent, Listen, Assess, Protect) to remember each step.

  5. Basic Anatomy & Physiology Overview -

    Review major body systems - respiratory, circulatory, digestive, musculoskeletal, nervous, and endocrine - with the acronym "RCDM NE" to tackle physiology questions swiftly. Focus on key functions like gas exchange in the lungs or nutrient absorption in the gut for your hca practice test. University-level anatomy atlases, such as those from Oxford Medical Education, provide clear diagrams to reinforce learning.

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