ADL Care: What Not To Do
We’ve identified these critical mistakes that students frequently make when answering ADL-related questions:
❌ Independence Promotion Errors:
- Doing everything for the resident
- Not allowing enough time for self-care
- Rushing through tasks
- Taking over when minimal help is needed
- Discouraging attempts at independence
- Ignoring resident capabilities
❌ Safety and Body Mechanics Mistakes:
- Forgetting to lock wheels on equipment
- Improper body mechanics
- Not using gait belts when required
- Working alone when assistance is needed
- Incorrect bed height adjustment
- Failing to assess environment for hazards
❌ Privacy and Dignity Errors:
- Not providing proper coverage
- Leaving doors/curtains open
- Exposing residents unnecessarily
- Discussing care in public areas
- Ignoring cultural preferences
- Rushing through personal care
❌ Personal Hygiene Oversights:
- Wrong washing direction (clean to dirty)
- Improper water temperature
- Not checking skin condition
- Skipping oral care
- Using wrong cleaning agents
- Inadequate drying/moisture care
❌ Transfer and Positioning Errors:
- Not explaining procedures
- Improper lift techniques
- Forgetting safety checks
- Wrong positioning angle
- Incorrect equipment use
- Not securing side rails when needed
❌ Feeding Assistance Mistakes:
- Rushing meals
- Wrong positioning for eating
- Not checking diet restrictions
- Improper food temperature
- Not encouraging independence
- Poor hand hygiene
❌ Documentation Errors:
- Incomplete records
- Not noting refusals
- Missing important changes
- Late documentation
- Subjective comments
- Failing to report concerns
❌ Communication Mistakes:
- Not explaining procedures
- Ignoring resident preferences
- Poor listening skills
- Unclear instructions
- Not reporting changes
- Missing non-verbal cues
❌ Time Management Errors:
- Rushing through care
- Poor prioritization
- Skipping steps to save time
- Not allowing for resident pace
- Inadequate preparation
- Multitasking unsafely
❌ Question Analysis Mistakes:
- Not reading full scenarios
- Missing key details
- Choosing familiar but wrong answers
- Overlooking safety issues
- Not considering resident rights
- Rushing through “easy” questions
Key Points to Remember:
- Safety before speed
- Promote independence always
- Maintain dignity throughout
- Follow proper procedures
- Document accurately
- Report changes promptly
Red Flags in Questions:
- Watch for safety issues
- Notice independence opportunities
- Look for dignity concerns
- Consider proper sequence
- Check for proper technique
- Identify reporting needs
Common Question Traps:
- Multiple correct answers (find BEST)
- Time-saving shortcuts
- Convenient but unsafe options
- Partially correct procedures
- Common practice vs. best practice
Time to perfect your ADL care! Move on to ‘ADL Success Blueprint’.