A client living at home uses a wheelchair for mobility. During a routine visit, the HCA notices a throw rug in the hallway leading to the bathroom. What should the HCA do FIRST?

Question: A client living at home uses a wheelchair for mobility. During a routine visit, the HCA notices a throw rug in the hallway leading to the bathroom. What should the HCA do FIRST?

Answer options: ✅ Move the throw rug out of the pathway.

• Advise the client to be careful when navigating over the rug.
• Document the presence of the rug in the client's care plan.
• Suggest the client replace the throw rug with a non-slip version.

Correct answer: Move the throw rug out of the pathway.

Explanation: The throw rug presents an immediate fall hazard for a client using a wheelchair. Removing it directly addresses the safety risk, which is the HCA's primary responsibility in this situation.