Florida Assisted Living Facilities Practice Exam

Which of the following tasks can unlicensed staff perform regarding colostomy bags?

1. Give injections

2. Assist with colostomy bags

3. Provide suppositories

4. Change bandages

The correct answer is: Assist with colostomy bags

Unlicensed staff in assisted living facilities can assist with colostomy bags under certain guidelines. This assistance typically involves tasks such as helping residents maintain the hygiene of the area around the colostomy, providing support during the process of emptying or changing the bag, and ensuring that the resident has everything they need for their colostomy care. Such tasks require knowledge and training specific to the care of colostomy bags, but they do not require the professional licensure that would qualify an individual to perform more advanced medical tasks. Tasks such as giving injections or providing suppositories are generally beyond the scope of practice for unlicensed staff, as they involve more invasive procedures that require specialized training and a professional license to ensure safety and compliance with healthcare regulations. Changing bandages may also involve varying degrees of complexity depending on the wound's nature, which may not be suitable for unlicensed personnel without proper training.