Before brushing the resident's hair, what preparatory step should you take?

• A. Place towel on shoulders and ask how they would like hair combed
• B. Begin brushing without consent
• C. Cut hair before brushing
• D. Apply styling product

Answer: (A)

Before brushing a resident’s hair, you want to combine physical preparation with respect for the resident’s preferences. Placing a towel on the shoulders protects clothing from hair and moisture, and asking how they would like their hair combed honors their autonomy and comfort. This approach sets a cooperative, dignified tone for personal care and helps the resident feel in control of their grooming.

Choosing to brush without consent disregards the resident’s autonomy and can erode trust. Cutting hair before brushing isn’t a preparatory step for brushing and isn’t appropriate here. Applying styling product isn’t a standard preparatory step and may not align with the resident’s wishes or needs.