Free HHA Observation and Reporting Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Objective observations in patient documentation are:
- Opinions about the patient's attitude
- Facts that can be directly measured or observed: vital signs, behaviors, physical findings (Correct answer)
- Guesses about the cause of a symptom
- Personal feelings about the patient's progress
Correct answer: Facts that can be directly measured or observed: vital signs, behaviors, physical findings
Objective data is measurable and observable (e.g., "patient's BP 148/92, skin appears flushed, temperature 99.2°F"), unlike subjective data which is reported by the patient.
Question 2: An aide documents: "Patient seems depressed and probably didn't sleep." This is an example of:
- Accurate objective charting
- Inappropriate subjective or judgmental documentation — aides should document observable facts (Correct answer)
- Legal documentation
- A complete nursing note
Correct answer: Inappropriate subjective or judgmental documentation — aides should document observable facts
Documenting speculation (seems, probably) is inappropriate. Instead: "Patient stated 'I could not sleep last night.' Patient was tearful and had difficulty maintaining eye contact during morning care."
Question 3: A change in a patient's mental status — such as sudden confusion that was not there yesterday — should be reported to the supervisor:
- At the end of the week summary
- Immediately — acute confusion can indicate a serious medical event such as UTI, stroke, or medication problem (Correct answer)
- Only if the patient requests it
- At the next scheduled care plan review
Correct answer: Immediately — acute confusion can indicate a serious medical event such as UTI, stroke, or medication problem
Sudden-onset confusion (acute delirium) is a medical emergency indicator in elderly patients, often caused by UTI, sepsis, hypoglycemia, or stroke. Immediate reporting is essential.
Question 4: A normal adult resting heart rate is:
- 40–59 beats per minute
- 60–100 beats per minute (Correct answer)
- 101–120 beats per minute
- 120–150 beats per minute
Correct answer: 60–100 beats per minute
The normal adult resting heart rate is 60–100 bpm. Values below 60 (bradycardia) or above 100 (tachycardia) should be reported to the supervising nurse.
Question 5: When taking a patient's blood pressure, the aide should:
- Have the patient stand and hold their arm overhead
- Have the patient seated with feet flat on the floor, arm supported at heart level, after 5 minutes of rest (Correct answer)
- Apply the cuff over thick clothing
- Take two readings 5 seconds apart
Correct answer: Have the patient seated with feet flat on the floor, arm supported at heart level, after 5 minutes of rest
Correct BP measurement technique requires rest (≥5 min), proper posture, supported arm at heart level, and a bare arm — errors in technique produce inaccurate readings.
Question 6: Which finding in a patient with diabetes should be reported to the supervisor immediately?
- Blood glucose of 100 mg/dL before breakfast
- Patient reports feeling shaky and lightheaded with a blood glucose reading of 58 mg/dL (Correct answer)
- Patient ate their full meal without assistance
- A blood glucose of 115 mg/dL two hours after eating
Correct answer: Patient reports feeling shaky and lightheaded with a blood glucose reading of 58 mg/dL
A blood glucose below 70 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, which can progress rapidly to seizure or loss of consciousness. Immediate reporting and following the care plan's hypoglycemia protocol is required.
Free HHA Observation and Reporting Questions and Answers 2
Objective observations in patient documentation are: