HHA - Home Health Aide Competency Test #4 1

Question 1

A home health aide notices a patient has developed a new pressure ulcer on the coccyx. The aide's first action should be to:

Accepted Answer

Document the observation and report it to the supervising nurse immediately

Answer

Pressure ulcers must be reported to the supervising nurse right away so that a licensed professional can assess and initiate a care plan. The aide should never treat wounds independently or delay reporting.

Question 2

When measuring a patient's blood pressure, the aide should ensure the patient has been resting quietly for at least:

Accepted Answer

5 minutes

Answer

A rest period of at least 5 minutes before measurement allows heart rate and blood pressure to stabilize, ensuring an accurate reading. Activity immediately beforehand can falsely elevate values.

Question 3

A home health aide is assisting a patient who is on a mechanically soft diet. Which food is appropriate to serve?

Accepted Answer

Scrambled eggs

Answer

Scrambled eggs are soft, easily chewed, and safe for patients on a mechanically soft diet. Raw carrots, whole nuts, and crusty bread require more chewing and pose a choking risk.

Question 4

During a home visit, an aide observes that a cognitively impaired patient appears frightened and has unexplained bruising on both arms. The aide should:

Accepted Answer

Report the findings to the supervising nurse and follow the agency's abuse reporting protocol

Answer

Unexplained bruising in a vulnerable patient is a potential sign of abuse and must be reported immediately to the supervisor and through the agency's mandatory reporting protocol. Delaying or self-investigating is inappropriate.

Question 5

Which of the following actions best protects a home health aide from back injury when assisting a patient to transfer from bed to wheelchair?

Accepted Answer

Using a wide stance, bending at the knees, and keeping the back straight

Answer

Proper body mechanics — wide base of support, knees bent, back straight — protect the spine by distributing load through the legs rather than the back. Bending at the waist or twisting greatly increases injury risk.

HHA Practice Test

HHA Practice Test

HHA - Home Health Aide Competency Test #4 1