HHA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield HHA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Good sources of protein are: → Beans, peanut butter, and eggs.
2. This pressure-sore-prevention device redistributes pressure on a timed automatic basis: → Air mattress.
3. Before beginning a procedure, always explain what you're about to do to the patient. → True
4. Why is portion control important in patient nutrition? → It helps maintain a balanced diet and manage health goals
5. What is the role of nonverbal communication in building rapport with patients? → It helps establish a positive and supportive relationship
6. Which is an example of a professional boundary violation? → Borrowing money from a client
7. Why is personal hygiene important in home health care? → It helps maintain health, comfort, and prevent infections
8. When a patient uses a standard walker for ambulation, how far ahead should the walker be advanced with each step? → About one arm's length, keeping it within a small step
9. Which water temperature is considered safe for a client's bath or shower? → 100–105°F (38–41°C)
10. Droplet precautions require an HHA to wear a surgical mask within what distance of the client? → 6 feet
11. Which of the following is an example of a comfort measure the aide can provide? → Fluffing pillows, adjusting room temperature, and offering a warm blanket
12. Following a stroke, contact with a patient who has trouble speaking should include: → All of the above
13. Incontinence briefs (adult diapers) should be changed: → Immediately when wet or soiled to protect skin integrity and prevent infection
14. An HHA who consistently respects a patient's cultural beliefs about illness and healing is demonstrating: → Cultural competence
15. When providing a bed bath to a patient, what is the correct water temperature? → Comfortably warm water between 105–115°F (41–46°C)
16. When must gloves be changed during care of the same client? → Between tasks when contamination risk changes
17. Why is mental and emotional support important in home health care? → It provides comfort and improves overall well-being
18. A patient falls at home while the HHA is present. After ensuring the scene is safe, what should the HHA do NEXT? → Assess the patient for injury before moving them
19. When ambulating a patient with a gait belt, the HHA should position themselves: → Slightly behind and to the patient's weaker side, grasping the belt
20. What is the role of observation in patient care? → To assess and report the patient’s condition
21. Non-verbal communication includes: → Facial expressions, eye contact, body posture, and touch
22. A client with dysphagia requires nectar-thick liquids. Which beverage requires thickening before serving? → Plain water
23. In communicating with a client who is hard of hearing, the aide should → Stand directly in front of the client so he/she can hear you speak
24. How many total training hours does federal law require for a home health aide in a Medicare-certified agency? → 75 hours (including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training)
25. Which of the following is an example of nonverbal communication? → Maintaining eye contact while listening
26. An HHA notices a client's medication bottles are stored in the bathroom medicine cabinet near the shower. What is the concern? → Heat and humidity can degrade medication effectiveness
27. Why is it important for a home health aide to maintain patient privacy? → It helps maintain trust and comply with regulations
28. Which of the following is the correct order of donning (putting on) PPE? → Gown → mask → eye protection → gloves
29. A patient refuses to take their prescribed antidepressant, saying 'It means I'm crazy.' The HHA's best response is to: → Listen to the concern, acknowledge the feeling, and report the refusal to the supervisor
30. Which of the following is the correct practice regarding needle recapping? → Recap needles using the one-hand scoop technique only if necessary