HOME HEALTH AIDE COMPETENCY TEST #1 2 Flashcards
6 cards from real HHA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 HOME HEALTH AIDE COMPETENCY TEST #1 2 flashcards as text
A competency evaluation for a home health aide must include observation of which skill?
Answer: Bathing and personal care, vital signs, transfers, infection control, and communication — as specified by federal Conditions of Participation
Federal regulations (42 CFR §484.80) specify 12 required skill areas for HHA competency evaluation, including personal care, vital signs, infection control, and safety — not advanced clinical procedures.
How many total training hours does federal law require for a home health aide in a Medicare-certified agency?
Answer: 75 hours (including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training)
CMS requires a minimum of 75 hours of training for HHAs, with at least 16 hours of hands-on supervised clinical training in a laboratory or patient setting before patient contact.
During a competency check on vital signs, the aide is asked to measure a patient's blood pressure. Which site is standard for a routine reading?
Answer: The upper arm (brachial artery), with the cuff at heart level
The brachial artery in the upper arm is the standard site for blood pressure measurement. The arm is supported at heart level to ensure accurate readings.
In a competency evaluation of body mechanics, which action would result in a failing score?
Answer: Twisting the torso while lifting a patient
Twisting the torso while lifting is a leading cause of back injury for healthcare workers and is a critical failure in a body mechanics competency evaluation.
What is the minimum acceptable hand-washing duration with soap and water to be effective?
Answer: 20 seconds
The CDC recommends scrubbing all surfaces of the hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds — roughly the time to hum "Happy Birthday" twice — to effectively reduce pathogen load.
A competency checklist for infection control would include verification that the aide:
Answer: Demonstrates correct handwashing, PPE donning/doffing, and proper disposal of contaminated materials
HHA infection control competency covers hand hygiene, PPE use, handling/disposal of contaminated materials, and cleaning of patient care equipment — not advanced sterile procedures.