Observation and Reporting Flashcards
7 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 7 Observation and Reporting flashcards as text
The HHA notices that a client who normally uses a walker is refusing to stand and is guarding one hip. The PRIORITY action is:
Answer: Report the behavior and refusal to bear weight to the supervisor immediately
Refusal to bear weight with guarding of a hip may indicate a hip fracture or other serious injury requiring urgent medical evaluation.
An HHA observes that a client prescribed daily blood pressure medication has not taken it for three days. This should be reported because:
Answer: Missing doses can lead to dangerous changes in blood pressure
Missed doses of prescribed medications can cause serious health complications and must be reported to the supervising nurse.
A client's skin feels unusually warm and their cheeks are flushed. Even without a thermometer, the HHA should:
Answer: Report the observation and take the temperature if equipment is available
Signs suggesting fever should be reported promptly and the client's temperature measured when possible to confirm the observation.
The HHA notices that a client with diabetes has a small blister on the bottom of the right foot. This is significant because:
Answer: People with diabetes heal more slowly and foot wounds can become serious quickly
Diabetic clients have impaired wound healing and are at high risk for serious foot complications, making even small wounds immediately reportable.
During a shift, the HHA observes that the client is having difficulty swallowing and is coughing after eating. This observation suggests:
Answer: Dysphagia, which is a risk for aspiration and must be reported
Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) with coughing after eating indicates aspiration risk, a serious condition that must be reported immediately.
A client's breath has a sweet, fruity odor. This is MOST likely associated with:
Answer: Poorly controlled diabetes with high blood sugar
A sweet, fruity breath odor can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis or high blood sugar and is an important observation to report in diabetic clients.
Which action by the HHA reflects the BEST observation practice when checking a client's wound dressing?
Answer: Noting the color, amount, and odor of any drainage and reporting changes
The HHA's role is to observe and report wound drainage characteristics; wound care decisions are made by the supervising nurse.