HHA Personal Care and Hygiene 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A male client with dementia becomes agitated during a shave. What should the HHA do?
- Restrain the client so the shave can be completed quickly
- Stop, allow the client to calm down, then try again (Correct answer)
- Skip shaving entirely and document non-compliance
- Ask the client to hold the razor himself
Correct answer: Stop, allow the client to calm down, then try again
Stopping and allowing the client to calm down prevents injury and respects the client's emotional state.
Question 2: Which of the following is a sign of a pressure ulcer developing at a bony prominence?
- Pale, cool skin that blanches with pressure
- Non-blanchable redness that persists after pressure is relieved (Correct answer)
- Warm, moist skin with slight swelling
- Dry, flaking skin with no color change
Correct answer: Non-blanchable redness that persists after pressure is relieved
Non-blanchable redness (Stage 1 pressure injury) indicates tissue damage from sustained pressure that does not resolve when pressure is removed.
Question 3: When assisting a client with hair care, the HHA notices a white, flaky scalp with intense itching. This most likely indicates:
- Normal dry scalp that needs more frequent washing
- Head lice infestation requiring notification of the supervisor (Correct answer)
- Dandruff that can be treated with any shampoo
- An allergic reaction to the current shampoo
Correct answer: Head lice infestation requiring notification of the supervisor
Intense itching combined with visible flakes or nits suggests lice, which requires immediate reporting to prevent spread.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of perineal care?
- To improve circulation in the lower extremities
- To prevent infection and maintain skin integrity in the genital area (Correct answer)
- To reduce the risk of pressure ulcers on the buttocks
- To stimulate bowel movements in constipated clients
Correct answer: To prevent infection and maintain skin integrity in the genital area
Perineal care removes microorganisms that could cause urinary tract infections and skin breakdown.
Question 5: A client is on oxygen therapy. Which hair care product is UNSAFE to use?
- Water-based gel
- Alcohol-free hairspray
- Oil-based hair products or aerosol sprays (Correct answer)
- Fragrance-free shampoo
Correct answer: Oil-based hair products or aerosol sprays
Oil-based products and aerosol sprays are flammable and dangerous near oxygen, which increases fire risk significantly.
Question 6: After assisting a client with a tub bath, the HHA should:
- Leave the client to dry off independently for privacy
- Clean and disinfect the tub before leaving the bathroom (Correct answer)
- Drain the tub while the client is still inside for efficiency
- Leave soapy water in the tub for the next use
Correct answer: Clean and disinfect the tub before leaving the bathroom
Cleaning and disinfecting the tub after use prevents cross-contamination between clients or household members.
Question 7: A client's dentures should be stored when not in use in:
- A dry cup on the nightstand
- A labeled container with cool water or denture solution (Correct answer)
- The client's mouth at all times to prevent loss
- Hot water to kill bacteria
Correct answer: A labeled container with cool water or denture solution
Keeping dentures in cool water or denture solution prevents them from drying out and warping.
HHA Personal Care and Hygiene 3
A male client with dementia becomes agitated during a shave.
What should the HHA do?