Home Health Aide Competency Test #2 2

Question 1

A patient who has had a total knee replacement is returning home after surgery. The aide should:

Accepted Answer

Follow the specific post-operative care plan, encourage prescribed exercises, assist with ambulation using prescribed assistive devices, and monitor for complications

Answer

Post-knee replacement care follows a specific protocol including exercises, gradual weight-bearing, and DVT prevention (compression stockings, movement). Deviating from the plan risks complications.

Question 2

When providing care for a patient with a pressure ulcer, the aide's role includes:

Accepted Answer

Repositioning every 2 hours, protecting the wound from moisture, keeping the surrounding skin clean and dry, and reporting any changes in wound appearance

Answer

Wound care beyond cleaning and protection is a licensed nursing task. The aide's role is pressure relief, skin protection, and observation — reporting changes in wound size, color, or odor to the nurse.

Question 3

When a patient's blood pressure is significantly elevated above their baseline (hypertensive urgency), the aide should:

Accepted Answer

Report immediately to the supervisor, have the patient rest quietly, do not leave the patient alone, and prepare to call 911 if symptoms of stroke or cardiac event appear

Answer

Significantly elevated BP requires immediate nursing notification. The aide keeps the patient calm and still, monitors for neurological or cardiac symptoms, and is ready to activate emergency services.

Question 4

A patient with limited English proficiency refuses care due to a communication barrier. The best action is to:

Accepted Answer

Contact the agency for a professional interpreter, use visual aids and simple gestures in the meantime, and document the communication barrier

Answer

Professional medical interpreters ensure accuracy and protect patient rights. Non-professional interpreters (family, neighbors) can introduce medical errors and violate confidentiality.

Question 5

A patient is receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy. The aide should avoid giving the patient large amounts of:

Accepted Answer

Dark leafy greens (kale, spinach, broccoli) in large quantities without consulting the care team

Answer

Warfarin's effectiveness is significantly affected by vitamin K intake. Large, inconsistent amounts of vitamin K-rich foods (dark leafy greens) can reduce anticoagulation; the key is consistency. Changes should be reported.

HHA Practice Test

HHA Practice Test

Home Health Aide Competency Test #2 2