Home Health Aide Competency Test #3 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A pediatric home health patient's parent requests that the aide perform a medical procedure outside the care plan. The aide should:
- Perform the procedure to keep the family satisfied
- Decline politely, explain the scope of practice, and contact the supervisor so the care plan can be reviewed if medically warranted (Correct answer)
- Perform the procedure if the parent provides written permission
- Argue with the parent about what is appropriate
Correct answer: Decline politely, explain the scope of practice, and contact the supervisor so the care plan can be reviewed if medically warranted
Aides may not perform care outside their scope of practice regardless of family requests. The supervisor and care team update the care plan through appropriate channels if additional services are needed.
Question 2: Post-mortem care (care after death) in the home setting includes:
- The aide independently declaring time of death
- Treating the deceased with dignity — positioning body per family/cultural wishes, contacting the supervisor and appropriate authorities, and supporting the family (Correct answer)
- Removing all medical equipment before notifying anyone
- Performing an autopsy
Correct answer: Treating the deceased with dignity — positioning body per family/cultural wishes, contacting the supervisor and appropriate authorities, and supporting the family
After a patient dies at home, the aide notifies the supervisor and on-call nurse immediately. The body is treated respectfully, and the supervisor coordinates death notification procedures and family support.
Question 3: Sundowning in a dementia patient refers to:
- Excessive daytime sleeping
- Increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral symptoms that worsen in the late afternoon and evening (Correct answer)
- Refusing to eat evening meals
- Waking up refreshed after sleeping only a few hours
Correct answer: Increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral symptoms that worsen in the late afternoon and evening
Sundowning (late-day confusion) is a common dementia symptom attributed to disrupted circadian rhythms and fatigue. Structured routines, adequate lighting, and calming activities help manage it.
Question 4: An aide notices that a diabetic patient's wound on their foot is not healing and appears to be getting larger. The aide should:
- Apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment and monitor for another week
- Report the wound deterioration to the supervisor immediately — delayed wound healing in diabetics can lead to serious infection or amputation (Correct answer)
- Wrap the wound tightly to compress it
- Advise the patient to walk more to increase circulation
Correct answer: Report the wound deterioration to the supervisor immediately — delayed wound healing in diabetics can lead to serious infection or amputation
Non-healing or worsening wounds in diabetic patients can rapidly progress to osteomyelitis or require amputation. Prompt reporting allows early medical intervention.
Question 5: Which of the following is included in an aide's documentation at the end of each visit?
- Only tasks that were not completed
- All care provided, patient's response, any changes in condition, and vital signs if measured (Correct answer)
- Only unusual events that occurred
- Personal opinions about the patient's compliance
Correct answer: All care provided, patient's response, any changes in condition, and vital signs if measured
Complete visit documentation includes all care performed, patient response, vital signs, any changes observed, and relevant communications — creating a complete clinical record for the care team.
Question 6: Which situation requires the aide to wear a mask in addition to gloves and gown?
- Routine bedbath
- Providing care to a patient with confirmed influenza or respiratory illness requiring droplet precautions (Correct answer)
- Applying a gait belt for ambulation
- Performing a routine blood pressure check
Correct answer: Providing care to a patient with confirmed influenza or respiratory illness requiring droplet precautions
Droplet precautions (for influenza, respiratory infections) require a surgical mask (and gloves/gown) within 3 feet of the patient. Some conditions require N95 respirators for airborne precautions.
Home Health Aide Competency Test #3 2
A pediatric home health patient's parent requests that the aide perform a medical procedure outside the care plan.
The aide should: