IHSS - In-Home Supportive Services certified provider Health, Safety, and Emergencies Questions and Answers

Question 1

While assisting your IHSS recipient, they suddenly trip on a rug and fall, complaining of severe pain in their hip and are unable to get up.
What is the most appropriate immediate action for you to take?

Accepted Answer

Immediately call 911 for emergency medical assistance and do not move the recipient.

Answer

Help the recipient get up and move them to a comfortable chair or bed.

Answer

Call the recipient's family member or emergency contact first to ask what you should do.

Answer

Give the recipient an over-the-counter pain reliever and wait to see if the pain subsides.

Question 2

Which of the following is a key practice for an IHSS provider to prevent the spread of infection in the recipient's home?

Accepted Answer

Regularly and thoroughly washing hands with soap and water before and after providing personal care.

Answer

Washing hands only after preparing food for the recipient.

Answer

Using the recipient's personal towel to dry your hands after washing.

Answer

Wearing the same pair of disposable gloves for all tasks throughout the day to save supplies.

Question 3

During a wildfire, your recipient's neighborhood is placed under an evacuation order. The recipient is hesitant to leave their home. As their IHSS provider, what is your primary responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Strongly encourage the recipient to comply with the evacuation order and assist them with their pre-made emergency plan, while prioritizing safety.

Answer

Leave the recipient's home immediately to ensure your own safety.

Answer

Force the recipient to evacuate with you, even if it is against their will.

Answer

Respect the recipient's decision to stay and remain with them until the order is lifted.

Question 4

An IHSS provider sustains a minor back injury while helping to transfer a recipient from their bed to a wheelchair. What is the correct procedure for the provider to follow?

Accepted Answer

Immediately report the injury to the county IHSS office as it may be covered by Workers' Compensation.

Answer

Ignore the injury as it is minor and part of the job.

Answer

Ask the recipient to pay for any medical treatment out of pocket.

Answer

Only report the injury if it becomes severe and requires hospitalization.

Question 5

To prepare for a potential power outage or other emergency, what should an IHSS provider discuss and develop with their recipient beforehand?

Accepted Answer

A personal emergency plan that includes emergency contacts, medical information, and an evacuation route.

Answer

A list of the provider's favorite emergency snacks.

Answer

The provider's own family evacuation plan.

Answer

A schedule for checking social media for updates during the emergency.

Question 6

Which of the following situations would be considered an immediate health and safety hazard in the recipient's home that the provider should address or report?

Accepted Answer

A frayed electrical cord on a frequently used lamp, located near a walkway.

Answer

A pile of magazines on a coffee table.

Answer

A dripping faucet in the kitchen sink.

Answer

Dust on top of a bookshelf.