IHSS Safety & Emergency Response 2

Question 1

An IHSS recipient is choking and cannot cough, speak, or breathe. What is the correct first action?

Accepted Answer

Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)

Answer

Abdominal thrusts are the recommended first response for a conscious adult who is choking and cannot clear their airway.

Question 2

When transferring a recipient from bed to wheelchair, the provider notices the floor is wet. What should the provider do first?

Accepted Answer

Dry the floor before proceeding with the transfer

Answer

Wet floors are a major fall hazard and must be dried before any transfer to prevent injury to both the recipient and provider.

Question 3

A recipient with dementia becomes agitated and starts hitting the IHSS provider. What is the safest immediate response?

Accepted Answer

Step back, create distance, and speak calmly

Answer

Creating physical distance and using a calm, low voice is the safest de-escalation technique when a recipient with dementia becomes aggressive.

Question 4

Which item should NEVER be stored near or on top of a recipient's oxygen concentrator?

Accepted Answer

Petroleum-based lotions or creams

Answer

Petroleum-based products like Vaseline are flammable and can ignite near supplemental oxygen, creating a serious fire hazard.

Question 5

An IHSS provider smells gas in the recipient's home. What is the correct sequence of actions?

Accepted Answer

Do not turn any switches on or off — evacuate immediately, then call 911

Answer

Any electrical switch can create a spark that ignites gas — evacuate without operating any switches and call 911 from outside.

(IHSS) In-Home Supportive Services certified provider Practice Test