IHSS Safety & Emergency Response 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A recipient experiences sudden severe chest pain radiating to the left arm. After calling 911, what should the provider do while waiting for paramedics?
- Give the recipient a full glass of water
- Have the recipient walk around to improve circulation
- Keep the recipient calm, still, and comfortable; loosen tight clothing (Correct answer)
- Perform CPR immediately
Correct answer: Keep the recipient calm, still, and comfortable; loosen tight clothing
Keeping the recipient calm and still reduces cardiac workload; CPR is only begun if the recipient becomes unresponsive and stops breathing.
Question 2: What is the maximum safe water temperature for bathing an IHSS recipient to prevent scalding?
- 110°F (43°C) (Correct answer)
- 120°F (49°C)
- 100°F (38°C)
- 130°F (54°C)
Correct answer: 110°F (43°C)
Water at or below 110°F (43°C) is considered safe for bathing; higher temperatures can cause scalding, especially for recipients with reduced sensation.
Question 3: An IHSS provider notices a recipient has left-sided weakness after waking from a nap. The recipient denies any problem. What should the provider do?
- Let the recipient rest and monitor for a few hours
- Call 911 immediately — this may be a stroke (Correct answer)
- Give the recipient aspirin and call the doctor in the morning
- Assist the recipient in exercising the weak arm to restore circulation
Correct answer: Call 911 immediately — this may be a stroke
Sudden one-sided weakness is a major stroke warning sign; time is critical and 911 must be called immediately.
Question 4: Which of the following is the correct body mechanics technique to prevent provider back injury during lifting?
- Bend at the waist and keep legs straight
- Twist the torso quickly to redirect the load
- Bend at the knees, keep the back straight, and lift with legs (Correct answer)
- Keep the load as far from the body as possible for control
Correct answer: Bend at the knees, keep the back straight, and lift with legs
Bending at the knees and lifting with the legs protects the spine by using stronger leg muscles instead of the vulnerable lower back.
Question 5: A recipient's electric wheelchair stops functioning. The provider needs to move the recipient to safety. What is the safest option?
- Tip the chair back and drag it
- Use the manual override or freewheel mode if available (Correct answer)
- Have the recipient stand and walk
- Call 911 for assistance moving the wheelchair
Correct answer: Use the manual override or freewheel mode if available
Most powered wheelchairs have a freewheel or manual override mode that disengages the motor and allows the chair to be pushed manually.
Question 6: An IHSS provider finds a recipient unresponsive. After calling 911, the provider determines the recipient is not breathing normally. What should happen next?
- Place the recipient in the recovery position and wait
- Begin chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute (Correct answer)
- Attempt rescue breathing only, without compressions
- Elevate the recipient's legs to restore blood flow to the brain
Correct answer: Begin chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute
Current CPR guidelines prioritize chest compressions at 100–120 per minute to maintain circulation until EMS arrives.
Question 7: A recipient who is bedridden develops a reddened area on their tailbone that does not fade when pressure is relieved. This is a sign of:
- Normal skin reaction to clothing
- A Stage 1 pressure injury requiring repositioning and skin care (Correct answer)
- A bruise from a recent fall
- A rash caused by an allergic reaction
Correct answer: A Stage 1 pressure injury requiring repositioning and skin care
Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is classified as a Stage 1 pressure injury and requires immediate repositioning and documentation.
IHSS Safety & Emergency Response 3
A recipient experiences sudden severe chest pain radiating to the left arm.
After calling 911, what should the provider do while waiting for paramedics?