HHA practice questions

An HHA should use friction for at least ___ seconds when washing her hands?

20 seconds

Where should the HHA stand when helping a client recovering from a stroke to walk?

On the client’s weaker side

What is the correct way to remove a gown?

Unfasten the neck and waist ties and roll the dirty side inward while holding the gown away from the body.

How many times can disposable gloves be worn before being discarded?

One time

To best communicate with a visually impaired client, the HHA should _____.

Identify herself when she enters the room.

What is the best way to provide foot care for a client with diabetes?

Observe the feet regularly for signs of sores or infection.

If a client starts to fall, what should the HHA do?

Widen her stance and bring the client’s body close to her.

What legal document designates what type of care a person wants if unable to make decisions?

Advance directive

Which temperature site is generally considered the most accurate?

Rectal

Which task is outside the scope of practice for an HHA?

Prescribing a new medication

How should an HHA respond if a client tries to give a gift?

Refuse the gift but say thank you.

What does empathy mean?

Being able to identify with the feelings of others.

Which pulse is most commonly checked to monitor pulse rate?

Radial pulse

Slapping, shoving, and rough handling are examples of what type of abuse?

Physical abuse

With whom may an HHA share a client’s medical information?

The client’s doctor

Which is the correct way to write a blood pressure reading?

120/75

To convert ounces to milliliters, multiply the number of ounces by _____.

30

Which action demonstrates active listening?
Answer: Focus on the client and provide feedback.

Focus on the client and provide feedback.

Which statement is an example of a fact?

Mr. Gomez ate half of his scrambled egg.

Which nutrient is most essential for life?

Water

Objective information is _____.

Information collected using the senses.

When should HHAs document care?

Right after it has been done

Standard Precautions should be practiced on _____.

Every single person in the HHA’s care.

Which statement about handwashing is true?

Hands should be washed before and after touching a client.

What is true about HIV testing?

The results are confidential and cannot be shared.

What are common initial signs and symptoms of HIV infection?

Flu-like symptoms

Using proper body mechanics includes _____.

Standing with the legs shoulder-width apart

At what angle should a client be sitting when eating?

90-degree angle

What is one of the first signs that a pressure injury is forming?

Discoloration of the skin

Which of the following is an example of a physical need?

Food

Which statement is a cliché?

“It will all work out in the end.”

Sexually transmitted infections can be passed through which type of contact?

Contact of the mouth with the genitals

In which type of environment do microorganisms grow best?

Dark

How long should the HHA wait to take a client’s oral temperature after the client has had a cold drink?

10 to 20 minutes

An axillary temperature is measured where?

In the armpit

Which sense is usually the last to leave the body when a person is dying?

Hearing

A client lying on either the left or right side is in what position?

Lateral position

When transferring a client with a strong side and a weak side, which side moves first?

The stronger side

Which cane has four rubber-tipped feet?

Quad cane

When cleaning the perineal area, in which direction should the HHA work?

From front to back

In which situations must an HHA always wear gloves?

While performing perineal care

Which equipment is used for clients who cannot raise their hips onto a regular bedpan?

Fracture pan

What is the medical term for high blood pressure?

Hypertension

What is the proper order for putting on PPE?

Gown, mask, goggles, gloves

What time of day is best to collect a sputum specimen?

Early morning

How should an HHA respond to perseveration in a client with Alzheimer’s disease?

Repeat herself using the same words

How often should an ostomy pouch be emptied?

Whenever stool is eliminated

How should an HHA work when helping a client with range-of-motion exercises?

Begin at the feet and work up the body

What is the permanent and painful shortening of a joint and muscle called?

Contracture

What unit is used when documenting the amount of fluid a client drinks?

Milliliters

How should a fracture pan be positioned?

With the handle toward the foot of the bed

How should the HHA communicate with a hearing-impaired client?

Face the client directly when speaking

One way an HHA can help a visually impaired client is by _____.

Using the face of an imaginary clock to explain the position of objects

Which of the following is an example of physical abuse?

Pinching a client

Joking with a client’s sister about the client’s incontinence is what type of abuse?

Psychological abuse

Which statement about mental illness is true?

Mental illness is a disorder like any physical disorder

How should a baby be placed in a crib?

On his back

An appropriate resource for an HHA experiencing stress is _____.

His supervisor

For an object to be considered clean in a healthcare setting, it must be _____.

Free of pathogens

Clients with COPD have trouble with _____.

Breathing

The ability to think logically and clearly is called _____.

Cognition

What common non-toxic item can be used to clean surfaces and eliminate odors?

Baking soda

In what type of environment do microorganisms thrive?

Warm, moist environments

Which of the following is an example of a whole grain food?

Whole wheat bread

What condition occurs when a person does not have enough fluid in the body?

Dehydration

Which of the following is an example of a plant-based protein?

Refried beans

According to the USDA’s MyPlate, most fruit choices should be _____.

Whole fruit

How many times should each range-of-motion exercise be performed for each body part?

At least three times

How can an HHA help prevent aspiration during eating?

Place food in the stronger side of the mouth

How many hours of continuing education are HHAs required to complete each year?

12 hours

What is true about Transmission-Based Precautions?

They are practiced in addition to Standard Precautions

Which of the following is an example of a psychosocial need?

Need for acceptance

What is an effective way for an HHA to help prevent dehydration?

Regularly encourage clients to drink

Another term for a pressure injury is _____.

Decubitus ulcer

What does the abbreviation ADLs stand for?

Activities of Daily Living

Which type of care helps people regain or improve function after illness or injury?

Rehabilitation

What should an HHA do if a client asks for a task that is not included in the care plan?

Explain that only tasks assigned in the care plan are allowed

What medical term means chest pain or discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to the heart?

Angina pectoris

Which action is an example of ethical behavior?

Protecting a client’s privacy

What is 4:00 p.m. in military time?

1600 hours

Which communication habit can create a barrier between the HHA and the client?

Using medical terminology with the client

When making a phone call regarding a client, what should the HHA do first?

Identify herself and state why she is calling

Which of the following is an example of nonverbal communication?

A client points to a glass of water

How should an HHA handle a client’s incontinence?

Be sensitive and professional

Why are deep breathing exercises encouraged?

To clear the lungs of mucus

Which event should be reported using an incident report?

A client falls

Which vaccine must employers offer to healthcare workers?

Hepatitis B vaccine

How can HHAs help prevent pressure injuries caused by shearing?

Reposition clients without causing shearing

How should a standard bedpan be positioned?

With the wider end toward the foot of the bed

Which device is used to measure blood pressure?

Sphygmomanometer

What is hand hygiene?

Using soap and water as well as alcohol-based hand rubs to keep hands clean

Which device is commonly used to help transfer a client safely?

Transfer belt

How should food be placed in the mouth of a client who has had a stroke?

Place food on the unaffected (stronger) side of the mouth

How many milliliters are in one ounce?

30 milliliters

Which pulse site is most commonly used for measuring pulse?

Radial pulse

Which position is a client in when lying on one side?

Lateral position

Which sense is usually the last to be lost before death?

Hearing

What body position is recommended when eating to reduce the risk of aspiration?

Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle

What is one of the earliest signs of a pressure injury?

Discoloration of the skin

What is the most essential nutrient for life?

Water