Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following situations should a home health aide immediately report to their supervisor?
Which of the following situations should a home health aide immediately report to their supervisor?
What is the appropriate action for a home health aide to take when a patient complains of pain?
What is the appropriate action for a home health aide to take when a patient complains of pain?
In the event of a patient choking, what is the first step a home health aide should take?
In the event of a patient choking, what is the first step a home health aide should take?
What should a home health aide do if a patient refuses to eat?
What should a home health aide do if a patient refuses to eat?
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Which of the following actions is within the scope of a home health aide's responsibilities?
Which of the following actions is within the scope of a home health aide's responsibilities?
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Which of the following is the correct way to apply lotion to a diabetic patient's feet?
Which of the following is the correct way to apply lotion to a diabetic patient's feet?
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What is the correct procedure for taking a patient's pulse?
What is the correct procedure for taking a patient's pulse?
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Which of the following is a key principle of infection control in the home setting?
Which of the following is a key principle of infection control in the home setting?
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What should a home health aide do if a patient becomes unresponsive?
What should a home health aide do if a patient becomes unresponsive?
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Which of the following is a safe practice for home health aides to follow when caring for a patient with oxygen therapy?
Which of the following is a safe practice for home health aides to follow when caring for a patient with oxygen therapy?
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When helping a patient into a wheelchair, what safety precaution should be taken?
When helping a patient into a wheelchair, what safety precaution should be taken?
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Which of the following is NOT a good practice for preventing bedsores?
Which of the following is NOT a good practice for preventing bedsores?
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What is the appropriate response for a home health aide if a patient accuses them of theft?
What is the appropriate response for a home health aide if a patient accuses them of theft?
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When assisting a patient with right-sided weakness to walk, what should the home health aide do?
When assisting a patient with right-sided weakness to walk, what should the home health aide do?
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What should a home health aide do if a patient feels dizzy while being helped to stand from a bed?
What should a home health aide do if a patient feels dizzy while being helped to stand from a bed?
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What is the function of range of motion exercises?
What is the function of range of motion exercises?
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Study Notes
Home Health Aide Roles & Responsibilities
- Home health aides are part of a healthcare team, supervised, and not independent.
- Home health aides perform tasks assigned by registered nurses or therapists.
- Effective communication is crucial. It involves being courteous, tactful, and listening to the patient.
- Body language is a key part of communication—expressions, gestures, and eye contact.
- Explain procedures to conscious patients before starting.
- Report discomfort or anger to a supervisor.
- Report theft accusations to the supervisor, even if innocent.
- Report any significant change in a patient's condition (e.g., constipation, pulse changes) to the supervisor.
- Record and report a patient's medication reaction but do not adjust dosages or schedules.
- When a patient complains of pain, ask for a description before taking action.
- Immediately report any medication changes, especially those with side effects, to the supervisor.
- Administer juice to hypoglycemic diabetic patients.
- A normal rectal temperature is 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Take a patient's pulse for a full minute.
- Take patient respirations while the patient is unaware, if possible.
Infection Control and Safety
- Wear gloves when handling bodily fluids, open wounds, and incontinence.
- If a patient's catheter is not draining, check the tubing for kinks first.
- Laxatives are generally not recommended for bowel habits.
- Immediately report a significant change in a patient's pulse to the supervisor.
- Do not administer enemas, even if requested. Report the situation to the supervisor.
- Ensure a safe home environment—good infection control, electrical/fire safety, and removing fall hazards.
- No smoking near oxygen therapy.
Patient Care and Emergency Procedures
- If a patient is choking, assess if they can speak or cough. If they can, encourage coughing; otherwise, perform abdominal thrusts.
- If a patient becomes unresponsive, lower them to the floor, call 911, and prepare to perform CPR if needed.
- Keep the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) number near the patient's phone.
- Do not discuss patient information (illness or otherwise).
- Encourage elderly patients to maintain independence.
- Encourage patients to eat when ready, emphasizing meal importance.
- Observe infants and children closely to understand their feelings.
- Maintain elderly patients' skin hygiene by keeping it clean and moisturized.
- Dentures should be stored in clean water, in a clean container when not in use.
- Promote good oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay and gum infection.
- Encourage elderly patients with urinary incontinence to use the bathroom regularly.
- Apply lotion to diabetic patients' feet after drying, but avoid applying between toes.
- Flex your knees when lifting objects from the floor.
Additional Patient Care and Safety
- Ensure the bottom bed sheet is wrinkle-free for bedridden patients to prevent pressure sores.
- Perform range of motion exercises, supporting body parts above and below the joints.
- Liquid diets typically consist of broth, tea, and jello.
- When assisting a patient to a wheelchair, lock the brakes and fold up footrests.
- Clear hazards when helping a patient walk with a walker, and stay close to the patient.
- If a patient feels dizzy while standing, lay them back down and inform the supervisor.
- When helping a patient with right-sided weakness to walk, walk by their right side.
- Secure wheelchair brakes when moving a patient from bed to chair.
- Change a patient's position every two hours to prevent bedsores.
- Support a baby's head and neck when picking up a newborn.
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Description
This quiz focuses on the roles and responsibilities of home health aides within the healthcare team. It highlights the importance of effective communication, responsibility reporting, and the associated duties they perform under supervision. Understanding these responsibilities is crucial for providing quality patient care.
