Free HHA Basic Care and Comfort Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When providing a bed bath to a patient, what is the correct water temperature?
- Cold water to prevent overheating
- Comfortably warm water between 105–115°F (41–46°C) (Correct answer)
- Very hot water to kill bacteria
- Room-temperature water only
Correct answer: Comfortably warm water between 105–115°F (41–46°C)
Bed bath water should be comfortably warm — approximately 105–115°F. Water that is too hot can burn fragile skin; too cold causes discomfort and chilling.
Question 2: Which position is generally recommended for a patient with dyspnea (difficulty breathing) while resting in bed?
- Flat supine position
- Prone position
- Semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position (head elevated 30–90°) (Correct answer)
- Left lateral position only
Correct answer: Semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position (head elevated 30–90°)
Elevating the head of the bed in a Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position allows the diaphragm to drop, expanding lung capacity and easing breathing.
Question 3: A patient has a pressure ulcer on their coccyx. How often should the home health aide reposition them?
- Once every 8 hours
- Every 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Once per shift
- Only when the patient requests it
Correct answer: Every 2 hours
Repositioning every 2 hours relieves sustained pressure on bony prominences, the primary cause of pressure ulcer formation and progression.
Question 4: When assisting a patient to put on a shirt, which arm should be dressed first?
- The stronger arm
- The weaker or affected arm (Correct answer)
- Either arm — it does not matter
- The dominant arm always
Correct answer: The weaker or affected arm
The weaker or affected arm is dressed first because it has less range of motion. The garment is then pulled over and the stronger arm inserted last, minimizing discomfort.
Question 5: What is the purpose of passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises for a bedridden patient?
- To build muscle strength independently
- To prevent contractures and maintain joint flexibility (Correct answer)
- To help the patient lose weight
- To substitute for physical therapy entirely
Correct answer: To prevent contractures and maintain joint flexibility
Passive ROM moves joints through their full range without patient effort, preventing stiffness, contractures, and circulatory problems in immobilized patients.
Question 6: When making an occupied bed, the aide should keep the patient:
- Standing at the bedside during the entire process
- Turned to one side while one half of the bed is remade, then turned to the other side (Correct answer)
- Seated in a chair for the entire linen change
- In the supine position without moving throughout
Correct answer: Turned to one side while one half of the bed is remade, then turned to the other side
Fan-folding clean linen to the center and rolling the patient from side to side allows complete linen change without removing the patient from the bed, ensuring comfort and safety.
Free HHA Basic Care and Comfort Questions and Answers 2
When providing a bed bath to a patient, what is the correct water temperature?