+ All Categories
Home > Documents > Aide Competency Book

Aide Competency Book

Date post: 21-Apr-2015
Category:
Upload: nursesandi1
View: 1,245 times
Download: 4 times
Share this document with a friend
30
HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org Reviewed January, 2009 Copyright © 1996, 1998, 2009 Home Care Association of Florida Home Health Aide Competency Testing Manual For the exclusive use of HCAF Members TO: HCAF Members FROM: Gene Tischer DATE: October 6, 1999 SUBJECT: Home Health Aide Competency Testing Manual Enclosed is HCAF’s Home Health Aide Competency Testing Manual. This comprehensive evaluation was compiled and produced by the HCAF (formerly AHHIF) Regulatory SubCommittee in 1990 and has been reviewed as necessary. This valuable test model is being exclusively provided to HCAF members. The test is designed for agencies to administer to their employees or potential employees in order to determine competency as a home health aide. This written and practical test is recognized as meeting both state and federal regulations. Should you have questions, please feel free to call the HCAF office. Lastly, since this is being provided to HCAF members exclusively, we must enforce strict limitations on reproduction and request that you not share or reproduce this model with nonmember agencies. Thank you. NOTE: HCAF is not engaged in legal, accounting, financial or other professional counseling, and readers are cautioned to contact their professional advisors for direction. HCAF gathers information from various sources in order to keep the membership informed. Copyright © 1998, 1994, 2009 Home Care Association of Florida. All rights reserved. No reproduction without HCAF's permission.
Transcript
Page 1: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

Reviewed  January,  2009  

Copyright  ©  1996,  1998,  2009  Home  Care  Association  of  Florida  

   

 

 

 

 

 

Home  Health  Aide  Competency  Testing  Manual  

For  the  exclusive  use  of  HCAF  Members  

   

TO:  HCAF  Members  

FROM:  Gene  Tischer  

DATE:  October  6,  1999  

SUBJECT:  Home  Health  Aide  Competency  Testing  Manual  

Enclosed  is  HCAF’s  Home  Health  Aide  Competency  Testing  Manual.  This  comprehensive  evaluation  was  compiled  and  produced  by  the  HCAF  (formerly  AHHIF)  Regulatory  Sub-­‐Committee  in  1990  and  has  been  reviewed  as  necessary.  This  valuable  test  model  is  being  exclusively  provided  to  HCAF  members.  The  test  is  designed  for  agencies  to  administer  to  their  employees  or  potential  employees  in  order  to  determine  competency  as  a  home  health  aide.  This  written  and  practical  test  is  recognized  as  meeting  both  state  and  federal  regulations.  

Should  you  have  questions,  please  feel  free  to  call  the  HCAF  office.  Lastly,  since  this  is  being  provided  to  HCAF  members  exclusively,  we  must  enforce  strict  limitations  on  reproduction  and  request  that  you  not  share  or  reproduce  this  model  with  non-­‐member  agencies.  Thank  you.  

NOTE:  HCAF  is  not  engaged  in  legal,  accounting,  financial  or  other  professional  counseling,  and  readers  are  cautioned  to  contact  their  professional  advisors  for  direction.  HCAF  gathers  information  from  various  sources  in  order  to  keep  the  membership  informed.  

Copyright  ©  1998,  1994,  2009  Home  Care  Association  of  Florida.  All  rights  reserved.  No  reproduction  without  HCAF's  permission.  

   

Page 2: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

   

Home  Health  Aide  Competency  Test  

Written  Examination  

ROLE  OF  THE  HOME  HEALTH  AIDE  

An  aide  may  perform  certain  duties.  Mark  the  following  true  or  false  for  tasks  you  may  legally  perform  as  a  home  health  aide.  T=True  F=False  

1. Reinforce  a  dressing  2. Apply  a  hot  pack  3. Give  an  enema  4. Administer  medication  5. Change  a  sterile  dressing  6. Change  a  colostomy  bag  7. Give  a  rectal  suppository  8. Give  a  tubal  feeding  9. Give  insulin  10. Cut  nails  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER.  

1. As  a  home  health  aide,  you:  

a. work  alone  b. work  as  part  of  the  health  care  team  c. may  become  the  leader  of  the  health  care  team  d. will  never  get  any  further  training  after  orientation  

2. When  you  work  in  the  home,  you  will  be:  

a. responsible  for  making  decisions  without  any  help  b. working  under  the  supervision  of  a  professional  supervisor  c. away  from  your  office  and  have  no  way  to  contact  your  employer  d. responsible  for  calling  the  physician  with  information  

3. As  a  home  health  aide,  it  is  your  responsibility  to:  

a. plan  the  client’s  care  b. do  only  the  tasks  that  the  registered  nurse  assigns  to  you  c. try  to  do  your  best,  but  not  ask  for  any  help  d. compare  assignments  with  your  co-­‐workers    

4. A  patient  has  cancer  which  has  spread,  and  the  doctor  says  he  is  not  likely  to  live  long.  The  patient  asks  you  several  questions  about  how  long  he  will  live.  What  should  you  do?  

Page 3: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

a. tell  the  patient  what  you  think  b. explain  to  the  patient  that  he  should  ask  his  nurse  and  doctor  c. tell  the  patient  he  is  going  to  live  a  long  time  d. tell  the  patient  that  doctors  don’t  know  everything  

I. COMMUNICATION  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. In  the  home,  it  is  important  to  be  a  good  listener.  2. Always  tell  the  patient  what  you  are  going  to  do  before  starting  a  procedure.  3. You  only  communicate  through  words.  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. Which  of  the  following  is  important  in  communicating  with  people:  

a. courtesy  b. tact  c. listening  d. all  of  the  above  

2. Body  language  is:  

a. a  way  of  communicating  feelings  by  using  the  body,  facial  expressions  and  the  eyes  b. only  used  by  clients  to  tell  their  doctors  what  is  causing  them  problems  c. only  used  by  persons  who  are  deaf  and  mute  d. the  newest  dance  craze  

3. Nursing  care  for  a  conscious  patient  should  be  preceded  by:  

a. asking  the  patient  for  his  permission  to  go  ahead  with  the  procedure  b. telling  the  patient  you  would  like  to  have  his  cooperation  c. giving  an  explanation  of  what  is  going  to  be  done  d. explaining  to  the  patient  that  the  doctor  ordered  this  done  

II. OBSERVATION,  REPORTING  AND  DOCUMENTATION  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. If  you  do  not  chart  a  task  that  you  do  for  a  patient,  legally,  it  was  not  done  2. If  the  patient  has  a  new  area  of  skin  breakdown,  and  the  nurse  is  coming  in  two  days,  you  do  not  need  

to  report  the  skin  breakdown  to  your  supervisor  3. A  rapid  pulse  and  shortness  of  breath  in  a  patient  usually  indicates  the  patient  is  excited  and  does  not  

need  to  be  reported  to  the  nurse  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

Page 4: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

1. The  patient  tells  you  he  has  not  moved  his  bowels  in  three  days.  What  should  you  do?  

a. tell  him  not  to  worry  about  it  b. tell  him  to  take  a  laxative  c. report  it  to  the  nursing  supervisor  d. pretend  you  didn’t  hear  him  

2. After  arriving  to  care  for  Mr.  Jones,  he  complains  he  has  had  severe  cramping  pains  in  the  calf  of  his  left  leg  for  the  last  three  hours.  You  call  your  supervisor  and  then  record  on  your  progress  note  the  following:  

a. "States  he  has  leg  cramps"  b. "Complains  of  pain"  c. "Left  leg  hurts  a  lot"  d. "States  he  has  severe  cramping  pains  in  the  calf  of  his  left  leg  for  three  hours"  

3. Objective  observation  means:  

a. using  all  your  senses  (seeing,  hearing,  touching,  etc..)  in  detecting  changes  in  the  patient’s  condition  

b. signs  and  symptoms  described  by  the  patient  c. deciding  what  the  patient  needs  d. describing  objects  in  the  patient’s  room  

III. READING  AND  RECORDING  TEMPERATURE,  PULSE  AND  RESPIRATIONS  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. Always  report  a  pulse  rate  if  the  beats  per  minute  are  under  60  or  over  100  2. The  temperature  of  an  unconscious  patient  should  be  taken  orally  since  they  are  not  moving  about  3. Recording  a  patient’s  "TPR"  or  vital  signs  is  not  important  as  long  as  you  remember  what  they  were.  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. For  which,  if  any,  of  these  body  areas  is  99.6  degrees  F.  a  normal  temperature?  

a. axilla  b. mouth  c. rectum  d. none  of  the  above    

2. When  taking  a  patient’s  pulse,  you  should  take  it  for:  

a. 15  seconds  b. one  full  minute  c. 45  seconds  d. two  minutes  

Page 5: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

3. When  a  patient’s  respirations  are  being  counted,  it  is  best  that  the  patient:  

a. try  to  breath  evenly  b. breathe  as  deeply  as  he  can  c. sit  up  straight  d. not  be  aware  that  the  respirations  are  being  counted  

IV. BODY  FUNCTIONS  AND  CHANGES  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. Diarrhea  can  cause  dehydration  and  other  serious  complications  and  should  be  reported  2. If  a  person  complains  of  pain,  it  is  important  to  have  the  patient  describe  the  pain  and  then  report  it  to  

the  nurse  and  record  it  in  your  notes.  3. It’s  normal  for  most  people  to  complain  of  pressure,  swelling,  or  bloating  in  their  ankles,  feet,  stomach  

or  legs.  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. If  you  notice  the  patient’s  catheter  is  not  draining,  the  first  thing  you  should  do  is:  

a. call  your  supervisor  b. empty  the  drainage  bag  c. check  the  tubing  to  see  if  it  is  kinked  d. do  nothing,  this  is  the  nurse’s  problem  

2. Which  of  the  following  is  not  recommended  for  promoting  good  daily  bowel  habits:  

a. plenty  of  water  b. laxatives  c. exercise  d. well  balanced  meals  

3. The  patient’s  pulse  has  been  between  90  and  110  beats  per  minute  since  his  first  aide  visit.  Now  you  find  it  to  be  58  beats  per  minute.  What  should  you  do  next?  

a. tell  the  patient  he  must  be  getting  better  b. wait  15  minutes  and  take  the  pulse  again  c. inform  the  supervisor  right  away  d. just  record  the  pulse  in  the  normal  way    

V. INFECTION  CONTROL  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. Hand  washing  is  the  single  best  way  to  decrease  the  transfer  of  pathogens  2. Gloves  should  be  worn  when  handling  items  soiled  by  body  fluids  3. The  catheter  drainage  bag  must  be  lower  than  the  bladder,  but  not  on  the  floor  

Page 6: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. During  a  visit,  you  need  to  wash  your  hands:  

a. before  you  give  physical  care  to  the  patient  b. after  you  pet  the  dog  c. before  you  leave  the  patient’s  home  d. all  of  the  above  

2. In  what  situation  should  gloves  be  used?  

a. the  patient  is  vomiting  b. the  patient  has  been  incontinent  of  stool  c. the  patient  has  a  draining  wound  d. all  of  the  above  

3. When  soiled  linen  is  removed  from  the  patient’s  bed,  it  should  be:  

a. shaken  b. folded  exactly  hem  to  hem  c. held  away  from  one’s  uniform  d. inspected  for  tears  

VI. MAINTENANCE  OF  A  CLEAN,  SAFE,  HEALTH  ENVIRONMENT  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. A  bedside  call  bell  needs  to  be  available  so  the  bedbound  patient  can  summon  assistance  2. Bedrails  should  never  be  used  to  secure  vest  restraints  3. Smoking  in  bed  is  fine  for  anyone  who  is  not  confused  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. To  prevent  poisoning  of  people  (including  children)  which  of  the  following  actions  is  best:  

a. keep  poisons  locked  up  or  in  places  where  children  cannot  reach  them  b. keep  an  antidote  ready  in  case  someone  takes  poison  c. have  an  emergency  number  to  call  d. store  in  cool,  dry  place  

2. Part  of  your  duties  as  a  home  health  aide  are  to  assure  safe  home  environment.  This  includes:  

a. proper  infection  control  with  good  hand  washing  b. electrical  and  fire  safety  c. moving  things  which  may  cause  the  patient  to  fall  d. all  of  the  above  

3. Bad  breath  or  body  odors  on  a  home  health  aide  will  be  LEAST  likely  to  be  noticed  by  the:  

Page 7: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

a. patient  b. nurse  c. aide  d. patient’s  family  

VII. EMERGENCY  PROCEDURES  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. For  an  injury  with  profuse  bleeding,  apply  pressure  and  call  for  assistance  2. If  the  patient  begins  to  have  a  seizure,  your  first  responsibility  is  to  prevent  the  patient  from  injuring  

himself  3. If  the  patient  falls  and  complains  of  pain  in  his  hip,  you  should  help  him  to  get  up  and  walk  to  the  bed  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. In  case  of  fire  in  the  home,  what  is  the  best  procedure  to  follow:  

a. tell  the  patient  to  be  calm,  call  the  fire  department  and  then  take  the  patient  out  of  the  house  b. get  the  patient  and  yourself  out  of  the  house  and  call  the  fire  department  c. try  and  put  the  fire  out  yourself  d. call  your  supervisor  and  the  fire  department,  then  leave  the  house  

2. A  patient  is  choking  on  some  object  that  is  caught  in  his  airway.  Before  first-­‐aid  measures  are  applied,  find  out:  

a. if  the  patient’s  pulse  rate  is  over  80  b. if  the  patient  can  swallow  clear  fluids  c. if  the  patient  can  speak  or  cough  d. what  medications  the  patient  has  taken  in  the  past  24  hours  

3. While  giving  a  bath  on  a  shower  chair,  the  patient  suddenly  gasps  and  becomes  unresponsive.  The  home  health  aide  should:  

a. call  for  family  assistance  and  continue  with  the  bath  b. leave  the  patient  and  call  911  c. lower  the  patient  to  the  floor,  call  for  the  family  to  call  911,  determine  if  CPR  is  needed  and  

initiate  it  if  indicated  d. tell  the  family  to  stay  with  the  patient  while  you  call  911  and  the  supervisor  

VIII. HUMAN  DEVELOPMENT  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. Every  patient  is  the  same  and  has  the  same  needs  and  wants  2. It  is  all  right  to  use  any  item  in  the  home  without  asking  as  long  as  it  is  for  the  patient’s  personal  care  3. You  may  use  the  telephone  in  the  patient’s  home  without  asking  permission  

Page 8: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. Patients  may  sometimes  talk  about  religious  beliefs  with  which  you  do  not  agree.  What  would  be  your  best  reaction?  

a. it  is  best  to  pretend  to  have  the  same  beliefs  as  the  patient  b. you  have  the  right  to  explain  your  own  beliefs  in  detail  c. when  a  person  is  sick,  it  is  the  best  time  to  teach  him  true  religion  d. each  person  has  a  right  to  his  own  beliefs  which  should  be  respected  

2. A  neighbor  has  asked  you  some  questions  about  he  patient  you  are  presently  taking  care  of.  "Mrs.  Collier  is  dying,  isn’t  she?"  How  will  you  answer  her?  

a. "Mrs.  Collier  is  doing  as  well  as  can  be  expected"  b. "I  am  sorry,  but  I  cannot  discuss  Mrs.  Collier"  c. "Yes,  it’s  too  bad,  but  she’s  very  ill"  d. "How  did  you  know  about  Mrs.  Collier  and  her  illness?"  

3. The  main  purpose  of  having  written  client  rights  in  home  care  is  to:  

a. protect  the  client  from  abuse  or  neglect  by  the  homemaker/home  health  aide  b. make  sure  the  client  is  getting  the  services  he  is  entitled  to  c. insure  the  homemaker/home  health  aide  is  doing  the  job  correctly  d. all  of  the  above  

IX. PERSONAL  CARE  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. It  is  important  to  keep  a  patient  covered  during  a  bedbath  except  for  the  part  being  washed  2. Massaging  of  bony  prominences  helps  to  prevent  skin  breakdown  by  increasing  the  blood  supply  to  the  

area  3. When  giving  peri-­‐care  to  a  patient  after  a  BM,  wash  using  a  front  to  back  motion  in  order  not  to  spread  

fecal  material  to  other  areas.    

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. Which  of  the  following  is  the  most  appropriate  practice  to  promote  good  skin  care  in  the  elderly:  

a. keep  the  skin  clean  and  well  moisturized  b. apply  alcohol  to  bare  areas  of  the  skin  c. wash  daily  with  scented  soaps  d. all  of  the  above  

2. If  dentures  are  not  worn  when  sleeping,  where  should  you  store  them?  

a. wrap  in  a  washcloth  b. put  in  a  sterile  container  

Page 9: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

c. wrap  in  a  gauze  pad  d. place  in  a  clean  container  in  clean  water  

3. If  you  do  not  know  how  to  do  an  assigned  task,  you  should:  

a. call  another  aide  and  ask  him  b. ask  the  client  if  he  knows  how  to  do  it  c. call  the  supervisor  and  ask  for  help  d. handle  every  situation  by  yourself  

X. SAFE  TRANSFER  TECHNIQUES  AND  AMBULATION  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. Always  transfer  a  patient  towards  his  good  side  2. There  is  no  need  to  be  near  an  object  to  pick  it  up,  just  reach  3. It’s  best  to  use  a  gait  belt  if  a  patient  is  unsteady  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. A  patient  lying  on  his  back  has  slid  down  in  bed  and  needs  help  in  moving  up  again.  To  start  this,  the  patient  should,  if  possible:  

a. raise  himself  on  his  elbows  b. separate  his  legs  widely  c. arch  his  back  d. flex  his  knees  and  push  with  his  heels  

2. Before  helping  a  patient  into  or  out  of  a  wheelchair,  which  of  these  actions  are  necessary?  

a. have  the  brakes  unlocked  and  leave  the  foot  pieces  down  b. lock  the  brakes  and  fold  the  foot  pieces  up  c. have  the  brakes  unlocked  and  the  foot  pieces  up  d. lock  the  brakes  and  leave  the  foot  pieces  down  

3. When  assisting  a  patient  to  walk  with  his  walker,  you  should:  

a. clear  a  pathway  and  remove  all  safety  hazards  b. stay  close  to  the  patient’s  side  c. stand  on  the  other  side  of  the  room  d. a  and  b  

XI. NORMAL  RANGE  OF  MOTION  AND  POSITIONING  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. Passive  range  of  motion  exercises  are  for  the  prevention  of  contractures  in  patients  with  paralyzed  limbs  

Page 10: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

2. During  range  of  motion  exercises,  if  you  feel  resistance  or  the  patient  complains  of  pain,  you  should  continue  anyway.  

3. It’s  best  to  have  a  pillow  between  the  legs  of  a  patient  with  a  new  hip  replacement  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. To  prevent  bedsores  in  the  elderly,  you  should:  

a. change  the  patient’s  position  every  two  hours  if  they  are  unable  to  do  so  themselves  b. get  the  patient  out  of  bed  if  they  are  allowed  to  do  so  c. ensure  adequate  nutrition  with  special  emphasis  on  protein  intake  d. all  of  the  above  

2. When  turning  a  bedbound  patient  to  rub  his  back,  you  find  a  slightly  red  area  the  size  of  a  quarter  at  the  base  of  the  patient’s  spine.  What  would  be  the  best  thing  to  do  for  the  patient  before  reporting  the  finding?  

a. omit  the  back  rub  b. rub  his  back  well  and  tape  a  large  "donut"  over  the  red  area  c. apply  an  antiseptic  to  the  spot  d. complete  the  backrub  and  leave  the  patient  supported  on  his  side  

3. When  positioning  a  patient  with  a  fractured  hip,  it  is  best  to:  

a. ask  the  patient  to  relax  b. turn  the  patient  to  the  unaffected  side  with  a  pillow  between  his  legs  c. turn  the  patient  to  the  unaffected  side  without  a  pillow  d. ask  the  patient  to  bend  his  knees  

XII. NUTRITION  

Mark  the  following  true  or  false.  T=True  F=False  

1. Soy  sauce  is  good  to  spice  up  a  low  salt  diet  2. A  regular  diet  is  a  well  balanced  diet  with  no  restrictions  3. Bread  and  potatoes  are  a  good  source  of  protein  

CHOOSE  ONE  CORRECT  ANSWER  FOR  EACH  QUESTION  BELOW  AND  CIRCLE  THE  CORRESPONDING  LETTER  

1. Foods  on  a  liquid  diet  would  include:  

a. chicken,  eggs  and  toast  b. chopped  and  strained  foods  c. broth,  tea  and  jell-­‐o  d. lightly  seasoned  foods  

2. Foods  that  are  high  in  vitamin  C  include:  

Page 11: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

a. oranges,  tomatoes  and  watermelon  b. potatoes,  raisins  and  bananas  c. liver,  beef  and  chicken  d. cheese,  milk  and  cottage  cheese  

3. If  there  is  50cc  left  in  glass  and  the  glass  holds  150cc  you  should  record  the  intake  as:  

a. 90cc  b. 120cc  c. 100cc  d. 50cc  

Page 12: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

 

ESSAY  QUESTIONS  

1. Mr.  Jones  says,  "No  way;  no  bath  today!".  What  would  you  do?  

   

   

   

   

   

2. Mrs.  Smith  tells  you  she  wants  to  shower,  and  the  care  plan  says  a  sitting  commode  bath.  What  do  you  do?  

   

   

   

   

   

   

3. On  your  first  visit  to  Mr.  Doe,  he  tells  you  he  always  wants  to  be  bathed  at  10:00  a.m.  What  do  you  do?  

   

Page 13: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

 

HOME  HEALTH  AIDE  COMPETENCY  EVALUATION  

WRITTEN  EXAMINATION  ANSWER  SHEET  

We  have  not  provided  a  scale  for  passing/failing.  The  Aide  should  be  competent  in  all  tested  areas.  

ROLE  OF  THE  HOME  HEALTH  AIDE  

True  and  False:  

1. T  2. F  3. F  4. F  5. F  6. T  7. F  8. F  9. F  10. F  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. b  

1. b  

1. b  

1. b  

I. COMMUNICATION  

True  and  False:  

1. T  

1. T  

1. F  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. d  2. a  

Page 14: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

3. c  

II.  OBSERVATION,  REPORTING  AND  DOCUMENTATION  

True  and  False:  

1. T  2. F  3. F  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. c  2. d  3. a  

III.  READING  AND  RECORDING  TEMPERATURE,  PULSE  AND  RESPIRATIONS  

True  and  False:  

1. T  2. F  3. F  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. c  2. b  3. d  

IV. INFECTION  CONTROL  

True  and  False:  

1. T  2. T  3. T  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. d  2. d  3. c  

V. BODY  FUNCTIONS  AND  CHANGES  

True  and  False:  

Page 15: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

1. T  2. T  3. F  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. c  2. b  3. c  

VI.  MAINTENANCE  OF  A  CLEAN,  SAFE,  HEALTH  ENVIRONMENT  

True  and  False:  

1. T  2. T  3. F  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. a  2. d  3. c  

VII.  EMERGENCY  PROCEDURES  

True  and  False:  

1. T  2. T  3. F  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. b  2. c  3. c  

VIII.  HUMAN  DEVELOPMENT  

True  and  False:  

1. F  2. F  3. F  

Multiple  Choice:  

Page 16: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

1. d  2. b  3. d  

IX.  PERSONAL  CARE  

True  and  False:  

1. T  2. T  3. T  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. a  2. d  3. c  

X.  SAFE  TRANSFER  TECHNIQUES  AND  AMBULATION  

True  and  False:  

1. T  2. F  3. T  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. d  2. b  3. d  

XI.  NORMAL  RANGE  OF  MOTION  AND  POSITIONING  

True  and  False:  

1. T  2. F  3. T  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. d  2. d  3. b  

XII.  NUTRITION  

Page 17: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

True  and  False:  

1. F  2. T  3. F  

Multiple  Choice:  

1. c  2. a  3. c  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 18: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

 

HOME  HEALTH  AIDE  SKILLS  PERFORMANCE  EVALUATION  

PERFORMANCE  STANDARDS  

(Required)  

I. READING  AND  RECORDING  VITAL  SIGNS  

A. Temperature  

1. Prepares  thermometer  correctly  2. Waits  to  take  oral  temperature  for  at  least  20  minutes  after  patient  has  smoked  or  

consumed  hot/cold  fluids  3. Leaves  thermometer  in  place:  

3  minutes  -­‐  oral  

4  minutes  -­‐  rectal  

5  minutes  -­‐  axillary  

1. Cleans  thermometer  after  use  and  stores  properly  

1. Reading  accurate  to  within  2/10  of  a  degree  2. Documents  reading  per  agency  policy  3. Reports  temperature  of  99  degrees  or  above  to  supervisor  4. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

A. Pulse  

1. Counts  pulse  for  one  full  minute  2. Rate  accurate  to  within  four  beats  per  minutes  3. Documents  reading  per  agency  policy,  noting  any  irregular  rhythm  4. Reports  changes/abnormalities  to  supervisor  5. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

   

A. Respirations  

Page 19: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

1. Counts  respirations  for  one  full  minute  2. Rate  accurate  to  within  two  respirations  per  minute  3. Records  rate  per  agency  policy,  noting  any  abnormalities  4. Reports  changes/abnormalities  to  supervisor  5. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

II. PROVIDING  PERSONAL  CARE  

A. Bed  Bath  

1. Assembles  equipment  before  beginning  2. Provides  for  patient  privacy/warmth  3. Explains  procedure  to  patient  before  beginning  4. Performs  bath  in  appropriate  order  5. Keeps  patient  covered  except  for  body  part  being  washed  6. Encourages  patient  to  participate  7. Provides  for  patient  safety  at  all  times  8. Cleans  and  stores  equipment  after  use  9. Documents  care  given  according  to  agency  policy  10. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

A. Other  bath  

1. Assembles  equipment  before  beginning  2. Provides  for  patient  privacy/warmth  3. Explains  procedure  to  patient  before  beginning  4. If  tub  or  shower  bath,  uses  tub/shower  seat  and  non-­‐skid  mat  5. Tests  water  temperature  before  beginning  6. Encourages  self-­‐care  as  much  as  possible  7. Performs  bath  in  appropriate  order  8. Provides  constant  supervision  9. Provides  for  patient  safety  at  all  times  10. Cleans  and  stores  equipment  after  use  11. Documents  care  given  according  to  agency  policy  12. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

   

Page 20: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

A. Shampoo  

1. Assembles  equipment  before  beginning  2. Explains  procedure  to  patient  before  beginning  3. Protects  patient’s  clothes/bedclothes  4. Uses  water  at  safe  and  comfortable  temperature  5. If  bed  shampoo,  uses  shampoo  tray  or  device  properly  6. Lathers  hair  well  and  massages  scalp  while  shampooing  7. Rinses  hair  thoroughly  8. Dries  hair  completely  and  combs  9. Cleans  and  stores  materials  after  use  10. Records  care  given  according  to  agency  policy  11. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

A. Nail  Care  

1. Assembles  equipment  before  beginning  2. Explains  procedure  to  patient  before  beginning  3. Soaks  fingernails/toenails  in  warm,  soapy  water  4. Cleans  under  and  around  nails  5. Uses  emery  board  or  nail  file  to  smooth  nail  edges  according  to  agency  policy  6. Records  care  given  according  to  agency  policy  7. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

A. Skin  Care  

1. Inspects  all  skin  areas  for  redness  or  breaks  in  skin  2. Massages  with  lotion  with  special  attention  to  bony  prominences  3. Smoothes  clothes/bedclothes  under  patient  4. If  patient  is  bedbound,  instructs  patient/caregiver  in  principles  of  good  skin  care  5. Records  care  given  according  to  agency  policy  6. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

   

A. Oral  Hygiene  

1. Assembles  equipment  before  beginning  

Page 21: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

2. Explains  procedure  to  patient  3. Provides  mouth  care  according  to  agency  policy  4. If  necessary,  removes  and  properly  cleanses  dentures,  taking  precautions  to  prevent  

damage.  Assists  patient  to  replace  dentures  as  needed  5. Cleans  and  stores  materials  after  use  6. Records  care  given  according  to  agency  policy  7. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

A. Toileting  and  Elimination  

1. Toilet/Bedside  Commode  

a. Positions  patient  properly  on  toilet/BSC  b. Provides  for  privacy  c. Allows  adequate  time  for  elimination  d. Assists,  as  necessary,  to  clean  perineal  and/or  rectal  area  e. Assist  patient  to  wash  hands  

1. Bedpan  

a. Properly  places  bedpan  and  positions  patient  for  comfort  and  to  prevent  spills  b. Provides  for  privacy  and  safety  of  patient  c. Allows  adequate  time  for  elimination  d. Assists,  as  necessary,  to  clean  perineal  and/or  rectal  area  e. Properly  disposes  of  waste  and  cleans  bedpan  

1. Ostomy  

a. Assembles  equipment  before  beginning  b. Explains  procedure  to  patient  c. Provides  care  using  proper  technique  and  according  to  agency  policy  and  

procedure  d. Records  care  given  according  to  agency  policy  

1. Other  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

   

III. ASSISTING  WITH  TRANSFERS  AND  AMBULATION  

A. Transfers  -­‐  bed  to  chair/wheelchair  

Page 22: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

1. Properly  positions  and  secures  chair/wheelchair  next  to  bed  2. Explains  procedure  to  patient  3. Uses  proper  body  mechanics  and  provides  for  patient  safety  at  all  times  4. Properly  assists  patient  to  stand  and  pivot  into  chair/wheelchair  5. Assists  patient  back  to  bed,  reversing  the  procedure  6. Other  

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

A. Ambulation  

1. With  assistive  device  

a. Clears  pathways  and  checks  for  safety  hazards  b. Provides  appropriate  physical  support  c. Assists  patient  in  proper  placement  and  use  of  assistive  device  

1. Without  assitive  device  

a. Clears  pathways  and  checks  for  safety  hazards  b. Provides  appropriate  physical  support  

1. Other  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

IV. RANGE  OF  MOTION  AND  POSITIONING  

A. Range  of  Motion  exercises  

1. Passive  

a. Moves  joints  through  normal  ROM  to  extent  possible  b. Does  not  force  joints  or  cause  patient  discomfort  c. Provides  support  above  and  below  joint  

1. Active  

a. Assists  patient  to  move  joints  through  normal  range  of  motion  to  extent  possible,  providing  assistance  as  necessary  

1. Other  _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

Page 23: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

   

A. Positioning  

1. Demonstrates  proper  technique  for  turning  patient  2. Assures  correct  body  alignment  when  positioning  patient  3. Uses  pillow  or  other  devices  to  correctly  and  adequately  support  patient  4. Other  

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________    

I. SHAVING  

A. Electric  razor  

1. Uses  electric  razor  when  available  2. Assembles  equipment  before  beginning  3. Explains  procedure  to  patient  before  beginning  4. Avoids  using  near  water  5. Demonstrates  proper  technique  in  use  6. Cleans  razor  after  use  and  stores  safely  7. Documents  care  given  according  to  agency  policy  

A. Safety  razor  

1. Assembles  equipment  before  beginning  2. Protects  patient’s  clothes/bedclothes  3. Explains  procedure  to  patient  4. Uses  fresh  blade  each  time  5. Applies  shaving  soap  properly  6. Shaves  in  direction  hair  grows  7. Rinses  razor  frequently  8. Takes  special  care  in  areas  around  nose  and  lips  9. Cleans  and  stores  equipment  after  use  10. Documents  care  given  according  to  agency  policy  

II. COMMUNICATION  SKILLS  

A. Exhibits  good  rapport  with  patient  and  caregiver  B. Accepts  patient  in  non-­‐judgmental  manner  C. Friendly,  courteous  and  empathetic  with  patient  and  caregiver  D. Demonstrates  understanding  of  patient’s  needs  E. Demonstrates  good  listening  skills    

III. OBSERVATION,  REPORTING  AND  DOCUMENTATION  

Page 24: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

A. Checks  home  health  aide  assignment/care  plan  in  home  before  beginning  care.  Contacts  supervisor  if  non  present  

B. Exhibits  understanding  of  abnormalities  which  must  be  reported  to  supervisor  C. Observes  for  changes  in  patient’s  condition  or  situation  and  reports  changes  to  supervisor  D. While  bathing  patient,  inspects  skin  carefully  for  evidence  of  pressure,  breakdown,  or  other  skin  

problems  and  reports  to  supervisor  as  necessary  E. Documents  observations,  care  given  and  communication  with  supervisor  according  to  agency  

policy  

IV. INFECTION  CONTROL  

A. Demonstrates  proper  handwashing  technique  B. Adheres  to  Universal  Precautions  at  all  times  according  to  agency  policy  C. Demonstrates  proper  technique  in  putting  on,  taking  off  and  disposing  of  gloves  D. Keeps  dirty  linen  separate  from  clean  E. Holds  dirty  linen  away  from  uniform  F. Properly  disposes  of  dirty  linen  and  wastes  

V. SAFETY  

A. Observes  for  and  informs  patient  and  supervisor  of  safety  hazards  B. Stores  cleaning  supplies  out  of  reach  of  children  C. Uses  and  teaches  proper  safety  techniques  when  oxygen  is  in  use  D. Uses  gain/transfer  belt  if  available  and  necessary,  when  assisting  patient  with  transfers  and  

ambulation  

VI. KNOWLEDGE  OF  EMERGENCY  PROCEDURE  

A. Demonstrates  understanding  of  911  system  B. Verbalizes  understanding  of  procedure  to  be  followed  if  patient  falls  or  is  injured  during  visit  C. Has  current  CPR  card  

VII. RESPECT  FOR  PATIENT  AND  PROPERTY  

A. Uses  Mr./Mrs./Ms.  When  addressing  patient,  family  or  caregiver  B. Asks  permission  to  go  into  other  rooms  and  to  obtain  any  materials  necessary  to  provide  care  C. Asks  permission  to  use  phone  and  uses  phone  only  when  necessary  to  contact  office  D. Exhibits  courtesy  and  respect  for  patient  at  all  times  

VIII. BODY  MECHANICS  

A. Demonstrates  routine  use  of  proper  body  mechanics  when  lifting,  turning  or  transferring  patient    

IX. PERSONAL  APPEARANCE  AND  HYGIENE  

A. Wears  clean,  neat,  professional-­‐looking  uniform  and  appropriate  footwear  

Page 25: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

B. Hair  neat  and  clean  looking  C. Wears  minimal  jewelry  D. Fingernails  short  and  clean  E. No  body  odor  apparent  

Page 26: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

 

SKILLS  PERFORMANCE  EVALUATION  (Required)  

NAME:  ___________________________________________  

DOH:  _________________________________________  

A  REGISTERED  NURSE  MUST  OBSERVE  AND  EVALUATE  THE  HOME  HEALTH  AIDE  PERFORMING  THE  FOLLOWING  TASKS:  

ELEMENT   DATE   C   N/T   N/O   COMMENTS  

I.  Reading  and  Recording  Vital  Signs                      

A.  Temperature                      

B.  Pulse                      

C.  Respirations                      

II.  Providing  Personal  Care:                      

A.  Bed  Bath                      

B.  Other  Bath                      

1.  Sponge                      

2.  Tub                      

3.  Shower                      

C.  Shampoo                      

1.  Sink                      

2.  Tub/Shower                      

3.  Bed                      

D.  Nail  Care                      

E.  Skin  Care                      

Page 27: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

A. Oral  Hygiene                      

1.  Teeth                      

2.  Dentures                      

3.  Mouth                      

G.  Toileting  and  Elimination                      

1.  Toilet/BSC                      

2.  Bed  Pan                      

3.  Catheter  Care                      

III.  Assisting  with  Transfers  and  Ambulation                      

A.  Transfers                      

B.  Ambulation                      

1. With  assistive  device  

(Type  ________________)  

                   

2.  Without  assistive  device  

                   

IV.  Range  of  Motion  and  Positioning                      

A.  ROM  exercises                      

1.  Passive                      

2.  Active                      

B.  Positioning                      

 

 

Page 28: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

 

 

ELEMENT  

DATE   C   N/T   N/O   COMMENTS  

I.  Shaving  a  male  patient                      

A.  Electric  Razor                      

B.  Safety  Razor                      

II.  Communication  skills                      

III.  Observation,  reporting  and  documentation  

                   

IV.  Infection  Control                      

V.  Safety                      

VI.  Knowledge  of  emergency  procedures  

                   

VII.  Respect  for  patient  and  property                      

VIII.  Body  mechanics                      

IX.  Personal  appearance  and  hygiene  

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 29: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

 

HOME  HEALTH  AIDE  COMPETENCY  

RE-­‐EVALUATION  

NAME:  ____________________________________________  

DATE:  ____________________________________________  

        Yes   No*   Follow-­‐up  

    Communication  Skills:  

• Demonstrates  appropriate  verbal  and  non-­‐verbal  skills.  

• Demonstrates  positive  and  helpful  attitude  toward  the  patient  and  others.  

           

    Personal  Appearance  and  Hygiene:  

• Demonstrates  compliance  with  agency’s  dress  code.  • Demonstrates  appropriate  hygiene  and  grooming.  

           

    Observation,  Reporting  and  Documentation:  

• Reports  appropriate  observations  including  patient’s  status.  

• Demonstrates  appropriate  documentation.  

           

    Confidentiality:  

• Respects  patients’  rights,  property,  and  maintains  confidentiality.  

           

    Safety:  

• Appropriately  identifies  and  reports  safety  hazards.  • Demonstrates  use  of  appropriate  safety  techniques  

including  safe  transfer/ambulation,  body  mechanics,  ROM,  and  positioning.  

• Demonstrates  appropriate  use  of  equipment.  Verbalizes  understanding  of  medical  emergencies  and  knowledge  of  emergency  procedures.  

           

Page 30: Aide Competency Book

HCAF 1331 E. Lafayette Street, Suite C Tallahassee, FL 32301 850.222.8967 www.homecareFLA.org  

    Basic  Infection  Control  Measures:  

• Demonstrates  compliance  with  universal  precautions.  

           

    Patient  Care  Activities:  

• Demonstrates  understanding  of,  and  compliance  with,  care  assigned.  

• Demonstrates  competent  skills  and  expertise.  • Demonstrates  understanding  of  adequate  nutrition  

and  fluid  intake.  

           

Comments  ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________  

______________________________________________________________________________  

______________________________________________________  

RN,  Supervisor,  Signature  and  Date  

*  If  no,  explain  in  comment  section  and  document  follow-­‐up/reassessment.  

 


Recommended