Competency Exam

1. T/F – As a home healthcare worker, you will work as part of a healthcare team.

2. T/F – When you work in the home, you will work under a supervisor.

3. As a home healthcare worker, it is your responsibility to:

4. T/F – In the home, it is important to be a good listener.

5. T/F – Always tell the client what you are going to do before starting a task.

6. T/F – You only communicate through words.

7. Which of the following is important when communicating with your client?

8. Body language is:

9. While working with a client you are accused of stealing five dollars. Although you have not taken the client’s money, they do not believe you. What should you do?

10. Care for a conscious client should be preceded by:

11. Stephanie is a caregiver assigned to care for Mr. Conway. Stephanie notices that Mr. Conway feels very angry when she is with him. What should Stephanie do?

12. T/F – If you do not record a task you complete for a client, legally, it was not done.

13. T/F – If the client has a new skin breakdown and the supervisor is coming in two days, you do not need to report the skin breakdown to your supervisor.

14. T/F – Shortness of breath in a client usually indicates they are just excited and this does not need to be reported to the supervisor.

15. If a client tells you he has not moved his bowels in three days, what should you do?

16. Which of these actions is a “non-medical” home healthcare worker permitted to do in relation to assisting with medication administration?

17. When a client complains of pain, what should you do first?

18. T/F – Your client’s prescription for heart pills has recently been changed and your client complains of a new rash on her stomach. You should notify your supervisor immediately.

19. Mrs. Rand has diabetes and takes insulin regularly. She tells you that she feels very nervous and jittery. What should you do immediately?

20. T/F – Handwashing is the single best way to reduce the transfer of pathogens.

21. T/F – Gloves should be worn when handling items soiled by body fluids.

22. T/F – The catheter drainage bag must be lower than the bladder, but not on the floor.

23. During a visit when should you wash your hands?

24. In what situation should gloves be used?

25. T/F – Diarrhea can cause dehydration and other serious complications and should be reported.

26. T/F – If a person complains of pain, it is important to have the client describe the pain and then report it to the supervisor and then record it in your notes.

27. T/F – It is normal for most people to complain of pressure, swelling, or bloating in their ankles, feet, stomach or legs.

28. If you notice the client’s catheter is not draining, what is the first thing you should do?

29. Which of the following is not recommended for promoting good daily bowel habits?

30. Mrs. Amos has not had a bowel movement for three days. She has always given herself an enema when this persists for that long a time. Mrs. Amos asks the caregiver to give her an enema. What should you do?

31. T/F – A bedside call bell needs to be available so the bed bound client can summon assistance.

32. T/F – Bedrails should never be used to secure vest restraints.

33. T/F – Smoking in bed is fine for anyone who is not confused.

34. It is your duty to provide a safe home environment for your client which includes which of the following?

35. A client is receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula. What safety precautions should the caregiver take?

36. T/F – For an injury with profuse bleeding, apply pressure and call for assistance.

37. T/F – If your client begins to have a seizure, your first responsibility is to prevent the client from being injured.

38. T/F – If your client falls and complains of pain in their hip, you should help them to get up and walk to the bed.

39. T/F – If a client is choking, before first-aid measures are applied you should Ffind out if the client can speak or cough.

40. While assisting with a bath using a shower chair, the client suddenly gasps and becomes unresponsive. What should you do?

41. For which of these emergencies is knowledge of pressure points essential?

42. T/F – For a medical emergency you should not hesitate to call 911. 

43. T/F – Every client is the same and has the same needs and wants.

44. T/F – It is fine to use any item in the home without asking as long as it is for the client’s personal care.

45. T/F – You may use the telephone in the client’s home without asking permission.

46. A neighbor has asked you a question about the client you are caring for. She said, “Is Mrs. Collier dying?” How will you answer her?

47. Which of these statements about the elderly is true?

48. When caring for a patient who is on bed rest, what should the caregiver do to prevent bedsores?

49. Which of these statements describes good body mechanics?

50. Milk is a good source of calcium. Which of these foods is also high in calcium?