Infection prevention and safety in the home
Wash plates and utensils thoroughly in very hot water with antibacterial soap. Bleach may need to be added to the water. Follow agency policy. Encourage family members to use separate dishes and utensils.
What washing plates and utensils when working with a client who has an infectious disease?
Growing number of elderly people and chronically ill people. Early hospital discharges to cut costs. Client preference for the comfort of home.
What is reasons for the increase in demand for home health care
It is the responsibility of the home health aide to tell a client about their diagnosis and medical treatment plan.
What is False. This is the responsibility of the doctor or nurse.
Treating an overdose as a poisoning and call 911 as well as local Poison Control Center immediately and follow their instructions.
Mixing products can cause a dangerous chemical reaction that can harm you and others.
What is why cleaning products should never be mixed.
Transmission-based precautions are used in addition to standard precautions
What are precautions for a client who has an infectious disease?
LTC facilities are built to make caregiving easier and safer. Wide doors, large bathing facilities, and special equipment with readily available staff. While home Care may have lack of equipment, stairs, cramped bathrooms, rugs, clutter, layout of room, and pets complicating caregiving.
What are differences in the home as opposed to a long-term care facility?
The best way to prevent choking when the client is eating is to have them lay flat on their backs.
What is false. The best position for the client to eat in is as upright as possible.
Never handle or administer medications unless specifically trained & assigned to do so. Observe clients' self-administration of medication. Know the difference between prescription, nonprescription, and over-the-counter drugs. Be aware of all medications the client is taking. Report side effects.
What are guidelines for promoting safe and proper use of medications?
Moving heavy furniture, washing windows, taking down drapes, cleaning the attic and/or basement, or mowing the lawn.
What are tasks the home health aid should not be asked to preform.
Clear all walkways of clutter, throw rugs and cords. Avoid waxing floors, use non-skid mats. Have clients wear nonskid shoes and proper fitting clothing. Keep frequently used personal items close to the client. Clean up spills immediately. Improve lighting. Offer assistance with elimination. Leave furniture in the same place you found it.
What are tips to guard against falls in the home?
Promoting clients' independence by practicing good housekeeping, nutrition, and healthcare skills.
What are ways a home health aide can be a positive role model for clients and their families?
Sponges should be washed in the dishwasher.
What is True. Sponges may also be soaked in bleach or other disinfectant.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, abdominal pain.
What are common medication side effects?
In separate cabinets with childproof latches or locks, or up and out of reach of children
What is where should hazardous household materials be kept?
Store potholders and other flammable kitchen items away from stove. Discourage careless smoking. Do not leave the dryer running when not in the home. Turn off space heaters when no one is home or when everyone is sleeping. Ensure working smoke alarms. Have fire extinguishers on hand. Stay near kitchen when cooking or baking.
What is guideline for reducing fire hazards?
Gift-giving and receiving is unprofessional and can cause problems.
What is a reason why gift should not be given or accepted?
Clients dietary restrictions, food preferences, number of family members present at meals, and the client's budget are not necessary to consider when preparing a meal for the client.
What is false. All factors should be taken into account by the HHA when planning a meal for the client
The right patient, right medication, right time, right route, and right amount.
What are the 5 basic right of medication administration?
Electrical appliances, certain plastic materials, wooden pieces or utensils, hand-painted or antique dishes, delicate china, crystal, cast iron, many pots or pans, and sharp or carbon steel knives.
What are items that should not be washed in the dishwasher?
Home health aids should not approach a home where strangers are hanging around. They should go to their car and drive to a safe area. They should use their cell phone or nearest phone in a safe area to call their supervisor.
What is how a home health aid should respond when approaching a house with strangers hanging around?
A home health aide sees or suspects that a client is being abused. Their responsibility in relation to this.
What is report it?
4 hours is the longest period of time that cooked food can safely be left unrefrigerated.
What is false. 2 hours
Break apart or crush capsules, remove or change a medication label, put medication into the clients mouth, give a client an injection, insert suppositories or apply vaginal medications put drops into eye, ear, or nose, pour or mix medication from one bottle into another, touch medication directly with the HHA's hands, apply prescription medications to skin.
What are tasks the HHA may not do in regards to medications?
Two to three days