The HHA lane
What should be done before the HHA gives the client a shower?
Check the water temperature
Gather all need supplies
Have a non-skid mat outside of the shower
What should you do if a client who speaks a different language?
Call supervisor
What's the first thing you should do for a client having a seizure?
Remove dangers objects from around the client
What are the 3 main causes of constipation?
Inactivity
Dehydration
Pain Medication
What are the 2 major nutritional concerns in the US?
Obesity and malnutrition are major health concerns in the US.
What does the HHA should do before transferring client to a wheelchair?
Lock the wheels
Fold foot rests up
How are feelings communicated?
Feeling can be communicated by:
Facial expressions
Choice of words and tone of voice
Touch and body language
What is the only treatment currently available to stop the progress of Alzheimer’s?
There is no treatment to stop the progress or cure Alzheimer’s.
Signs of Hypoglycemia?
Headache
Irritability
Excessive perspiration
Shaking/Tremors
How long are frozen foods good for?
6 months after expiration
What is patient centered care and what should we avoid?
Individualized care based on the consumer we are caring for. We should be careful to avoid generalizations in our care.
If we have performed our job function as required and our client is speaking rudely to us and irritated, what should we understand?
We should understand that sometimes a client is frustrated with their disease process and can sometimes direct that anger and frustration towards the HHA.
What are the signs of a Stroke?
Facial drooping
Slurred speech
Weakness
What are the signs of a urinary tract infection?
Burning with urination
Dark cloudy urine
Strong smelling urine
Fever
List and describe 7 diet types
Regular diet- Clients can pretty much eat what s/he likes.
Soft diet- Clients that have trouble chewing and swallowing.
Bland diet- Clients who need to eat foods that are easy to digest.
High-calorie- Clients who need to gain weight
Low-calorie diet- Clients who need to lose weight
Low-salt diet- Clients with high blood pressure.
Low-fat diet- Clients with digestive problems.
What side of the patient with right sided weakness who uses a cane walk on?
HHA should always be on the weaker side of the client which in this case would be the right side.
Who can the HHA discuss the client's care with?
The authorized caregiver and the members of the clients healthcare team.
The HHA knows the first sign of a bedsore is?
A red mark that doesn't go away after 10 minutes.
Signs of a Heart Attack?
Pain in the chest, shoulder, arm or jaw
Sweating
Nausea
shortness of breath
What steps should you take if your consumer has a poor appetite?
Take a few minutes to sit and talk with them, this is beneficial because the client sits longer in front of the food and will eat more by default as you are.
Serve smaller meals more frequently, a large serving of food on the plate may be too daunting for the consumer.
Most importantly, you should ask the consumer what foods they enjoy and try to incorporate those foods into the meals (if allowed in their dietary plan)
We want to encourage good eating habits much in the same ways we would children by being positive and consistent.
What should the HHA do if they find the client on the floor and they cannot get up?
Leave the client on the floor and call 911
What are the tools the HHA should use to avoid conflicts with clients and co-workers?
Pull back strategies
What are the signs of poor circulation?
Numbness
Fatigue
Dizziness
Edema
What is the recommended timeframe for a stroke client to begin rehab and why?
ASAP, delaying rehab can lessen the likelihood that a client will be able to return to baseline function.
How might digestive issues affect the nutritional state of your client?
A client with digestive issues may not want to eat.