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CHHA practice questions

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Question 1Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

What is the appropriate water temperature for a client's bath?

  1. About 80°F to 85°F
  2. About 115°F to 120°F
  3. About 100°F to 105°F Correct answer.
  4. As hot as the client can comfortably tolerate

Explanation

Bath water should be comfortably warm, roughly 100°F to 105°F, which cleans effectively without harming skin. Water that is too hot can burn or dry the skin, and water that is too cool can chill an older client.

Question 2Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client wears full dentures. Where should the dentures be kept when they are not in the mouth?

  1. Wrapped in a dry tissue in a drawer
  2. On the bedside table in open air
  3. In a labeled cup of water Correct answer.
  4. In a plastic bag in the bathroom cabinet

Explanation

Dentures must stay moist so the material does not warp or crack, and a labeled container keeps them from being lost or thrown away. A dry tissue or open air lets them dry out and become brittle.

Question 3Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client has weakness on the right side after a stroke. When helping the client put on a shirt, which side should be dressed first?

  1. Whichever side the client prefers
  2. The right side Correct answer.
  3. Both sleeves at the same time
  4. The left side

Explanation

The general rule is to dress the weak or affected side first, so the garment can be eased over the limb before the stronger side is used. When undressing, the order reverses and the strong side is undressed first.

Question 4Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

How long should an HHA rub soapy hands together when washing hands with soap and water?

  1. At least 20 seconds Correct answer.
  2. At least 5 seconds
  3. At least 60 seconds
  4. At least 10 seconds

Explanation

Handwashing should last at least 20 seconds of scrubbing, covering all surfaces of the hands and fingers. This contact time is what removes and rinses away germs effectively.

Question 5Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

How often should a bedbound client who cannot move independently be repositioned to help prevent pressure ulcers?

  1. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  2. Once per shift
  3. At least every 6 hours
  4. Once every 8 hours

Explanation

Pressure on the same skin area cuts off circulation, so clients who cannot turn themselves are repositioned at least every 2 hours. The care plan may specify a different schedule for a client at high risk.

Question 6Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client with diabetes asks the HHA to trim the client's toenails. What is the best action?

  1. Soak the feet first, then cut the corners short
  2. Leave the nails alone and tell the supervisor Correct answer.
  3. Trim them straight across with cuticle scissors
  4. Clip them as requested and file the edges smooth

Explanation

Clients with diabetes often have poor circulation and reduced sensation in the feet, so nail trimming is left to a nurse or podiatrist. The HHA should not cut the nails and should report the request.

Question 7Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Before helping a client move from bed to a wheelchair, what should the HHA do first?

  1. Remove the client's shoes to prevent slipping
  2. Ask the client to stand and pivot quickly
  3. Place the wheelchair across the room
  4. Lock the wheels and raise the footrests Correct answer.

Explanation

Locking the wheels keeps the chair from rolling away mid-transfer, and raised footrests keep the client's feet clear. The chair is also positioned close to the bed and at a slight angle.

Question 8Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client takes a blood-thinning medication. Which method should the HHA use for shaving?

  1. A straight razor with shaving cream
  2. A disposable razor with warm water
  3. An electric razor Correct answer.
  4. Any razor, as long as the skin is pulled tight

Explanation

Blood thinners increase bleeding risk, so an electric razor is preferred because it cuts less close to the skin. Any nick can bleed more than usual and be slow to stop.

Question 9Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

In which direction should the HHA wash a female client's perineal area?

  1. From front to back Correct answer.
  2. From back to front
  3. From the rectum toward the urethra
  4. In circles around the area

Explanation

Washing from front to back carries stool bacteria away from the urethra and reduces the risk of urinary tract infection. Clean technique also means using a fresh part of the washcloth with each stroke.

Question 10Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Where should a urinary drainage bag be kept while a client is in bed?

  1. Hanging on the side rail above the mattress
  2. Resting on the floor under the bed
  3. On the client's lap during transfers
  4. Below bladder level and off the floor Correct answer.

Explanation

Keeping the bag below the level of the bladder lets gravity drain urine and prevents backflow that can cause infection. The bag must also stay off the floor, where bacteria collect.

Question 11Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client coughs and chokes when drinking thin liquids. What should the HHA do during meals?

  1. Sit the client upright and offer small, slow sips Correct answer.
  2. Give fluids through a straw so the client drinks quickly
  3. Withhold all fluids until the next nursing visit
  4. Have the client lie flat while eating and drinking

Explanation

An upright position and small, slow sips reduce the chance that liquid goes into the airway. Coughing with thin liquids is also reported to the nurse so the swallowing plan can be reviewed.

Question 12Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

While performing range-of-motion exercises, a client reports sharp pain in the shoulder. What should the HHA do?

  1. Stop and report the pain to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Apply heat and continue the exercise more slowly
  3. Push through the pain so the joint does not stiffen
  4. Skip the shoulder today but never mention it

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercise should be gentle and should never cause sharp pain; forcing a joint can cause injury. The aide stops the movement and reports so the nurse can adjust the care plan.

Question 13Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

The HHA notices a reddened area over a client's heel that does not lighten when pressed. What is the best action?

  1. Report it and keep pressure off the area Correct answer.
  2. Massage the area firmly to improve circulation
  3. Apply a heating pad to the reddened skin
  4. Rub lotion into the area and continue care

Explanation

Redness that does not blanch is an early sign of pressure injury and needs prompt reporting. Pressure must be relieved, and nothing should be rubbed into or applied to the area without a nurse's direction.

Question 14Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When bathing a client's eyes, how should the HHA cleanse them?

  1. From the inner corner toward the outer corner Correct answer.
  2. From the outer corner toward the inner corner
  3. With a circular motion over the eyelid
  4. With soapy water to remove drainage

Explanation

Cleansing from the inner corner outward moves drainage away from the tear duct, where it could enter the eye. A different part of the cloth is used for each eye.

Question 15Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A bowel-training program for a client usually includes which practice?

  1. Waiting until the client asks to use the toilet
  2. Taking the client to the toilet at the same time daily Correct answer.
  3. Giving a laxative with every meal
  4. Limiting fluids in the evening to prevent accidents

Explanation

Bowel training uses a consistent daily schedule, often after a meal when the urge to defecate is strongest, to help re-establish regularity. The client is helped to the toilet promptly rather than waiting for a request.

Question 16Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When walking with a client who has left-sided weakness, where should the HHA stand?

  1. In front of the client, pulling on the gait belt
  2. On the client's left side, slightly behind Correct answer.
  3. On the client's right side, one step ahead
  4. Directly behind the client, holding both shoulders

Explanation

Standing on the weaker side and slightly behind lets the aide support the client if the weak leg gives way. The aide also holds the gait belt to help with balance.

Question 17Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

After soaking a client's feet, what should the HHA do?

  1. Cut the skin between the toes
  2. Leave the feet wet to soften the skin
  3. Rub lotion between the toes
  4. Dry carefully between the toes Correct answer.

Explanation

Moisture trapped between the toes encourages fungal growth and skin breakdown, so the area is dried thoroughly. Lotion is applied to the tops and bottoms of the feet but not between the toes.

Question 18Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Where should the HHA clean a client's dentures?

  1. Over the bathroom sink without a liner
  2. In the client's mouth with a hard brush
  3. In the kitchen sink under hot running water
  4. Over a towel-lined sink or a basin of water Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentures are slippery when wet, so cleaning them over a towel or a basin of water cushions them if they are dropped. Hot water can also warp the material and should be avoided.

Question 19Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

What is the best way to comb out a client's tangled hair?

  1. Comb the hair while it is dry and knotted
  2. Cut out the tangles with scissors
  3. Start near the ends and work upward Correct answer.
  4. Start at the scalp and pull the comb down firmly

Explanation

Working from the ends upward in small sections removes tangles gradually and avoids pulling on the scalp. Hair is usually dampened or conditioned first to make combing gentler.

Question 20Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client with arthritis in both hands has trouble gripping a toothbrush. Which approach best supports independence?

  1. Ask the nurse to arrange dental visits instead
  2. Have the family do the oral care
  3. Build up the brush handle with an adaptive grip Correct answer.
  4. Brush the client's teeth for them each time

Explanation

Adaptive equipment such as a built-up handle lets the client perform oral care without help. Promoting independence and dignity is a core goal of personal care.

Question 21Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client wears a hand splint to prevent a contracture. What should the HHA do each time the splint is removed?

  1. Check the skin for redness or breakdown Correct answer.
  2. Leave the splint off for the rest of the day
  3. Wash the splint in hot water and bleach
  4. Put the splint on the other hand as well

Explanation

Skin under a splint is at risk for pressure damage, so it is inspected every time the device comes off. Any redness or breakdown is reported and the splint is reapplied only as the care plan directs.

Question 22Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client with dementia becomes agitated at bath time. Which approach is most helpful?

  1. Have two aides hold the client in the tub
  2. Complete the bath quickly while holding the client's arms
  3. Follow a calm, familiar routine and explain each step Correct answer.
  4. Skip bathing until the client agrees to it

Explanation

A calm, predictable routine with simple explanations reduces fear and resistance in a client with dementia. Rushing or restraining the client increases agitation and the risk of injury.

Question 23Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client begins to lose balance and starts to fall while walking with the HHA. What should the HHA do?

  1. Run for a chair and leave the client standing
  2. Hold the gait belt and lower the client to the floor Correct answer.
  3. Step back and let the client fall alone
  4. Grab the client's arm and pull upward

Explanation

Widening the stance and using the gait belt to ease the client down protects the head and body from a hard fall. Trying to hold a falling adult upright usually ends with both people injured.

Question 24Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client has weakness on the right side of the face and mouth after a stroke. Where should the HHA place food?

  1. At the front of the tongue
  2. Alternating sides with each bite
  3. On the right side of the mouth
  4. On the unaffected left side of the mouth Correct answer.

Explanation

Food is placed on the unaffected side because the weak side does not move food well and is where pocketing occurs. The HHA also checks the weak cheek for food left behind after the meal.

Question 25Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

While giving a bed bath, the HHA finds a small skin tear on the client's forearm. What is the best action?

  1. Apply an antibiotic cream and a bandage
  2. Clean it with hydrogen peroxide and cover it tightly
  3. Follow the care plan to clean it gently and tell the nurse Correct answer.
  4. Leave it open to the air until the next visit

Explanation

A skin tear is cleansed as the care plan directs and reported so the nurse can assess and decide on treatment. The aide does not apply products or dressings that are not in the plan.

Question 26Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

How long should the HHA scrub with soap and water when washing the hands?

  1. At least 10 seconds
  2. At least 2 minutes
  3. At least 20 seconds Correct answer.
  4. At least 5 seconds

Explanation

Handwashing with soap and water should last about 20 seconds, which is long enough to work up a lather and cover all surfaces of the hands and fingers. Shorter times do not remove germs effectively, and longer scrubbing is not needed for routine care.

Question 27Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When helping a client with right-sided weakness put on a long-sleeved shirt, which sleeve goes on first?

  1. The left sleeve, then the right
  2. It does not matter which sleeve goes first
  3. Both sleeves at the same time
  4. The right sleeve, then the left Correct answer.

Explanation

The general rule is to dress the weak or affected side first and undress it last. This lets the strong arm do the work of pulling fabric over the weak arm.

Question 28Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client has an order to use a cane. On which side should the cane be held?

  1. On either side, whichever feels comfortable
  2. On the weaker side
  3. Directly in front of the body
  4. On the stronger side Correct answer.

Explanation

A cane is held on the stronger side so it shares the load with the strong leg and widens the base of support while the weaker leg steps. This keeps the client more stable than holding it on the weak side.

Question 29Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

How should the HHA check the temperature of bath water?

  1. By reading the water heater setting
  2. By testing the water on the inner wrist Correct answer.
  3. By touching the water with the fingertips
  4. By asking the client to step in and report

Explanation

The inner wrist or forearm is more sensitive than the hands, which quickly adapt to temperature. Testing there detects water hot enough to burn before the client is exposed to it.

Question 30Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

How often should the HHA reposition a client who cannot move in bed?

  1. At least every 6 hours
  2. Once each shift
  3. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  4. Only when the client asks

Explanation

Repositioning at least every two hours relieves pressure on the same skin areas and helps prevent pressure injuries. Clients who cannot move themselves depend entirely on the HHA for this schedule.

Question 31Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client is drowsy and does not respond during mouth care. What should the HHA do?

  1. Hold the mouth open with the fingers
  2. Place small amounts of water in the mouth to rinse
  3. Turn the head to the side and brush gently Correct answer.
  4. Wait until the client is fully awake to do mouth care

Explanation

A drowsy client cannot protect the airway, so the head is turned to the side and only small amounts of moisture are used so fluid drains out instead of being inhaled. Gentle brushing with a soft brush cleans the mouth safely.

Question 32Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client has low vision. How can the HHA help the client eat more independently?

  1. Place all foods on one large plate
  2. Cut all foods into small pieces and mix them together
  3. Feed the client so the food does not spill
  4. Describe where each food is located on the plate Correct answer.

Explanation

Telling the client where each food sits on the plate lets the client locate and eat each item without help, which preserves independence. Using consistent positions from meal to meal builds a reliable mental map.

Question 33Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When should the HHA empty a colostomy pouch?

  1. When it is completely full
  2. Once a week
  3. Only when it starts to leak
  4. When it is about one-third full Correct answer.

Explanation

Emptying the pouch when it is roughly one-third full keeps the weight manageable and prevents leakage or detachment from the skin barrier. Waiting longer puts stress on the seal and irritates the skin.

Question 34Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Which action keeps an indwelling urinary catheter draining properly?

  1. Clamp the tubing whenever the client turns
  2. Keep the tubing free of kinks and loops Correct answer.
  3. Tape the tubing tightly to the client's thigh
  4. Raise the drainage bag above the bladder

Explanation

Urine must flow by gravity, so the tubing is kept straight and free of kinks or loops that trap urine. The bag stays below the level of the bladder at all times.

Question 35Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Which position is best for a client who is using a bedpan?

  1. Sitting on the edge of the bed with feet dangling
  2. Lying flat on the back
  3. Lying on the left side
  4. Sitting with the head of the bed raised Correct answer.

Explanation

Raising the head of the bed uses gravity and a more natural posture, making it easier and safer for the client to use the bedpan. It also reduces the chance of spilling.

Question 36Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client drinks a 12-ounce can of soda. How should the HHA record this on the intake record?

  1. As one cup
  2. As 360 mL Correct answer.
  3. As 12 ounces with no conversion
  4. As 120 mL

Explanation

Intake is recorded in milliliters; one ounce is about 30 mL, so 12 ounces equals roughly 360 mL. Accurate conversion keeps the fluid total meaningful to the care team.

Question 37Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

How should the HHA file a client's fingernails?

  1. In one direction only Correct answer.
  2. In short strokes back and forth
  3. In strokes from the cuticle to the tip
  4. With a metal file pressed hard into the nail

Explanation

Filing in one direction with gentle strokes smooths the nail edge and helps prevent splitting and layering of the nail. Sawing back and forth weakens the nail.

Question 38Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client has trouble swallowing. What should the HHA do after the meal?

  1. Keep the client upright for about 30 minutes Correct answer.
  2. Lay the client flat to rest
  3. Help the client to bed in a side-lying position
  4. Give the client a drink while lying down

Explanation

Staying upright after eating lets gravity keep food down and reduces the chance of aspiration in a client with a swallowing problem. Lying down too soon increases that risk.

Question 39Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

How should the HHA perform passive range-of-motion exercises?

  1. Move each joint quickly to keep it from getting stiff
  2. Exercise only the joints the client can move alone
  3. Support the limb and move it slowly to resistance Correct answer.
  4. Pull the limb until the client reports pain

Explanation

With passive range of motion the HHA performs the movement, supporting the limb above and below the joint and stopping at the point of resistance. Movement should be slow and smooth so tissues are not injured.

Question 40Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When is the best time to apply elastic stockings to a client?

  1. In the morning, before the client is up Correct answer.
  2. Whenever the legs look swollen
  3. At bedtime, after the evening bath
  4. After the client has walked for a while

Explanation

Elastic stockings work best when applied before the legs have had a chance to swell, so the morning before the client gets out of bed is the preferred time. They are then removed at bedtime per the care plan.

Question 41Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client who uses a wheelchair cannot shift position alone. How often should the HHA help relieve pressure on the buttocks?

  1. Once in the morning and once in the evening
  2. Every 15 minutes Correct answer.
  3. Every 60 minutes
  4. Every 2 hours

Explanation

Skin over the sitting bones stays compressed even on a good cushion, so a wheelchair user needs weight shifts about every 15 minutes, done as a push-up or a lean to each side. This schedule protects the skin far better than the bed-turning interval.

Question 42Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client is ready to stand up from a chair. Where should the HHA help the client place the feet?

  1. Resting on the footrests of the chair
  2. Flat on the floor, slightly under the body Correct answer.
  3. Together and pointed outward
  4. Flat on the floor and far in front of the body

Explanation

Feet flat with the ankles slightly back bring the client's center of gravity over the base of support, so the leg muscles do the work of standing. This protects both the client and the HHA's back.

Question 43Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client has a steady hand tremor and cannot keep food on the spoon. Which item would help most?

  1. A divided plate with small sections
  2. A long straw for all drinks
  3. A regular teaspoon held at the very end
  4. A weighted spoon with a built-up handle Correct answer.

Explanation

Extra weight and a larger grip steady the tremor and make the utensil easier to control, so more food reaches the mouth. Adaptive utensils are chosen to match the specific limitation.

Question 44Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A client's skin is dry and scaly. When should the HHA apply moisturizing lotion?

  1. Right after bathing, while skin is still damp Correct answer.
  2. Only on the soles of the feet
  3. On any area that is red or broken
  4. Only when the client says the skin itches

Explanation

Lotion holds in moisture best when it is applied to damp skin right after bathing. It should be rubbed in gently and kept away from reddened or broken areas, which need to be reported.

Question 45Safety, Accident Prevention, and Emergency Procedures

A small fire breaks out in a wastebasket in the client's kitchen while the client is sitting in the next room. What should the home health aide do first?

  1. Help the client leave the room immediately Correct answer.
  2. Call the client's family before doing anything else
  3. Try to smother the fire with a wet towel
  4. Open the windows to let the smoke out

Explanation

In any fire, human safety comes before property, so the aide gets the client away from the fire and smoke first, then calls 911 or sounds an alarm. Smoke inhalation, not flames, is the most common cause of death in home fires.

Question 46Safety, Accident Prevention, and Emergency Procedures

Which set of signs should make the aide suspect a stroke and call 911 right away?

  1. An itchy rash that has spread across the trunk over a week
  2. A cough and low fever that have built up over several days
  3. Sudden face drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech Correct answer.
  4. Gradual joint pain that has worsened over several months

Explanation

Stroke signs appear suddenly and include facial drooping, one-sided weakness, and trouble speaking, which is why the FAST check is used. Rapid treatment depends on how quickly help is summoned.

Question 47Safety, Accident Prevention, and Emergency Procedures

Which practice best reduces a client's risk of falling at night?

  1. Encouraging the client to hurry to the bathroom
  2. Leaving a night light on between the bed and the bathroom Correct answer.
  3. Placing a small rug beside the bed for warmth
  4. Keeping the bedroom door closed so light does not disturb sleep

Explanation

Night lights and a clear, familiar path reduce tripping and disorientation when a client gets up in the dark. Fall prevention focuses on lighting, clear walkways, and assistive devices within reach.

Question 48Safety, Accident Prevention, and Emergency Procedures

A client who is eating suddenly cannot speak or cough and is clutching the throat. What should the aide do?

  1. Lay the client flat and begin chest compressions
  2. Wait a few minutes to see if the blockage clears
  3. Give the client a glass of water to wash the food down
  4. Stand behind the client and give abdominal thrusts Correct answer.

Explanation

A client who cannot speak, cough, or breathe has a complete airway obstruction and needs abdominal thrusts immediately. Water cannot pass a blocked airway and waiting allows oxygen levels to drop.

Question 49Safety, Accident Prevention, and Emergency Procedures

Which instruction is most important for a client who uses home oxygen?

  1. Store the oxygen tank in a closet with the door closed
  2. Increase the flow rate whenever the client feels short of breath
  3. Apply petroleum jelly to the nostrils each morning
  4. Keep the oxygen away from open flames, including the stove Correct answer.

Explanation

Oxygen itself does not burn, but it makes any fire burn far faster, so all ignition sources must be kept away. The aide also follows safety rules for storing tanks and for the prescribed flow rate.

Question 50Safety, Accident Prevention, and Emergency Procedures

A client may have swallowed a household cleaning product. What should the aide do first?

  1. Call poison control or 911 and follow their instructions Correct answer.
  2. Make the client vomit by pressing on the back of the throat
  3. Wait to see whether symptoms develop
  4. Give the client milk to dilute the product

Explanation

Poison control or 911 can advise whether vomiting is safe for that specific product, because some substances cause more damage coming back up. The aide should have the product container available when calling.