Every number on the HHA, with its source
84 exact values pulled out of the study guides and put in one place, each one carrying the statute, rule or standard it comes from. These are the figures the exam turns on and the ones people lose points to — the difference between 14 days and 21 days is a whole question.
84 values
Personal Care, Skin and Medication Assistance
| Bath order | Eyes (water only) first, perineal area last |
| Bath water | Comfortably warm, around 105°F; client tests it too |
| Female perineal care | Front to back, clean area of cloth each stroke |
| Catheter bag | Below the bladder, off the floor, tubing not kinked |
| Ostomy pouch | Empty at 1/3 to 1/2 full |
| Brushing | At least twice a day |
| Dressing | Weak side first; undress strong side first |
| Elastic stockings | Morning, before getting up, no wrinkles |
| Stage 1 pressure injury | Intact skin, redness that does not fade |
| Repositioning in bed | At least every 2 hours unless the plan says otherwise |
| Medication role | Remind, bring labeled container, observe; client takes it |
| Allergic reaction signs | Face, lip or throat swelling or trouble breathing = call 911 |
Communication, Psychosocial Care and Care Across the Lifespan
| Maslow, base of the hierarchy | Physical needs: air, water, food, elimination, rest |
| Stages of grief (Kübler-Ross) | Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, in any order |
| Hearing loss | Face client, lower pitch, less noise, check hearing aid |
| Blindness | Announce yourself; client holds above your elbow; clock method for food |
| Aphasia | Yes/no questions, time, pictures and gestures |
| Dementia | Validate and redirect; one step at a time; no arguing |
| Sundowning | Late-afternoon and evening confusion or agitation |
| Suicide warning signs | Report immediately; never promise secrecy; 988 or 911 in a crisis |
| Gender identity | Use the client's chosen name and pronouns |
| Infant sleep | Back, firm flat surface, nothing loose (AAP) |
| Hospice eligibility (Medicare) | Life expectancy of 6 months or less if illness runs its course |
| Approaching death | Cool, mottled skin; irregular breathing with pauses; little intake |
Meals, Nutrition and Home Management
| Eating position | Upright, close to 90° |
| 1 oz | About 30 mL (8 oz = 240 mL) |
| Counts as fluid intake | Anything liquid at room temperature: gelatin, ice cream, soup |
| Sodium on a label | 5% DV or less is low; 20% or more is high |
| Danger zone | 40-140°F (4-60°C) |
| Refrigerator / freezer | 40°F or below / 0°F |
| Two-hour rule | Refrigerate within 2 hours; 1 hour above 90°F |
| Poultry / ground meat / whole cuts and fish | 165°F / 160°F / 145°F |
| Leftovers | 3-4 days in the refrigerator |
| Indoor temperature, cold weather | At least 68-70°F (NIA) |
| Shopping | Client's list and diet; return receipt and all change |
| Appointment checklist | Time, prep (fasting), insurance card, medication list, glasses, hearing aids |
The Home Health Aide's Role, Client Rights and Ethics
| Minimum training | 75 hours, at least 16 supervised practical, at least 16 classroom first (42 CFR 484.80(b)) |
| Competency evaluator | A registered nurse, with other skilled professionals as appropriate |
| Failing the evaluation | Unsatisfactory in more than one required area = not passed |
| In-service training | At least 12 hours every 12 months |
| Lapse rule | 24 consecutive months without paid work = new program required |
| Supervision, skilled patient | Supervisory assessment at least every 14 days; at most one virtual per 60-day episode |
| Supervision, aide-only patient | In-person RN visit at least every 60 days; aide observed giving care twice a year |
| Patient rights | 42 CFR 484.50: informed, participate, refuse, property, privacy, grievances without reprisal |
| EVV | Required for Medicaid personal care and home health visits (21st Century Cures Act) |
| Paper record error | One line through it, initials and date; never erase or cover |
| DNR order | No CPR if breathing or heart stops; all other care and comfort continue |
| Durable power of attorney for health care | Names a person to make health decisions if the client cannot |
Infection Control, Home Safety and Emergencies
| Handwashing time | At least 20 seconds of scrubbing (CDC) |
| Alcohol rub strength | At least 60% alcohol, rub until dry |
| PPE on | Gown, mask, goggles, gloves |
| PPE off | Gloves first, mask last, then hand hygiene |
| Airborne (TB) | Fit-tested N95 respirator |
| Contact (MRSA, C. diff) | Gown and gloves |
| Hepatitis B vaccine | Offered at no cost to exposed employees (OSHA 1910.1030) |
| Water heater | 120°F (49°C) or lower |
| Smoke alarms | Test monthly |
| RACE / PASS | Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish / Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep |
| CPR compressions, adult | 100-120 per minute, at least 2 inches deep (AHA) |
| Poison Help | 1-800-222-1222 |
Vital Signs, Observation and Reporting
| Adult pulse | 60-100 per minute |
| Adult respirations | 12-20 per minute |
| Normal blood pressure (AHA) | Under 120 and under 80 |
| Fever | 100.4°F (38°C) or higher |
| Oral temperature wait | About 15 minutes after eating, drinking or smoking |
| Axillary vs oral | About 1°F lower; rectal about 1°F higher |
| Pulse oximeter, healthy adult | 95-100%, or the care-plan range |
| Heart failure weight gain to report | 2-3 lb in a day or 5 lb in a week, unless the plan says otherwise |
| Severe pain | 7-10 on a 0-10 scale |
| 1 fluid ounce | About 30 mL |
| 3:30 PM in 24-hour time | 1530 |
| NPO / PRN / q2h | Nothing by mouth / as needed / every 2 hours |
Mobility, Transfers and Positioning
| Wheelchair placement | Strong side, close to bed, slight angle, brakes locked |
| Gait belt fit | Over clothing, snug, flat fingers fit under |
| Before standing | Sit on the edge of the bed about a minute |
| Aide position when walking | Weak side, slightly behind, hand on belt |
| Cane | Strong hand; moves with the weak leg |
| Stairs | Up with the good, down with the bad |
| Standard walker | Lift a short step ahead; weak leg in first |
| Fowler's / semi / high | About 45-60° / 30-45° / 60-90° |
| Sims' | Left side, upper knee bent |
| Repositioning | At least every 2 hours in bed unless the plan says otherwise |
| ROM rule | Slow, supported, stop at pain or resistance |
| Steep ramp with a wheelchair | Go down backward |