Care Across the Lifespan — practice questions

4% of the exam ≈3 real questions 4 free questions here

Four percent: infants, children, older adults, chronic and terminal illness, dementia and disability. The DC outline names infants through the elderly, so a home health aide question can involve a newborn as easily as a hospice client.

Where people lose points

• Infants sleep on their backs, on a firm flat surface, with no pillows or loose bedding.
• Never leave an infant alone in a bath, even for a moment.
• Hospice is comfort, not cure. Hearing may remain to the end, so keep speaking kindly.
• Sundowning is increased confusion in the late afternoon and evening in dementia.
• Speak directly to a person with a disability, ask before helping, and treat an adult as an adult.

Questions and answers, explained

All 4 questions above, with the correct answer and why it is correct. Everything here is on care across the lifespan.

1. The aide helps a client care for a new baby. How should the infant be placed to sleep?

   • AOn the stomach, on a soft pillow so the baby is comfortable
   • BOn the back, on a firm flat surface with no loose beddingCorrect
   • COn the side, propped with rolled blankets
   • DIn the adult bed between two pillows

   Why: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing infants on their backs for every sleep, on a firm, flat surface in a crib or bassinet with no pillows, bumpers, blankets or toys. This greatly lowers the risk of sudden infant death.

   Reference AAP safe sleep recommendations

2. A client's toddler lives in the home. Which practice makes the home safer for the child?

   • AStoring medicines and cleaners up high and lockedCorrect
   • BKeeping cleaning products under the sink in their bottles so they are easy to reach
   • CLeaving the client's pill organizer on the coffee table
   • DPouring cleaner into a juice bottle to save space

   Why: Toddlers explore everything and put things in their mouths. Medicines and chemicals are kept up high, locked, and in original containers. Pouring chemicals into food or drink containers is a common cause of poisoning.

   Reference CDC / Poison Help child poisoning prevention

3. Which change is commonly seen as death approaches?

   • AA strong, steady appetite
   • BWarm, pink hands and feet
   • CMore energy and longer walks than usual
   • DCool, mottled skin and irregular breathing with pausesCorrect

   Why: As death nears, circulation slows: hands and feet become cool, the skin may look mottled or bluish, breathing becomes irregular with pauses, and the person eats and drinks very little. The aide keeps the client comfortable, reports changes, and follows the plan of care.

   Reference Hospice end-of-life signs

4. A 30-year-old client has an intellectual disability. How should the aide communicate with him?

   • AUse baby talk so he feels comfortable
   • BSpeak only to his mother about every decision
   • CAs an adult, using clear, simple words and checking understandingCorrect
   • DAvoid explaining care, since he would not understand anyway

   Why: Adults with developmental disabilities are treated with the same respect as any adult. The aide uses clear, simple language, one step at a time, checks understanding, offers choices, and involves the client in decisions about his care, along with any legal guardian.

   Reference Person-centered care; client rights

Topics inside this domain

• Dementia care for home health aides: communication that works

Drill other domains

• Role, Responsibilities and Ethics (15%)
• Observation, Vital Signs and Reporting (10%)
• Personal Care and Hygiene (13%)
• Mobility, Transfers and Positioning (9%)
• Nutrition and Fluids (5%)
• Infection Control (7%)

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