Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

What comment from a patient taking heart pills should the aide report immediately?

1. "The pills are too expensive"

2. "These pills are a different shape"

3. "I have a rash on my stomach since taking these pills"

4. "I need cold water to take these pills"

The correct answer is: "I have a rash on my stomach since taking these pills"

When a patient reports having a rash on their stomach since starting a new medication, it is crucial for the aide to recognize this as a potential sign of an allergic reaction or side effect associated with the medication. Skin reactions can indicate a serious issue, particularly with heart medications that may have significant implications for the patient's health. Rashes can vary in severity, and those associated with medications can sometimes escalate into more serious conditions. Therefore, this symptom necessitates immediate reporting to a nurse or physician for further evaluation and potential intervention. This swift action can help ensure that the patient's well-being is prioritized and that necessary adjustments or treatments are provided promptly. The other options, while they may warrant attention in a different context, do not indicate a potentially urgent medical concern like the rash does. For instance, comments about the cost of medication or the shape of the pills may reflect the patient's concerns but do not pose an immediate health risk, and needing cold water to take pills is not uncommon and can be addressed within normal protocol without urgency.