Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

What is an incorrect task for a home health aide related to medication administration?

1. Reinforcing a dressing

2. Giving insulin

3. Administering medications orally

4. Providing assistance with prescribed medications

The correct answer is: Giving insulin

In the context of medication administration, giving insulin is often considered an incorrect task for a home health aide because this procedure typically requires more specialized training and understanding of diabetes management than what home health aides typically possess. Insulin administration involves knowledge of the appropriate timing, dosage, and potential side effects, as well as the ability to monitor blood sugar levels and understand how various factors like diet and activity can affect insulin needs. This level of complexity and responsibility usually places insulin administration under the purview of licensed nursing personnel. On the other hand, reinforcing a dressing, administering medications orally, and providing assistance with prescribed medications are tasks that home health aides are commonly trained to perform. These duties generally require skills that are appropriate for their level of training and ensure that they can safely support patients' health needs in a collaborative manner with other healthcare professionals.