Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
NURSING SKILLS CHECKLIST
PREFACE
This test is divided into four modules. I suggest not requesting completion of all four modules in one
session so the nurse applying for employment or undergoing orientation does not become
overwhelmed. The OASIS module applies to RNs and may be completed by qualified therapists.
The goals of these tests are not limited to identifying the areas of knowledge and deficits; the score of
each module becomes the instrument that will facilitate a laser-focused training of new and current
employees, optimizing skills in a cost-effective and timely manner.
The tests consist of very basic questions related to the challenges of the HHPPS refinement effective
January first 2008 and each module was developed with the following considerations:
1. Clinical Competency Self-Evaluation
2. Disease Management _ Most common home health diagnosis that require optimal management of
financial and acute (re)hospitalization risks.
3. Medications _ Top 20 prescription drugs of 2006
4. OASIS _ Based on commonly identified errors and the HHPPS refinement of 2008
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
COMPETENCY SELF EVALUATION
Instructions: Please mark the number next to each task using the scale listed below to score your
ability in each skill:
1 = experienced, can perform without direct supervision 2 = some experience, needs
review and/or supervision 3 = Inexperienced with procedure, requires training and supervision
Skilled body systems assessment Nebulizer
OASIS (N/A for LPN) Pulse Oximeter
Nutritional assessment Suture Removal
Wound assessment Staples removal
Enteral Feeding IM injections
Fecal disimpaction SQ injections
Foley catheter insertion Venipuncture
NG tube insertion/removal IV therapy
Peritoneal dialysis PICC, CVC care ______
Wound management Ostomy care
Diabetes management Urine Culture
Glucose monitoring Throat swab ______
Pain Management Bowel & Bladder training ______
Energy conservation techniques PT/INR testing
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DISEASE MANAGEMENT
WOUNDS
1. How do you stage a pressure ulcer that shows full thickness tissue loss with visible subcutaneous
fat and bone, tendon or muscle are not exposed? Note that slough may be present but does not
obscure the depth of tissue loss. Undermining and tunneling may also be present. (National Pressure
Ulcer Advisory Panel _ 02 2007)
a) Stage II
b) Stage III
c) Stage IV
2. A pressure ulcer that presents with slough and/or eschar is always
a) Stage III or IV
b) Unstageable
c) None of the above
3. Venous Lower extremities wounds present which of the following characteristics:
a) Irregular edges, poorly defined _ red granulation tissue is common
b) Well demarcated edges _ rare granulation tissue and eschar is common
4. Granulation tissue can be identified by a wound bed that is
a) Clean, smooth and red
b) Deep pink or red with a berry-like surface
c) None of the above
5. Key elements for management of venous ulcers are:
a) Avoid aggressive debridement until perfusion status is determined
b) Manage the edema and inquire about arterial insufficiency before recommending elastic
stockings
c) Debride necrotic materials and provide pressure relief
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6. A wound with devitalized tissue may need debridement to reduce the risk of infection and facilitate
healing pending on peripheral tissue perfusion and other considerations. Devitalized tissue may be
recognized as:
a) Slough with color that varies from pale ivory to various shades of yellow
b) Stringy necrotic debris
c) Black, brown, tan or grey eschar
d) All of the above
7. The clinician’s decision to use a wound cleansing method must take into consideration the wound
bed characteristics and the outcomes otherwise, the healing process could be significantly impaired.
When cleansing granulating wounds with saline, which method should be used?
a) Wet to Dry
b) Scrubbing gently with a gauze or sponge
c) Irrigating with a high pressure stream using a syringe and angiocath
d) Irrigating with a low pressure stream by pouring the solution directly from the bottle
8. When undermining or tunneling is present, which of the following would you recommend, knowing
that the two others are probably contra-indicated in this situation:
a) Hydrocolloid
b) Alginates if wound is moist or draining
c) Hydrogels if used without packing
9. A cost-effective approach to managing skin tears consists of cleansing the tear with saline,
approximating with thin adhesive strips, covering with polymeric membrane island dressing and,
a) Remove the dressing daily, cleanse with normal saline, and reapply the polymeric membrane
b) No disturbing of the dressing for the first 3 days unless exudate is visible through dressing.
c) Remove old dressing, no cleansing performed, place a new polymeric membrane island
dressing and leave on for about 4 more days.
d) a and b
e) b and c
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
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CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE
10. Decreasing the total amount of sodium is one of the most important ways to manage heart failure.
The average goal for a patient, unless ordered otherwise by the physician, would be to limit his/her
intake to:
a) 2000 mg or 2 grams (g) per day
b) Select frozen entrees that contain 600 mg or less of sodium and limit to one per day.
c) 1000 mg or 1 gram per day
d) a and b
11. Best practices in managing CHF to reduce the risks of re-hospitalization are to:
a) Frontload the visits during the first week to teach medications where knowledge deficits are
identified, starting with Ace Inhibitors, Beta Blockers and Diuretics
b) Spread the visits equally and see the patient every week for 60 days
c) Teach daily morning weights, low sodium diet
d) Establish an individualized emergency plan with the patient
e) a+c+d
f) b+c+d
12. Signs & symptoms that need to be reported immediately to reduce risks of rehospitalization of
patients with CHF are:
a) Increasing shortness of breath, a gain of more than 5 pounds in one week, new or increased
lower extremities edema, coughing or wheezing in the night, or needing to sleep propped up or
sitting up
b) Increasing shortness of breath, a gain of 2-3 pounds or more in one day, new or increased
lower extremities edema, coughing or wheezing in the night, or needing to sleep propped up or
sitting up
c) Both a and/or b
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COPD
13. Signs and symptoms that need to be reported immediately to reduce risks of rehospitalization of
patients with COPD are:
a) Warning signs of infection such as increased shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing up
increased amounts of mucus or yellow- or green-colored mucus, sore throat, scratchy throat or pain
when swallowing
b) Unusual sinus drainage, nasal congestion, headaches or tenderness along upper cheekbones
c) Chest pain
d) a and b
e) a, b and c
14. Annual Flu vaccine can reduce serious illness and death in COPD patients by:
a) 50%
b) 40%
c) 20%
15. Best practices in managing COPD to reduce the risks of re-hospitalization are to:
a) Frontload the visits during the first two weeks
b) Establish an individualized emergency plan with the patient
c) Teach where medication knowledge deficits are identified, beginning with inhalers, steroids,
antibiotics and oxygen
d) All of the above
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
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DIABETES
16. Inaccurate Blood Glucose readings can occur if
a) Strips are outdated
b) Monitor is not calibrated to the strips being used
c) Monitor has been stored at extreme temperatures
d) Testing Technique is not done properly
e) All of the above
17. The targeted level of Hemoglobin A1C for most diabetic is below
a) 12
b) 7
c) 10
d) 4
18. Which of the following aids can be used by diabetics with impaired vision and/or dexterity?
a) Syringes magnifiers
b) Nonvisual insulin measurement aids
c) Needle guides and vial stabilizers
d) Voice modules & synthetizers
e) All of the above
REFERENCES:
Medicare Quality Improvement Community (MedQic)
Home Health Quality Improvement National Campaign (HHQI)
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
MEDICATIONS
1. Which of the following insulins is peakless and thus can be given at any time during the day as long
as it is the same time from one day to the other?
a) Humalog, Novolog, Apidra
b) Regular
c) NPH
d) Lantus, Levemir
e) Novolin, Humulin
2. When would you recommend that a patient start eating immediately after taking which insulin?
a) Humalog, Novolog, Apidra
c) NPH
d) Lantus, Levemir
e) Novolin, Humulin
3. The peak of action therefore the time when a patient taking Humalog or Novolog is at greater risk
for hypoglycemia is
a) 2-4 hours
b) 1-2 hours
c) None of the above
4. Complete the sentence: The insulin strength “U-100” means 100 units of insulin per ____ (ml or cc)
5. Which of the following insulins is/are clowdy?
a) Humalog, Novolog, Apidra
b) Regular
c) NPH
d) Lantus, Levemir
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
6. Which of the following drugs does not present risks for hypoglycemia?
a) Glimepiride (Amaryl)
b) Glipizide (Glucotrol)
c) Glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase)
d) Metformin (Glucophage)
7. Draw a line to relate the medications to their action
Nexium narcotic analgesic
Albuterol CHF, HTN, Angina Pectoris
Singulair Prophylaxis & chronic treatment of asthma
Lexapro Decreases the amount of stomach acid
Norvasc Ca Channel Blocker _ Relaxes blood vessels
Hydrocodone Bronchodilator
Toprol XL Major depression, generalized anxiety
8. ACE Inhibitors (Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme) Inhibitors are drugs that stop the body’s ability to
produce angiotensin II, a natural substance that causes blood vessels to tighten (contract). ACE
inhibitors relax and expand (dilate) blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. This increases
the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart, making the heart work more easily and efficiently.
Examples of Ace Inhibitors are:
a) Enalapril (Vasotec), Lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), Quinapril (Accupril), Ramipril (Altace),Fosinopril
(Monopril)
b) Carvedilol (Coreg), Metoprolol (Lopressor), Atenalol and Toprol XL.
c) Losartan (Cozaar); Valsartan (Diovan); Irbesartan (Avapro)
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
9. Patients should not stop taking TOPROL-XL suddenly because of the possibility of serious side
effects, such as
a) Hyperglycemia
b) Lactic acidosis
c) Chest pain or a heart attack.
10. Which of the following instructions would NOT apply to patients taking Synthroid?
a) Synthroid has a narrow therapeutic index. This means that the amount of levothyroxine must
be managed very carefully to help ensure proper treatment.
b) Take Synthroid on an empty stomach. This means taking it 30 to 60 minutes before eating
breakfast.
c) Once the doctor finds the best dose for you, you will need to have a TSH test every 6 to 12
months to ensure that you are still getting the amount of levothyroxine your body needs.
d) Slow heartbeat is a sign that your may getting more levothyroxine than your body needs.
11. Advair is a combination of two drugs – Fluticasone Proprionate (Flovent) and Salmeterol
(Serevent). The diskus, through which the Advair medicine is inhaled, is a combination of a
bronchodilator and corticosteroid.
a) True
b) False
12. Blood in stools or urine, black stools, reddish or purplish spots on skin, excessive bruising,
persistent bleeding from superficial injuries are signs of possible overdosage of
a) Coumadin/Warfarin Sodium
b) Plavix
c) Zyrtec
d) a&b
e) a&c
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
13. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with Lipitor and lead to potentially dangerous effects.
Encourage patients to discuss the use of grapefruit products with their doctor. This statement is
a) True
b) False
REFERENCES:
Pharmacy Times _ Top 200 prescription drugs of 2006
[Link]
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
OASIS
1. When both Nursing and P.T. are ordered at SOC, can the P.T. visit the patient first as long as the
admission requirements are met during that visit (Consent, Bill of Rights….) and the RN makes a visit
on the same day?
a) Yes
b) No
2. Completing an OASIS assessment without providing/documenting skilled services such as, but not
limited to, teaching, training or performing wound care is considered a
a) Billable visit to Medicare
b) Non-Billable visit to Medicare
3. MO090 _ The physician calls the office with an unexpected discharge. The last person to see the
patient was an LPN. The RN has not seen the patient for the last two weeks and must complete the
OASIS. What are allowable practices per the Medicare Conditions of Participation?
a) Discuss the patient status with the LPN and complete the OASIS Discharge
b) Complete the paperwork based on the RN visit of two weeks ago
c) Make a visit in the home, no physician order required, as the visit is non-billable
d) Call the patient/caregiver and complete the OASIS over the phone
e) b or c
4. A Significant change in condition occurs when three factors are in place: new orders, HHRG/Case-
Mix change such as new therapy services where only nursing was providing care, and
a) The condition was not present and thus the change unexpected at SOC
b) The condition was present at SOC but the patient/caregiver refused therapy services at the
time
c) The condition was present at SOC but the physician refused to give therapy orders at the time
5. PATIENT DISCHARGE _ A patient should be discharged when he/she is no longer homebound
and when
a) Goals on the Plan of Care are met
b) No need for skilled home health services for the balance of the 60-day episode are anticipated
c) N/A as we should never discharge before the end of the episode
d) Both a and b
6. MO230-240 _ You are providing wound care to a patient who had an abscess surgically removed
from his buttock. A drain is in place. Can you use “Abscess” as one of your diagnosis?
a) Yes
b) No
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
7. MO230-240 _ The listing of the diagnosis is done in the order of severity as described on the
OASIS, and should include diagnosis related to which of the following
a) New and changed medications
b) Diagnosis that may impact the Plan of Care
c) Skilled services ordered (Nursing and therapy)
d) Any conditions for which non-routine supplies are necessary for the treatment of those
conditions
e) a, b and c
f) a, b, c and d
8. MO230 _ Openings along the surgical incision should not be documented as:
a) Open wounds
b) Non-healing surgical wound
c) Infected post-operative seroma
d) Other postoperative infection
9. MO230-240 _ How would you list the diagnosis related a surgical incision that is well approximated
except for two small opened areas?
a) Open wound
b) Attention to surgical dressing
c) Non-healing surgical wound
10. MO445 _ A patient underwent surgery for a muscle flap of his pressure ulcer. The wound is a:
a) Surgical wound
b) Pressure ulcer
11. MO340 _ Mrs. Smith receives paid help with ADLs & IADLs 5 days a week for 4-8 hours per day.
She is alone during the remaining time. How would you answer MO340?
1) Lives alone
5) With paid help (other than home care agency staff)
12. MO445 _ A patient underwent surgery for debridement of his pressure ulcer. The wound is a:
a) Surgical wound
b) Pressure ulcer
13. MO445 _ A diabetic patient explains that he has developed a pressure ulcer on his toe because of
poorly fitted shoes. The physician’s office calls it a diabetic ulcer. Does this patient have a pressure
ulcer at MO445?
a) Yes
b) No
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
14. MO450 _ What is the accurate staging of a pressure ulcer that was a stage 4 at his deepest
months ago but now looks like a stage 2?
a) Stage 2
b) Stage 4
15. MO464_ An infected Pressure ulcer is
1 _ Fully granulating
2 _ Early/partial granulation
3 _ Not healing
NA _ No observable pressure ulcer
16. MO464-476-488 _ A wound bed that is without slough or other devitalized tissue and covered with
25% or more of granulation tissue is considered to be
a) Fully granulating
b) Early / Partial granulation stage
c) Not healing
17. MO488 _ You are admitting a patient with a surgical incision that is well approximated except for
two small opened areas. How would you score MO488:
1. Fully granulating
2. Early / Partial granulation
3. Not healing
18. MO690 _ A patient is unable and requires assistance to be repositioned in bed, however is able to
be transferred to a chair with the use of a Hoyer Lift. Would you score “5” Bedfast at MO690?
a) Yes
b) No
19. MO670_ The patient is restricted from bathing in the tub or shower while the surgical dressing is in
place. However, there would be no physical or cognitive limitations for this patient to bathe
independently otherwise. How would you score MO670?
0 _ Able to bathe self in shower or tub independently
4 _ Dependent _ Unable to use the shower or tub and is bathed in bed or bedside chair
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Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
20. MO780 _ Mrs. Smith lives alone and is able to take her medications correctly from a weekly
pillbox set –up by her daughter. What would you score at MO780?
0 Able to independently take the correct oral medication(s) and proper dosage(s) at the correct
times.
1 Able to take medication(s) at the correct times if:
(a) individual dosages are prepared in advance by another person; OR
(b) given daily reminders; OR
(c) someone develops a drug diary or chart
21. Mrs. Smith lives in an ALF and is able to take her medications correctly from the bubble pack
when the ALF staff (aide) present them to her. What would you score at MO780?
0 Able to independently take the correct oral medication(s) and proper dosage(s) at the correct
times.
1 Able to take medication(s) at the correct times if:
(a) individual dosages are prepared in advance by another person; OR
(b) given daily reminders; OR
(c) someone develops a drug diary or chart
2 Unable to take medication unless administered by someone else
22. MO780 _ The ALF non-nursing staff where you patient resides assists him/her with medications.
How would you score MO780?
0 _ Able to independently take the correct oral medication(s) and proper dosage(s) at the
correct time.
1 _ Able to take medication(s) at the correct time if:
(a) individual dosages are prepared in advance by another person; OR
(b) given daily reminders: OR
(c) someone develops a drug diary or chart
2 _ Unable to take medication unless administered by someone else.
23. MO840 _ Your patient fell at the doctor’s office and sustained a fracture hip. He was transferred
to the hospital. What would you score at MO840:
3 Injury caused by fall or accident at home
9 Other than above reasons
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941/921-8188 ncad2@[Link]
Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
24. A possible reason for outcomes reports showing a decline or no improvement in function such as
grooming, transferring, toileting and ambulation is that at SOC/ROC/FU these functions were scored
to be more independent than they truly were. This may occur when the clinician completing the
OASIS:
a) Is not skilled in assessing function
b) Scores the MOs based on an interview of the patient/caregiver without validating
the answer with a demonstration
c) Documents the OASIS findings after the visit, outside of the home
d) All of the above
REFERENCES:
CMS OCCB Q&As _ May 2007 _July 2007
Best Practices _ OASIS Answers 2006
HHPPS Final Rules and Regulations_Federal Register Vol 72, No. 167_08 29 2007
National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) _ Updated Staging System _ 02 2007
WOCN Society _ OASIS Guidance Document _ Revised 07 2006
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AHHIF Associate Member
941/921-8188 ncad2@[Link]
Competency/Skills Checklist Skilled Nursing
Employee Name Date
MANAGEMENT FOLLOW-UP
NAME OF CLINICIAN (PLEASE PRINT) _______________________________________________
MODULE: _______________________________________________________________________
COMMENTS: ____________________________________________________________________
EDUCATION PROVIDED:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS/RESOURCES PROVIDED:
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
SIGNATURE OF CLINICIAN: ______________________________________ DATE: ____________
SIGNATURE OF DON or DESIGNEE: _______________________________ DATE: ___________
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