Basic Nursing Skills 1

Question 1

When transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair, what is the most important safety consideration?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring the wheelchair brakes are locked and footrests are moved aside

Answer

The most critical safety consideration when transferring a patient from bed to wheelchair is to ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked and the footrests are moved out of the way. Locked brakes prevent the wheelchair from moving during the transfer, eliminating a major fall risk. Moving footrests prevents tripping hazards and allows for proper patient positioning, ensuring a safe transfer.

Question 2

A patient's oral temperature reading is 102.6°F. What should the CNA do first?

Accepted Answer

Retake the temperature to confirm the reading

Answer

A significantly elevated temperature like 102.6°F is an abnormal finding that requires verification. Retaking the temperature ensures accuracy and rules out equipment malfunction or improper technique before reporting to the nurse or initiating interventions. This prevents unnecessary alarm or interventions based on a potentially false reading.

Question 3

When measuring a patient's blood pressure, the cuff should cover what percentage of the upper arm?

Accepted Answer

75-80% of the upper arm

Answer

For an accurate blood pressure reading, the cuff bladder should encircle 75-80% of the arm's circumference. If the cuff is too small, the reading will be falsely high; if too large, it will be falsely low. Proper cuff size is crucial for obtaining reliable vital sign measurements.

Question 4

A resident in a long-term care facility has been sitting in their wheelchair for 3 hours. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Reposition the resident or help them change positions

Answer

Prolonged sitting in one position, even if the resident appears comfortable, increases the risk of pressure injuries (bedsores). CNAs are responsible for repositioning residents at least every two hours to promote circulation and prevent skin breakdown. This proactive measure is essential for resident comfort and skin integrity.

Question 5

When providing perineal care for a female patient, the CNA should clean:

Accepted Answer

From front to back using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke

Answer

Cleaning from front to back (urethra to anus) prevents the transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the urethra, which can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). Using a clean section of the washcloth for each stroke further minimizes the spread of microorganisms. This technique is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection.

Basic Nursing Skills Practice Test

Basic Nursing Skills Practice Test

Basic Nursing Skills 1