CNA Assisting with Daily Living — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assisting a resident with oral care, which position should the resident be in if possible?
- Lying flat on their back
- Sitting upright or semi-Fowler's position (Correct answer)
- Lying on their side
- Standing at the sink
Correct answer: Sitting upright or semi-Fowler's position
Residents should be sitting upright or in a semi-Fowler's position during oral care to reduce the risk of aspiration (inhaling fluids into the lungs).
Question 2: A CNA is helping a resident who has weakness on their left side get dressed. Which arm should be dressed first?
- The right (stronger) arm
- The left (weaker) arm (Correct answer)
- It does not matter which arm
- Ask the resident's preference only
Correct answer: The left (weaker) arm
When dressing a resident with one-sided weakness, always dress the weaker side first. This reduces discomfort and risk of injury. When undressing, remove clothing from the stronger side first.
Question 3: How often should a resident who is confined to bed be repositioned to prevent pressure injuries?
- Every 8 hours
- Every 4 hours
- Every 2 hours (Correct answer)
- Once per shift
Correct answer: Every 2 hours
Bedridden residents should be repositioned at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure on bony prominences and prevent pressure injuries (bedsores).
Question 4: Which of the following is an example of an Activity of Daily Living (ADL)?
- Taking prescribed medications
- Attending physical therapy
- Bathing and personal hygiene (Correct answer)
- Receiving oxygen therapy
Correct answer: Bathing and personal hygiene
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are basic self-care tasks including bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and transferring. CNAs routinely assist residents with these activities.
Question 5: When assisting a resident to ambulate (walk), where should the CNA position themselves?
- Directly in front of the resident
- On the resident's weaker side and slightly behind (Correct answer)
- Behind the resident
- On the resident's stronger side
Correct answer: On the resident's weaker side and slightly behind
The CNA should stand on the resident's weaker or affected side and slightly behind to provide support and catch the resident if they begin to fall.
Question 6: A resident refuses to eat their meal. What is the most appropriate action for the CNA?
- Force the resident to eat to maintain nutrition
- Document the refusal and report it to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Ignore the refusal and try again in 30 minutes without telling anyone
- Remove the tray and say nothing
Correct answer: Document the refusal and report it to the nurse
Residents have the right to refuse care, including meals. The CNA should respect this right, document the refusal, and report it to the nurse so the care team can address nutritional needs.
CNA Assisting with Daily Living
When assisting a resident with oral care, which position should the resident be in if possible?