CNA Assisting with Daily Living 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with significant right-sided weakness from a stroke wants to eat independently. Which piece of adaptive equipment would be MOST beneficial for the CNA to provide during mealtime?
- A standard fork and a serrated knife
- A plate with a raised edge or a plate guard (Correct answer)
- A regular ceramic coffee mug
- A weighted, wide-handled spoon
Correct answer: A plate with a raised edge or a plate guard
A plate with a raised edge or a plate guard allows a person with one-sided weakness to push food against the edge to get it onto the utensil, promoting self-feeding and independence. While a weighted spoon can help with tremors, the primary challenge here is loading the utensil with one hand.
Question 2: When assisting a resident who is legally blind with selecting an outfit for the day, what is the MOST appropriate action for the CNA to take to promote the resident's autonomy?
- Lay out two different outfits on the bed and let the resident choose by feeling the fabric.
- Choose a color-coordinated outfit for the resident to ensure they look their best.
- Describe the color, style, and feel of several appropriate outfits and allow the resident to choose. (Correct answer)
- Organize the closet by season and simply ask the resident which season they'd like to dress for.
Correct answer: Describe the color, style, and feel of several appropriate outfits and allow the resident to choose.
Describing the clothing in detail provides the resident with the necessary information to make an informed and personal choice, which is central to respecting their autonomy and dignity. The other options limit their choice or do not provide enough specific information.
Question 3: While feeding a resident, a CNA observes frequent throat clearing, a gurgly-sounding voice, and coughing after swallowing. These signs are indicative of dysphagia. What is the CNA's immediate and most critical action?
- Continue feeding the resident but with smaller, teaspoon-sized bites.
- Offer the resident a sip of water to help clear their throat.
- Immediately stop the meal and report the observations to the charge nurse. (Correct answer)
- Reposition the resident with their head tilted further back to open the airway.
Correct answer: Immediately stop the meal and report the observations to the charge nurse.
These are classic signs of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and present a high risk for aspiration. The CNA's priority is to prevent aspiration, so they must stop feeding immediately and report their specific observations to the nurse for further assessment and intervention. Continuing to feed, offering water, or tilting the head back could increase the risk.
Question 4: When providing perineal care for an uncircumcised male resident, which of the following steps is a critical safety measure?
- Use firm pressure to ensure the area under the foreskin is completely clean.
- Leave the foreskin retracted after cleaning to allow the area to air dry thoroughly.
- Gently retract the foreskin, clean the glans, and immediately return the foreskin to its natural position. (Correct answer)
- Avoid retracting the foreskin to prevent causing the resident any discomfort.
Correct answer: Gently retract the foreskin, clean the glans, and immediately return the foreskin to its natural position.
It is essential to gently retract the foreskin to clean the area, but it is equally critical to return it to its natural position immediately after cleaning. Failure to do so can cause constriction and swelling (paraphimosis), which can cut off blood flow and become a medical emergency.
Question 5: A CNA is preparing to ambulate a resident who is at high risk for orthostatic hypotension. Which action is most important to perform BEFORE assisting the resident to a standing position?
- Ensure the resident is wearing fashionable, comfortable shoes.
- Have the resident sit on the edge of the bed with their legs dangling for a few minutes. (Correct answer)
- Perform a range of motion exercises with the resident's legs to improve circulation.
- Offer the resident a large glass of water to increase their blood pressure.
Correct answer: Have the resident sit on the edge of the bed with their legs dangling for a few minutes.
Orthostatic hypotension is a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. Having the resident dangle their legs on the side of the bed allows their circulatory system to acclimate to the change in position, reducing the risk of dizziness or fainting.
Question 6: To minimize the risk of aspiration when providing oral care to a resident who is unconscious, how should the CNA position the resident?
- In a supine position with a pillow under their head.
- In the High-Fowler's position (sitting nearly upright).
- In a side-lying (lateral) position with their head turned to the side. (Correct answer)
- In the Trendelenburg position (feet elevated above the head).
Correct answer: In a side-lying (lateral) position with their head turned to the side.
Positioning an unconscious resident on their side (lateral position) is the safest method for oral care. This position uses gravity to allow any fluids, secretions, or cleaning solutions to drain out of the mouth instead of down the throat and into the lungs, thereby preventing aspiration.
CNA Assisting with Daily Living 3
A resident with significant right-sided weakness from a stroke wants to eat independently.
Which piece of adaptive equipment would be MOST beneficial for the CNA to provide during mealtime?