CNA Basic Nursing Skills 10 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following best helps reduce pressure on the bony prominences?

Repositioning every shift
Sheepskin
Flotation mattress (Correct answer)
Several pillows

Correct answer: Flotation mattress

A bedridden client can quickly develop pressure sores if allowed to remain in one position. To prevent the skin from breaking down, reposition the client at least every two hours. Use pillows to support the client and to relieve places where skin can rub, such as between the legs or at the tailbone. Always keep the skin clean and dry. A sheepskin on the bed or wheelchair provides extra padding, but does not replace repositioning. Observe the skin for reddened areas and report them to the nurse. Special beds and flotation mattresses are helpful in preventing pressure sores.

Question 2: While making an empty bed, the nurse aide sees that the side rail is broken. The nurse aide SHOULD

warn the client to be careful when she gets back into bed.
report the broken side rail immediately. (Correct answer)
wait for the next safety check to report the broken side rail.
tie the side rail in the raised position until it is fixed.

Correct answer: report the broken side rail immediately.

Every staff member is responsible for keeping clients safe at all times. This includes monitoring all equipment and reporting when anything needs repair. Never use broken equipment or try to create a temporary solution if equipment is not working properly. Tag the broken bed and move it so that another client can't use it. Replace it immediately with one that has functioning side rails.

Question 3: Which of the following people provide treatment for persons who have difficulty talking due to disorders such as a stroke or physical defects?

Occupational therapist
Physical therapist
Registered nurse
Speech therapist (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Speech therapist

When a client is unable to speak clearly or has trouble forming words, a speech therapist can help improve problems from strokes, physical defects, and swallowing disorders. Speech therapists work with both adults and children. They are qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat clients.

Question 4: A nurse assistant notices red marks on a resident’s back and buttocks. The aide acts in the knowledge that

patients can only be turned every two hours.
it takes a doctor’s order to rub skin with lotion.
the skin can break down if nothing is done. (Correct answer)
red marks are not a problem.

Correct answer: the skin can break down if nothing is done.

A reddened area is the first sign of skin breakdown. It means that there is pressure and a lack of blood circulation to the area. The nurse aide should immediately reposition the client to eliminate pressure. Clients who are not mobile need to be repositioned at least every two hours. Never massage a reddened area, as this will increase the damage. Keep the client clean from perspiration, urine, and feces. Continue to observe the skin and report to the nurse if the marks do not quickly disappear.

Question 5: Most of our calories should come from

protein
fats
vitamins
carbohydrates (Correct answer)

Correct answer: carbohydrates

A balanced diet is essential for health. When nutrients are taken in the right combination of calories, the client's desired weight is maintained. Carbohydrates supply fuel for the body, so 45-65% of calories should come from carbohydrates. The energy is stored in the muscles and the liver for immediate or future use, as well as for the brain to function. Fat and protein have important roles, but are not good for energy sources.

Question 6: To help ensure adequate circulation to prevent skin breakdown, you could

Give back massages
Change the patient’s position frequently
Perform active or passive range-of-motion exercises
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

One of the primary responsibilities of a nurse aide is to monitor the client's skin for any signs of breakdown. During baths, dressing, or position changes, inspect the skin for redness, pallor, warmth, or bruising. Reposition at least every two hours, protecting areas that rub together, as well as the bony prominences. Massages to the back and buttocks can promote circulation. Range-of-motion exercises are also helpful. Always report any signs of breakdown to the nurse.

Question 7: Before performing any procedure a nurse aide must

wash your hands
identify the patient
explain the procedure
all the above. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: all the above.

Clinical standards state that all health care professionals must identify the client by checking the ID band or tag before providing care. They should wash their hands before and after an encounter with a client. They should also explain what they are going to do and give the client an opportunity to ask questions before proceeding.

Question 8: In the Nursing Care Plan you note it is written; “O2 per N/C @3L, Orthopnea pos. as needed”. As a CNA you know this means

Resident is to be ambulated every 3 hours
Resident has oxygen with a nasal cannula on three liters, assist to sit in Fowlers (Correct answer)
Oral care every 3 hours
Orient new client @ 3:00 to orthopedic unit

Correct answer: Resident has oxygen with a nasal cannula on three liters, assist to sit in Fowlers

This nursing care plan means that the client is receiving oxygen at a constant rate of 3 liters per minute, using a nasal cannula. If the client has difficulty breathing, the CNA can assist the client to sit in a Fowler's (upright) position. Every facility has a list of approved abbreviations. The CNA should become familiar with these, for reading care plans and for doing documentation.

Question 9: In report the nurse aide is told that one of her patients has been ordered NPO after midnight. The aide should

take away the water pitcher at midnight. (Correct answer)
ask the patient if he is having any pain.
note all water the patient drinks and all output.
offer frequent snacks.

Correct answer: take away the water pitcher at midnight.

NPO is a common medical term that means the client can not eat or drink anything, including water or ice chips. A doctor orders a patient to be NPO at midnight for situations such as before surgery or certain lab work. The nurse aide can provide mouth care for a client who is NPO. Placing a "NPO" sign over the client's bed and on the client's door will remind all staff members not to give the client anything to eat or drink.

Question 10: Which blood pressure reading would you report to the nurse?

128/80
118/78
94/64
144/92 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 144/92

Hypertension is diagnosed when a person has consistent blood pressure measurements of 140/90 or greater. Hypertension has no symptoms as it develops; it can be present for years without a person knowing it. If untreated, it can cause hart failure and stroke.

Question 11: A resident has an indwelling urinary catheter. While making rounds, the nurse aide notices that there is no urine in the drainage bag. The nurse aide should first __________.

check for kinks in the tubing (Correct answer)
ask the resident to try urinating
offer the resident fluid to drink
obtain a new urinary drainage bag

Correct answer: check for kinks in the tubing

When a client has an indwelling Foley catheter, the nurse aide should check that the tubing is open so that the urine can flow from the bladder. After each position change or when the client returns to the bed or chair after being up, ensure that the tubing is not kinked or closed. The bag should be lower than the bladder to prevent backflow.

Question 12: The resident’s weight is obtained routinely as a way to check the resident’s __________.

nutrition and health (Correct answer)
adjustment to the facility
growth and development
ability to stand and balance

Correct answer: nutrition and health

Weight is a good indicator of a resident's nutrition and calorie intake. It should stay within a range of a few pounds. Residents who have heart failure may be weighed daily to see if they are retaining fluid. Report any sudden weight gain or loss to the nurse.

Question 13: Which specialist is responsible for assisting residents to do everyday activities?

Occupational therapist (Correct answer)
Physical therapist
Physiotherapist
Activities coordinator

Correct answer: Occupational therapist

An occupational therapist helps patients who are disabled or who have been injured develop or regain the skills needed for daily activities. They may teach a resident who has had a stroke to get dressed or use special devices to assist with eating.

Question 14: Which of the following methods is the CORRECT way to remove a dirty isolation gown?

Pull it over the head
Let it drop to the floor and step out of it
Pull it off by the sleeve and shake it out
Roll it dirty side in and away from the body (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Roll it dirty side in and away from the body

To correctly remove a dirty isolation gown, it should be rolled dirty side in and away from the body. This method contains the contaminated outer surface, preventing the spread of microorganisms and minimizing contact with the healthcare worker's clean clothing and skin. It is a critical step in maintaining proper infection control and preventing cross-contamination.

Question 15: Which one of the following amounts is the proper way to record urinary output?

two cups
16 ounces
one pint
480 cc (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 480 cc

In healthcare, urinary output is precisely measured and recorded using the metric system, specifically in cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (mL). While other options represent volumes, 480 cc is a standardized metric unit commonly used for medical charting. Using precise metric measurements ensures accuracy and consistency in patient care documentation.

Question 16: What is an embolism?

A bubble of air that blocks blood flow in arteries, causing an IV to stop
When a blood vessel bursts and bleeds inside of the brain
A blood clot that moves through the bloodstream, and causes obstruction (Correct answer)
When an artery begins to clot due to damage and causes obstruction

Correct answer: A blood clot that moves through the bloodstream, and causes obstruction

An embolism is defined as a blood clot or other foreign material (like air or fat) that forms in one part of the body and then travels through the bloodstream. This moving obstruction can eventually lodge in a narrower blood vessel, blocking blood flow to an organ or tissue. This blockage can lead to serious medical conditions like stroke or pulmonary embolism.

CNA Basic Nursing Skills 10

Which of the following best helps reduce pressure on the bony prominences?