CNA Basic Nursing Skills 14 2

Question 1

When assisting a patient with a bedpan, the CNA should position the patient:

Accepted Answer

With the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees and knees slightly bent if possible

Answer

Elevating the head of the bed and bending the knees simulates a normal sitting defecation posture, using gravity to assist elimination and increase patient comfort.

Question 2

A patient has not had a bowel movement in 4 days and complains of abdominal cramping. The CNA should:

Accepted Answer

Report the complaint and the bowel movement history to the charge nurse

Answer

Constipation lasting 4 days with pain is a clinical finding that requires nursing assessment and a possible physician-ordered intervention — the CNA must report promptly.

Question 3

What information should the CNA observe and record about a patient's bowel movement?

Accepted Answer

Color, consistency, amount, presence of blood or mucus, and any patient discomfort

Answer

Comprehensive stool documentation includes color, consistency, amount, abnormalities (blood, mucus), and patient symptoms because these characteristics help identify GI conditions.

Question 4

Signs of fecal impaction that the CNA should report include:

Accepted Answer

Liquid stool seeping around a hard stool mass with no regular formed movement

Answer

Liquid stool seeping around a hardened mass (paradoxical diarrhea) with no formed stool is the classic sign of fecal impaction requiring immediate nursing intervention.

Question 5

Which of the following approaches BEST promotes regular bowel function in long-term care residents?

Accepted Answer

Encouraging regular ambulation, adequate fluid intake, and a fiber-rich diet

Answer

Physical activity, adequate hydration (6–8 glasses of water daily), and dietary fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) are the foundational non-pharmacological approaches to preventing constipation.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Basic Nursing Skills 14 2