CNA Basic Nursing Skills 4 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: A restraint attached to a patient's body and to a stationary object is ________.

a passive physical restraint
an active physical restraint (Correct answer)
an illegal restraint
a chemical restraint

Correct answer: an active physical restraint

A restraint attached to a patient's body and a stationary object is considered an active physical restraint because it directly restricts the patient's movement. This type of restraint actively limits the patient's ability to move freely and requires a doctor's order and careful monitoring to ensure patient safety and prevent complications.

Question 2: A health care agency or program for patients who are dying is

Managed care
Hospice (Correct answer)
Case management
A preferred provider organization

Correct answer: Hospice

Hospice is a specialized type of care for individuals who are terminally ill and have a life expectancy of six months or less. Its primary focus is on providing comfort, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support to the patient and their family, rather than curative treatment. The goal is to improve the quality of life during the final stages of illness.

Question 3: Mrs. Harvey complains of abdominal discomfort. Watery stool has been leaking from her rectum. This could be a sign of

diarrhea
bowel incontinence
constipation
fecal impaction (Correct answer)

Correct answer: fecal impaction

Watery stool leaking from the rectum, especially when accompanied by abdominal discomfort, is a classic sign of fecal impaction. This occurs when a large, hard mass of stool gets stuck in the rectum or colon, and only liquid stool can bypass the obstruction. It's crucial to report this to the nurse immediately as it can lead to serious complications if not addressed.

Question 4: Mrs. Allen has a gastrostomy and the nurse just put Ensure through the feeding tube. The CNA needs to put her in which position for the next 1-2 hours?

Dorsal position
Fowler's position (Correct answer)
Supine position
Sim's position

Correct answer: Fowler's position

After a gastrostomy feeding, the patient should be placed in Fowler's position (head of bed elevated 30-45 degrees) for at least 30-60 minutes. This position helps prevent aspiration and reflux by allowing gravity to assist the flow of the feeding into the stomach. Keeping the patient upright reduces the risk of the formula backing up into the esophagus.

Question 5: Mr. Brown has an ankle brace. When you remove the brace, you notice a reddened area on the ankle bone. You should

put on two pairs of socks before the brace.
report your observations to the nurse. (Correct answer)
apply a bandage to the reddened area.
massage the reddened area.

Correct answer: report your observations to the nurse.

Noticing a reddened area on the ankle bone after removing a brace is a critical observation that must be reported to the nurse immediately. Redness can indicate skin irritation, pressure injury, or improper fit of the brace, which could lead to skin breakdown or infection. CNAs are responsible for observing and reporting any changes in a patient's condition or skin integrity to the licensed nurse for assessment and intervention.

Question 6: What is the normal range of systolic blood pressure for adults?

120-140
100-120 (Correct answer)
80-100
60-80

Correct answer: 100-120

The normal range for systolic blood pressure in adults is generally considered to be between 90 mmHg and 120 mmHg. Systolic pressure measures the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats, indicating the force with which blood is pumped out. Values consistently outside this range should be reported to the nurse.

Question 7: A nursing aide has four patients to assist. Who should she address first?

The patient who needs their drainage bag emptied
The patient who needs to be taken to the bathroom (Correct answer)
The patient who lies uncomfortably in bed
The patient who asks for their glasses from the table to read

Correct answer: The patient who needs to be taken to the bathroom

When prioritizing patient care, the CNA should address immediate physiological needs first, especially those related to safety and comfort. A patient needing to go to the bathroom has an urgent need that, if delayed, could lead to incontinence, discomfort, or a fall risk if they try to get up independently. Addressing this promptly prevents potential complications and maintains the patient's dignity.

Question 8: The RN assigns you a task that is in your job description. Which statement is FALSE?

The RN can delegate the task to you if it's suitable for the patient.
The RN should give you clear directions before you perform the task.
The RN should delegate every non-RN task to you. (Correct answer)
The RN should check that you have the necessary education and training.

Correct answer: The RN should delegate every non-RN task to you.

This statement is false because while an RN can delegate tasks to a CNA, they should not delegate *every* non-RN task. Delegation must be appropriate for the patient's condition, within the CNA's scope of practice, and the RN must ensure the CNA has the necessary training and competency. The RN retains accountability for the overall care and must use professional judgment in delegation.

Question 9: Settings where a CNA can work include

Hospitals
Home Care
Hospices
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

CNAs are essential members of the healthcare team and can work in a variety of settings. Their skills are valuable in hospitals, providing direct patient care, as well as in home care, assisting individuals in their own residences. Additionally, CNAs play a crucial role in hospices, offering comfort and support to terminally ill patients and their families.

Question 10: The surgical creation of an artificial opening of the large intestine is called _______.

a gastronomy
a colostomy (Correct answer)
a pouch
a colectomy

Correct answer: a colostomy

A colostomy is the surgical creation of an artificial opening (stoma) from the large intestine to the outside of the body, allowing stool to be diverted and collected in an external pouch. This procedure is performed when a portion of the colon needs to be bypassed or removed due to disease or injury. It is distinct from a gastrostomy, which involves the stomach.

Question 11: Which of the following is recorded as the systolic blood pressure?

The point when the pulse is no longer felt
The point where the last sound is heard
The point where the first sound is heard (Correct answer)
The point 30 mm Hg above where the pulse was felt

Correct answer: The point where the first sound is heard

When measuring blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, the systolic blood pressure is recorded at the point where the first clear tapping sound (Korotkoff sound) is heard as the cuff is deflated. This sound indicates the pressure at which blood begins to flow through the artery again after being occluded. The diastolic pressure is recorded when the sounds disappear.

Question 12: When giving an enema to a person you ask the person to lie on _______.

their back
their abdomen
their left side (Correct answer)
their right side

Correct answer: their left side

When administering an enema, the patient should be positioned on their left side (Sim's position) with the right knee flexed. This position allows gravity to help the enema solution flow into the sigmoid colon and descending colon, which are on the left side of the abdomen. This anatomical alignment facilitates better retention and effectiveness of the enema.

Question 13: A fracture-type bedpan is used for residents who

Have had hip surgery
Are in traction
Have a back injury
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

A fracture-type bedpan, which is flatter and has a tapered end, is specifically designed for patients who cannot raise their hips easily or have limited mobility. This includes individuals who have had hip surgery, are in traction, or have a back injury, as it minimizes movement and discomfort during use. Its design makes it easier to slide under the patient.

Question 14: When nursing assistants find equipment in need of repair, they should

fill out an Incident Report.
wait for the safety inspection.
report it to the appropriate personnel. (Correct answer)
continue to use the item until it is replaced.

Correct answer: report it to the appropriate personnel.

If a nursing assistant finds equipment in need of repair, their immediate responsibility is to report it to the appropriate personnel, such as the nurse, supervisor, or maintenance department. Using faulty equipment can pose a significant safety risk to both patients and staff. Reporting ensures the item can be repaired or replaced promptly, maintaining a safe environment.

Question 15: Which function is NOT done by the circulatory system?

Transmitting electrical pulses from the brain (Correct answer)
Removing waste products from the cells
Transporting nutrients to the cells of the body
Delivering oxygenated blood throughout the body

Correct answer: Transmitting electrical pulses from the brain

The circulatory system, composed of the heart, blood vessels, and blood, is responsible for transporting oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to cells and removing waste products. Transmitting electrical pulses from the brain is the primary function of the nervous system, which controls and coordinates body activities. Therefore, it is not a function of the circulatory system.

Question 16: When the valves in the legs weaken it can result in

Myocardial infarction
Cerebral vascular accident
Varicose veins (Correct answer)
Heart failure

Correct answer: Varicose veins

Varicose veins occur when the valves in the leg veins weaken or become damaged, preventing blood from flowing efficiently back to the heart. This causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to them becoming enlarged, twisted, and visible beneath the skin. This condition is often exacerbated by prolonged standing or genetic predisposition.

CNA Basic Nursing Skills 4

A restraint attached to a patient's body and to a stationary object is ________.