CNA Basic Nursing Skills 8 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: NPO means

Nothing by mouth (Correct answer)
Nothing per ostomy
Only ice chips per mouth
Nothing by mouth except water

Correct answer: Nothing by mouth

NPO is a critical medical abbreviation that stands for 'nil per os,' a Latin phrase meaning 'nothing by mouth.' This instruction signifies that a patient must not ingest any food, liquids, or medications orally. It is commonly ordered before surgery, certain diagnostic tests, or for patients with specific medical conditions to prevent complications.

Question 2: A client needs to be repositioned but is heavy, and the nurse aide is not sure she can move the client alone. The nurse aide should

try to move the client alone
ask another nurse aide to help (Correct answer)
have the family do it
go on to another task

Correct answer: ask another nurse aide to help

Patient safety and the nurse aide's own safety are paramount when repositioning a client. Attempting to move a heavy client alone can lead to serious injury for both the client (e.g., falls) and the aide (e.g., back strain). Asking another nurse aide for help ensures proper body mechanics can be used, making the transfer safe and efficient.

Question 3: When caring for a client who uses a protective device (restraint), the nurse aide SHOULD

assure the protective device is tight.
check the client’s body alignment. (Correct answer)
release the protective device once a shift.
assess the client once every hour.

Correct answer: check the client’s body alignment.

When a client uses a protective device (restraint), it is crucial for the nurse aide to regularly check the client’s body alignment. Proper alignment prevents complications such as pressure injuries, nerve damage, and impaired circulation. Regular monitoring ensures the restraint is applied correctly and the client remains comfortable and safe.

Question 4: When helping a client who is recovering from a stroke to walk, the nurse aide should assist

from behind the client
with a wheelchair
on the client’s strong side
on the client’s weak side (Correct answer)

Correct answer: on the client’s weak side

When assisting a client recovering from a stroke to walk, the nurse aide should always assist on the client’s weak side. This positioning provides direct support to the affected side, helping to prevent falls and maintain balance. It allows the client to rely on their stronger side while receiving necessary stability and assistance.

Question 5: The most comfortable position for a resident with a respiratory problem is

Lateral
Supine
Prone
Fowler's (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Fowler's

Fowler's position, where the head of the bed is elevated to 45-60 degrees, is the most comfortable and beneficial for residents with respiratory problems. This semi-sitting position allows for maximum lung expansion by reducing pressure on the diaphragm, making it easier for the client to breathe and improving oxygenation.

Question 6: A client is paralyzed on the right side. The nurse aide should place the signaling device

on the right side of the bed near the client’s hand.
under the pillow.
at the foot of the bed.
on the left side of the bed near the client’s hand. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: on the left side of the bed near the client’s hand.

For a client paralyzed on the right side, the signaling device must be placed on their functional side, which is the left side, within easy reach of their hand. This ensures the client can independently and safely call for assistance whenever needed. Placing it on the paralyzed side would render it unusable.

Question 7: The Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) is used for a client who has

a blocked airway (Correct answer)
impaired eyesight
a bloody nose
fallen out of bed

Correct answer: a blocked airway

The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is an emergency procedure specifically used when a person's airway is blocked by a foreign object, causing them to choke. It is designed to dislodge the obstruction and restore breathing by applying upward pressure to the diaphragm.

Question 8: If the nurse aide discovers fire in a client’s room, the FIRST thing do is

remove the client (Correct answer)
try to put out the fire
call the nurse in charge
open a window

Correct answer: remove the client

In the event of a fire, the absolute first priority is the safety of the clients. Following the RACE acronym (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish), 'Rescue' means to remove anyone in immediate danger from the fire. This action prioritizes human life above all else, including trying to extinguish the fire or calling for help.

Question 9: A client is to be assisted out of bed to sit in a wheelchair. Which action would make this procedure safe?

release the wheel brakes
place the bed in the low position (Correct answer)
lower both footrest pedals
place a pillow on the wheelchair seat

Correct answer: place the bed in the low position

To ensure client safety during a transfer from bed to wheelchair, the nurse aide should always place the bed in the lowest position. This minimizes the distance the client needs to move downwards, reducing the risk of falls and making the transfer process safer and easier for both the client and the aide.

Question 10: A resident is on a bladder training program. The nurse aide can expect the resident to ______.

have an indwelling urinary catheter.
have a fluid restriction to prevent urges to urinate.
be on a schedule for toileting. (Correct answer)
wear an incontinent brief as a reminder.

Correct answer: be on a schedule for toileting.

A bladder training program aims to help residents regain control over their bladder function and reduce incontinence. The core component of such a program is establishing a regular, scheduled toileting routine. This helps to retrain the bladder to hold urine for longer periods and encourages predictable voiding patterns.

Question 11: Supine position is

lying on the back (Correct answer)
lying on the side
face down on the stomach
sitting upright at 90 degrees

Correct answer: lying on the back

The supine position describes a person lying flat on their back, facing upwards. This is a fundamental anatomical position used for rest, examinations, and various medical procedures, providing a stable and accessible posture for healthcare providers.

Question 12: A resident who has stress incontinence ________.

will have an indwelling urinary catheter
should wear an incontinent brief at night
may leak urine when laughing or coughing (Correct answer)
needs toileting every 1-2 hours throughout the day

Correct answer: may leak urine when laughing or coughing

Stress incontinence is characterized by involuntary leakage of urine when there is increased abdominal pressure, such as during laughing, coughing, sneezing, or exercising. This occurs due to weakened pelvic floor muscles or a compromised urethral sphincter, which cannot adequately hold urine under sudden pressure.

Question 13: Which stage of a pressure sore or ulcer involves breakdown of the subcutaneous layer of the skin?

Stage IV
Stage III (Correct answer)
Stage I
Stage II

Correct answer: Stage III

A Stage III pressure ulcer involves full-thickness skin loss, meaning the damage extends through the epidermis and dermis into the subcutaneous layer of the skin. Fat may be visible, but bone, tendon, or muscle are not yet exposed, distinguishing it from less severe stages and indicating significant tissue damage.

Question 14: The Foley bag must be kept lower than the patient’s bladder because

it makes the client more comfortable in bed.
it prevents urine returning to the bladder. (Correct answer)
it is easier to empty the bag.
it will be out of sight to visitors.

Correct answer: it prevents urine returning to the bladder.

The Foley catheter drainage bag must always be kept lower than the patient’s bladder to ensure proper urine drainage by gravity. If the bag is raised above the bladder, urine can flow backward into the bladder, significantly increasing the risk of urinary tract infections due to reflux of stagnant urine.

Question 15: If a patient does not have a bowel movement for more than ______, the patient is considered at an increased risk for developing constipation and the nurse should be notified.

3 days (Correct answer)
4 days
2 days
1 day

Correct answer: 3 days

While individual bowel habits vary, a patient who has not had a bowel movement for more than three days is generally considered at an increased risk for developing constipation. This prolonged period without defecation warrants notifying the nurse, as intervention may be necessary to prevent discomfort and potential complications.

Question 16: Which of the following diet has no food restrictions?

Soft
Low sodium
Diabetic
Regular (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Regular

A regular diet, also known as a general or house diet, is a standard diet that includes all types of food and has no specific restrictions. It is designed to provide adequate nutrition for individuals who do not have any dietary limitations, allergies, or medical conditions requiring modified food intake.

CNA Basic Nursing Skills 8

NPO means