CNA Bathing and Dressing — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Before bathing a resident, a CNA should check the water temperature using which method?
- Ask the resident to test it
- Use a thermometer or test on the inner wrist; ideal temperature is 105 to 110 degrees F (Correct answer)
- Check with fingertips only
- Run the water until it feels comfortable on the back of the hand only
Correct answer: Use a thermometer or test on the inner wrist; ideal temperature is 105 to 110 degrees F
Water temperature should be tested with a bath thermometer or on the inner wrist. The safe range is approximately 105 to 110 degrees F (40 to 43 degrees C) to prevent burns, especially for residents with reduced sensation.
Question 2: Which principle of infection control is most important when performing a bed bath?
- Wash from the dirtiest areas to the cleanest areas
- Wash from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest areas (Correct answer)
- Use the same washcloth throughout the entire bath
- Skip drying to save time
Correct answer: Wash from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest areas
Infection control requires washing from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest (e.g., face first, perineal area last) to prevent spreading microorganisms. A fresh area of the washcloth should be used for each wipe.
Question 3: When assisting a resident with a shower who has right-sided weakness, the CNA should help them wash which areas?
- Only the left (strong) side
- Only the back
- Areas the resident cannot safely reach, focusing on the affected right side (Correct answer)
- No areas — the resident should be fully independent
Correct answer: Areas the resident cannot safely reach, focusing on the affected right side
The CNA should assist with areas the resident cannot safely reach, especially the affected (weaker) side. Encouraging independence where safe promotes dignity and maintains remaining abilities.
Question 4: What should a CNA do to maintain a resident's privacy and dignity during bathing?
- Leave the door open for safety
- Cover the resident with a bath blanket and only expose the area being washed (Correct answer)
- Invite family members to observe
- Perform the bath as quickly as possible without conversation
Correct answer: Cover the resident with a bath blanket and only expose the area being washed
Maintaining privacy and dignity requires covering the resident with a bath blanket and exposing only the area being washed at any given time. This respects the resident's rights and maintains comfort.
Question 5: While bathing a resident, a CNA notices a reddened area on the resident's hip. What is the most appropriate action?
- Apply lotion and continue bathing without reporting it
- Massage the reddened area vigorously to increase circulation
- Note the location and report it to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Ignore it unless the resident complains of pain
Correct answer: Note the location and report it to the nurse immediately
A reddened area on a bony prominence is an early warning sign of a pressure injury. The CNA must report this to the nurse immediately so preventive measures can be implemented.
Question 6: When helping a resident put on a pullover shirt, which step is correct?
- Put the head through first, then both arms simultaneously
- Put the shirt over the weaker arm first, then the stronger arm, then the head (Correct answer)
- Put the shirt on the stronger arm first
- The order does not matter as long as the shirt gets on
Correct answer: Put the shirt over the weaker arm first, then the stronger arm, then the head
For residents with one-sided weakness, dress the weaker arm first, then the stronger arm, then the head. This technique minimizes pain and difficulty associated with the affected limb.
CNA Bathing and Dressing
Before bathing a resident, a CNA should check the water temperature using which method?