CNA Bathing and Dressing 2

Question 1

When giving a resident a complete bed bath, in what order should body areas generally be washed?

Accepted Answer

Face, neck, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, perineal area

Answer

Bed baths follow a 'clean to dirty' principle: begin with the face (cleanest) and finish with the perineal area (most contaminated) to prevent spreading bacteria from the perianal region to cleaner areas.

Question 2

What is the correct technique for washing a resident's eyes during a bed bath?

Accepted Answer

Wipe each eye from the inner corner to the outer corner using a separate part of the washcloth

Answer

Each eye is wiped from the inner (nasal) corner outward to avoid spreading secretions toward the tear duct. A separate clean area of the washcloth is used for each eye to prevent cross-contamination.

Question 3

When dressing a resident who has left-sided weakness (hemiparesis), in what order should clothing be put on?

Accepted Answer

Dress the weak (left) side first, then the strong side

Answer

When dressing a resident with weakness or paralysis, always dress the weaker (affected) side first. This requires less maneuvering of the affected limb and reduces the risk of injury.

Question 4

During perineal care (peri-care) for a female resident, the CNA should wipe:

Accepted Answer

From front to back (urethra toward the anus) to prevent urinary tract infections

Answer

Perineal care for females must always be performed front to back (urethral area to anal area) to prevent introducing fecal bacteria (including E. coli) into the urethra, which can cause urinary tract infections.

Question 5

When providing a shower or tub bath for a resident, what should the CNA check first regarding water temperature?

Accepted Answer

Test water temperature on their own wrist or forearm before the resident enters

Answer

The CNA must test water temperature on their own wrist or forearm before the resident's skin contacts the water. Many elderly residents have reduced temperature sensation and could be scalded without realizing it.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Bathing and Dressing 2