CNA - Certified Nurse Aide Assisting with Daily Living Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assisting a resident who has a weak right arm to get dressed, the CNA should first put the shirt sleeve on the:
- Left arm, then the right arm.
- Right arm, then the left arm. (Correct answer)
- Resident's preferred arm first.
- Arm closest to the CNA.
Correct answer: Right arm, then the left arm.
The correct procedure is to dress the weaker or affected side first. This minimizes movement and strain on the weak arm. Undressing follows the opposite rule: undress the strong side first.
Question 2: A CNA is assigned to provide oral care to an unconscious resident. Which of the following actions is most important to prevent aspiration?
- Using a large amount of water to ensure the mouth is clean.
- Placing the resident in a supine (flat on back) position.
- Positioning the resident on their side with their head turned to the side. (Correct answer)
- Brushing the teeth, tongue, and gums vigorously.
Correct answer: Positioning the resident on their side with their head turned to the side.
Positioning an unconscious resident on their side allows excess fluids to drain from the mouth, preventing them from entering the airway and lungs (aspiration). Using large amounts of water or placing the resident flat on their back increases the risk of aspiration.
Question 3: When providing perineal care for a female resident, the CNA should always clean from:
- Back to front to ensure thoroughness.
- The dirtiest area to the cleanest area.
- The rectal area towards the urethra.
- Front to back, away from the urethra. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Front to back, away from the urethra.
Cleaning the perineal area from front to back (from the urethra towards the anus) is a critical infection control measure. This technique helps prevent the transfer of bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra, which can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Question 4: A resident is visually impaired. What is the BEST technique for a CNA to use when assisting this resident with a meal?
- Feed the resident quickly to make sure they finish their meal.
- Use the face of a clock to explain the position of food on the plate. (Correct answer)
- Mix all the food together to make it easier to eat.
- Choose the food for the resident to ensure a balanced meal.
Correct answer: Use the face of a clock to explain the position of food on the plate.
Using the clock face method (e.g., "The potatoes are at 3 o'clock, and the chicken is at 9 o'clock") allows a visually impaired resident to understand their plate's layout, promoting independence and dignity during meals.
Question 5: While assisting a resident with ambulation using a gait belt, the resident begins to fall. The CNA's immediate action should be to:
- Hold the resident up tightly to prevent the fall.
- Gently lower the resident to the floor, protecting their head. (Correct answer)
- Let go and quickly get a wheelchair.
- Shout for help immediately.
Correct answer: Gently lower the resident to the floor, protecting their head.
If a resident begins to fall, the CNA should not try to stop the fall, which could cause injury to both the resident and the aide. The correct procedure is to use the gait belt and your body to slide the resident gently to the floor, protecting their head from impact.
Question 6: Which of the following is a key responsibility of the CNA when assisting residents with their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)?
- Diagnosing minor skin conditions.
- Prescribing over-the-counter creams.
- Promoting resident independence and dignity. (Correct answer)
- Completing all tasks for the resident to save time.
Correct answer: Promoting resident independence and dignity.
A core principle of providing care as a CNA is to encourage residents to do as much as they can for themselves safely. This promotes independence, self-esteem, and dignity, which are crucial aspects of holistic care.
When assisting a resident who has a weak right arm to get dressed, the CNA should first put the shirt sleeve on the: