CNA CNA Patient Care & Basic Nursing Skills 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct order for performing hand hygiene as a CNA before and after patient care?
- Wet, soap, scrub 20 seconds, rinse, dry (Correct answer)
- Dry, soap, scrub 10 seconds, rinse, dry
- Wet, rinse, soap, scrub 5 seconds, dry
- Soap, wet, scrub 30 seconds, air dry
Correct answer: Wet, soap, scrub 20 seconds, rinse, dry
Proper hand hygiene requires wetting hands first, applying soap, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, rinsing, then drying with a clean towel.
Question 2: When measuring a patient's blood pressure, where should the cuff be placed?
- Over the wrist joint
- About 1 inch above the elbow crease (Correct answer)
- Directly over the elbow crease
- On the upper forearm near the wrist
Correct answer: About 1 inch above the elbow crease
The blood pressure cuff should be placed approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the antecubital fossa (elbow crease) for an accurate reading.
Question 3: A CNA is preparing to take an oral temperature. Which temperature range is considered normal for an adult?
- 96.0°F – 97.5°F
- 97.6°F – 99.6°F (Correct answer)
- 100.0°F – 101.0°F
- 95.0°F – 96.5°F
Correct answer: 97.6°F – 99.6°F
Normal adult oral temperature ranges from 97.6°F to 99.6°F (36.4°C to 37.6°C), with 98.6°F being the commonly cited average.
Question 4: Which pulse site is most commonly used by CNAs during routine vital sign measurement?
- Apical pulse
- Radial pulse (Correct answer)
- Carotid pulse
- Femoral pulse
Correct answer: Radial pulse
The radial pulse, located at the wrist on the thumb side, is the most commonly used site for routine pulse measurement by CNAs.
Question 5: When positioning a patient in Fowler's position, the head of the bed should be elevated to what angle?
- 10–15 degrees
- 20–30 degrees
- 45–60 degrees (Correct answer)
- 80–90 degrees
Correct answer: 45–60 degrees
Fowler's position requires the head of the bed to be elevated 45–60 degrees, which aids breathing and eating and is used for many medical procedures.
Question 6: A CNA notices a patient's urine output is only 100 mL in 8 hours. This should be reported because it may indicate:
- Normal hydration
- Oliguria, a sign of possible kidney dysfunction (Correct answer)
- Polyuria, a sign of diabetes
- Adequate fluid balance
Correct answer: Oliguria, a sign of possible kidney dysfunction
Oliguria is defined as urine output less than 30 mL per hour; 100 mL over 8 hours falls below this threshold and may indicate renal insufficiency or dehydration.
CNA CNA Patient Care & Basic Nursing Skills 1
What is the correct order for performing hand hygiene as a CNA before and after patient care?