CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's care plan indicates they are 'A&O x 4'. During a conversation, the resident correctly states their name and the current location (the facility), but believes the year is 1999 and that it is currently summer. How should the CNA document the resident's status?
- A&O x 4, as per the care plan
- A&O x 2 (person, place) (Correct answer)
- A&O x 3 (person, place, time)
- Disoriented and confused
Correct answer: A&O x 2 (person, place)
A&O x 4 refers to being alert and oriented to person, place, time, and situation. In this scenario, the resident is oriented to person (their name) and place (the facility), but not to time (year/season). Therefore, the most accurate documentation is A&O x 2.
Question 2: The nurse instructs a CNA to assist a patient with 'AAROM' exercises for their left lower extremity. What will the CNA be expected to do?
- Move the patient's leg through its full range of motion without any help from the patient.
- Instruct the patient to move their leg through its range of motion without any assistance.
- Have the patient move their leg as much as they can, while the CNA provides support and helps complete the movement. (Correct answer)
- Apply a brace to the patient's leg to prevent all movement.
Correct answer: Have the patient move their leg as much as they can, while the CNA provides support and helps complete the movement.
AAROM stands for 'assistive active range of motion'. This means the patient actively participates in the movement to the best of their ability, and the caregiver assists to complete the full range of motion. This is different from passive (PROM) or active (AROM) range of motion.
Question 3: A patient returning from surgery has an order for 'NPO' and also an order for 'sips and chips PRN for dry mouth'. Which action by the CNA is most appropriate?
- Provide a large glass of ice water to the patient immediately.
- Strictly enforce the NPO order and provide no liquids or ice.
- Give the patient a small cup of ice chips to suck on as they request it. (Correct answer)
- Offer the patient a regular meal since they are complaining of hunger.
Correct answer: Give the patient a small cup of ice chips to suck on as they request it.
NPO means 'nothing by mouth'. PRN means 'as needed'. In this case, there is a specific exception to the NPO order, which is 'sips and chips PRN'. The correct action is to provide small amounts of ice chips when the patient requests them for their dry mouth, adhering to the specific exception.
Question 4: While reviewing a resident's chart, a CNA sees the term 'dysphagia'. Later, during mealtime, the CNA should be particularly alert for which of the following signs?
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
- Expressing an inability to speak or find words.
- Coughing, choking, or difficulty swallowing food. (Correct answer)
- Redness and swelling in the lower legs.
Correct answer: Coughing, choking, or difficulty swallowing food.
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulty swallowing. Therefore, the CNA must closely observe the resident during meals for signs of choking, coughing, pocketing food, or other difficulties with swallowing to ensure their safety.
Question 5: A CNA is caring for a resident with a diagnosis of CVA. The CNA notices the resident has a new facial droop and is slurring their speech. What does CVA stand for, and what does it commonly refer to?
- Cardiovascular Accident, a heart attack.
- Chronic Venous Access, a type of IV line.
- Cerebrovascular Accident, a stroke. (Correct answer)
- Complete Vertebral Assessment, a spinal check.
Correct answer: Cerebrovascular Accident, a stroke.
CVA stands for Cerebrovascular Accident, which is the medical term for a stroke. A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is disrupted. The signs observed by the CNA (facial droop, slurred speech) are common symptoms of a stroke.
Question 6: The care plan for a diabetic resident includes 'FBS' in the morning. What does this abbreviation instruct the CNA to do?
- Provide a full breakfast service immediately upon waking.
- Ensure the resident does not eat or drink before their blood sugar is tested. (Correct answer)
- Force fluids by offering water and juice frequently.
- Check the resident's blood pressure while they are still in bed.
Correct answer: Ensure the resident does not eat or drink before their blood sugar is tested.
FBS stands for Fasting Blood Sugar. This means the resident's blood glucose level must be checked before they have had anything to eat or drink in the morning to get an accurate baseline reading.
CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations 2
A resident's care plan indicates they are 'A&O x 4'.
During a conversation, the resident correctly states their name and the current location (the facility), but believes the year is 1999 and that it is currently summer.
How should the CNA document the resident's status?