CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations 2

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?

Accepted Answer

A&O x 2 (person, place)

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Have the patient move their leg as much as they can, while the CNA provides support and helps complete the movement.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Give the patient a small cup of ice chips to suck on as they request it.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Coughing, choking, or difficulty swallowing food.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Cerebrovascular Accident, a stroke.

Answer

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.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Common Medical Terms and Abbreviations 2