CNA Emergency Procedure 4

Question 1

A resident with a known seizure disorder begins convulsing in the dining room while seated in a wheelchair. After calling for help, which action should the CNA take FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Remove the food tray and clear the immediate area of hard or sharp objects

Answer

The priority during a seizure is environmental safety — clearing the immediate area of hazards prevents injury without interfering with the seizure itself. Restraining limbs can cause fractures or dislocations. Inserting anything into the mouth is contraindicated as it risks broken teeth, aspiration, or injury to the CNA. Moving the resident mid-seizure is unsafe and unnecessary if the wheelchair is secure.

Question 2

A CNA discovers a resident who is unresponsive and not breathing normally. CPR is initiated. When the AED arrives and is attached, it advises 'No Shock Recommended.' What is the correct next step?

Accepted Answer

Resume high-quality CPR immediately and reanalyze in 2 minutes

Answer

When the AED advises no shock, the correct action is to immediately resume CPR — specifically high-quality chest compressions. The AED will prompt reanalysis after approximately 2 minutes of CPR. A precordial thump is not part of standard lay-rescuer or CNA CPR protocols. Prolonged pulse checks waste critical time. A CNA must continue resuscitation efforts until relieved by a qualified provider.

Question 3

During a facility fire drill, a CNA is caring for a resident on continuous oxygen via nasal cannula who cannot ambulate. The fire alarm sounds on their unit. According to RACE protocol, after Rescuing the resident from immediate danger, what is the CNA's next action?

Accepted Answer

Activate the fire alarm pull station and notify staff

Answer

RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate. After rescuing persons in immediate danger, the next step is to Alarm — activate the pull station and alert other staff if the alarm has not already been triggered. While oxygen is a fire accelerant, removing it and sealing the door falls under Confine, the third step. Direct 911 calls may occur but the facility's alarm system should be activated first to initiate the full emergency response.

Question 4

A CNA notices a resident's gastrostomy tube (G-tube) has become completely dislodged and the stoma is open. The nurse is currently in another resident's room with the door closed. What should the CNA do FIRST?

Accepted Answer

Cover the stoma with a clean, moist dressing and immediately notify the nurse

Answer

A dislodged G-tube is a medical emergency — stomas can begin to close within 30 to 60 minutes. The CNA should cover the stoma with a clean moist dressing (saline if available, or clean moistened gauze) to protect the tissue and prevent infection, then notify the nurse immediately. CNAs must never attempt to reinsert a dislodged tube, as this risks creating a false tract. Leaving the stoma open risks drying and contamination. Pressure over the stoma is not indicated.

Question 5

A CNA is assisting a resident when the resident suddenly complains of a severe 'tearing' headache described as 'the worst of my life,' then becomes confused and vomits. The resident's face appears asymmetrical. Which emergency response BEST reflects the CNA's priority?

Accepted Answer

Activate the emergency response system immediately and note the exact time symptoms began

Answer

The symptom triad — thunderclap 'worst headache of life,' sudden confusion, vomiting, and facial asymmetry — strongly suggests a hemorrhagic stroke or subarachnoid hemorrhage, both life-threatening emergencies. The CNA must activate the emergency response immediately. Noting exact symptom onset time is critical, as it directly informs whether thrombolytic therapy is appropriate. Supine with legs elevated is the shock position and contraindicated for suspected stroke. Offering fluids risks aspiration. Monitoring for 15 minutes wastes critical intervention time.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Emergency Procedure 4