CNA Oxygen Therapy and Respiratory Support

Question 1

A resident is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula. The nurse aide notices the tubing has become kinked. The nurse aide should:

Accepted Answer

Straighten the tubing immediately to restore oxygen flow and report the finding to the nurse

Answer

A kinked tube interrupts oxygen delivery, which can rapidly cause hypoxia. The nurse aide should correct the kink immediately — this is within scope — and inform the nurse. Changing flow rates or switching delivery devices requires a nurse's or physician's order.

Question 2

Which safety rule is most important when oxygen is in use in a resident's room?

Accepted Answer

Post 'No Smoking / Oxygen in Use' signs and eliminate all open flames and sparks

Answer

Oxygen dramatically accelerates combustion. Open flames, smoking, electric sparks, and petroleum-based products (like Vaseline) are serious fire hazards in oxygen-enriched environments. Posting warnings and removing ignition sources is the top safety priority.

Question 3

A nurse aide checks a resident's pulse oximetry reading and finds it is 88%. The nurse aide should:

Accepted Answer

Report the low reading to the nurse immediately, as it may indicate inadequate oxygenation

Answer

A normal pulse oximetry reading is typically 95–100%. A reading of 88% indicates significantly low blood oxygen saturation (hypoxia) and must be reported to the nurse immediately for assessment and intervention. The nurse aide must not adjust oxygen independently.

Question 4

Which position is generally most helpful for a resident who is having difficulty breathing?

Accepted Answer

Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position (head of bed elevated 30–90 degrees)

Answer

Elevating the head of the bed in Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position uses gravity to lower the diaphragm and allow the lungs to expand more fully. Flat or head-down positions compress the diaphragm and worsen breathing difficulty.

Question 5

Which of the following signs would indicate a resident may be experiencing hypoxia (low blood oxygen)?

Accepted Answer

Confusion, bluish color of the lips or fingertips (cyanosis), and labored breathing

Answer

Hypoxia causes cyanosis (bluish discoloration from deoxygenated blood), altered mental status, shortness of breath, and restlessness. These are emergency signs requiring immediate nurse notification.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Oxygen Therapy and Respiratory Support