CNA Patient Care Procedure 2

Question 1

A resident with a spinal cord injury at T6 or above suddenly develops a pounding headache, flushed skin, and a rapidly rising blood pressure. What is the CNA's IMMEDIATE priority action?

Accepted Answer

Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees (high-Fowler's position).

Answer

The resident is exhibiting classic signs of autonomic dysreflexia, a medical emergency. The first and most critical action is to sit the resident upright to help lower their blood pressure. After raising the head of the bed, the CNA should then look for and remove the triggering stimulus, which is often a full bladder or bowel.

Question 2

You are assigned to provide post-mortem care. The family, due to their cultural beliefs, has requested to wash the body themselves. Which of the following is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Allow them access and provide them with the necessary supplies and privacy.

Answer

Respecting cultural and religious preferences is a key component of holistic care, even after death. The appropriate action is to facilitate the family's request by providing them with the needed supplies (basin, cloths, clean linens, etc.) and ensuring their privacy.

Question 3

A CNA is caring for a resident receiving internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy) with a temporary implant. Which of the following precautions is MOST critical for the CNA to observe?

Accepted Answer

Limit close contact time with the resident.

Answer

With internal radiation sources, the patient can emit radiation. Safety protocols emphasize time, distance, and shielding. For CNAs, limiting the amount of time spent in close proximity to the patient is a primary safety measure to minimize radiation exposure. Specific shielding requirements and linen disposal procedures depend on the type and dose of the implant, but limiting time is a universal precaution.

Question 4

When providing oral care to an unconscious resident, which action is essential to prevent aspiration?

Accepted Answer

Positioning the resident on their side (lateral position).

Answer

The greatest risk during oral care for an unconscious person is aspiration, which can lead to pneumonia. Positioning the resident on their side with their head turned allows fluids and secretions to drain out of the mouth instead of back into the throat and airway.

Question 5

A resident is scheduled for surgery in the morning and has a 'NPO after midnight' order. At 6 AM, the resident's spouse gives the resident a glass of water. What is the CNA's first action?

Accepted Answer

Immediately report the situation to the charge nurse.

Answer

Violating an NPO (nothing by mouth) order before surgery can be dangerous, potentially causing aspiration during anesthesia and leading to the cancellation of the surgery. The CNA's immediate priority is to report this to the nurse, who can then assess the situation and notify the surgical team. While other options may also be done, reporting is the first and most critical step for patient safety.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Patient Care Procedure 2