CNA Practice Test - Basic Nursing Skills #2 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's blood pressure is measured at 158/96 mmHg. This reading would be classified as:
- Normal
- Hypotensive
- Hypertensive (Correct answer)
- Within acceptable limits for elderly adults
Correct answer: Hypertensive
A blood pressure reading of 158/96 mmHg is elevated and falls in the Stage 2 hypertension range (systolic ≥140 or diastolic ≥90 mmHg per standard clinical guidelines). The CNA should report this finding to the supervising nurse for clinical assessment and documentation.
Question 2: A resident's axillary (armpit) temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). How should this reading be interpreted?
- This is a normal axillary temperature
- This is a low axillary temperature indicating hypothermia
- This is an elevated axillary temperature indicating possible fever (Correct answer)
- Axillary temperature cannot be compared to oral temperature standards
Correct answer: This is an elevated axillary temperature indicating possible fever
Axillary temperature is typically 0.5-1.0°F lower than oral temperature and 1.0-1.5°F lower than rectal temperature. An axillary reading of 98.6°F is therefore elevated compared to the normal axillary range of approximately 96.6-98.0°F and should be reported to the nurse.
Question 3: When counting a resident's respiration rate, the CNA should count for:
- 15 seconds and multiply by 4
- 30 seconds and multiply by 2 if regular, or 60 seconds if irregular (Correct answer)
- Exactly 10 seconds and multiply by 6
- 20 seconds and multiply by 3
Correct answer: 30 seconds and multiply by 2 if regular, or 60 seconds if irregular
Respiratory rate is counted for 30 seconds and multiplied by 2 if the rhythm is regular, or for a full 60 seconds if the rhythm is irregular. Residents should not be informed that their breathing is being counted, as awareness often causes them to alter their natural breathing pattern.
Question 4: Which pulse site does a CNA most commonly use when taking a routine vital sign pulse rate?
- Femoral artery
- Radial artery at the wrist (Correct answer)
- Carotid artery
- Brachial artery
Correct answer: Radial artery at the wrist
The radial pulse at the wrist is the most commonly used site for routine pulse assessment due to its accessibility and ease of palpation. The brachial artery is used for blood pressure measurement, the carotid for CPR, and the femoral for emergencies or limited access situations.
Question 5: A resident is ordered to have their weight measured daily. The CNA should weigh the resident:
- At any time of day for convenience
- After breakfast to ensure accurate hydration status
- At the same time of day, on the same scale, in similar clothing (Correct answer)
- Once in the morning and once at night to average the results
Correct answer: At the same time of day, on the same scale, in similar clothing
Consistency in weighing conditions (same time of day, same scale, and similar clothing) is essential for accurate weight trending. Daily weights are typically obtained in the morning before breakfast to establish a reliable baseline and track fluid retention or loss.
Question 6: When performing postmortem care, the CNA should:
- Wait until family has been notified before beginning any care
- Handle the body with dignity and respect as directed by the nurse and facility policy (Correct answer)
- Remove all valuables and secure them in the nurse's station immediately
- Perform all procedures before the nurse has assessed the resident
Correct answer: Handle the body with dignity and respect as directed by the nurse and facility policy
Postmortem care must be performed with the same dignity and respect provided during life. Facility policy and nursing direction guide specific procedures, but the principles of respectful, compassionate care and maintaining confidentiality of the resident's death apply throughout.
CNA Practice Test - Basic Nursing Skills #2 2
A resident's blood pressure is measured at 158/96 mmHg.
This reading would be classified as: