CNA Roles and Responsibilities 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's family member, who is very anxious, asks the CNA for their opinion on the resident's long-term prognosis. What is the CNA's most appropriate response?
- "I'm not legally allowed to discuss the doctor's diagnosis, but I can tell you what I've observed."
- "I understand you're concerned. The nurse is the best person to answer your questions. Let me get them for you." (Correct answer)
- "From what I've seen, things are looking positive, but you should really ask the doctor for specifics."
- "It's against facility policy for me to offer any medical opinions about residents."
Correct answer: "I understand you're concerned. The nurse is the best person to answer your questions. Let me get them for you."
A CNA's scope of practice does not include diagnosing, interpreting medical information, or offering a prognosis. Doing so would be practicing nursing without a license. The correct action is to refer the family member to the licensed nurse, who can provide accurate information or facilitate a conversation with the physician.
Question 2: A CNA is asked by a physical therapist to perform a complex, two-person pivot transfer on a resident. The CNA has never been trained in this specific technique. What is the CNA's best course of action?
- Attempt the transfer carefully, using their best judgment to avoid injury.
- Ask another CNA who is more experienced to perform the transfer instead.
- Refuse the task, stating it is outside the scope of practice for all CNAs.
- Inform the therapist they are not trained in that technique and request guidance or assistance from a qualified staff member. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Inform the therapist they are not trained in that technique and request guidance or assistance from a qualified staff member.
A CNA has the right and responsibility to refuse any task they have not been trained to perform safely and competently, even if delegated by another healthcare professional. The most professional and safest response is to communicate the lack of training and ask for proper instruction or assistance, ensuring resident safety.
Question 3: Which of the following documents most directly and legally defines a CNA's specific duties and limitations within their state?
- The facility's policy and procedure manual
- The resident's individual care plan
- The state's Nurse Practice Act (Correct answer)
- The job description provided upon hiring
Correct answer: The state's Nurse Practice Act
While all the other documents guide a CNA's work, the Nurse Practice Act is the state law that legally defines the scope of practice for nurses and, by extension, the tasks that can be delegated to CNAs. It establishes the legal boundaries for nursing care within that state.
Question 4: A CNA is providing post-mortem care. Which of the following actions is a key responsibility during this process?
- Notifying the family of the resident's passing.
- Completing the official death certificate documentation.
- Gently washing the body and positioning it in a dignified manner. (Correct answer)
- Deciding whether an autopsy is required.
Correct answer: Gently washing the body and positioning it in a dignified manner.
A primary role of the CNA in post-mortem care is to treat the deceased resident with dignity and respect. This includes tasks like gently bathing the body, changing linens, and positioning the body in proper alignment before the family arrives or the funeral home is called. Notifying family and handling legal documentation are responsibilities of the nurse or physician.
Question 5: A CNA enters the room of a resident with a valid Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order and finds them unresponsive, without a pulse, and not breathing. What is the CNA's immediate priority?
- Leave the room to find the family and offer comfort.
- Begin chest compressions immediately according to CPR protocol.
- Immediately call the nurse and stay with the resident. (Correct answer)
- Close the door to provide privacy for the resident.
Correct answer: Immediately call the nurse and stay with the resident.
Even with a DNR order, the CNA's first responsibility is to confirm the resident's condition and immediately alert the licensed nurse. The nurse is responsible for assessing the situation, confirming the death, and ensuring all protocols, including the DNR, are followed correctly. The CNA should not leave the resident and must activate the proper chain of command.
Question 6: While on rounds, a CNA notices a resident who is typically alert and talkative is now drowsy, confused, and slurring their words. The resident's condition seems to be rapidly declining. Which action should the CNA take FIRST?
- Take the resident's vital signs and document them.
- Activate the facility's emergency response system or call for immediate nursing help. (Correct answer)
- Try to give the resident some water to see if they are dehydrated.
- Reposition the resident comfortably in bed and continue with rounds.
Correct answer: Activate the facility's emergency response system or call for immediate nursing help.
A sudden and significant change in neurological status, such as acute confusion and drowsiness, is a sign of a potentially serious medical emergency (like a stroke). The CNA's priority is to recognize this as an acute change and immediately get help from a licensed nurse or activate the emergency response system, as time is critical.
CNA Roles and Responsibilities 2
A resident's family member, who is very anxious, asks the CNA for their opinion on the resident's long-term prognosis.
What is the CNA's most appropriate response?