CNA Roles and Responsibilities 3

Question 1

A resident's family member, who states she is a Registered Nurse, tells the CNA that her mother's IV fluid bag is empty and asks the CNA to hang a new bag that is on the bedside table. What is the CNA's MOST appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Politely state that this task is not within a CNA's scope of practice and immediately find the supervising nurse to report the situation.

Answer

Managing intravenous (IV) therapy, including changing fluid bags, is a complex task that falls outside the scope of practice for a CNA. [2, 23] It requires the clinical judgment of a licensed nurse. The CNA's correct action is to refuse the request politely, explain why, and immediately alert the supervising nurse who is responsible for IV management.

Question 2

A CNA is assigned to provide postmortem care. Which of the following actions represents an advanced application of this responsibility?

Accepted Answer

Asking the family about any specific cultural or religious customs they wish to have observed during the care.

Answer

While all CNAs are trained in the physical tasks of postmortem care, such as bathing the body and positioning it respectfully, an advanced application involves demonstrating cultural competence and sensitivity. [3] Asking the family about their specific customs shows respect and provides holistic, family-centered care during a difficult time. Notifying the physician and handling legal paperwork are outside the CNA's scope, while closing the eyes/mouth is a standard procedural step. [3, 25]

Question 3

During a care planning meeting, a CNA who has a strong rapport with a resident with dementia is asked for input. Which contribution would be most appropriate and valuable for the CNA to provide?

Accepted Answer

Observations about daily routines and activities that seem to calm or agitate the resident.

Answer

CNAs spend the most time with residents and are uniquely positioned to observe their daily habits, preferences, and behaviors. [21, 22] Providing specific observations about what triggers agitation or promotes calm is invaluable information for the interdisciplinary team to create an effective, individualized care plan. [22] Suggesting medications, diagnosing, or critiquing other professionals' plans are outside the CNA's scope of practice.

Question 4

A resident who is normally calm and cooperative suddenly becomes verbally aggressive and strikes out at the CNA during morning care. What is the CNA's priority initial action?

Accepted Answer

Step back to a safe distance, speak in a calm voice, and attempt to de-escalate the situation.

Answer

The CNA's immediate priority is the safety of both the resident and themselves. De-escalation is the first step when a resident becomes combative. [15] This involves creating a safe space, remaining calm, and using a soothing tone. [6, 15] Continuing the task could escalate the situation, restraints are a last resort and require a physician's order, and while documentation is crucial, it is not the initial action in an unsafe situation.

Question 5

A CNA is asked by the facility's activities director to apply a complex, sterile dressing to a small abrasion on a resident's arm before an outdoor event. The supervising nurse is busy in another wing. The CNA should:

Accepted Answer

Refuse the task, stating it is outside the CNA's scope of practice, and inform the activities director to find the nurse.

Answer

Applying a sterile dressing is a nursing task that falls outside the CNA's scope of practice. [9, 10, 18] It requires sterile technique and wound assessment skills. The correct action is to recognize this boundary, refuse to perform the task, and ensure the person who made the request understands they need to find a licensed nurse to perform it. Applying any other dressing would be inappropriate and documentation alone is not sufficient.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Roles and Responsibilities 3