CNA Roles and Responsibilities

Question 1

Under whose supervision does a CNA practice?

Accepted Answer

A licensed nurse (RN or LPN/LVN)

Answer

CNAs always work under the supervision of a licensed nurse—either a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse (LPN/LVN). The nurse delegates specific tasks to the CNA and remains responsible for the overall care plan and clinical judgment decisions.

Question 2

Which of the following tasks is within a CNA's scope of practice?

Accepted Answer

Taking and recording vital signs

Answer

Taking and recording vital signs is a routine task well within the CNA's scope of practice. Tasks such as administering medications, inserting catheters, and making medical diagnoses are outside the CNA's scope and are reserved for licensed nurses or physicians.

Question 3

A CNA is asked by a co-worker to complete a task the CNA has never been trained to do. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Decline and inform the charge nurse that they have not been trained for this task

Answer

CNAs must only perform tasks for which they have received proper training and that fall within their scope of practice. Performing unfamiliar tasks can harm the resident and expose the CNA to legal liability. The CNA should tell the co-worker and notify the charge nurse.

Question 4

What is a CNA's responsibility when reporting a change in a resident's condition?

Accepted Answer

Report changes to the nurse promptly and accurately, including specific observations

Answer

CNAs observe and report changes in residents' conditions to the nurse promptly. Accurate and timely reporting is critical because the nurse cannot be present for every interaction and relies on CNA observations to make clinical assessments and decisions.

Question 5

A resident's care plan indicates the resident should ambulate twice daily. The CNA does not have time to complete both walks. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Inform the charge nurse so the walk can be prioritized or reassigned

Answer

Care plans are legal documents that guide care. When unable to complete a care plan task, the CNA must inform the charge nurse rather than simply skipping it. The nurse can prioritize, reassign, or document the reason care was not completed.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Roles and Responsibilities