CNA Scope of Practice 2

Question 1

A registered nurse is busy with a critical patient and asks the CNA to apply a prescribed medicated cream to a resident's pressure injury that has broken the skin.
The CNA has previously applied barrier creams for this resident.
What is the CNA's most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Inform the nurse that applying medication to non-intact skin is outside the CNA scope of practice.

Answer

Apply the medicated cream as requested and document it.

Answer

Refuse the task and report the nurse to the supervisor for inappropriate delegation.

Answer

Ask another CNA to witness the application of the cream.

Question 2

A resident with a well-established ostomy asks the CNA for advice on how to manage skin irritation around the stoma. The CNA has received facility-approved training in basic ostomy care. Which of the following responses is within the CNA's scope of practice?

Accepted Answer

"I can clean the area and apply the barrier powder as the care plan directs. I will also report the irritation to the nurse right away."

Answer

"You should try using a different type of ostomy appliance; I can show you some options online."

Answer

"It looks like you might have a fungal infection. I'll get you some antifungal cream to apply to the area."

Answer

"Let's cut the opening on your wafer a little larger to give the skin some air."

Question 3

During a medical emergency, a resident becomes unresponsive and stops breathing. Which of the following actions falls outside the CNA's scope of practice, even in this emergency?

Accepted Answer

Administering a family member's nitroglycerin tablet to the resident.

Answer

Initiating chest compressions as part of CPR.

Answer

Activating the emergency response system and calling for a nurse.

Answer

Bringing the emergency crash cart to the room.

Question 4

A CNA is working in a state where, with additional certification and under specific circumstances, they are permitted to perform certain advanced tasks. Which of these tasks would most likely require this type of special certification?

Accepted Answer

Discontinuing a resident's indwelling urinary catheter.

Answer

Performing range-of-motion exercises on a post-stroke resident.

Answer

Assisting a resident with using a metered-dose inhaler.

Answer

Documenting a resident's fluid intake and output.

Question 5

A resident's family member asks the CNA to explain the side effects of the resident's new blood pressure medication. The most appropriate response for the CNA is to:

Accepted Answer

Explain that CNAs cannot provide medical education and offer to get the nurse.

Answer

Read the side effects from the medication information sheet to the family.

Answer

Share a personal experience with a similar medication.

Answer

Advise the family to look up the information on the internet.

Question 6

A nurse delegates several tasks for a stable resident. Which of the following delegated tasks should the CNA question or refuse to perform?

Accepted Answer

Emptying and measuring the output from a Jackson-Pratt (JP) surgical drain.

Answer

Performing a routine, clean intermittent catheterization for a resident with a long-term spinal cord injury.

Answer

Applying compression stockings (TED hose) to the resident's legs.

Answer

Reinforcing the nurse's instructions on how to use the call light.