CNA Supporting Rehabilitation Activities 2

Question 1

A resident is using a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine after a total knee replacement. The resident reports a new, sharp pain in the knee. What is the CNA's most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Stop the machine and notify the nurse at once.

Answer

A new, sharp pain during CPM therapy is a significant finding that could indicate a complication. The CNA's primary role is observation and reporting. The safest and most appropriate action is to stop the machine to prevent further injury and immediately inform the nurse, who can then assess the resident and determine the cause. Adjusting the machine or administering medication is outside the CNA's scope of practice.

Question 2

A CNA is assisting a resident who is relearning to eat after a stroke. The speech therapist has been working with the resident on swallowing techniques. Which of the following is the most subtle but critical sign of possible aspiration that the CNA must report immediately?

Accepted Answer

A new, wet or gurgly-sounding voice after swallowing.

Answer

While coughing or choking are obvious signs of aspiration, a wet, gurgly voice (dysphonia) after swallowing is a more subtle but critical indicator that fluid or food may have entered the airway. Slow eating, some drooling, or food dislike are common but less urgent issues. A gurgly voice requires immediate reporting to the nurse for further assessment to prevent aspiration pneumonia.

Question 3

While performing passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises on a resident with severe joint contractures, the resident, who is non-verbal, grimaces and tenses their body when you attempt to extend their arm. What is the CNA's correct action?

Accepted Answer

Move the joint only to the point of resistance or pain, without forcing it.

Answer

The primary rule for PROM is to move the joint gently and to stop at the point of resistance or pain. Forcing the movement can cause injury. The CNA should respect the non-verbal cues of pain, move the joint only within its pain-free range, and report the resident's reaction and the limited range of motion to the nurse. It is not appropriate to force the joint or to abandon the exercises entirely without reporting.

Question 4

A resident recovering from a spinal cord injury requires assistance with lower body dressing. Which of the following techniques is most important for the CNA to use to prevent complications?

Accepted Answer

Rolling the resident side-to-side to pull up pants and checking the skin for redness with each turn.

Answer

Residents with spinal cord injuries have a very high risk of developing pressure injuries due to impaired sensation and mobility. The log-rolling technique allows for dressing while minimizing spinal movement and provides a crucial opportunity to inspect the skin, especially over bony prominences like the sacrum and hips, for any signs of pressure. Loose clothing is recommended, and safety is more important than speed or unsupported sitting.

Question 5

A resident is working with occupational therapy to use a weighted spoon to manage tremors. The resident becomes extremely frustrated, shouts, "I can't do this!" and throws the spoon. What is the CNA's most therapeutic response?

Accepted Answer

Acknowledge their frustration calmly and offer to take a short break.

Answer

Rehabilitation can be a long and frustrating process. The CNA's role includes providing emotional support. Acknowledging the resident's feelings validates their experience, and suggesting a brief pause can help de-escalate the situation and allow the resident to regain composure. This response is empathetic and supportive, fostering a better therapeutic relationship than insisting, minimizing their feelings, or immediately labeling them as uncooperative.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Supporting Rehabilitation Activities 2