Basic Nursing Skills 6 Flashcards

A resident refuses to eat breakfast. The CNA's best response is to:

Answer: Document refusal and report to the nurse

Residents have the right to refuse care; the CNA must document the refusal and notify the nurse so care can be adjusted.

When measuring blood pressure, the cuff should be placed:

Answer: 2 to 3 cm above the antecubital space

The cuff bottom edge is placed 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) above the antecubital fossa to allow proper stethoscope placement.

A resident's call light is not working. The CNA should:

Answer: Report it to maintenance and check on the resident frequently

A broken call light is a safety hazard; it must be reported immediately and the CNA should check on the resident often until repaired.

Which observation should the CNA report to the nurse when caring for a resident with a cast?

Answer: The resident's fingers below the cast are pale and cold

Pale, cold fingers indicate impaired circulation below the cast and must be reported immediately as a sign of neurovascular compromise.

To prevent contractures in a bedridden resident, the CNA should:

Answer: Perform range-of-motion exercises as directed and reposition regularly

Regular ROM exercises and repositioning maintain joint mobility and prevent the permanent shortening of muscles known as contractures.

A resident using a walker should be instructed to:

Answer: Move the walker forward first, then step into it

Correct walker technique involves moving the walker forward first, then stepping into it with the weaker leg, followed by the stronger leg.

When collecting a urine specimen for urinalysis, the CNA should:

Answer: Have the resident discard the first stream, then collect midstream urine

A clean-catch midstream specimen reduces contamination by flushing away urethral bacteria with the initial urine stream.