Basic Nursing Skills 18 Flashcards
6 cards from real CNA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Basic Nursing Skills 18 flashcards as text
What is the PURPOSE of a mechanical patient lift (Hoyer lift)?
Answer: To safely transfer patients who cannot bear weight or require maximum assistance, protecting both patient and caregiver
Mechanical lifts safely transfer non-weight-bearing or maximally dependent patients, dramatically reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury to caregivers and injury to patients from manual lifting.
Before using a mechanical lift to transfer a patient, the CNA must:
Answer: Explain the procedure to the patient, check that the sling is correct size and properly positioned, and confirm brakes are locked
Before any mechanical lift use: explain the procedure to get informed consent, ensure correct sling size and proper positioning, and lock the lift's brakes — all critical safety steps before lifting.
When transferring a non-weight-bearing patient using a pivot disc (transfer board), the CNA should:
Answer: Have the patient remain seated, guide their feet onto the disc, and pivot while supporting their trunk
A pivot disc is used for seated pivot transfers — the patient's feet rest on the disc while seated, and the CNA rotates the patient's body without the patient fully standing.
A patient who has been on bedrest for 3 days is cleared to ambulate for the first time. What precaution should the CNA take FIRST?
Answer: Have the patient dangle at the edge of the bed first to assess tolerance before standing
After bedrest, the CNA should first have the patient dangle at the edge of the bed to assess for orthostatic hypotension, dizziness, or weakness before attempting standing.
Which statement is TRUE regarding the use of a gait belt during patient ambulation?
Answer: A gait belt allows the CNA to provide controlled support and catch the patient if they begin to fall
A gait belt provides the CNA with a secure grip point to support or guide the patient and to control a potential fall — improving safety for both patient and caregiver during transfers and ambulation.
While assisting a patient to walk, the CNA notices the patient seems increasingly short of breath and their lips are turning blue. What is the CORRECT response?
Answer: Immediately stop ambulation, seat the patient safely, and call for the nurse
Cyanosis (blue lips) and shortness of breath during exertion are signs of respiratory distress or hypoxia requiring immediate stopping of activity and emergency nursing assessment.