Basic Nursing Skills 18 Flashcards

A CNA is performing perineal care on a female resident who has an indwelling urinary catheter. In which direction should the CNA clean the catheter tubing after cleaning the urethral meatus?

Answer: From the meatus outward along the catheter tubing for about 4 inches

After cleaning the urethral meatus, the CNA should clean outward along the catheter tubing approximately 4 inches using a single downward stroke, moving away from the body. This prevents introducing microorganisms into the urethra and reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

During a bed bath, a CNA notices that the water temperature feels slightly too cool after testing with the wrist. The resident is unable to communicate verbally due to a stroke. What is the MOST appropriate next action?

Answer: Change the water and re-test the temperature before continuing the bath

The correct action is to change the water entirely and re-test it before continuing. Adding hot water while the resident's hand is in the basin risks scalding. Continuing with cool water is uncomfortable and could cause chilling. Documenting a refusal is inappropriate since no refusal was communicated — the CNA identified the problem independently.

A resident with left-sided hemiplegia needs to be repositioned from their back to a lateral (side-lying) position. The CNA should position the resident on which side, and why?

Answer: Either side is acceptable as long as proper alignment is maintained and repositioning occurs every 2 hours

Residents with hemiplegia can safely be repositioned to either side, provided proper body alignment and support with pillows are maintained and repositioning occurs at regular intervals (typically every 2 hours). No single side is universally contraindicated; the priority is preventing pressure injuries and maintaining alignment on both sides alternately.

When performing passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises on a resident's shoulder, the CNA moves the arm and the resident suddenly grimaces and says nothing. What should the CNA do FIRST?

Answer: Stop the exercise immediately and ask the resident if they are in pain

A grimace is a nonverbal pain indicator. The CNA must stop immediately and assess whether the resident is experiencing pain before proceeding. Continuing the movement — even slowly or to finish a repetition — risks causing injury. The nurse should be notified if pain is confirmed, but assessing first is the immediate priority.

A CNA is assisting a resident who is on droplet precautions due to influenza. The resident needs to be transported via wheelchair to radiology within the same facility. Which of the following correctly describes the required precautions during transport?

Answer: The resident should wear a surgical mask, and the CNA should wear a surgical mask during transport

For droplet precautions, the resident should wear a surgical mask (to contain respiratory droplets) during transport outside the room. The CNA should also wear a surgical mask when within 3–6 feet of the resident. N-95 respirators are required for airborne precautions (e.g., TB, measles), not droplet precautions. A blanket does not contain respiratory secretions.

A CNA is applying anti-embolism stockings (TED hose) to a resident in the morning before the resident gets out of bed. After gathering supplies, what is the CORRECT first step specific to this procedure?

Answer: Assess the resident's lower legs and feet for skin color, temperature, and sensation before applying

Before applying anti-embolism stockings, the CNA must first assess the lower extremities for signs of compromised circulation, skin breakdown, or existing clots (color, temperature, sensation, edema). Applying stockings without this check could mask or worsen a developing DVT or skin issue. Lotion is contraindicated under TED hose. Stockings should be applied while the resident is supine (lying flat), not dangling, to prevent venous pooling before they are on.