Basic Nursing Skills 20 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 20 flashcards as text
A CNA is performing perineal care on a female patient with an indwelling urinary catheter. In what order should the cleaning strokes be performed?
Answer: From the urethral meatus outward in a front-to-back motion, then clean the catheter tubing moving away from the body
The correct technique is to clean from the urethral meatus outward using front-to-back strokes to prevent introducing rectal bacteria into the urinary tract. The catheter tubing is then cleaned moving away from the insertion site (downward) to prevent dragging microorganisms toward the meatus. This sequence minimizes the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
A resident on a mechanical soft diet begins coughing forcefully and repeatedly immediately after swallowing a bite of food. The coughing produces food particles. What is the MOST appropriate initial nursing assistant action?
Answer: Encourage the resident to continue coughing and remain present to monitor the situation
Forceful, productive coughing is the body's most effective mechanism for clearing a partial airway obstruction. The CNA should stay with the resident and encourage continued coughing while monitoring closely. The Heimlich maneuver is reserved for a complete obstruction where the person cannot cough, speak, or breathe. Offering liquid could worsen aspiration, and laying the resident flat is inappropriate and dangerous.
When using a gait belt to assist an obese resident with a one-person transfer from bed to wheelchair, where should the CNA position the wheelchair and why?
Answer: On the resident's stronger side at a 45-degree angle to the bed, to minimize the distance and arc of the transfer
The wheelchair is always placed on the resident's stronger (unaffected) side at approximately a 45-degree angle. This allows the stronger leg to bear weight and lead the pivot, reducing fall risk and muscular strain. Positioning on the weaker side would compromise the resident's balance and stability. The 45-degree angle shortens the pivot arc, which is especially important for heavier residents.
A CNA is performing passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises on a resident's shoulder when the resident suddenly cries out in pain and the CNA feels resistance. What is the correct response?
Answer: Stop the movement immediately, support the extremity in a comfortable position, and report the finding to the nurse
Pain and resistance during PROM are signals that must never be overridden. The CNA should stop immediately, stabilize the limb, and report to the nurse — continued force risks fracture, ligament tears, or joint injury, particularly in residents with osteoporosis or contractures. CNAs are never authorized to push through resistance during range-of-motion exercises, regardless of whether it is expected.
A CNA is assigned to measure urinary output for a resident with a urinary drainage bag. The bag contains 340 mL at the start of the shift. At the end of the shift, the bag contains 720 mL, and the CNA had emptied the bag once mid-shift when it contained 580 mL. What is the total urinary output for the shift?
Answer: 960 mL
The bag started at 340 mL (carried over, not this shift's output). At mid-shift, the bag held 580 mL; subtracting the starting 340 mL gives 240 mL produced in the first half. After emptying, the bag refilled to 720 mL by shift end, meaning 720 mL was produced in the second half. Total output = 240 + 720 = 960 mL. This type of running-total calculation is critical for accurate fluid balance monitoring.
A cognitively intact resident with a DNR order begins showing signs of respiratory distress, including labored breathing, accessory muscle use, and cyanosis of the lips. Which action by the CNA is MOST appropriate?
Answer: Notify the nurse immediately while staying with the resident, positioning them upright if possible
A DNR order means resuscitation (CPR/defibrillation) is not initiated if the resident has no pulse or is not breathing — it does NOT mean withholding comfort, positioning for ease of breathing, oxygen (if ordered), or nursing assessment. The CNA must immediately notify the nurse, who will direct further interventions. CNAs never independently call 911 bypassing the nursing chain of command in a facility. Comfort-focused care continues regardless of DNR status.