CNA Patient Care & Basic Nursing Skills Flashcards

A patient's PEG tube feeding bag is empty and the pump is alarming. The CNA should:

Answer: Notify the nurse immediately

Tube feeding management is a nursing responsibility; the CNA must notify the nurse rather than intervene independently.

Which action by the CNA best prevents catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?

Answer: Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder at all times

Keeping the bag dependent prevents urine backflow into the bladder, which reduces infection risk.

A patient using a walker should be instructed to:

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

Advancing the walker first and then stepping into it maintains a stable base of support.

When a patient is on a fluid restriction of 1,000 mL per day, the CNA should:

Answer: Track all fluid intake carefully and report nearing the limit to the nurse

All fluid sources count toward a restriction and accurate monitoring prevents fluid overload.

During perineal care for a female patient, the CNA should cleanse:

Answer: From front to back (urethra toward rectum)

Front-to-back cleaning prevents fecal bacteria from contaminating the urethra and vaginal area.

A resident's family member asks the CNA to share the resident's diagnosis. The CNA should:

Answer: Explain that patient information is confidential and refer them to the nurse

HIPAA protects patient privacy; disclosure decisions belong to the licensed nurse or care team, not the CNA.

Which observation should a CNA report to the nurse immediately after a patient returns from surgery?

Answer: Urine output of less than 30 mL per hour

Urine output below 30 mL/hour suggests inadequate perfusion and is a critical postoperative finding.