Personal Care Skills 4 Flashcards

When providing perineal care for a female resident, in which direction should the CNA wipe?

Answer: Front to back

Wiping front to back prevents bacteria from the anal area from contaminating the urethra or vagina.

A resident has an indwelling urinary catheter. When providing catheter care, the CNA should clean the catheter tubing:

Answer: From the insertion site outward away from the body

Cleaning from the insertion site outward prevents dragging bacteria toward the body.

Which of the following is the BEST way to test water temperature before a resident's bath?

Answer: Use a bath thermometer and confirm it is 105–110°F (41–43°C)

A bath thermometer provides an objective, accurate reading to prevent burns, especially for residents with reduced sensation.

During a bed bath, the CNA notices a reddened area on the resident's coccyx. What is the PRIORITY action?

Answer: Report the finding to the nurse immediately

A reddened area over a bony prominence is an early sign of a pressure injury and must be reported to the nurse promptly.

When shampooing a bedridden resident's hair using a trough, the CNA should position the resident:

Answer: Supine with the head extended over the edge of the trough near the side of the bed

Positioning the head over the trough allows water to drain away from the face and body during a bed shampoo.

A resident refuses to have her hair combed. The CNA's BEST response is to:

Answer: Document refusal, respect her right, and notify the nurse

Residents have the right to refuse care; the CNA must respect this, document it, and report to the nurse.

When caring for a resident's fingernails, which action requires the CNA to consult the nurse FIRST?

Answer: Cutting the nails of a resident with diabetes

Diabetic residents have impaired circulation and healing; nail cutting requires a nurse's or podiatrist's assessment to prevent injury.