Personal Care Skills Flashcards

There is an order to give a female patient a shower, but she refuses. The nurse aide should

Answer: document in the chart that the patient refused to shower.

Patients have the right to refuse care, and a nurse aide must respect this right. Forcing a patient to shower against their will is a violation of their rights and could be considered assault. The correct action is to document the refusal, inform the nurse, and allow the nurse to assess the situation and determine the next steps, ensuring the patient's autonomy is respected.

A nurse aide should give an unconscious client oral hygiene at LEAST every

Answer: 2 hours

Unconscious clients are at high risk for aspiration pneumonia and oral infections due to decreased saliva production and inability to perform their own oral care. Frequent oral hygiene, at least every two hours, helps keep the mouth clean, moist, and free from pathogens. This regular care is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining oral health.

Which of the following will NOT put strain on the back when lifting a heavy object?

Answer: lifting with the legs.

Proper body mechanics are essential to prevent back injuries when lifting heavy objects. Lifting with the legs, keeping the back straight, and holding the object close to the body distributes the weight to the stronger leg muscles. Twisting the back, slouching, or crossing legs while lifting puts undue strain on the spine, significantly increasing the risk of injury.

The nurse aide is caring for a diabetic resident. The nurse aide finds the resident trying to scrape off a callous on the little toe. The nurse aide should FIRST

Answer: put socks on the resident to keep them from scraping

Diabetic patients have compromised circulation and sensation, making foot injuries, even minor ones like scraping a callous, extremely dangerous due to the high risk of infection and non-healing wounds. The immediate priority is to prevent further injury. Putting socks on the resident stops the immediate harmful action, and then the behavior should be reported to the nurse for professional assessment and intervention.

When cleaning dentures, why do you line the sink with paper towels?

Answer: To keep the dentures from breaking if they are dropped

Dentures are fragile and can easily break if dropped onto a hard surface like a porcelain sink. Lining the sink with paper towels or a washcloth provides a cushioned surface, protecting the dentures from damage. This simple precaution helps prevent costly replacements and ensures the patient's dentures remain intact and functional.

How should the nurse aide position the patient to apply elastic stockings?

Answer: lying down in bed

Elastic stockings are most effective when applied before the patient gets out of bed, ideally while they are lying down. This position helps to minimize venous pooling and swelling in the legs, ensuring the stockings can provide optimal compression. Applying them while standing or sitting can make it harder to get them on correctly and may trap existing fluid.

You are giving mouth care to an UNCONSCIOUS resident. You must be especially careful to prevent the resident from

Answer: aspirating any fluid.

Unconscious residents lack the gag reflex and ability to swallow effectively, making them highly susceptible to aspiration. Aspiration occurs when fluid or food enters the lungs instead of the stomach, which can lead to serious complications like pneumonia. During oral care, the nurse aide must position the resident on their side and use minimal fluid to prevent any liquid from entering the airway.

While an unsteady resident is showering you should

Answer: have the client use a shower chair.

An unsteady resident is at a high risk of falls, especially in a wet and slippery environment like a shower. Providing a shower chair offers a stable and secure seating option, significantly reducing the risk of falling. This ensures the resident's safety while allowing them to maintain hygiene with assistance.

Mr. Jones is unconscious. What are some guidelines you need to remember when giving oral care?

Answer: All of the above

When providing oral care to an unconscious resident, it's crucial to explain the procedure to them, as they may still be able to hear and understand. Thoroughly cleaning the mouth, tongue, and gums is essential to prevent infection and maintain oral hygiene. Additionally, performing this care frequently, at least every two hours, helps prevent complications like aspiration and dry mouth, making "All of the above" the comprehensive correct answer.

When helping a client to eat, the first thing a CNA should do is

Answer: Wash the client's hands.

Before assisting a client with eating, the most important initial step is to ensure proper hygiene by washing the client's hands. This prevents the transfer of germs from their hands to their mouth and food, reducing the risk of infection. It's a fundamental infection control practice that precedes other actions like cutting food or ensuring privacy.

Some clients have to be fed at meal times. Which is the correct procedure concerning feeding clients?

Answer: Bring food into the room to feed the client when you are ready to feed them.

Bringing food into the room only when you are ready to feed the client ensures the food remains at the appropriate temperature and is served fresh. Leaving trays in rooms unattended can lead to food getting cold, spoiling, or being consumed by others. It also allows the CNA to provide immediate assistance, ensuring the client eats safely and comfortably.

When helping a disabled person with ADLs, the nursing assistant should

Answer: Encourage as much participation as possible

Encouraging a disabled person to participate as much as they can in their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) promotes their independence, self-esteem, and preserves their functional abilities. Doing everything for them can lead to learned helplessness and a decline in their existing skills. The goal is to assist, not to take over, fostering dignity and autonomy.

When helping a client use the commode, it is essential that

Answer: The call button/light is within easy reach in case they need help

Clients using a commode may need immediate assistance due to weakness, dizziness, or a fall risk. Having the call button readily accessible empowers them to signal for help without straining or attempting to get up unsafely. This promotes client safety and independence while ensuring prompt aid if needed.

Your patient is on bed rest. You can help prevent development of contractures by

Answer: All of the above

Contractures, which are permanent shortening of muscles or tendons, can severely limit mobility. Preventing them in bedridden patients requires a multi-faceted approach. Positioning in good body alignment, using supportive devices like splints or pillows, and performing regular range-of-motion exercises all work together to maintain joint flexibility and muscle length, thus preventing stiffness and deformity.

Before giving a back rub, the bottle of lotion can be placed in a basin of hot water for several minutes so that

Answer: The lotion will not be cold

Applying cold lotion directly to a client's skin can be startling and uncomfortable, especially for elderly or sensitive individuals. Warming the lotion slightly before application enhances the therapeutic and relaxing effects of a back rub. This simple step contributes to the client's comfort and overall positive experience during care.

Mr. Peter is legally blind. You ought to _______ when ambulating him.

Answer: in front of him

When assisting a legally blind person with ambulation, the CNA should walk slightly in front of them, allowing the client to hold onto the CNA's arm just above the elbow. This position enables the client to feel the CNA's movements, anticipate changes in direction or obstacles, and maintain a sense of control and safety. Walking in front provides guidance and allows the client to follow the CNA's lead effectively.