Personal Care Skills 5 Flashcards

A resident's colostomy bag is one-third full. The CNA should:

Answer: Empty the bag and clean the pouch according to the care plan

Colostomy bags should be emptied when one-third to one-half full to prevent leakage and skin breakdown.

During a bed bath, the order in which body parts are washed should be:

Answer: Face, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, then perineal area last

Washing from cleanest to least clean areas — face first and perineal area last — follows infection control principles.

A resident's eye has crusted discharge. To clean it, the CNA should wipe:

Answer: From the inner corner (near nose) outward using a clean area of cloth each time

Wiping from inner to outer corner prevents debris from being pushed toward the tear duct and reduces infection risk.

When providing foot care, the CNA should soak feet for:

Answer: No more than 10 minutes in warm water unless contraindicated

Soaking feet longer than 10 minutes can macerate skin and increase infection risk, especially for diabetic residents.

A resident is incontinent of urine during morning care. The CNA's priority action is to:

Answer: Clean and dry the skin thoroughly, then apply a moisture barrier if indicated

Prompt cleaning, drying, and barrier application protects skin from moisture-associated skin damage caused by urine.

When removing a resident's contact lenses, the CNA should:

Answer: Follow the care plan and facility policy, as this is typically a nurse's responsibility

Contact lens removal is typically outside CNA scope and must follow the care plan and facility-specific policy.

A resident reports that their dentures are causing pain and sores inside the mouth. The CNA should:

Answer: Document the complaint, assist the resident to remove the dentures, and report to the nurse

Ill-fitting dentures can cause oral sores requiring nursing assessment and possible dental referral.