CNA Basic Nursing Skills 1 5

Question 1

A patient on a mechanical soft diet chokes frequently. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Stop feeding, report to the nurse immediately, and document observations

Answer

Repeated choking is a safety concern indicating a possible swallowing problem; feeding must stop and the nurse must be notified right away.

Question 2

Which observation about a wound dressing requires the CNA to notify the nurse immediately?

Accepted Answer

The dressing is saturated with bright red blood

Answer

Bright red blood saturating a dressing indicates active bleeding, which is an urgent finding requiring immediate nursing assessment.

Question 3

A patient tells the CNA, 'I feel like my heart is fluttering and I'm dizzy.' The CNA should first:

Accepted Answer

Stay with the patient and call for the nurse immediately

Answer

Palpitations combined with dizziness can signal a cardiac event; the CNA must stay with the patient and get the nurse immediately.

Question 4

Which technique is used to correctly count a patient's respirations without alerting the patient?

Accepted Answer

Count breaths immediately after counting the pulse while still holding the wrist

Answer

Counting respirations while still appearing to take the pulse prevents the patient from consciously altering their breathing pattern.

Question 5

When assisting a visually impaired patient to eat, what should the CNA do to promote independence?

Accepted Answer

Describe the location of foods on the plate using clock positions

Answer

Using clock positions (e.g., 'potatoes at 6 o'clock') helps visually impaired patients locate their food and eat more independently.

CNA Practice Test