CNA Basic Nursing Skills 10 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident has a stage II pressure ulcer on the coccyx. Which action is most appropriate for the CNA?
- Apply a donut-shaped ring cushion directly to the area
- Reposition the resident every 2 hours and report to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Massage the reddened area vigorously to promote circulation
- Cover the wound with a regular adhesive bandage
Correct answer: Reposition the resident every 2 hours and report to the nurse
Frequent repositioning reduces pressure on the wound, and the nurse must be informed to direct wound care.
Question 2: When performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, the CNA should:
- Move each joint as fast as possible to save time
- Support the joint above and below and move smoothly to the point of resistance (Correct answer)
- Push the joint past the point of pain to improve flexibility
- Perform ROM only on the affected side of the body
Correct answer: Support the joint above and below and move smoothly to the point of resistance
Supporting above and below each joint and stopping at resistance prevents injury during passive ROM.
Question 3: A resident on a clear liquid diet can be offered which of the following?
- Cream of wheat
- Vanilla pudding
- Apple juice (Correct answer)
- Scrambled eggs
Correct answer: Apple juice
Clear liquids include transparent fluids such as apple juice, broth, and gelatin.
Question 4: The CNA notices that a resident's urinary catheter bag is full and the tubing is kinked. The priority action is to:
- Disconnect the catheter and let it drain freely
- Straighten the tubing and empty the drainage bag into the measuring container (Correct answer)
- Leave it and document the finding
- Clamp the catheter until the nurse arrives
Correct answer: Straighten the tubing and empty the drainage bag into the measuring container
Straightening kinked tubing and emptying a full bag restores proper drainage and prevents backflow.
Question 5: When assisting a resident with dysphagia to eat, the CNA should:
- Offer thin liquids to make swallowing easier
- Tilt the resident's head back to open the airway
- Ensure the resident is upright at 90° and follow the prescribed diet texture (Correct answer)
- Feed the resident quickly to prevent food from cooling
Correct answer: Ensure the resident is upright at 90° and follow the prescribed diet texture
An upright position and the correct texture diet reduce aspiration risk in residents with dysphagia.
Question 6: A resident tells the CNA, 'I haven't had a bowel movement in four days.' The best response is to:
- Administer a suppository immediately
- Reassure the resident it is normal and do nothing
- Document the complaint and report it to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Increase the resident's fiber intake without notifying the nurse
Correct answer: Document the complaint and report it to the nurse
The CNA should document and report any changes in bowel habits to the nurse for assessment.
Question 7: Which vital sign finding must be reported to the nurse immediately?
- Oral temperature of 98.6°F
- Radial pulse of 72 beats per minute
- Blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg (Correct answer)
- Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Correct answer: Blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg
A blood pressure of 88/50 mmHg indicates hypotension, which requires immediate nursing assessment.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 10 3
A resident has a stage II pressure ulcer on the coccyx.
Which action is most appropriate for the CNA?