CNA Basic Nursing Skills 13 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The correct technique for applying an elastic (ACE) bandage to a resident's leg is:
- Start at the thigh and wrap downward
- Overlap each layer by half the bandage width from distal to proximal (Correct answer)
- Apply as tightly as possible to prevent slipping
- Wrap from proximal to distal to reduce edema
Correct answer: Overlap each layer by half the bandage width from distal to proximal
Elastic bandages are applied distal to proximal with 50% overlap to promote venous return and prevent constriction.
Question 2: A resident states, 'I haven't had a bowel movement in four days.' The CNA should:
- Administer a laxative from the supply room
- Encourage extra water intake and report the complaint to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Tell the resident this is normal and no action is needed
- Give a soap-suds enema immediately
Correct answer: Encourage extra water intake and report the complaint to the nurse
Reporting constipation allows the nurse to assess the resident and order appropriate interventions; CNAs cannot administer medications.
Question 3: Which observation about a wound dressing should be reported to the nurse immediately?
- Dressing is slightly wrinkled at the edges
- Dressing has a small amount of clear drainage
- Dressing has green, foul-smelling drainage (Correct answer)
- Dressing tape has loosened on one corner
Correct answer: Dressing has green, foul-smelling drainage
Green, foul-smelling drainage indicates possible infection and requires prompt nursing assessment.
Question 4: A resident is in the left lateral (side-lying) position. To prevent a pressure injury, a pillow should be placed:
- Under the resident's head only
- Between the knees and ankles (Correct answer)
- Under the resident's abdomen
- Behind the lower back only
Correct answer: Between the knees and ankles
Placing a pillow between the knees and ankles prevents bony prominences from pressing against each other and causing pressure injuries.
Question 5: When measuring and recording intake, which item is counted as fluid intake?
- Dry crackers
- Hard candy
- Ice cream (Correct answer)
- Toast with butter
Correct answer: Ice cream
Ice cream melts at room temperature and is counted as approximately half its volume in fluid intake.
Question 6: A resident with a urinary catheter reports burning, pain, and a strong urge to urinate. The CNA should:
- Irrigate the catheter to relieve the discomfort
- Clamp the catheter tubing for 30 minutes
- Report the symptoms to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Encourage extra fluids and monitor for 2 hours
Correct answer: Report the symptoms to the nurse immediately
These symptoms suggest a possible catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), which requires immediate nursing assessment.
Question 7: The purpose of using a transfer belt (gait belt) when assisting a resident to walk is to:
- Support the resident's abdomen during ambulation
- Provide a secure grip to guide and support the resident safely (Correct answer)
- Prevent the resident from moving too quickly
- Serve as a restraint to keep the resident close
Correct answer: Provide a secure grip to guide and support the resident safely
A gait belt gives the CNA a firm, safe handhold to guide and stabilize the resident during transfers and ambulation.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 13 4
The correct technique for applying an elastic (ACE) bandage to a resident's leg is: