CNA Basic Nursing Skills 13 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with diabetes has a foot wound that appears infected. The CNA should:
- Apply antibiotic ointment from the supply room
- Soak the foot in warm water to reduce swelling
- Report the wound to the nurse without applying any treatment (Correct answer)
- Wrap the foot tightly with gauze to protect it
Correct answer: Report the wound to the nurse without applying any treatment
CNAs are not authorized to treat wounds; infected wounds in diabetic residents must be reported immediately to the nurse.
Question 2: When assisting a resident with a hearing aid, the CNA should check that the device is:
- Turned off during meals to prevent feedback noise
- Clean, properly inserted, and the battery is functioning (Correct answer)
- Removed and stored whenever the resident sleeps
- Set to maximum volume for best hearing
Correct answer: Clean, properly inserted, and the battery is functioning
Hearing aids should be clean, correctly seated in the ear canal, and have a working battery to function properly.
Question 3: After a resident uses a bedpan, the CNA should first:
- Empty and clean the bedpan, then wash hands
- Wash hands, then help the resident with perineal care, then empty and clean the bedpan (Correct answer)
- Rinse the bedpan in the resident's sink for convenience
- Discard the bedpan after single use per infection control policy
Correct answer: Wash hands, then help the resident with perineal care, then empty and clean the bedpan
Hand hygiene is performed first, then perineal care is provided to the resident before the CNA handles the soiled bedpan.
Question 4: A resident's blood pressure is 158/96 mmHg during routine vital signs. The CNA should:
- Recheck in one hour and document if still elevated
- Administer an antihypertensive medication from the MAR
- Report the reading to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Have the resident lie down and recheck in 15 minutes without reporting
Correct answer: Report the reading to the nurse immediately
An elevated blood pressure reading is abnormal and must be reported to the nurse promptly for clinical evaluation.
Question 5: To prevent contractures in a bedridden resident, the CNA should:
- Keep joints in a flexed position to reduce discomfort
- Perform range-of-motion exercises as directed in the care plan (Correct answer)
- Limit movement to avoid pain during repositioning
- Apply heat packs to stiff joints before meals only
Correct answer: Perform range-of-motion exercises as directed in the care plan
Regular range-of-motion exercises maintain joint flexibility and prevent the permanent shortening of muscles and tendons (contractures).
Question 6: A resident receiving oxygen via nasal cannula complains that the tubing is irritating their nose. The CNA should:
- Remove the cannula and apply a face mask instead
- Lubricate the nares with petroleum jelly to reduce friction
- Report the complaint to the nurse and apply a water-soluble lubricant if directed (Correct answer)
- Increase the oxygen flow rate to improve comfort
Correct answer: Report the complaint to the nurse and apply a water-soluble lubricant if directed
Skin irritation from nasal cannulas should be reported; a water-soluble lubricant may be applied per facility policy but requires nurse guidance.
Question 7: Which situation requires the CNA to use full contact precautions (gown and gloves)?
- Assisting a resident with eating their meal
- Providing care to a resident with a C. difficile infection (Correct answer)
- Taking an oral temperature reading
- Helping a resident select clothing for the day
Correct answer: Providing care to a resident with a C. difficile infection
C. difficile is spread by contact with spores on surfaces and requires gown and gloves for all care activities.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 13 5
A resident with diabetes has a foot wound that appears infected.
The CNA should: