CNA Basic Nursing Skills 15 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing perineal care on a female patient, in which direction should you clean?
- Back to front
- Front to back (Correct answer)
- Side to side
- In circular motions
Correct answer: Front to back
Cleaning from front to back (urethra toward anus) prevents introducing bacteria from the rectal area into the urinary tract.
Question 2: A patient's urinary output for an 8-hour shift is 240 mL. The normal minimum hourly urine output for an adult is:
- 5 mL/hr
- 30 mL/hr (Correct answer)
- 60 mL/hr
- 100 mL/hr
Correct answer: 30 mL/hr
Normal adult urine output is at least 30 mL per hour; output below this may indicate inadequate kidney perfusion.
Question 3: Which action is correct when applying an elastic (ACE) bandage to a patient's leg?
- Begin at the thigh and wrap downward
- Begin at the foot and wrap upward (Correct answer)
- Apply as tightly as possible to prevent slipping
- Overlap each layer by 75% of the previous layer
Correct answer: Begin at the foot and wrap upward
Elastic bandages are applied from the distal (foot) end upward to promote venous blood return toward the heart.
Question 4: A nursing assistant notices a patient's IV site is swollen, cool, and pale. This most likely indicates:
- Phlebitis
- Infiltration (Correct answer)
- Infection
- Normal IV function
Correct answer: Infiltration
Infiltration occurs when IV fluid leaks into surrounding tissue, causing swelling, coolness, and pallor at the site.
Question 5: When assisting a patient with a bedpan, the head of the bed should be elevated to:
- Flat position
- 15–20 degrees
- 30–45 degrees (Correct answer)
- 90 degrees
Correct answer: 30–45 degrees
Elevating the head of the bed 30–45 degrees mimics a natural sitting position, making elimination easier and more comfortable.
Question 6: During mouth care on an unconscious patient, the CNA should position the patient:
- Supine with head flat
- On their side or with head turned to the side (Correct answer)
- In high Fowler's position
- In Trendelenburg position
Correct answer: On their side or with head turned to the side
Positioning an unconscious patient on their side or turning the head prevents aspiration of fluids during oral care.
Question 7: A patient who is NPO (nothing by mouth) asks for a drink of water. The CNA should:
- Give a small amount of ice chips
- Provide water but document the amount
- Offer mouth care to relieve dryness and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Ignore the request since the patient is NPO
Correct answer: Offer mouth care to relieve dryness and notify the nurse
The CNA should offer oral hygiene to relieve dry mouth and report the patient's discomfort to the nurse, as NPO orders cannot be overridden by CNAs.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 15 3
When performing perineal care on a female patient, in which direction should you clean?