CNA Basic Nursing Skills 15 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When measuring a patient's blood pressure, the cuff should be placed:
- Directly over the antecubital space
- About 1–2 inches above the antecubital space (Correct answer)
- On the forearm below the elbow
- Directly over the brachial pulse
Correct answer: About 1–2 inches above the antecubital space
The BP cuff should be positioned approximately 1–2 inches (2–3 cm) above the antecubital space to allow proper auscultation over the brachial artery.
Question 2: A patient has an order for intake and output (I&O). Which of the following should be recorded as output?
- Water consumed with meals
- IV fluids infused
- Wound drainage collected in a drain (Correct answer)
- All food consumed
Correct answer: Wound drainage collected in a drain
Output includes all fluids leaving the body such as urine, emesis, wound drainage, and ostomy output.
Question 3: Which technique is used to prevent friction and shear when moving a patient up in bed?
- Pulling the patient directly on the sheets
- Using a lift sheet or draw sheet (Correct answer)
- Asking the patient to push with their feet only
- Raising the side rail and pulling toward it
Correct answer: Using a lift sheet or draw sheet
A lift or draw sheet reduces friction and shear forces on the patient's skin during repositioning.
Question 4: The pulse oximeter reading on a patient drops from 98% to 90%. The CNA should first:
- Document and continue monitoring
- Reposition the probe and check for circulation issues (Correct answer)
- Administer supplemental oxygen immediately
- Perform CPR
Correct answer: Reposition the probe and check for circulation issues
A low reading may be caused by poor probe placement, nail polish, or cold fingers; the CNA should verify the reading before escalating.
Question 5: A patient with dysphagia is eating lunch. Which observation should be reported to the nurse immediately?
- The patient eats slowly
- The patient coughs repeatedly during eating (Correct answer)
- The patient prefers pureed food
- The patient drinks thickened liquids
Correct answer: The patient coughs repeatedly during eating
Repeated coughing during meals in a patient with dysphagia may signal aspiration, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia.
Question 6: When providing a complete bed bath, which area of the body should be washed last?
- Feet
- Back
- Perineal area (Correct answer)
- Arms
Correct answer: Perineal area
The perineal area is washed last to prevent spreading microorganisms from the genitourinary or rectal area to cleaner body regions.
Question 7: A CNA is applying a warm compress to a patient's arm. To prevent burns, the temperature of the water should not exceed:
- 98°F (37°C)
- 105°F (41°C) (Correct answer)
- 115°F (46°C)
- 125°F (52°C)
Correct answer: 105°F (41°C)
Warm compresses should use water no hotter than approximately 105°F (41°C) to prevent thermal burns, especially in patients with reduced sensation.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 15 4
When measuring a patient's blood pressure, the cuff should be placed: