CNA Basic Nursing Skills 16 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication. What is the CNA's first action?
- Crush the medication and hide it in food
- Document the refusal and report to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Insist the resident take the medication
- Dispose of the medication
Correct answer: Document the refusal and report to the nurse
The CNA must document and report medication refusal to the nurse so appropriate follow-up can occur.
Question 2: When providing perineal care to a female resident, the CNA should clean:
- Back to front to prevent contamination
- Front to back to prevent urinary tract infections (Correct answer)
- In a circular motion starting at the urethra
- Side to side alternating directions
Correct answer: Front to back to prevent urinary tract infections
Cleaning front to back (from the urethra toward the rectum) prevents contamination of the urinary tract with fecal bacteria.
Question 3: A resident's IV site appears red, swollen, and the resident complains of pain at the site. The CNA should:
- Increase the IV flow rate to flush the site
- Apply a warm compress and continue monitoring
- Report findings to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Discontinue the IV and apply a bandage
Correct answer: Report findings to the nurse immediately
Signs of IV infiltration or phlebitis must be reported to the nurse immediately as the IV may need to be discontinued.
Question 4: Which technique is used to prevent contamination when using sterile gloves?
- Touch only the inside cuff when donning (Correct answer)
- Touch only the outside of the glove after donning
- Use bare hands to adjust gloves once on
- Rinse gloves with water before use
Correct answer: Touch only the inside cuff when donning
When donning sterile gloves, only the inside cuff (folded edge) should be touched to maintain sterility of the outer surface.
Question 5: A resident who is on a calorie-restricted diet asks for extra food. The CNA should:
- Provide a small extra portion to make the resident happy
- Tell the resident they cannot have any extra food
- Explain the diet restriction and offer to speak with the nurse (Correct answer)
- Ignore the request and change the subject
Correct answer: Explain the diet restriction and offer to speak with the nurse
The CNA should acknowledge the resident's request, explain the diet restriction, and offer to consult the nurse for appropriate alternatives.
Question 6: What is the correct water temperature for a resident's bath?
- 100–105°F (38–40°C) (Correct answer)
- 90–95°F (32–35°C)
- 110–115°F (43–46°C)
- 80–85°F (27–29°C)
Correct answer: 100–105°F (38–40°C)
Bath water should be 100–105°F (38–40°C) — comfortably warm but not hot enough to cause burns.
Question 7: A resident's nasogastric (NG) tube appears to have become dislodged. The CNA should:
- Gently push the tube back into place
- Continue feedings while repositioning the tube
- Stop any feeding and notify the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Remove the tube and notify the nurse
Correct answer: Stop any feeding and notify the nurse immediately
A dislodged NG tube is a safety emergency — feedings must stop and the nurse must be notified immediately to prevent aspiration.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 16 3
A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication.
What is the CNA's first action?