CNA Basic Nursing Skills 17 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident who had a right-sided stroke has left-sided weakness. When assisting with ambulation, the CNA should stand:
- Directly behind the resident
- On the resident's right (stronger) side
- On the resident's left (weaker) side (Correct answer)
- At least 3 feet away to encourage independence
Correct answer: On the resident's left (weaker) side
The CNA stands on the weaker side to provide support and prevent falls toward the affected side.
Question 2: When measuring a resident's blood pressure, the CNA should ensure the cuff bladder is positioned:
- Over the radial pulse on the forearm
- Over the brachial artery on the inner upper arm (Correct answer)
- Tightly above the antecubital space with no skin contact
- Anywhere on the upper arm for convenience
Correct answer: Over the brachial artery on the inner upper arm
Accurate BP measurement requires the cuff bladder to be centered over the brachial artery on the inner surface of the upper arm.
Question 3: A resident's nasogastric tube feeding bag is empty and the pump alarms. The CNA should:
- Disconnect the tube and allow a 30-minute break
- Silence the alarm and resume care without notifying anyone
- Notify the nurse immediately so the feeding can be restarted or discontinued (Correct answer)
- Refill the bag with water from the resident's pitcher
Correct answer: Notify the nurse immediately so the feeding can be restarted or discontinued
CNA scope does not include managing tube feedings; an empty bag must be reported to the nurse for appropriate clinical management.
Question 4: Which observation should the CNA report to the nurse immediately when caring for a resident with a urinary catheter?
- Urine that is pale yellow
- Output of 60 mL in the past hour
- Cloudy, foul-smelling urine with sediment (Correct answer)
- Catheter tubing that is looped beside the bed
Correct answer: Cloudy, foul-smelling urine with sediment
Cloudy, malodorous urine with sediment are classic signs of a urinary tract infection and require prompt nurse notification.
Question 5: A resident tells the CNA, 'I feel like I'm going to faint.' The CNA's first action should be to:
- Help the resident lie down or sit safely and call for the nurse (Correct answer)
- Offer a glass of juice and wait 10 minutes
- Ask the resident to walk to the bathroom to splash water on their face
- Document the complaint and report it at the end of the shift
Correct answer: Help the resident lie down or sit safely and call for the nurse
Preventing a fall is the immediate priority; the CNA must ensure the resident is safely positioned, then call for the nurse.
Question 6: The correct method for removing a soiled isolation gown when exiting a contact-precaution room is:
- Remove the gown first, then the gloves
- Remove the gloves first, then the gown (Correct answer)
- Remove both simultaneously at the door
- Remove the gown in the hallway after exiting
Correct answer: Remove the gloves first, then the gown
Gloves are removed first because they are the most contaminated item; the gown is then removed to avoid transferring organisms to clean hands.
Question 7: A resident's care plan specifies a 1,500 mL fluid restriction. During the breakfast meal, the CNA should:
- Offer unlimited coffee but limit water
- Track all fluids served and document the amounts consumed (Correct answer)
- Allow the restriction only at dinner to accommodate morning comfort
- Withhold all morning fluids entirely
Correct answer: Track all fluids served and document the amounts consumed
Accurate intake recording throughout the day ensures the 1,500 mL limit is not exceeded and keeps the care team informed.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 17 4
A resident who had a right-sided stroke has left-sided weakness.
When assisting with ambulation, the CNA should stand: