CNA Basic Nursing Skills 17 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing perineal care on a female resident, the CNA should clean:
- From back to front using one long stroke
- From front to back, using a clean section of cloth for each stroke (Correct answer)
- In a circular motion around the perineum
- From side to side across the labia
Correct answer: From front to back, using a clean section of cloth for each stroke
Front-to-back cleaning prevents fecal bacteria from contaminating the urethra, reducing the risk of urinary tract infection.
Question 2: A resident is placed in the Trendelenburg position. This means the resident's:
- Head is elevated 30–45 degrees
- Feet are elevated higher than the head (Correct answer)
- Body is flat with the head turned to one side
- Knees are elevated while the head and feet are flat
Correct answer: Feet are elevated higher than the head
The Trendelenburg position has the feet elevated above the level of the head, often used in shock management.
Question 3: A resident has an order for elastic compression stockings (TED hose). When should the CNA apply them?
- After the resident has been sitting for 30 minutes
- In the morning before the resident gets out of bed (Correct answer)
- Only when the resident reports leg pain
- After ambulation when the legs are warmed up
Correct answer: In the morning before the resident gets out of bed
Compression stockings are most effective when applied before the resident stands, preventing venous pooling and edema from developing.
Question 4: While emptying a urinary catheter drainage bag, the CNA should:
- Allow the drain spout to touch the inside of the measuring container
- Open the drain valve and let urine flow without touching the spout to any surface (Correct answer)
- Remove the catheter tubing from the bag to drain faster
- Squeeze the bag firmly to empty it completely
Correct answer: Open the drain valve and let urine flow without touching the spout to any surface
Keeping the drain spout from contacting any surface prevents contamination and reduces the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infection.
Question 5: A resident with dysphagia is prescribed a thickened-liquid diet. The CNA should:
- Offer thin water between meals to maintain hydration
- Provide only liquids thickened to the consistency specified in the care plan (Correct answer)
- Mix thickened and thin liquids together to improve palatability
- Allow thin liquids if the resident requests them
Correct answer: Provide only liquids thickened to the consistency specified in the care plan
Thickened liquids are prescribed to prevent aspiration; deviating from the specified consistency puts the resident at serious risk.
Question 6: When inserting a rectal suppository is delegated to a CNA (where permitted by state), the resident should be positioned in which position?
- Supine with legs extended flat
- Left lateral (Sims') position with the upper knee flexed (Correct answer)
- Prone with a pillow under the abdomen
- High Fowler's position with knees bent
Correct answer: Left lateral (Sims') position with the upper knee flexed
The left lateral (Sims') position aligns the sigmoid colon for easier suppository insertion and takes advantage of gravity to retain the medication.
Question 7: A resident develops sudden chest pain and shortness of breath while the CNA is providing care. The correct sequence of actions is:
- Finish the care task, then call for the nurse
- Call for the nurse immediately, stay with the resident, and follow facility emergency protocol (Correct answer)
- Help the resident walk to the nurses' station to report symptoms
- Administer nitroglycerin from the resident's bedside supply
Correct answer: Call for the nurse immediately, stay with the resident, and follow facility emergency protocol
Chest pain with dyspnea is a potential cardiac or pulmonary emergency requiring immediate nurse response; the CNA must call for help and stay with the resident.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 17 5
When performing perineal care on a female resident, the CNA should clean: