CNA Basic Nursing Skills 18 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident tells the CNA they feel dizzy when standing up. This is most likely:
- Orthostatic hypotension (Correct answer)
- Hypertensive crisis
- Hypoglycemia
- Inner ear infection
Correct answer: Orthostatic hypotension
Orthostatic (postural) hypotension causes dizziness upon standing due to a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Question 2: The CNA notices a resident's IV site is swollen and cool to the touch. This most likely indicates:
- Infiltration of the IV (Correct answer)
- Phlebitis at the IV site
- Normal IV function
- Infection at the site
Correct answer: Infiltration of the IV
Swelling and coolness at an IV site indicate infiltration, meaning fluid is leaking into surrounding tissue.
Question 3: Which resident position is most appropriate for a resident experiencing difficulty breathing (dyspnea)?
- High Fowler's (60–90 degrees) (Correct answer)
- Supine (flat)
- Prone (face down)
- Trendelenburg (feet elevated)
Correct answer: High Fowler's (60–90 degrees)
High Fowler's position maximizes lung expansion and eases breathing by using gravity to lower the diaphragm.
Question 4: A CNA is helping a resident ambulate when the resident suddenly begins to fall. The CNA should:
- Guide the resident to the floor in a controlled manner (Correct answer)
- Hold the resident up and call for help
- Let go to protect the CNA's own back
- Pull the resident back to a standing position
Correct answer: Guide the resident to the floor in a controlled manner
Guiding the resident safely to the floor prevents injury to both the resident and the CNA.
Question 5: When caring for a resident in contact precautions, the CNA should don PPE in which order?
- Gown, then gloves (Correct answer)
- Gloves, then gown
- Mask, gown, then gloves
- Gloves, mask, then gown
Correct answer: Gown, then gloves
For contact precautions, the gown is donned first to protect clothing, then gloves are applied over the gown cuffs.
Question 6: A resident's colostomy bag is one-third to one-half full. The CNA should:
- Empty the bag and document the output (Correct answer)
- Leave the bag until it is completely full
- Change the entire ostomy appliance
- Notify the nurse before doing anything
Correct answer: Empty the bag and document the output
Emptying the colostomy bag when one-third to one-half full prevents leaks and skin breakdown.
Question 7: The purpose of performing passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises is to:
- Maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures (Correct answer)
- Build muscle strength
- Improve cardiovascular endurance
- Treat existing pressure injuries
Correct answer: Maintain joint flexibility and prevent contractures
PROM exercises move joints through their range to prevent contractures and maintain flexibility in residents who cannot move independently.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 18 4
A resident tells the CNA they feel dizzy when standing up.
This is most likely: