CNA Basic Nursing Skills 2 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing passive range of motion (PROM) exercises, the CNA should stop and report if the resident:
- Asks to rest briefly during the exercise
- Shows signs of pain, resistance, or unusual sounds in the joint (Correct answer)
- Has a slightly warm skin temperature
- Requests to do the exercises later in the day
Correct answer: Shows signs of pain, resistance, or unusual sounds in the joint
Pain, resistance, or crepitus during PROM may indicate injury or inflammation and must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Question 2: A resident is on a fluid restriction of 1,000 mL per day. The CNA notes the resident has consumed 850 mL by 4 PM. The BEST action is to:
- Allow the resident to drink freely since the day is almost over
- Notify the nurse and document the current intake (Correct answer)
- Give the resident no fluids for the rest of the day without notifying anyone
- Offer only ice chips for the remainder of the shift
Correct answer: Notify the nurse and document the current intake
The nurse must be informed so the care team can manage the remaining 150 mL allowance and coordinate with all staff on the shift.
Question 3: When applying a cold pack to a resident's swollen ankle, the CNA should:
- Place the cold pack directly on bare skin for maximum effectiveness
- Apply the cold pack over a cloth barrier and check the skin every 10 minutes (Correct answer)
- Leave the cold pack in place for one hour without interruption
- Wrap the ankle tightly with the cold pack to hold it in place
Correct answer: Apply the cold pack over a cloth barrier and check the skin every 10 minutes
A cloth barrier prevents frostbite, and frequent skin checks detect adverse reactions such as numbness or discoloration.
Question 4: A resident with dysphagia is eating lunch. Which observation requires the CNA to act IMMEDIATELY?
- The resident eats slowly and takes small bites
- The resident coughs repeatedly and has a wet, gurgly voice while eating (Correct answer)
- The resident requests extra seasoning on the food
- The resident pauses between bites to rest
Correct answer: The resident coughs repeatedly and has a wet, gurgly voice while eating
Repeated coughing and a wet, gurgly voice are signs of aspiration, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.
Question 5: The correct technique for applying elastic (TED) stockings to a resident is to:
- Apply them after the resident has been standing for 30 minutes
- Roll them up the leg starting at the calf
- Apply them before the resident gets out of bed in the morning (Correct answer)
- Use them only when ordered for residents with arterial disease
Correct answer: Apply them before the resident gets out of bed in the morning
TED stockings should be applied while the resident is still in bed before edema can accumulate in the lower extremities.
Question 6: While assisting a resident with a shower, the CNA notices a new bruise on the resident's back that was not previously documented. The CNA should:
- Assume the resident bumped into something and complete the shower
- Document the bruise in the nurse's notes and continue without telling anyone
- Report the finding to the nurse immediately and document it objectively (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident's family members about the bruise at the next visit
Correct answer: Report the finding to the nurse immediately and document it objectively
Unexplained bruises are potential signs of abuse or a fall and must be reported and documented immediately per facility policy.
Question 7: A resident's urine output has been decreasing over the past 8 hours and the urine appears very dark amber. The CNA should FIRST:
- Encourage the resident to drink more fluids and wait until the end of shift to report
- Report the finding to the nurse promptly along with the current intake and output measurements (Correct answer)
- Assume the resident is just not drinking enough and document it in the activity notes
- Restrict the resident's fluid intake to prevent kidney overload
Correct answer: Report the finding to the nurse promptly along with the current intake and output measurements
Decreased urine output with dark concentrated urine may indicate dehydration or a urinary tract problem and requires prompt nurse notification.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 2 4
When performing passive range of motion (PROM) exercises, the CNA should stop and report if the resident: