CNA Basic Nursing Skills 2 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When using a mechanical lift (Hoyer lift) to transfer a resident, which action by the CNA is INCORRECT?
- Checking the sling for tears or fraying before use
- Keeping the resident's arms crossed over the chest during the lift
- Leaving the resident suspended in the sling while answering a call light in another room (Correct answer)
- Locking the wheels of the lift before lowering the resident into the chair
Correct answer: Leaving the resident suspended in the sling while answering a call light in another room
A resident must never be left unattended while suspended in a mechanical lift because falls and injury can occur within seconds.
Question 2: A resident on contact precautions for MRSA is being cared for. Which PPE must the CNA wear when providing direct care?
- Gown and gloves only (Correct answer)
- Mask and gloves only
- Gown, gloves, mask, and eye protection for all contact
- Gloves only, since MRSA is only spread by touch
Correct answer: Gown and gloves only
Contact precautions require a gown and gloves when entering the room or providing direct care to prevent transmission of MRSA.
Question 3: The primary reason the CNA should perform hand hygiene AFTER removing gloves is:
- It is required only if the gloves were visibly soiled
- Gloves may have microscopic holes and hands can become contaminated during glove removal (Correct answer)
- Hospital policy requires it but it has little clinical benefit
- It prevents the CNA's hands from becoming dry and cracked
Correct answer: Gloves may have microscopic holes and hands can become contaminated during glove removal
Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene because micro-perforations and contamination during removal can transfer pathogens to the hands.
Question 4: A resident with a nasogastric (NG) tube in place begins to vomit. The CNA should FIRST:
- Clamp the NG tube and leave the room to get the nurse
- Turn the resident onto their side and call for the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Remove the NG tube to clear the airway
- Elevate the head of the bed to 90 degrees and continue monitoring
Correct answer: Turn the resident onto their side and call for the nurse immediately
Positioning the resident on their side prevents aspiration of vomit while the CNA calls for the nurse without leaving the room.
Question 5: When measuring and recording a resident's blood pressure, the CNA gets a reading of 168/96 mmHg on the first attempt. The BEST next step is to:
- Record the reading and tell the resident their blood pressure is normal
- Wait two to three minutes, retake the reading, and report both results to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Immediately administer the resident's antihypertensive medication
- Pump the cuff up again right away and retake the reading without waiting
Correct answer: Wait two to three minutes, retake the reading, and report both results to the nurse
Allowing two to three minutes for venous refilling and retaking the measurement confirms accuracy before reporting an elevated reading to the nurse.
Question 6: A resident is found lying on the floor. Before moving the resident, the CNA MUST:
- Check for responsiveness, call for help, and assess for injury before repositioning (Correct answer)
- Immediately help the resident back to bed to protect their dignity
- Ask a coworker to help lift the resident back to the chair right away
- Roll the resident onto their back and check their identification bracelet
Correct answer: Check for responsiveness, call for help, and assess for injury before repositioning
Moving a fallen resident without first assessing for injury can worsen a fracture or spinal injury; the nurse must evaluate the resident first.
Question 7: When providing oral care for an unconscious resident, the CNA should position the resident:
- Flat on their back (supine) with a towel under the head
- On their side (lateral position) with the head slightly lowered (Correct answer)
- In a high Fowler's position at 90 degrees
- In a prone position to allow drainage
Correct answer: On their side (lateral position) with the head slightly lowered
The lateral position with a slightly lowered head uses gravity to prevent fluids from flowing toward the throat and reduces aspiration risk.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 2 5
When using a mechanical lift (Hoyer lift) to transfer a resident, which action by the CNA is INCORRECT?