CNA Basic Nursing Skills 21 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with dysphagia is most at risk for which complication?
- Dehydration only
- Aspiration pneumonia (Correct answer)
- Constipation
- Hypertension
Correct answer: Aspiration pneumonia
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) increases the risk of aspirating food or liquid into the lungs, which can cause aspiration pneumonia.
Question 2: When ambulating a resident with a cane, the cane should be held on the:
- Same side as the weak leg
- Opposite side from the weak leg (Correct answer)
- Either side depending on comfort
- In front of the resident
Correct answer: Opposite side from the weak leg
Holding the cane on the stronger side allows weight to be transferred through the cane when the weaker leg steps forward, providing proper support.
Question 3: A resident develops a reddened area over the coccyx that does not blanch when pressed. This indicates:
- A Stage I pressure injury (Correct answer)
- A Stage II pressure injury
- Normal skin variation
- Bruising from a fall
Correct answer: A Stage I pressure injury
Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is the hallmark of a Stage I pressure injury, indicating deep tissue damage has begun.
Question 4: Which action by the CNA demonstrates correct hand hygiene technique?
- Rinsing hands with cold water for 5 seconds
- Scrubbing all surfaces of hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds (Correct answer)
- Using hand sanitizer after every patient contact
- Washing hands only when visibly soiled
Correct answer: Scrubbing all surfaces of hands and wrists for at least 20 seconds
Effective handwashing requires scrubbing all surfaces including between fingers and wrists for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water.
Question 5: When feeding a resident who is at risk for aspiration, the CNA should position the head of the bed at:
- Flat (0 degrees)
- 15 to 30 degrees
- 45 to 90 degrees (Correct answer)
- Trendelenburg position
Correct answer: 45 to 90 degrees
Elevating the head of the bed to 45–90 degrees (high Fowler's or seated) uses gravity to direct food toward the stomach and away from the airway.
Question 6: A resident has an indwelling urinary catheter. The drainage bag should be positioned:
- At the level of the bladder
- Above the level of the bladder
- Below the level of the bladder (Correct answer)
- On the resident's bed
Correct answer: Below the level of the bladder
The drainage bag must always remain below bladder level to allow gravity-assisted urine flow and prevent backflow that could cause infection.
Question 7: Which observation about a resident's surgical wound should the CNA report to the nurse IMMEDIATELY?
- Slight pinkness along the incision line
- Small amount of clear serous drainage
- Separation of wound edges with purulent drainage (Correct answer)
- Mild itching around the incision
Correct answer: Separation of wound edges with purulent drainage
Wound dehiscence (separation of edges) with purulent discharge indicates serious infection requiring immediate medical intervention.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 21 4
A resident with dysphagia is most at risk for which complication?