CNA Basic Nursing Skills 4 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When collecting a mid-stream clean-catch urine specimen, the CNA instructs the resident to:
- Begin urinating, stop, clean the urethral area, then collect the specimen
- Clean the urethral area, begin urinating, allow the first stream to pass, then collect into the cup (Correct answer)
- Collect the first portion of urine as it is the most concentrated
- Collect any urine at any point during urination
Correct answer: Clean the urethral area, begin urinating, allow the first stream to pass, then collect into the cup
The mid-stream technique discards initial urine that may be contaminated, producing a cleaner specimen after the urethral area is cleaned.
Question 2: A resident with dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) is eating lunch. Which observation should the CNA report immediately?
- The resident eats slowly and takes small bites
- The resident coughs repeatedly during the meal (Correct answer)
- The resident requests thickened liquids
- The resident prefers soft foods over solids
Correct answer: The resident coughs repeatedly during the meal
Repeated coughing during eating is a sign of aspiration risk and must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Question 3: Which technique should the CNA use when making an occupied bed?
- Change all linens at once while the resident stands bedside
- Roll soiled linens inward and place them on the floor temporarily
- Work from one side to the other, keeping the resident covered and comfortable (Correct answer)
- Remove the resident from the room during linen changes for efficiency
Correct answer: Work from one side to the other, keeping the resident covered and comfortable
Working side to side keeps the resident warm, covered, and comfortable while maintaining dignity throughout the procedure.
Question 4: When counting a resident's pulse, the CNA feels an irregular rhythm. The best action is to:
- Count for only 15 seconds and multiply by four for efficiency
- Count the pulse for a full 60 seconds and report the irregularity to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Recount immediately on the other wrist to confirm
- Document the pulse as normal and recheck in one hour
Correct answer: Count the pulse for a full 60 seconds and report the irregularity to the nurse
An irregular pulse requires a full 60-second count for accuracy, and the finding must be reported promptly to the nurse.
Question 5: A resident's IV line is the nurse's responsibility, but the CNA notices the IV site is red and swollen. The CNA should:
- Slow the IV drip rate to reduce the swelling
- Notify the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Apply a warm compress to reduce the swelling
- Document the observation and inform the nurse at the end of the shift
Correct answer: Notify the nurse immediately
Redness and swelling at an IV site indicate possible infiltration or phlebitis, which requires immediate nurse assessment.
Question 6: A resident using a walker begins to fall. The CNA should:
- Step away quickly to avoid being injured
- Try to catch the resident and lower them gently to the floor (Correct answer)
- Tell the resident to grab the nearest furniture for support
- Call for help and wait before approaching the resident
Correct answer: Try to catch the resident and lower them gently to the floor
Guiding the resident to the floor in a controlled manner reduces injury compared to letting them fall freely.
Question 7: Which action is correct when using a gait belt to assist a resident to walk?
- Place the belt around the resident's chest under the arms
- Place the belt around the waist over clothing with two fingers of slack (Correct answer)
- Tighten the belt as firmly as possible to prevent slipping
- Apply the belt over a wound dressing if one is present on the abdomen
Correct answer: Place the belt around the waist over clothing with two fingers of slack
A gait belt placed at the waist over clothing with two fingers of slack provides a secure grip without restricting breathing.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 4 4
When collecting a mid-stream clean-catch urine specimen, the CNA instructs the resident to: