CNA Basic Nursing Skills 5 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When performing oral hygiene on an unconscious patient, the CNA should position the patient:
- Supine with the head flat
- In high Fowler's position
- On their side (lateral position) with head turned to the side (Correct answer)
- In Trendelenburg position
Correct answer: On their side (lateral position) with head turned to the side
Lateral positioning with the head turned allows secretions and fluids to drain out of the mouth, reducing aspiration risk.
Question 2: A patient's urine output for an 8-hour shift totals 160 mL. The CNA should:
- Consider this normal and document it
- Encourage increased oral fluids and recheck in 1 hour
- Report the low output to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Irrigate the Foley catheter
Correct answer: Report the low output to the nurse immediately
Normal urine output is approximately 30 mL per hour; 160 mL over 8 hours (20 mL/hr) is below normal and must be reported.
Question 3: The primary purpose of turning and repositioning an immobile patient every 2 hours is to:
- Stimulate bowel function
- Prevent pressure injuries (Correct answer)
- Promote venous circulation in the arms
- Reduce the risk of falls
Correct answer: Prevent pressure injuries
Sustained pressure over bony prominences restricts blood flow and causes tissue breakdown; regular repositioning relieves this pressure.
Question 4: A CNA is preparing to administer a tap-water enema. The bag should be held no higher than how far above the anus?
- 6 inches (15 cm)
- 12 inches (30 cm) (Correct answer)
- 18 inches (45 cm)
- 24 inches (60 cm)
Correct answer: 12 inches (30 cm)
Holding the enema bag 12 inches (30 cm) above the anus provides safe flow without excessive pressure.
Question 5: Which finding should the CNA report BEFORE beginning passive range-of-motion exercises?
- The patient reports mild stiffness in the morning
- The joint appears red, swollen, and warm (Correct answer)
- The patient asks why the exercises are needed
- The patient's skin feels dry
Correct answer: The joint appears red, swollen, and warm
Redness, swelling, and warmth in a joint suggest inflammation or injury; ROM exercises should not be performed until the nurse evaluates the joint.
Question 6: A CNA is caring for a patient on droplet precautions. Which PPE is required when entering the room?
- Gown and gloves only
- Surgical mask and eye protection (Correct answer)
- N95 respirator and full face shield
- Gloves only
Correct answer: Surgical mask and eye protection
Droplet precautions require a surgical mask and eye protection to prevent contact with respiratory droplets.
Question 7: When applying elastic (TED) stockings, the CNA should:
- Apply them while the patient is standing
- Apply them after the patient has been up and walking for 30 minutes
- Apply them with the patient lying down before they get out of bed (Correct answer)
- Apply them only at night
Correct answer: Apply them with the patient lying down before they get out of bed
TED stockings are most effective when applied before the patient stands, preventing blood from pooling in the lower extremities.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 5 4
When performing oral hygiene on an unconscious patient, the CNA should position the patient: