CNA Basic Nursing Skills 6 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with dysphagia is most at risk for:
- Dehydration only
- Aspiration pneumonia (Correct answer)
- Constipation
- Hypertension
Correct answer: Aspiration pneumonia
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia when food or liquid enters the airway instead of the esophagus.
Question 2: Which action is correct when making an occupied bed?
- Lower both side rails before starting
- Roll soiled linen outward and place on the floor temporarily
- Keep one side rail up while working on the opposite side (Correct answer)
- Complete the entire bed change without moving the resident
Correct answer: Keep one side rail up while working on the opposite side
One side rail should remain raised on the far side while the CNA works on the near side to prevent the resident from rolling out of bed.
Question 3: A resident's oral temperature is 99.8°F. This is best described as:
- Normal
- Hypothermia
- Low-grade fever (Correct answer)
- High-grade fever
Correct answer: Low-grade fever
A temperature between 99°F and 100.4°F is classified as a low-grade fever, which should be documented and reported.
Question 4: When performing oral care on an unconscious resident, the CNA should position the resident:
- Flat on the back with head centered
- On their side with head turned toward the CNA (Correct answer)
- In high Fowler's position at 90 degrees
- Prone with head facing down
Correct answer: On their side with head turned toward the CNA
The side-lying position with head turned toward the caregiver allows secretions to drain out of the mouth and prevents aspiration.
Question 5: A resident's IV site appears red, swollen, and warm to the touch. The CNA should:
- Apply a warm compress and document
- Continue monitoring and reassess in one hour
- Report the findings to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Remove the IV needle and apply a bandage
Correct answer: Report the findings to the nurse immediately
Redness, swelling, and warmth at an IV site indicate phlebitis or infiltration, which must be reported to the nurse immediately for assessment.
Question 6: When shaving a male resident with a safety razor, the CNA should shave:
- Against the grain for a closer shave
- In the direction of hair growth (Correct answer)
- In circular motions over bony areas
- With dry skin to improve razor grip
Correct answer: In the direction of hair growth
Shaving in the direction of hair growth reduces skin irritation and the risk of nicks and cuts.
Question 7: A resident reports feeling dizzy when first standing up from a chair. This is most likely:
- A stroke
- Orthostatic hypotension (Correct answer)
- Hypertensive crisis
- Normal aging with no intervention needed
Correct answer: Orthostatic hypotension
Dizziness upon standing is a classic symptom of orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure when changing from sitting to standing.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 6 5
A resident with dysphagia is most at risk for: