CNA Basic Nursing Skills 9 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident has a nasogastric (NG) tube. Before administering a tube feeding, the nurse asks the CNA to check tube placement. What is the CNA's appropriate role?
- Check placement by aspirating gastric contents
- Confirm the tube is taped securely and report any displacement to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Inject air while listening with a stethoscope
- Remove and reinsert the tube if it appears dislodged
Correct answer: Confirm the tube is taped securely and report any displacement to the nurse
CNAs do not check NG tube placement; they observe that the tube is secure and intact and report concerns to the nurse.
Question 2: When performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, the CNA notices the resident grimaces and says 'ouch.' What should the CNA do?
- Continue through the discomfort as it is expected
- Stop the exercise, reposition the joint, and report pain to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Apply more force to stretch the joint further
- Skip that joint and document nothing
Correct answer: Stop the exercise, reposition the joint, and report pain to the nurse
Pain during ROM indicates potential injury risk; the CNA should stop, avoid forcing the joint, and report to the nurse.
Question 3: A resident on a fluid restriction of 1,000 mL/day asks for extra water. How should the CNA respond?
- Provide extra water since hydration is always beneficial
- Explain the restriction and offer ice chips if permitted, then document the intake (Correct answer)
- Ignore the request and provide nothing
- Give extra water but do not document it
Correct answer: Explain the restriction and offer ice chips if permitted, then document the intake
The CNA must honor the prescribed fluid restriction, offer alternatives like ice chips if allowed, and accurately document all intake.
Question 4: Which action best prevents contractures in a bedridden resident?
- Keeping limbs in the same position throughout the day
- Performing regular range-of-motion exercises and proper repositioning (Correct answer)
- Tightly wrapping extremities with bandages
- Elevating all extremities above heart level at all times
Correct answer: Performing regular range-of-motion exercises and proper repositioning
Regular ROM exercises and repositioning maintain joint flexibility and muscle length, preventing contracture formation.
Question 5: A resident's urine output has been less than 30 mL per hour for the last two hours. What should the CNA do?
- Increase the IV flow rate independently
- Document the output and immediately report the finding to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Encourage the resident to drink more water without reporting
- Wait until the end of the shift to report
Correct answer: Document the output and immediately report the finding to the nurse
Urine output below 30 mL/hour is a sign of possible kidney compromise and must be reported promptly to the nurse.
Question 6: When using a gait belt to assist a resident to walk, where should the CNA position themselves?
- Directly in front of the resident
- To the resident's stronger side and slightly behind
- Directly behind the resident
- On the resident's weaker side and slightly behind (Correct answer)
Correct answer: On the resident's weaker side and slightly behind
Standing on the weaker side provides support where the resident needs it most while allowing the CNA to guide and catch them if they fall.
Question 7: A resident's colostomy bag is three-quarters full. What should the CNA do?
- Leave it and check again at the next scheduled time
- Empty and clean the bag according to facility procedure (Correct answer)
- Remove and discard the entire colostomy appliance
- Apply tape over the bag to prevent leakage
Correct answer: Empty and clean the bag according to facility procedure
A bag that is three-quarters full should be emptied to prevent leakage and skin breakdown around the stoma site.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 9 3
A resident has a nasogastric (NG) tube.
Before administering a tube feeding, the nurse asks the CNA to check tube placement.
What is the CNA's appropriate role?