CNA Bathing and Dressing 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When bathing a resident with a stage 2 pressure ulcer on the sacrum, what should the CNA do?
- Scrub the area vigorously to remove bacteria
- Avoid the area and report it to the nurse before bathing
- Cover it with a washcloth and bathe around it gently (Correct answer)
- Apply lotion directly to the open wound after bathing
Correct answer: Cover it with a washcloth and bathe around it gently
The CNA should gently bathe around the wound without applying pressure and report any changes to the nurse.
Question 2: A resident refuses a bath. What is the BEST first action for the CNA?
- Document the refusal and return later to try again
- Proceed with the bath anyway to maintain hygiene
- Call the nurse immediately to obtain a physician order
- Ask the resident if they would prefer a different time or method (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Ask the resident if they would prefer a different time or method
Respecting patient autonomy means offering alternatives before documenting a refusal.
Question 3: When assisting a resident with dressing, which garment should be put on FIRST?
- Shoes
- Pants
- Socks
- Underwear (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Underwear
Underwear is the innermost garment and should always be applied before outer clothing.
Question 4: During perineal care for a female resident, in which direction should the CNA wipe?
- Back to front to remove the most debris
- Front to back to prevent urinary tract infections (Correct answer)
- Side to side with a circular motion
- In any direction as long as a clean cloth is used each time
Correct answer: Front to back to prevent urinary tract infections
Wiping front to back prevents bacteria from the rectal area from entering the urethra.
Question 5: A resident has left-sided weakness from a stroke. When dressing them, the CNA should dress which side FIRST?
- Right (strong) side first to make it easier
- Left (weak) side first to minimize joint stress (Correct answer)
- Either side — it does not matter
- Ask the nurse each time for instructions
Correct answer: Left (weak) side first to minimize joint stress
The weak or affected side is dressed first because it has less range of motion and dressing it first is easiest.
Question 6: What water temperature is generally considered safe for bathing an adult resident?
- 115°F (46°C)
- 110°F (43°C)
- 105°F (41°C)
- 100–105°F (38–41°C) (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 100–105°F (38–41°C)
Water between 100–105°F is comfortably warm and safe, reducing the risk of scalding, especially in elderly patients with reduced sensation.
Question 7: Which action best demonstrates respect for a resident's dignity during a bath?
- Leaving the bathroom door open to monitor for falls
- Exposing only the body part being washed at any given time (Correct answer)
- Bathing the resident as quickly as possible to minimize discomfort
- Asking family members to stay in the room for safety
Correct answer: Exposing only the body part being washed at any given time
Draping or covering areas not being washed protects the resident's privacy and dignity.
CNA Bathing and Dressing 4
When bathing a resident with a stage 2 pressure ulcer on the sacrum, what should the CNA do?