CNA CNA Patient Care & Basic Nursing Skills 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient's PEG tube feeding bag is empty and the pump is alarming. The CNA should:
- Notify the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Refill the bag with the nearest available formula
- Turn off the pump and document it
- Flush the tube with tap water
Correct answer: Notify the nurse immediately
Tube feeding management is a nursing responsibility; the CNA must notify the nurse rather than intervene independently.
Question 2: Which action by the CNA best prevents catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs)?
- Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder at all times (Correct answer)
- Disconnect the catheter tubing daily to empty the bag
- Position the drainage bag on the bed beside the patient
- Clamp the catheter tubing when transporting the patient
Correct answer: Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder at all times
Keeping the bag dependent prevents urine backflow into the bladder, which reduces infection risk.
Question 3: A patient using a walker should be instructed to:
- Move the walker forward first, then step into it (Correct answer)
- Step forward past the walker before moving it again
- Carry the walker and set it down every few steps
- Hold the walker with one hand only for balance
Correct answer: Move the walker forward first, then step into it
Advancing the walker first and then stepping into it maintains a stable base of support.
Question 4: When a patient is on a fluid restriction of 1,000 mL per day, the CNA should:
- Track all fluid intake carefully and report nearing the limit to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Offer extra fluids between meals to meet nutrition needs
- Restrict only IV fluids and allow unlimited oral intake
- Document only beverages, not foods with high water content
Correct answer: Track all fluid intake carefully and report nearing the limit to the nurse
All fluid sources count toward a restriction and accurate monitoring prevents fluid overload.
Question 5: During perineal care for a female patient, the CNA should cleanse:
- From front to back (urethra toward rectum) (Correct answer)
- From back to front to remove debris effectively
- In a circular motion around the perineum
- Only the external labia, avoiding the urethral area
Correct answer: From front to back (urethra toward rectum)
Front-to-back cleaning prevents fecal bacteria from contaminating the urethra and vaginal area.
Question 6: A resident's family member asks the CNA to share the resident's diagnosis. The CNA should:
- Explain that patient information is confidential and refer them to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Share the diagnosis since the family is involved in care
- Tell them to check the medical chart themselves
- Provide a general summary without using the diagnosis name
Correct answer: Explain that patient information is confidential and refer them to the nurse
HIPAA protects patient privacy; disclosure decisions belong to the licensed nurse or care team, not the CNA.
Question 7: Which observation should a CNA report to the nurse immediately after a patient returns from surgery?
- Urine output of less than 30 mL per hour (Correct answer)
- A complaint of mild thirst
- Sleeping more than usual in the first hour
- A blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg
Correct answer: Urine output of less than 30 mL per hour
Urine output below 30 mL/hour suggests inadequate perfusion and is a critical postoperative finding.
CNA CNA Patient Care & Basic Nursing Skills 5
A patient's PEG tube feeding bag is empty and the pump is alarming.
The CNA should: