CNA Emergency Procedure 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident has been burned by hot liquid. What is the correct first aid action a CNA should take?
- Apply butter or oil to soothe the burn
- Cool the burn with cool running water and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Cover the burn with a dry cloth and leave it
- Break any blisters that form to release fluid
Correct answer: Cool the burn with cool running water and notify the nurse
Cool running water reduces burn depth and pain; the nurse must be notified to assess and treat the wound properly.
Question 2: During a choking emergency, when is it appropriate to perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) on a resident?
- When the resident is coughing forcefully
- When the resident has a complete airway obstruction and cannot speak or breathe (Correct answer)
- Immediately when any coughing begins
- Only when directed by a physician over the phone
Correct answer: When the resident has a complete airway obstruction and cannot speak or breathe
Abdominal thrusts are indicated for complete airway obstruction — when the resident cannot speak, cough, or breathe effectively.
Question 3: A resident is bleeding heavily from a wound on the arm. What is the most effective first step to control the bleeding?
- Elevate the arm and apply a tourniquet
- Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth (Correct answer)
- Remove any clots that have formed in the wound
- Wash the wound with hydrogen peroxide immediately
Correct answer: Apply direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth
Direct pressure is the primary and most effective method to control hemorrhage and should be applied immediately.
Question 4: If a tornado warning is issued for a facility, where should residents be moved?
- To large windows so they can monitor the storm's approach
- To interior hallways on the lowest floor away from windows (Correct answer)
- To the upper floors of the building for highest visibility
- Outside the building to a clear open area
Correct answer: To interior hallways on the lowest floor away from windows
Interior hallways on the lowest floor, away from windows, provide the most protection during a tornado.
Question 5: A resident begins vomiting while lying in bed. What is the PRIORITY action to prevent aspiration?
- Suction the airway immediately without moving the resident
- Turn the resident's head or body to the side (Correct answer)
- Raise the head of the bed to 90 degrees
- Have the resident swallow repeatedly to clear the airway
Correct answer: Turn the resident's head or body to the side
Turning the resident to the side allows vomit to drain out rather than be aspirated into the lungs.
Question 6: An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) has been attached to an unconscious resident. The device says 'No shock advised.' What should the CNA do?
- Shock the resident manually by pressing all buttons simultaneously
- Resume CPR immediately (Correct answer)
- Wait two minutes before pressing the shock button
- Remove the AED pads and continue without the device
Correct answer: Resume CPR immediately
When the AED advises no shock, it means no shockable rhythm was detected and CPR should be resumed immediately.
Question 7: A resident with diabetes is found sweating, shaking, and confused. The CNA suspects hypoglycemia. What is the CNA's role?
- Administer insulin to stabilize blood sugar
- Notify the nurse immediately and stay with the resident (Correct answer)
- Give the resident a large meal right away
- Ignore the symptoms until the resident loses consciousness
Correct answer: Notify the nurse immediately and stay with the resident
Hypoglycemia is a medical emergency requiring nurse assessment; the CNA must report symptoms immediately and monitor the resident.
CNA Emergency Procedure 3
A resident has been burned by hot liquid.
What is the correct first aid action a CNA should take?