CNA Legal & Ethical Behaviours 1 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'scope of practice' mean for a CNA?
- The geographic area where a CNA is licensed to work
- The tasks a CNA is legally permitted to perform based on training and state law (Correct answer)
- The number of residents a CNA can care for at one time
- The documentation a CNA must complete each shift
Correct answer: The tasks a CNA is legally permitted to perform based on training and state law
Scope of practice defines the specific tasks a CNA is legally authorized to perform under state law and training.
Question 2: A nurse asks a CNA to insert a urinary catheter, which is outside the CNA's scope of practice. What should the CNA do?
- Perform the task to help the nurse
- Decline and explain that it is outside the CNA's scope (Correct answer)
- Ask another CNA to do it instead
- Observe the nurse and then attempt it next time
Correct answer: Decline and explain that it is outside the CNA's scope
Performing tasks outside the scope of practice is illegal and unsafe; the CNA must decline and communicate this clearly.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of invasion of privacy?
- Closing the curtain during personal care
- Sharing a resident's diagnosis with an unauthorized family member (Correct answer)
- Knocking before entering a resident's room
- Asking a resident's permission before taking photos for wound care
Correct answer: Sharing a resident's diagnosis with an unauthorized family member
Sharing a resident's private health information without authorization violates their right to privacy under HIPAA.
Question 4: A resident's adult child demands to know their parent's diagnosis. The resident has not given permission. What should the CNA do?
- Share the information since family members have the right to know
- Decline and direct the family member to speak with the nurse (Correct answer)
- Check the chart and share what seems appropriate
- Ask the charge nurse to decide on the spot
Correct answer: Decline and direct the family member to speak with the nurse
Without the resident's consent, health information cannot be shared with family; the CNA should refer the request to the nurse.
Question 5: What does 'advance directive' refer to in the care of a resident?
- Instructions given by a physician before a procedure
- A legal document expressing a resident's wishes for future medical care (Correct answer)
- A supervisor's orders for the CNA to follow during a shift
- A care plan created by the interdisciplinary team
Correct answer: A legal document expressing a resident's wishes for future medical care
An advance directive is a legal document in which a person specifies their wishes for medical treatment if they become unable to communicate.
Question 6: A resident with a DNR order stops breathing. What action should the CNA take?
- Begin CPR immediately while calling for help
- Notify the nurse immediately and do not initiate CPR (Correct answer)
- Call 911 before notifying the nurse
- Wait to see if the resident resumes breathing on their own
Correct answer: Notify the nurse immediately and do not initiate CPR
A DNR order means CPR is not to be performed; the CNA should immediately notify the nurse.
Question 7: Which action demonstrates respect for a resident's autonomy?
- Deciding which clothes the resident will wear to save time
- Asking the resident to choose between two meal options (Correct answer)
- Bathing the resident while they sleep to avoid disturbing them
- Skipping a resident's preferred activity because the CNA is busy
Correct answer: Asking the resident to choose between two meal options
Offering choices respects the resident's right to self-determination, which is central to autonomy.
CNA Legal & Ethical Behaviours 1 4
What does the term 'scope of practice' mean for a CNA?