CNA Patient Care Procedure 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assisting a patient with a weak left side to ambulate, the CNA should stand:
- Directly in front of the patient
- On the patient's strong (right) side
- On the patient's weak (left) side (Correct answer)
- Behind the patient at arm's length
Correct answer: On the patient's weak (left) side
The CNA stands on the weak side to support the patient and catch them if they fall toward that side.
Question 2: A patient returns from surgery with a surgical drain. The CNA's responsibility includes:
- Emptying and measuring drain output as directed (Correct answer)
- Removing the drain once drainage appears clear
- Irrigating the drain every shift
- Clamping the drain overnight
Correct answer: Emptying and measuring drain output as directed
CNAs measure and record drain output and report changes in amount or appearance to the nurse.
Question 3: Which is the correct order for applying a transfer belt before ambulating a patient?
- Apply over clothing at the waist, buckle snugly, check for two-finger clearance (Correct answer)
- Apply directly against skin, buckle loosely for comfort, proceed immediately
- Apply above the chest, buckle tightly, then assist to stand
- Apply over the hips, check fit, then help the patient stand
Correct answer: Apply over clothing at the waist, buckle snugly, check for two-finger clearance
The belt goes over clothing at the waist, snug enough to hold but with two-finger clearance for safety.
Question 4: When the CNA is performing perineal care on a female patient, the correct cleaning direction is:
- Back to front (rectum toward urethra)
- Side to side in a circular motion
- Front to back (urethra toward rectum) (Correct answer)
- From inner thigh inward on each side
Correct answer: Front to back (urethra toward rectum)
Cleaning front to back prevents fecal bacteria from contaminating the urethra and reducing infection risk.
Question 5: A patient on a fluid restriction orders states '1000 mL/day.' The patient asks for an extra glass of water. The CNA should:
- Provide the water since the patient is thirsty
- Explain the restriction and offer alternatives such as ice chips if permitted (Correct answer)
- Ignore the request until the next shift
- Give half a glass and not document it
Correct answer: Explain the restriction and offer alternatives such as ice chips if permitted
The CNA must follow the fluid restriction and offer comfort alternatives like ice chips within the allowed limit.
Question 6: Which observation about a patient's urine should be reported to the nurse immediately?
- Light yellow and clear
- Slightly stronger odor in the morning
- Dark amber, cloudy with a strong odor (Correct answer)
- Slightly increased volume after IV fluids
Correct answer: Dark amber, cloudy with a strong odor
Dark, cloudy urine with strong odor can indicate infection or dehydration and requires prompt nursing assessment.
Question 7: Before performing any patient care procedure, the CNA should first:
- Gather all necessary equipment, then identify the patient
- Wash hands, identify the patient, and explain the procedure (Correct answer)
- Explain the procedure, then wash hands after completing care
- Don gloves before entering the patient's room
Correct answer: Wash hands, identify the patient, and explain the procedure
Hand hygiene, patient identification, and explanation of care are the essential first steps for safe, patient-centered care.
CNA Patient Care Procedure 3
When assisting a patient with a weak left side to ambulate, the CNA should stand: