CNA Personal Care Skills 4 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident wears dentures. After removing them, the CNA should store the dentures in:
- A dry denture cup on the nightstand
- A labeled denture cup filled with cool water or denture solution (Correct answer)
- A paper towel to air dry
- The resident's drinking glass with tap water
Correct answer: A labeled denture cup filled with cool water or denture solution
Dentures must be kept moist in a labeled cup to prevent warping and to avoid mix-ups with other residents.
Question 2: When assisting a resident with oral care who is unconscious, the CNA should position the resident:
- Supine with head flat
- On their side with head turned toward the CNA (Correct answer)
- In high Fowler's position
- Prone with head to the side
Correct answer: On their side with head turned toward the CNA
A side-lying position with the head turned prevents aspiration of fluids during oral care for an unconscious resident.
Question 3: During mouth care, the CNA notices white patches on the inside of a resident's cheeks that cannot be wiped away. The CNA should:
- Scrub harder to remove the patches
- Apply extra toothpaste to the area
- Report the finding to the nurse as it may indicate a fungal infection (Correct answer)
- Rinse the mouth with mouthwash and continue
Correct answer: Report the finding to the nurse as it may indicate a fungal infection
White patches that cannot be removed may indicate oral candidiasis (thrush), which requires medical assessment.
Question 4: A resident's eye prosthesis (artificial eye) needs cleaning. The CNA should remove it by:
- Pressing the upper lid up and using a suction cup or gloved finger to lift the prosthesis out (Correct answer)
- Pulling the lower lid down firmly until the eye falls out
- Using tweezers at the edge of the prosthesis
- Asking the resident to sneeze to dislodge it
Correct answer: Pressing the upper lid up and using a suction cup or gloved finger to lift the prosthesis out
Gently depressing the lower lid and using a suction cup or gloved finger is the safe, standard technique for removing an ocular prosthesis.
Question 5: Which technique is correct when cleaning eyeglasses for a resident?
- Use hot water and a paper towel
- Use a soft cloth and lens cleaner or warm water (Correct answer)
- Wipe with an alcohol pad to disinfect
- Rinse under cold running water only
Correct answer: Use a soft cloth and lens cleaner or warm water
A soft cloth with lens cleaner or warm water cleans without scratching lenses or damaging coatings.
Question 6: When inserting a hearing aid for a resident, the CNA should:
- Turn the volume to maximum before insertion for best fit
- Insert the aid, then turn it on and adjust volume to a comfortable level (Correct answer)
- Turn the aid on before insertion
- Clean the ear canal with a cotton swab first
Correct answer: Insert the aid, then turn it on and adjust volume to a comfortable level
Inserting the hearing aid before turning it on prevents feedback squealing and allows comfortable volume adjustment.
Question 7: A resident spills food on their clothing during a meal. The MOST dignified way for the CNA to handle this is to:
- Comment loudly so other staff can help quickly
- Discreetly offer to help the resident change or clean the garment (Correct answer)
- Leave the wet clothing until after the meal to avoid interrupting
- Place a large bib over the resident without asking
Correct answer: Discreetly offer to help the resident change or clean the garment
Addressing the situation discreetly respects the resident's dignity and privacy.
CNA Personal Care Skills 4 4
A resident wears dentures.
After removing them, the CNA should store the dentures in: