CNA Personal Care Skills 4 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When applying anti-embolism (TED) stockings, the CNA should apply them:
- While the resident is sitting up in a chair
- Before the resident gets out of bed in the morning (Correct answer)
- After the resident has been ambulating for 30 minutes
- Only at bedtime
Correct answer: Before the resident gets out of bed in the morning
TED stockings are most effective when applied before the resident rises because lower-extremity edema has not yet accumulated.
Question 2: A resident has a weak left side due to a stroke. When dressing the resident, the CNA should:
- Dress the strong (right) side first
- Dress the weak (left) side first (Correct answer)
- Have the resident dress themselves completely
- Dress whichever side is easier to reach first
Correct answer: Dress the weak (left) side first
Dressing the weak side first requires less range of motion, making the process easier and safer.
Question 3: When removing clothing from a resident who has a painful right shoulder, the CNA should remove the garment from the:
- Right (affected) side first
- Left (unaffected) side first (Correct answer)
- Either side, it makes no difference
- Over the head first before either arm
Correct answer: Left (unaffected) side first
Removing clothing from the unaffected side first allows the painful arm to move less, reducing discomfort.
Question 4: A resident's skin appears very dry and flaky during a back rub. The CNA should use:
- Alcohol-based lotion to disinfect the area
- Powder to absorb moisture
- A gentle moisturizing lotion appropriate for the resident (Correct answer)
- No product until a nurse authorizes one
Correct answer: A gentle moisturizing lotion appropriate for the resident
Moisturizing lotion helps hydrate dry skin and supports skin integrity, which is within a CNA's scope during personal care.
Question 5: Which observation made during perineal care should be reported to the nurse IMMEDIATELY?
- Normal, clear vaginal discharge
- Urine that is pale yellow
- Redness, swelling, or unusual odor in the perineal area (Correct answer)
- Slight skin dryness around the thighs
Correct answer: Redness, swelling, or unusual odor in the perineal area
Redness, swelling, or foul odor in the perineal area can indicate infection or skin breakdown requiring prompt nursing assessment.
Question 6: A resident with limited mobility needs to be turned and repositioned during a bed bath. The CNA's FIRST priority before turning the resident is to:
- Lower both side rails so the resident can grip them
- Explain the procedure to the resident and obtain their cooperation (Correct answer)
- Tighten the draw sheet by pulling from the far side
- Ask a second staff member to stand at the far side of the bed
Correct answer: Explain the procedure to the resident and obtain their cooperation
Explaining the procedure and gaining cooperation respects dignity and helps prevent startling the resident, which can cause falls or injury.
Question 7: After completing a complete bed bath, the LAST step the CNA should perform before leaving the room is to:
- Empty and rinse the bath basin
- Return the call light within the resident's reach (Correct answer)
- Document the bath in the medical record
- Change their gloves and wash hands
Correct answer: Return the call light within the resident's reach
Ensuring the call light is within reach is a final safety check that allows the resident to summon help if needed.
CNA Personal Care Skills 4 5
When applying anti-embolism (TED) stockings, the CNA should apply them: