CNA Personal Care Skills 5 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident refuses to have their hair combed. What is the CNA's best response?
- Document the refusal and respect the resident's choice (Correct answer)
- Comb the hair anyway to maintain hygiene
- Report immediately to the charge nurse as an emergency
- Tell the resident they have no choice
Correct answer: Document the refusal and respect the resident's choice
Residents have the right to refuse care, and the CNA must document the refusal and notify the nurse.
Question 2: When trimming fingernails for a diabetic resident, the CNA should:
- File the nails instead and report to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Use nail clippers carefully and cut straight across
- Soak nails and clip as short as possible
- Skip nail care until a family member is present
Correct answer: File the nails instead and report to the nurse
Diabetic residents have increased risk of infection and circulatory issues, so nail trimming requires a nurse or podiatrist.
Question 3: A resident has a hearing aid. When performing morning care, the CNA should:
- Remove the hearing aid before washing the face and replace it after (Correct answer)
- Leave the hearing aid in place during all personal care
- Store the hearing aid in a tissue until family visits
- Clean the hearing aid with soap and water daily
Correct answer: Remove the hearing aid before washing the face and replace it after
Hearing aids must be removed before any water-related care to prevent damage.
Question 4: The proper technique for applying lotion to a resident's back is:
- Use long, smooth strokes moving toward the heart (Correct answer)
- Apply in rapid circular motions over bony prominences
- Rub vigorously to increase circulation on reddened areas
- Apply only to areas where skin breakdown has occurred
Correct answer: Use long, smooth strokes moving toward the heart
Long smooth strokes toward the heart promote venous return and are comfortable for the resident.
Question 5: When providing perineal care for a female resident, the CNA should wipe:
- From front to back using a clean section of cloth for each stroke (Correct answer)
- From back to front to reach all areas thoroughly
- In a circular motion around the perineal area
- Using the same washcloth section for efficiency
Correct answer: From front to back using a clean section of cloth for each stroke
Front-to-back wiping prevents transferring bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.
Question 6: A resident's dentures should be stored when not in use in:
- A labeled denture cup with water or denture solution (Correct answer)
- A dry labeled container on the bedside table
- A tissue inside the resident's drawer
- The resident's mouth at all times when awake
Correct answer: A labeled denture cup with water or denture solution
Dentures must be stored in water or denture solution to prevent warping and kept labeled to avoid mix-ups.
Question 7: When shaving a male resident with a safety razor, the CNA should shave:
- In the direction of hair growth to reduce skin irritation (Correct answer)
- Against the direction of hair growth for a closer shave
- In circular motions for even coverage
- Across the grain for fastest completion
Correct answer: In the direction of hair growth to reduce skin irritation
Shaving in the direction of hair growth reduces the risk of nicks, cuts, and skin irritation.
CNA Personal Care Skills 5 3
A resident refuses to have their hair combed.
What is the CNA's best response?