CNA Personal Care Skills 5 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident's colostomy bag is one-third full. The CNA should:
- Empty the bag and clean the pouch according to the care plan (Correct answer)
- Wait until the bag is completely full before emptying
- Change the entire colostomy appliance immediately
- Notify the nurse and leave the bag as is
Correct answer: Empty the bag and clean the pouch according to the care plan
Colostomy bags should be emptied when one-third to one-half full to prevent leakage and skin breakdown.
Question 2: During a bed bath, the order in which body parts are washed should be:
- Face, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, then perineal area last (Correct answer)
- Perineal area first, then work upward to the face
- Back first, then front, then face last
- Any order the resident prefers regardless of infection control
Correct answer: Face, arms, chest, abdomen, legs, back, then perineal area last
Washing from cleanest to least clean areas — face first and perineal area last — follows infection control principles.
Question 3: A resident's eye has crusted discharge. To clean it, the CNA should wipe:
- From the inner corner (near nose) outward using a clean area of cloth each time (Correct answer)
- From the outer corner inward to clear debris toward the tear duct
- Across the eye in a single firm stroke
- Only with a dry cloth to avoid introducing moisture
Correct answer: From the inner corner (near nose) outward using a clean area of cloth each time
Wiping from inner to outer corner prevents debris from being pushed toward the tear duct and reduces infection risk.
Question 4: When providing foot care, the CNA should soak feet for:
- No more than 10 minutes in warm water unless contraindicated (Correct answer)
- At least 30 minutes to soften skin thoroughly
- Only in cold water to reduce swelling
- Skip soaking and file calluses directly
Correct answer: No more than 10 minutes in warm water unless contraindicated
Soaking feet longer than 10 minutes can macerate skin and increase infection risk, especially for diabetic residents.
Question 5: A resident is incontinent of urine during morning care. The CNA's priority action is to:
- Clean and dry the skin thoroughly, then apply a moisture barrier if indicated (Correct answer)
- Change only the soiled linen and defer skin care to the next shift
- Apply an adult brief and continue care without skin cleaning
- Notify the nurse before doing any skin care
Correct answer: Clean and dry the skin thoroughly, then apply a moisture barrier if indicated
Prompt cleaning, drying, and barrier application protects skin from moisture-associated skin damage caused by urine.
Question 6: When removing a resident's contact lenses, the CNA should:
- Follow the care plan and facility policy, as this is typically a nurse's responsibility (Correct answer)
- Remove them with clean gloves using a gentle pinch technique
- Use a suction cup device kept in the resident's bathroom
- Skip lens removal since it is not within a CNA's scope
Correct answer: Follow the care plan and facility policy, as this is typically a nurse's responsibility
Contact lens removal is typically outside CNA scope and must follow the care plan and facility-specific policy.
Question 7: A resident reports that their dentures are causing pain and sores inside the mouth. The CNA should:
- Document the complaint, assist the resident to remove the dentures, and report to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Advise the resident to continue wearing them so the mouth adjusts
- Apply denture adhesive to improve the fit and reduce friction
- Clean the dentures more thoroughly and reinsert them
Correct answer: Document the complaint, assist the resident to remove the dentures, and report to the nurse
Ill-fitting dentures can cause oral sores requiring nursing assessment and possible dental referral.
CNA Personal Care Skills 5 5
A resident's colostomy bag is one-third full.
The CNA should: