CNA Personal Hygiene and Grooming 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident refuses to have their hair washed. What is the most appropriate CNA response?
- Wash the hair anyway to maintain hygiene standards
- Report the refusal to the nurse and document it (Correct answer)
- Skip hair washing indefinitely without telling anyone
- Argue with the resident until they agree
Correct answer: Report the refusal to the nurse and document it
Residents have the right to refuse care; the CNA must report and document the refusal so the care team can address it.
Question 2: When trimming a diabetic resident's toenails, the CNA should:
- Trim them short and round the edges
- File and trim them the same as any other resident
- Refer nail care to a nurse or podiatrist instead (Correct answer)
- Soak feet for 30 minutes before cutting
Correct answer: Refer nail care to a nurse or podiatrist instead
Diabetic residents have increased risk of infection and poor wound healing, so toenail trimming must be performed by a nurse or podiatrist.
Question 3: Which water temperature is generally safe for a resident's bath or shower?
- 105°F–110°F (40°C–43°C) (Correct answer)
- 120°F–130°F (49°C–54°C)
- 90°F–95°F (32°C–35°C)
- 115°F–120°F (46°C–49°C)
Correct answer: 105°F–110°F (40°C–43°C)
Water between 105°F and 110°F is warm enough for comfort without risk of scalding fragile skin.
Question 4: A resident has a hearing aid. Before washing the resident's hair, the CNA should:
- Leave the hearing aid in place so the resident can communicate
- Cover the ear with a cotton ball and leave the aid in
- Remove the hearing aid and store it safely (Correct answer)
- Ask the nurse to remove it after the bath
Correct answer: Remove the hearing aid and store it safely
Hearing aids must be removed before hair washing to prevent water damage to the electronic device.
Question 5: How should a CNA position an unconscious resident for oral care?
- Flat on their back (supine) for easiest access
- Turned to the side to prevent aspiration (Correct answer)
- In high Fowler's position (90 degrees)
- Prone position with head turned to the side
Correct answer: Turned to the side to prevent aspiration
Turning an unconscious resident to the side allows secretions and rinse fluids to drain out, reducing aspiration risk.
Question 6: A resident has a stage 2 pressure injury on their coccyx. During perineal care, the CNA should:
- Scrub the wound vigorously to remove bacteria
- Avoid disturbing the wound and notify the nurse of its appearance (Correct answer)
- Apply lotion to the wound to keep it moist
- Cover the area with a towel and skip that section
Correct answer: Avoid disturbing the wound and notify the nurse of its appearance
The CNA should cleanse around the wound gently without disturbing it and report any changes in appearance to the nurse.
Question 7: When shaving a male resident with a safety razor, the CNA should shave in which direction?
- Against the direction of hair growth for a closer shave
- In the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation (Correct answer)
- In circular motions for even coverage
- Any direction; it does not matter with a safety razor
Correct answer: In the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation
Shaving in the direction of hair growth minimizes skin irritation and reduces the risk of nicks and razor burn.
CNA Personal Hygiene and Grooming 3
A resident refuses to have their hair washed.
What is the most appropriate CNA response?