CNA Personal Hygiene and Grooming 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident refuses a bath but has not bathed in three days. What is the best action for the CNA?
- Force the resident into the shower immediately
- Document the refusal and report it to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Skip hygiene care entirely for the day
- Ask another CNA to convince the resident by any means
Correct answer: Document the refusal and report it to the nurse
CNAs must respect a resident's right to refuse care, then document and report the refusal to the nurse for further guidance.
Question 2: When providing perineal care for a female resident, the CNA should wipe in which direction?
- Back to front
- Side to side
- Front to back (Correct answer)
- In circular motions
Correct answer: Front to back
Wiping front to back (from urethra toward rectum) prevents introduction of fecal bacteria into the urinary tract.
Question 3: A resident's fingernails appear long and dirty. The resident is a diabetic. What should the CNA do?
- Trim the nails carefully with nail clippers
- Soak and clean the nails, then report to the nurse before trimming (Correct answer)
- File the nails down as far as possible
- Ignore it since nail care is not a CNA duty
Correct answer: Soak and clean the nails, then report to the nurse before trimming
Diabetic residents have impaired circulation and healing; nail trimming requires a nurse's or podiatrist's assessment to prevent injury.
Question 4: Which water temperature is generally recommended when assisting a resident with a shower or tub bath?
- Hot — above 110°F (43°C)
- Warm — between 105°F and 110°F (41–43°C)
- Lukewarm — between 100°F and 105°F (38–41°C) (Correct answer)
- Cool — below 90°F (32°C)
Correct answer: Lukewarm — between 100°F and 105°F (38–41°C)
Water between 100°F and 105°F is safe and comfortable; higher temperatures risk burns, especially in elderly or sensation-impaired residents.
Question 5: While combing a resident's hair, the CNA notices several lice. What is the priority action?
- Apply over-the-counter lice shampoo immediately
- Continue combing and document later
- Stop the procedure, remove gloves safely, and report to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Inform other residents in the hallway
Correct answer: Stop the procedure, remove gloves safely, and report to the nurse
Lice infestation requires immediate reporting to the nurse so infection control measures and appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Question 6: A male resident asks the CNA to shave him with his personal electric razor. The CNA should:
- Refuse because electric razors are a safety hazard
- Use a disposable safety razor instead without asking
- Assist the resident with the electric razor per his preference (Correct answer)
- Shave only every other day to reduce skin irritation
Correct answer: Assist the resident with the electric razor per his preference
Residents have the right to use personal care items and the CNA should honor preferences when it is safe to do so.
Question 7: How should dentures be stored overnight?
- In a dry container on the bedside table
- In a labeled container with water or denture solution (Correct answer)
- Wrapped in a paper towel inside the drawer
- In the resident's mouth to prevent loss
Correct answer: In a labeled container with water or denture solution
Dentures should be stored in water or denture-cleaning solution in a labeled container to prevent drying, warping, or misplacement.
CNA Personal Hygiene and Grooming 4
A resident refuses a bath but has not bathed in three days.
What is the best action for the CNA?