CNA Personal Hygiene and Grooming 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When giving a bed bath, the CNA should change the bath water when:
- Only at the very end of the bath
- The water becomes cool, soapy, or dirty (Correct answer)
- After washing the face only
- Every two minutes regardless of condition
Correct answer: The water becomes cool, soapy, or dirty
Changing water when it becomes soiled or cool ensures cleanliness and comfort and reduces the risk of spreading microorganisms.
Question 2: A resident has a hearing aid. When assisting with morning grooming, the CNA should insert the hearing aid:
- Before washing the resident's face and hair
- After all bathing is complete to keep it dry (Correct answer)
- Only if the resident requests it that day
- While the resident is still in bed to save time
Correct answer: After all bathing is complete to keep it dry
Hearing aids must be kept dry; inserting them after bathing prevents water damage to the device.
Question 3: Which observation during oral care should the CNA report to the nurse immediately?
- The resident prefers a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Bleeding gums, sores, or white patches in the mouth (Correct answer)
- The resident wants mint-flavored toothpaste
- The resident takes longer than five minutes to brush
Correct answer: Bleeding gums, sores, or white patches in the mouth
Bleeding gums, mouth sores, or white patches may indicate infection or disease and must be reported promptly.
Question 4: A resident is on contact precautions. When performing perineal care, the CNA should wear:
- Only gloves
- Gloves and a gown at minimum, per facility protocol (Correct answer)
- No PPE since it is routine care
- A full face shield and respirator only
Correct answer: Gloves and a gown at minimum, per facility protocol
Contact precautions require gloves and gown at minimum when providing direct personal care to prevent pathogen transmission.
Question 5: When shampooing a bedridden resident's hair using a basin or trough, the CNA should position the resident:
- In a high Fowler's position
- Supine with the head hanging over the bed edge
- With the head near the edge of the bed with a waterproof trough under the head (Correct answer)
- On their side with a towel under the head
Correct answer: With the head near the edge of the bed with a waterproof trough under the head
A waterproof trough under the head while the resident is supine near the bed edge allows effective rinsing without soaking the bed.
Question 6: After completing foot care, the CNA notices a small blister on the resident's heel. The correct action is to:
- Pop the blister and cover it with a bandage
- Apply lotion to the blister and continue care as normal
- Leave the foot unwrapped and document the blister
- Report the blister to the nurse and do not pop it (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Report the blister to the nurse and do not pop it
Blisters are skin integrity issues that must be reported to the nurse; popping them can introduce infection.
Question 7: A resident's skin appears dry and flaky after bathing. The most appropriate action is to:
- Increase the frequency of hot baths
- Apply a light moisturizing lotion as directed by the care plan (Correct answer)
- Scrub the dry areas vigorously with a washcloth
- Report it only if the resident complains of itching
Correct answer: Apply a light moisturizing lotion as directed by the care plan
Applying moisturizer as directed helps maintain skin integrity and prevents breakdown caused by dryness.
CNA Personal Hygiene and Grooming 5
When giving a bed bath, the CNA should change the bath water when: