CNA Positioning and Transfer Techniques 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When transferring a resident from a wheelchair to a bed, the wheelchair should be positioned at approximately what angle to the bed?
- 90 degrees
- 45 degrees (Correct answer)
- 180 degrees
- 30 degrees
Correct answer: 45 degrees
A 45-degree angle allows the shortest pivot distance and reduces strain on both the resident and the CNA.
Question 2: A resident has left-sided weakness. When assisting with a stand-pivot transfer, the CNA should position themselves on which side?
- The right (stronger) side
- The left (weaker) side (Correct answer)
- Behind the resident
- It does not matter
Correct answer: The left (weaker) side
The CNA stands on the resident's weak side to provide support and prevent falls toward that side.
Question 3: What is the primary purpose of a gait belt during a transfer?
- To restrict the resident's movement
- To provide a secure handhold for the CNA (Correct answer)
- To support the resident's abdomen
- To prevent skin breakdown
Correct answer: To provide a secure handhold for the CNA
A gait belt gives the CNA a firm, safe grip around the resident's waist to guide and support during transfers.
Question 4: When repositioning a resident to the lateral (side-lying) position, where should the pillow supporting the upper leg be placed?
- Under the resident's head only
- Between the knees and ankles (Correct answer)
- Under the lower arm
- Behind the resident's back
Correct answer: Between the knees and ankles
Placing a pillow between the knees and ankles prevents pressure and skin breakdown at bony prominences and keeps the spine aligned.
Question 5: Which action BEST protects the CNA's back during a transfer?
- Twisting the spine quickly to complete the move faster
- Keeping feet close together for a narrow base of support
- Bending at the knees and keeping the back straight (Correct answer)
- Reaching out as far as possible toward the resident
Correct answer: Bending at the knees and keeping the back straight
Bending at the knees and maintaining a straight back uses leg muscles rather than the spine, reducing injury risk.
Question 6: A resident has a Foley catheter. What must the CNA do with the catheter bag before and during a transfer?
- Clamp the tubing before moving the resident
- Keep the bag above the level of the bladder
- Keep the bag below the level of the bladder at all times (Correct answer)
- Disconnect the bag temporarily during the transfer
Correct answer: Keep the bag below the level of the bladder at all times
The catheter bag must always stay below bladder level to prevent urine backflow, which can cause infection.
Question 7: When using a mechanical (Hoyer) lift, how many staff members are typically required?
- One — the lift does all the work
- At least two (Correct answer)
- Three at minimum
- It varies only by facility policy and has no standard
Correct answer: At least two
Most facility policies and safety standards require at least two staff members when using a mechanical lift to ensure resident safety.
CNA Positioning and Transfer Techniques 2
When transferring a resident from a wheelchair to a bed, the wheelchair should be positioned at approximately what angle to the bed?