CNA Safety And Emergency Procedures 4 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident is experiencing a hypoglycemic episode and is conscious. Which action should the CNA take?
- Give the resident insulin as directed on their care plan
- Offer 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate such as juice and notify the nurse (Correct answer)
- Withhold food until the nurse arrives
- Lay the resident flat and apply a cool cloth
Correct answer: Offer 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate such as juice and notify the nurse
A conscious hypoglycemic resident can receive fast-acting carbohydrates orally; the nurse must be notified promptly for follow-up care.
Question 2: The Safe Minimum Approach Distance (SMAD) rule in a chemical spill emergency means the CNA should:
- Approach cautiously to identify the chemical before calling for help
- Immediately enter the spill area to assist victims
- Keep a safe distance, avoid contact with the substance, and alert trained personnel (Correct answer)
- Use a wet cloth over the nose and enter to rescue residents
Correct answer: Keep a safe distance, avoid contact with the substance, and alert trained personnel
CNAs are not hazmat-trained; they must stay clear, avoid exposure, and immediately notify emergency responders and nursing staff.
Question 3: Which situation requires the CNA to place a resident in the recovery position?
- A resident who is alert and complaining of knee pain
- An unconscious resident who is breathing and has no suspected spinal injury (Correct answer)
- A resident undergoing CPR between compression cycles
- A resident who has just eaten and is experiencing heartburn
Correct answer: An unconscious resident who is breathing and has no suspected spinal injury
The recovery position keeps an unconscious but breathing resident's airway open and prevents aspiration of secretions or vomit.
Question 4: A resident receiving enteral tube feeding begins coughing violently and turns blue. The CNA should FIRST:
- Increase the flow rate of the tube feeding
- Stop the feeding immediately and call for the nurse (Correct answer)
- Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver)
- Reposition the feeding tube without stopping the infusion
Correct answer: Stop the feeding immediately and call for the nurse
Signs of aspiration during tube feeding require immediate cessation of feeding and urgent nurse notification to prevent respiratory compromise.
Question 5: According to OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard, which PPE combination is required when cleaning a large blood spill?
- Gloves only
- Gloves and a gown only
- Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection (Correct answer)
- Mask and eye protection only
Correct answer: Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection
Large blood spills pose splash risks, requiring full PPE including gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection to comply with OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogen Standard.
Question 6: A resident's call light is activated, and when the CNA arrives the resident reports chest pain radiating to the left arm and jaw. The CNA should:
- Reassure the resident and return in 15 minutes to reassess
- Ask the resident to rate pain and return to the nurses' station to chart it
- Remain with the resident, activate the call system again, and send another staff member to alert the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Offer the resident a glass of water and position them in a chair
Correct answer: Remain with the resident, activate the call system again, and send another staff member to alert the nurse immediately
Classic cardiac symptoms require staying with the resident for observation while simultaneously alerting nursing staff without delay.
Question 7: What is the purpose of a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS/SDS) in a long-term care facility?
- To document resident medication allergies
- To provide detailed information on chemical hazards, handling, and emergency response (Correct answer)
- To list approved vendors for cleaning supplies
- To record staff training completion for chemical use
Correct answer: To provide detailed information on chemical hazards, handling, and emergency response
An SDS (formerly MSDS) contains comprehensive hazard information for chemicals including safe handling, PPE requirements, and emergency response procedures.
CNA Safety And Emergency Procedures 4 5
A resident is experiencing a hypoglycemic episode and is conscious.
Which action should the CNA take?