CNA Scope of Practice 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident asks the CNA to explain what their new medication is for. What is the appropriate response?
- Explain the medication's purpose based on the label
- Tell the resident to ask their nurse or doctor (Correct answer)
- Look up the medication and provide a detailed explanation
- Decline to answer and leave the room
Correct answer: Tell the resident to ask their nurse or doctor
Explaining medications is outside the CNA's scope; the nurse or physician must answer medication questions.
Question 2: Which of the following tasks is within a CNA's scope of practice?
- Inserting a urinary catheter
- Performing a sterile wound dressing change
- Assisting a resident to ambulate with a walker (Correct answer)
- Adjusting oxygen flow rates
Correct answer: Assisting a resident to ambulate with a walker
Assisting with ambulation is a standard CNA duty, while catheter insertion, sterile dressings, and oxygen adjustments require licensed staff.
Question 3: A CNA notices a resident has a new skin tear. What should the CNA do first?
- Apply a bandage from the supply cart
- Document and report to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide
- Perform a full skin assessment and chart findings
Correct answer: Document and report to the nurse immediately
CNAs must report new injuries or skin changes to the nurse promptly; wound care decisions are made by licensed staff.
Question 4: A family member requests that the CNA share the resident's medical diagnosis. How should the CNA respond?
- Share the information if the family member is listed as an emergency contact
- Refer the family member to the nurse or charge nurse (Correct answer)
- Read from the resident's chart to answer accurately
- Tell the family member the diagnosis quietly to avoid upsetting the resident
Correct answer: Refer the family member to the nurse or charge nurse
Disclosing diagnoses is outside the CNA's scope; the nurse manages communication of medical information.
Question 5: During a shift, a resident's IV site appears red and swollen. What is the CNA's role?
- Slow the IV drip to reduce irritation
- Remove the IV and apply a warm compress
- Notify the nurse immediately about the observation (Correct answer)
- Document the finding and reassess in one hour
Correct answer: Notify the nurse immediately about the observation
CNAs do not manage IV lines; observing and promptly notifying the nurse is the correct action.
Question 6: A CNA is asked by a supervisor to perform a task she has never been trained to do. She should:
- Attempt the task and ask questions afterward
- Refuse the task and explain she has not been trained (Correct answer)
- Ask a coworker to do it and document that it was done
- Perform the task following her best judgment
Correct answer: Refuse the task and explain she has not been trained
CNAs must only perform tasks they have been trained and deemed competent to do; performing unfamiliar tasks endangers residents.
Question 7: Which action by a CNA would be considered practicing outside the scope of practice?
- Taking and recording a resident's blood pressure
- Assisting a resident with oral hygiene
- Adjusting a nasogastric tube feeding rate (Correct answer)
- Repositioning a bedridden resident every two hours
Correct answer: Adjusting a nasogastric tube feeding rate
Adjusting tube feeding rates requires nursing licensure and is beyond the CNA's authorized scope.
CNA Scope of Practice 3
A resident asks the CNA to explain what their new medication is for.
What is the appropriate response?