CNA Scope of Practice 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CNA is caring for a resident with a colostomy bag that needs emptying. This task is:
- Outside the CNA's scope regardless of training
- Within the CNA's scope after proper training and per facility policy (Correct answer)
- Allowed only if a nurse is present in the room
- Reserved for licensed practical nurses only
Correct answer: Within the CNA's scope after proper training and per facility policy
Emptying a colostomy bag is typically within a CNA's scope when they have received proper training and facility policy supports it.
Question 2: A resident refuses to take a bath. The CNA should:
- Insist and proceed with the bath to maintain hygiene
- Document the refusal and report it to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Ask another CNA to convince the resident
- Postpone the bath indefinitely without notifying anyone
Correct answer: Document the refusal and report it to the nurse
Residents have the right to refuse care; the CNA must document and report refusals so the care team can address the resident's concerns.
Question 3: A CNA working in a home health setting discovers a client has fallen. What should the CNA do first?
- Help the client up immediately to prevent prolonged floor contact
- Call 911 and then notify the supervising nurse or agency (Correct answer)
- Complete a full head-to-toe assessment before calling anyone
- Reassure the client and continue the scheduled care tasks
Correct answer: Call 911 and then notify the supervising nurse or agency
A fall with unknown injuries requires emergency services and supervisor notification before moving the client to prevent further harm.
Question 4: Which of the following demonstrates a CNA exceeding their scope of practice?
- Recording a resident's intake and output
- Reporting a change in resident skin color to the nurse
- Interpreting lab results and adjusting a care plan accordingly (Correct answer)
- Assisting a resident with passive range-of-motion exercises
Correct answer: Interpreting lab results and adjusting a care plan accordingly
Interpreting lab results and modifying care plans requires nursing or physician licensure and is clearly beyond the CNA's authorized role.
Question 5: A new CNA is unsure whether a specific task has been delegated to her. She should:
- Perform the task if she feels confident enough
- Ask the supervising nurse for clarification before proceeding (Correct answer)
- Skip the task to avoid any risk
- Check with a coworker and follow their advice
Correct answer: Ask the supervising nurse for clarification before proceeding
Clarifying delegation with the supervising nurse ensures the CNA only performs authorized tasks and protects both the resident and the CNA.
Question 6: A resident's family asks a CNA to sign as a witness on the resident's advance directive. The CNA should:
- Sign only if the resident is alert and oriented
- Refuse and refer the family to the nurse or social worker (Correct answer)
- Sign the document as a courtesy to the family
- Sign the document and notify the nurse afterward
Correct answer: Refuse and refer the family to the nurse or social worker
Witnessing legal documents such as advance directives may be restricted by facility policy or law and should be handled by appropriate staff.
Question 7: Which of the following best describes 'delegation' in the context of CNA scope of practice?
- A CNA assigning tasks to other CNAs on the unit
- A licensed nurse transferring a specific task to a CNA who is competent to perform it (Correct answer)
- A CNA independently deciding which tasks to prioritize
- A supervisor permanently expanding a CNA's job description
Correct answer: A licensed nurse transferring a specific task to a CNA who is competent to perform it
Delegation is a formal process where a licensed nurse transfers a specific task to a CNA, retaining accountability for the outcome.
CNA Scope of Practice 5
A CNA is caring for a resident with a colostomy bag that needs emptying.
This task is: