CNA Toileting and Elimination 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with a urinary catheter reports feeling like they need to urinate despite the catheter being in place. What should the CNA do first?
- Remove the catheter immediately
- Check that the catheter tubing is not kinked or obstructed (Correct answer)
- Tell the resident this is impossible with a catheter
- Administer a pain reliever
Correct answer: Check that the catheter tubing is not kinked or obstructed
A kinked or obstructed catheter tube can prevent urine flow and cause the sensation of needing to urinate.
Question 2: When emptying a urinary drainage bag, the CNA should document which of the following?
- The color, clarity, and amount of urine (Correct answer)
- Only the amount of urine drained
- Whether the resident was awake
- The brand of the catheter
Correct answer: The color, clarity, and amount of urine
Documenting color, clarity, and amount provides complete information to detect abnormalities like blood or cloudiness.
Question 3: A resident is incontinent of stool. After providing perineal care, which action is the highest priority to protect skin integrity?
- Applying a moisture barrier cream or ointment (Correct answer)
- Using a stronger soap to ensure cleanliness
- Leaving the area exposed to air overnight
- Applying a heating pad to the area
Correct answer: Applying a moisture barrier cream or ointment
Moisture barrier creams protect skin from the irritating effects of fecal incontinence and prevent breakdown.
Question 4: Which observation about a resident's urine should the CNA report to the nurse immediately?
- Urine that is pale yellow
- Urine that is dark amber and strong-smelling (Correct answer)
- Urine output of 300 mL over 8 hours
- Urine that appears slightly cloudy after a long time in the bag
Correct answer: Urine that is dark amber and strong-smelling
Dark amber, strong-smelling urine can indicate severe dehydration or a urinary tract infection requiring prompt assessment.
Question 5: A resident using a bedpan complains it is uncomfortable. What can the CNA do to improve comfort?
- Pad the bedpan edges with a small towel and raise the head of the bed slightly (Correct answer)
- Tell the resident to use the commode instead
- Remove the bedpan and have the resident wait
- Place the bedpan under the resident while they are sitting upright at 90 degrees
Correct answer: Pad the bedpan edges with a small towel and raise the head of the bed slightly
Padding edges and elevating the head of the bed reduces pressure and positions the resident for more effective elimination.
Question 6: What is the correct position of the urinary drainage bag relative to the bladder at all times?
- At the same level as the bladder
- Above the level of the bladder
- Below the level of the bladder (Correct answer)
- Position does not matter as long as it is not on the floor
Correct answer: Below the level of the bladder
Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level uses gravity to facilitate urine flow and prevent backflow.
Question 7: A resident reports not having a bowel movement in four days. What is the most appropriate action for the CNA?
- Administer a laxative from the supply closet
- Encourage fluid and fiber intake and report the finding to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Tell the resident it is normal to go several days without a bowel movement
- Perform a digital rectal exam
Correct answer: Encourage fluid and fiber intake and report the finding to the nurse
CNAs should encourage fluids and fiber and report constipation concerns to the nurse, who will determine further intervention.
CNA Toileting and Elimination 3
A resident with a urinary catheter reports feeling like they need to urinate despite the catheter being in place.
What should the CNA do first?