CNA Using Adaptive Devices 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident with severe arthritis cannot button their shirt independently. Which adaptive device would BEST help this resident?
- A button hook (Correct answer)
- A sock aid
- A reacher/grabber
- A long-handled shoehorn
Correct answer: A button hook
A button hook is designed specifically to assist individuals with limited hand dexterity to fasten buttons independently.
Question 2: When assisting a resident with a hearing aid, the CNA notices the device is producing a high-pitched whistling sound. What is the MOST likely cause?
- The battery is dying
- The hearing aid is not seated properly in the ear canal (Correct answer)
- The volume is set too low
- The hearing aid needs to be cleaned
Correct answer: The hearing aid is not seated properly in the ear canal
Feedback or whistling from a hearing aid is most commonly caused by an improper fit or the device not being fully inserted into the ear canal.
Question 3: A resident uses a plate guard during meals. What is the PRIMARY purpose of this device?
- To keep food warm longer
- To prevent food from being pushed off the plate (Correct answer)
- To measure portion sizes
- To elevate the plate for easier viewing
Correct answer: To prevent food from being pushed off the plate
A plate guard attaches to the edge of a plate to give residents a surface to push food against when scooping, preventing spillage.
Question 4: Which action by the CNA is CORRECT when storing a resident's hearing aid at night?
- Place it in a cup of warm water
- Open the battery door and store in a dry case (Correct answer)
- Wrap it in a damp cloth to prevent drying
- Leave it on the nightstand without a case
Correct answer: Open the battery door and store in a dry case
Opening the battery door conserves battery life and allows moisture to escape, while a dry storage case protects the device from damage.
Question 5: A resident with dysphagia uses a nosey cup. How is this cup different from a standard cup?
- It has a weighted base to prevent tipping
- It has a cutout on one side so the resident can drink without tilting the head back (Correct answer)
- It has a built-in straw
- It keeps liquids at a consistent temperature
Correct answer: It has a cutout on one side so the resident can drink without tilting the head back
A nosey (or cutout) cup has a section removed from the rim so residents with swallowing difficulties or neck mobility limitations can drink without hyperextending their neck.
Question 6: A resident's prosthetic limb skin appears red and irritated at the socket site. What should the CNA do FIRST?
- Apply lotion to the irritated area and reattach the prosthesis
- Remove the prosthesis and report the skin breakdown to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Adjust the socket fit by adding padding
- Encourage the resident to continue wearing it to toughen the skin
Correct answer: Remove the prosthesis and report the skin breakdown to the nurse
Skin breakdown under a prosthesis requires prompt reporting to the nurse to prevent pressure injury progression; the prosthesis should not be reapplied until evaluated.
Question 7: When helping a resident put on compression stockings, the CNA should apply them:
- After the resident has been standing for 10 minutes
- While the resident is lying down, before getting out of bed (Correct answer)
- Only when the resident reports leg pain
- After the resident has showered and the legs are warm
Correct answer: While the resident is lying down, before getting out of bed
Compression stockings are most effective when applied before the legs become dependent (hanging down), so they should be put on while the resident is still lying down.
CNA Using Adaptive Devices 4
A resident with severe arthritis cannot button their shirt independently.
Which adaptive device would BEST help this resident?