CNA Using Adaptive Devices 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident uses a urinary catheter drainage bag. When repositioning the bag, the CNA must ensure the bag is always:
- At the level of the bladder for accurate drainage
- Below the level of the bladder to prevent backflow (Correct answer)
- Above the waist when the resident is ambulatory
- Pinned to the resident's clothing at hip level
Correct answer: Below the level of the bladder to prevent backflow
The drainage bag must always be kept below bladder level to use gravity for drainage and prevent urine from flowing back into the bladder, which could cause infection.
Question 2: Which adaptive eating utensil is MOST appropriate for a resident who has tremors in both hands?
- A standard lightweight fork
- A weighted utensil set (Correct answer)
- A rocker knife
- A universal cuff utensil holder
Correct answer: A weighted utensil set
Weighted utensils add resistance that helps dampen the effects of tremors, allowing residents to bring food to their mouths with greater control.
Question 3: A resident with a colostomy bag reports that the seal around the stoma is leaking. The CNA's BEST response is to:
- Apply tape over the leak to contain it temporarily
- Notify the nurse immediately and assist with peristomal skin care as directed (Correct answer)
- Empty the bag and reapply pressure to reseal it
- Document the leak and wait for the next scheduled bag change
Correct answer: Notify the nurse immediately and assist with peristomal skin care as directed
A leaking colostomy seal can cause skin breakdown and must be reported to the nurse promptly so it can be properly replaced and the skin assessed.
Question 4: When cleaning a resident's eyeglasses, the CNA should use:
- A paper towel and window cleaner
- A soft microfiber cloth with lens cleaner or warm water (Correct answer)
- A dry tissue with firm circular strokes
- Alcohol wipes to sanitize the lenses
Correct answer: A soft microfiber cloth with lens cleaner or warm water
Microfiber cloths and appropriate lens cleaner prevent scratching the lenses, while paper towels and harsh chemicals can damage coatings.
Question 5: A resident who uses a walker is preparing to sit down in a chair. The CNA should instruct the resident to:
- Grip the walker handles and lower into the chair using the walker for support
- Place the walker to the side, reach back for the chair armrests, then sit (Correct answer)
- Back up until the knees touch the chair, then sit while pushing down on the walker
- Fold the walker and lean it against the wall before attempting to sit
Correct answer: Place the walker to the side, reach back for the chair armrests, then sit
Walkers are not designed to bear full sitting weight; the resident should secure the walker aside and use the chair's armrests for safe lowering.
Question 6: A resident's dentures do not fit well and the resident reports sore spots in the mouth. The CNA should:
- Apply denture adhesive to improve the fit
- Report the concern to the nurse and document the oral assessment (Correct answer)
- Have the resident avoid wearing the dentures until they see a dentist
- Clean the dentures more thoroughly to remove buildup causing the poor fit
Correct answer: Report the concern to the nurse and document the oral assessment
Ill-fitting dentures causing oral pain must be reported to the nurse for proper assessment and referral; a CNA should not independently modify or withhold dentures.
Question 7: Which statement about caring for a resident's artificial eye (ocular prosthesis) is CORRECT?
- It should be cleaned daily with hydrogen peroxide
- It should be removed and cleaned with mild soap and water, then stored in a labeled container when not in use (Correct answer)
- It can be left in indefinitely without removal since it does not contact tissue
- It should be cleaned in place using saline-soaked gauze only
Correct answer: It should be removed and cleaned with mild soap and water, then stored in a labeled container when not in use
An ocular prosthesis requires daily cleaning with mild soap and water and must be stored in a labeled container with water or saline to prevent scratching when removed.
A resident uses a urinary catheter drainage bag.
When repositioning the bag, the CNA must ensure the bag is always: