General CNA Practice Basic Nursing Skills Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A CNA is instructed to measure a resident's fluid intake for the shift. The resident drank an 8-ounce cup of coffee, 4 ounces of juice, and 6 ounces of water. What is the total intake in milliliters (mL) that the CNA should document?
- 360 mL
- 180 mL
- 540 mL (Correct answer)
- 720 mL
Correct answer: 540 mL
To accurately calculate fluid intake, the CNA must convert ounces to milliliters. The standard conversion is 1 ounce = 30 mL. First, calculate the total ounces consumed: 8 oz + 4 oz + 6 oz = 18 ounces. Then, convert the total ounces to milliliters: 18 oz * 30 mL/oz = 540 mL. This is the correct amount to document.
Question 2: When taking an adult resident's radial pulse, which of the following findings should the CNA report to the nurse immediately?
- A regular rhythm with a rate of 72 beats per minute.
- A strong and easily palpable pulse.
- A rate of 110 beats per minute that is weak and thready. (Correct answer)
- A rate of 60 beats per minute after the resident has been resting.
Correct answer: A rate of 110 beats per minute that is weak and thready.
A normal resting heart rate for an adult is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A rate of 110 bpm is considered tachycardia (a fast heart rate). When combined with a weak and thready quality, it can indicate a serious underlying issue, such as dehydration or shock, and must be reported to the nurse immediately for further assessment.
Question 3: A CNA is caring for a resident who is at high risk for developing pressure ulcers. Which of the following is the most effective action the CNA can take to prevent skin breakdown?
- Applying extra lotion to bony prominences during each visit.
- Repositioning the resident every two hours according to the care plan. (Correct answer)
- Using a donut-shaped cushion for the resident when sitting in a chair.
- Keeping the bed linens clean and massaging any reddened areas.
Correct answer: Repositioning the resident every two hours according to the care plan.
Regularly repositioning a resident who is immobile or has limited mobility is a critical intervention to prevent pressure ulcers. Turning and repositioning the resident at least every two hours relieves pressure on bony prominences, promotes circulation, and significantly reduces the risk of skin breakdown. While keeping linens clean is important, and lotion can help with dryness, frequent repositioning is the most crucial preventative measure. Massaging reddened areas is contraindicated as it can cause further tissue damage.
Question 4: Before assisting a resident with transferring from the bed to a wheelchair, what is the MOST critical safety action for the CNA to perform?
- Ensure the resident is wearing non-skid footwear.
- Tell the resident exactly what is going to happen.
- Position the wheelchair parallel to the head of the bed.
- Lock the wheels on both the bed and the wheelchair. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Lock the wheels on both the bed and the wheelchair.
The most critical safety step before any transfer is to ensure both the bed and the wheelchair are stationary by locking the wheels. This prevents the equipment from moving unexpectedly during the transfer, which could lead to a fall and serious injury for both the resident and the CNA. While the other options are also important steps in a safe transfer, failing to lock the wheels creates the most immediate and significant hazard.
Question 5: A resident has just finished their lunch. The nurse asks the CNA to obtain the resident's oral temperature. What is the most appropriate action for the CNA to take?
- Take the temperature immediately using a disposable sheath.
- Ask the resident if they had anything hot or cold to drink.
- Wait at least 15-30 minutes before taking the temperature. (Correct answer)
- Use an axillary thermometer instead to get a faster reading.
Correct answer: Wait at least 15-30 minutes before taking the temperature.
Consuming hot or cold food or beverages can temporarily alter the temperature inside the mouth, leading to an inaccurate oral temperature reading. To ensure accuracy, it is standard practice to wait at least 15 to 30 minutes after a person has eaten, drank, or smoked before taking an oral temperature.
Question 6: Which of the following observations about a resident's skin should be reported to the nurse immediately?
- Dry, flaky skin on the lower legs.
- A new, reddened area on the sacrum that does not blanch (turn white) when pressed. (Correct answer)
- Several old, faded bruises on the forearms.
- A small, raised mole on the resident's back that they report has been there for years.
Correct answer: A new, reddened area on the sacrum that does not blanch (turn white) when pressed.
A reddened area, especially over a bony prominence like the sacrum, that does not blanch is a classic sign of a Stage 1 pressure ulcer. This indicates underlying tissue damage and requires immediate reporting to the nurse so that a formal assessment can be made and interventions can be implemented to prevent it from worsening.
General CNA Practice Basic Nursing Skills Questions and Answers 1
A CNA is instructed to measure a resident's fluid intake for the shift.
The resident drank an 8-ounce cup of coffee, 4 ounces of juice, and 6 ounces of water.
What is the total intake in milliliters (mL) that the CNA should document?