General CNA Practice CNA Practice Activities of Daily Living 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assisting a resident with a tub bath, the water temperature should be checked with which body part before the resident enters?
- The resident's hand
- The CNA's elbow or wrist (Correct answer)
- A thermometer set to 100°F
- The CNA's fingertips
Correct answer: The CNA's elbow or wrist
The CNA should test water temperature with their elbow or wrist because these areas are more sensitive to heat than fingertips.
Question 2: A resident with left-sided weakness needs to put on a button-front shirt. Which arm should be dressed first?
- Right arm, because it is stronger
- Left arm, because it is weaker (Correct answer)
- Either arm — order does not matter
- Ask the resident's family preference
Correct answer: Left arm, because it is weaker
The weaker (affected) arm is always dressed first to minimize painful range-of-motion manipulation.
Question 3: Which action best protects a resident's dignity during perineal care?
- Performing care quickly without explaining steps
- Leaving the door open for quick access
- Draping the resident and exposing only the area being cleaned (Correct answer)
- Asking a co-worker to assist so care is faster
Correct answer: Draping the resident and exposing only the area being cleaned
Proper draping exposes only the perineal area being cleansed, protecting the resident's privacy and dignity.
Question 4: When performing nail care for a resident with diabetes, the CNA should:
- File nails straight across and report any abnormalities to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Cut nails short with scissors to prevent ingrown nails
- Soak feet for 30 minutes before trimming nails
- Trim nails at an angle to match the fingertip curve
Correct answer: File nails straight across and report any abnormalities to the nurse
CNAs file diabetic residents' nails straight across and always report skin or nail abnormalities to the nurse; cutting is a nursing responsibility for diabetic patients.
Question 5: A resident refuses to eat breakfast. The FIRST action the CNA should take is:
- Document the refusal and move on to the next resident
- Offer alternative foods the resident prefers (Correct answer)
- Notify the charge nurse immediately
- Force small spoonfuls to ensure nutrition
Correct answer: Offer alternative foods the resident prefers
Offering preferred alternatives respects the resident's choice while still attempting to meet nutritional needs before escalating.
Question 6: When shaving a male resident with a safety razor, the CNA should shave:
- Against the direction of hair growth for a closer shave
- In the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation (Correct answer)
- In circular motions to cover more area quickly
- From neck upward to chin
Correct answer: In the direction of hair growth to reduce irritation
Shaving in the direction of hair growth (with the grain) reduces skin irritation and razor burn.
Question 7: To prevent aspiration when feeding a resident, the CNA should position the resident at least:
- 15 degrees, semi-reclined
- 30 degrees, head tilted back
- 45 to 90 degrees upright (Correct answer)
- Flat with a pillow under shoulders
Correct answer: 45 to 90 degrees upright
An upright position of 45–90 degrees uses gravity to direct food into the esophagus and reduces aspiration risk.
General CNA Practice CNA Practice Activities of Daily Living 2
When assisting a resident with a tub bath, the water temperature should be checked with which body part before the resident enters?