CNA Practice Basic Nursing Skills Flashcards

When performing passive range-of-motion exercises, the CNA should stop if the patient:

Answer: Reports pain or discomfort during movement

Pain during range-of-motion exercises signals possible injury risk and the CNA must stop immediately and report it.

A patient is placed in the Sims' position. Which body position does this describe?

Answer: Lying on the left side with upper knee bent forward

The Sims' position places the patient on the left side with the upper knee flexed forward and is commonly used for enemas and rectal exams.

To prevent footdrop in a bedridden patient, the CNA should:

Answer: Apply a foot board or foot cradle to maintain dorsiflexion

A foot board keeps the feet in dorsiflexion, preventing the downward drop that leads to footdrop contracture.

When using a gait belt to assist a patient to walk, the CNA should position the belt:

Answer: Around the patient's waist over clothing

A gait belt is secured snugly around the patient's waist over clothing, allowing the CNA to grasp it firmly for safe ambulation.

A patient has a left-sided weakness following a stroke. When assisting them to dress, the CNA should:

Answer: Dress the weak left side first, then the strong right side

When dressing a patient with weakness, dress the affected (weaker) side first so the limb doesn't have to be maneuvered around clothing.

How often should a CNA reposition a bedbound patient to prevent pressure injuries?

Answer: Every 2 hours

Repositioning every 2 hours is the standard to relieve pressure on bony prominences and prevent skin breakdown.

When transferring a patient from the bed to a wheelchair, the wheelchair should be placed:

Answer: At a 45-degree angle to the bed on the patient's stronger side

Placing the wheelchair at a 45-degree angle on the stronger side gives the patient leverage to pivot safely with minimal steps.