CNA Bathing and Dressing

Question 1

When giving a bed bath, in what order should the CNA wash the patient's body?

Accepted Answer

Face first, then proceeding from clean to dirty areas, finishing with the perineum

Answer

The standard bed bath sequence proceeds from cleanest to most contaminated areas: face first, then arms and trunk, then legs and feet, and finally the perineal area last to prevent spreading bacteria to cleaner areas of the body.

Question 2

When dressing a patient who has weakness in their right arm, which arm should be dressed first?

Accepted Answer

The right (weaker) arm, so the sleeve can be positioned over it more easily

Answer

The weak or affected extremity should always be dressed first because it has the least mobility. Putting the sleeve on the weak arm first requires less manipulation and prevents overextension of the weaker joint, reducing discomfort and injury risk.

Question 3

Before beginning a bed bath, what is the most important safety check the CNA should perform?

Accepted Answer

Check the water temperature by testing it on the inner wrist

Answer

Testing water temperature on the CNA's inner wrist (or using a thermometer) before applying it to the patient is critical to prevent scalding burns, as elderly patients may have decreased temperature sensation and cannot reliably report if water is too hot.

Question 4

A resident with dementia becomes agitated and starts hitting the CNA during a bath. What is the most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Stop the bath, speak calmly, allow time for the resident to settle, and try again later

Answer

Agitation during bathing in dementia patients is a recognized behavioral symptom that requires a compassionate approach: stop, de-escalate, allow the resident to calm, and attempt the care again using distraction or modified techniques rather than forcing or rushing.

Question 5

When providing perineal care for a female patient, the CNA should clean in which direction?

Accepted Answer

Front to back, from the urethra toward the rectum

Answer

Perineal care for female patients must always be performed from front to back (urethra to rectum) to prevent fecal bacteria from being introduced into the urinary tract, which would cause a urinary tract infection.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Bathing and Dressing