General CNA Practice Basic Nursing Skills 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?

Accepted Answer

540 mL

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

A rate of 110 beats per minute that is weak and thready.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Repositioning the resident every two hours according to the care plan.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Lock the wheels on both the bed and the wheelchair.

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Wait at least 15-30 minutes before taking the temperature.

Answer

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.

General Practice Test

General Practice Test

General CNA Practice Basic Nursing Skills Questions and Answers