General CNA Practice Safety and Emergency Procedures Questions and Answers

Question 1

While assisting a resident in the dining hall, you notice they suddenly grab their throat, cannot speak, and appear panicked. What is the CNA's immediate and most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Perform abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver).

Answer

The resident is displaying universal signs of a severe airway obstruction (choking), such as clutching the throat and being unable to speak. The correct first aid response is to perform abdominal thrusts to dislodge the object. Asking them to cough is only appropriate if they can still make sounds or breathe partially. Offering water is dangerous and could worsen the obstruction. While help should be summoned, abandoning the resident is not the immediate priority.

Question 2

You discover a small fire in a resident's trash can. After activating the fire alarm and ensuring the resident is safe, what is the correct procedure for using a fire extinguisher according to the PASS acronym?

Accepted Answer

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

Answer

The correct acronym for operating a fire extinguisher is PASS. It stands for: P - Pull the pin, A - Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, S - Squeeze the handle to discharge the agent, and S - Sweep the nozzle from side to side at the base of the fire.

Question 3

A CNA enters a resident's room and finds them on the floor next to their bed. The resident is conscious and states they fell. What is the CNA's FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Call for a nurse to assess the resident before moving them.

Answer

After a fall, the resident must be assessed by a nurse for potential injuries, such as fractures or head trauma, before being moved. Attempting to move the resident without a proper assessment could cause further harm. The CNA's priority is to ensure the resident's safety, which includes staying with them and calling for a licensed nurse immediately.

Question 4

While providing care, a resident begins to have a seizure. They are in their bed, which has the side rails up. Which of the following actions is most appropriate for the CNA to take?

Accepted Answer

Lower the head of the bed and place a pillow under the resident's head.

Answer

During a seizure, the primary goal is to protect the resident from injury. Placing a soft item like a pillow under their head helps prevent head trauma. Nothing should ever be placed in the person's mouth, and they should not be restrained, as this can cause injury. While help should be called, the CNA should stay with the resident to ensure their safety.

Question 5

To prevent musculoskeletal injuries when transferring a resident, which principle of body mechanics is most important for the CNA to follow?

Accepted Answer

Keeping their back straight and lifting with their leg muscles.

Answer

Proper body mechanics are crucial to prevent injury to both the CNA and the resident. The foundational principle is to use the strong muscles of the legs to lift, not the weaker back muscles. This is achieved by bending at the knees and hips while keeping the back straight. Twisting, holding the load far from the body, and jerky movements all increase the risk of injury.

General Practice Test

General Practice Test

General CNA Practice Safety and Emergency Procedures Questions and Answers