CNA Personal Care Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following WILL NOT assist bowel elimination?
- eating more foods with fiber
- taking a walk
- increasing dairy and sugar intake (Correct answer)
- drinking a lot of water
Correct answer: increasing dairy and sugar intake
Increasing dairy and sugar intake will generally not assist bowel elimination and can sometimes worsen constipation for some individuals. Foods high in fiber, adequate fluid intake, and physical activity are key components that promote regular bowel movements. Dairy and sugar lack the fiber and hydration needed for healthy digestion.
Question 2: ADL is an acronym for
- Activities Done Lovingly
- Activities of Daily Living (Correct answer)
- Activities During Life
- Activities of Daily Learning
Correct answer: Activities of Daily Living
ADL is an acronym for Activities of Daily Living, which refers to the basic self-care tasks that people perform daily. These activities include bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring. CNAs frequently assist residents with these essential tasks to help them maintain independence and quality of life.
Question 3: When giving a back rub the nurse aide SHOULD
- use continuous circular motions. (Correct answer)
- warm lotion in microwave.
- use short, light strokes.
- position client in supine position.
Correct answer: use continuous circular motions.
When giving a back rub, using continuous circular motions helps to relax muscles, improve circulation, and provide comfort to the client. This technique is soothing and effective for stimulating blood flow and relieving tension. It is a standard practice for providing therapeutic touch and promoting relaxation.
Question 4: You are assigned to give Mr. Brown a partial bath. You know that this means to wash
- Face, arms, hands, perineum, and legs.
- Face, hands, underarms, back and perineum. (Correct answer)
- Face, underarms, perineum, and feet.
- Face, abdomen, legs, underarms and feet.
Correct answer: Face, hands, underarms, back and perineum.
A partial bath involves washing the most essential areas that tend to get dirty or produce odor, rather than a full body wash. These areas typically include the face, hands, underarms (axillae), back, and perineal area. This approach helps maintain hygiene when a full bath is not feasible or necessary.
Question 5: When transferring a client to a different unit, the MOST important information the nurse aide needs from the nurse is the
- client’s medical diagnosis.
- name and room number. (Correct answer)
- name of the client’s spouse.
- phone number to the client’s room.
Correct answer: name and room number.
When transferring a client to a different unit, the most important information the nurse aide needs from the nurse is the client's name and new room number. This ensures the correct client is transferred to the correct location, preventing errors and maintaining patient safety. While other information is important for care, the name and room number are critical for the physical transfer itself.
Question 6: The LAST sense a dying client will lose is
- smell
- sight
- hearing (Correct answer)
- taste
Correct answer: hearing
It is commonly understood in end-of-life care that hearing is often the last sense a dying client will lose. Even when other senses fade, individuals may still be able to hear and comprehend what is being said around them. This knowledge guides caregivers to continue speaking to and comforting dying patients, as they may still be able to hear.
Question 7: When assisting a blind resident to walk it is important to
- have the resident use a white cane.
- allow the resident to hold your arm. (Correct answer)
- stand slightly behind the resident.
- hold the resident's elbow.
Correct answer: allow the resident to hold your arm.
When assisting a blind resident to walk, it is important to allow them to hold your arm, usually just above the elbow. This position allows the resident to follow your movements and feel changes in direction or elevation, providing them with a sense of security and control. You should walk slightly ahead of them, guiding them safely.
Question 8: A resident weighs over 300 pounds and needs to be repositioned in the bed. The nurse aide should
- advise the resident about the benefits of weight loss.
- ask the nurse about getting a low-calorie diet order for the resident.
- get another nurse aide to assist in repositioning the resident. (Correct answer)
- tell the resident to wait until a strong person comes on shift.
Correct answer: get another nurse aide to assist in repositioning the resident.
Repositioning a resident who weighs over 300 pounds requires assistance from another staff member to ensure both the resident's safety and the nurse aide's safety. Using proper body mechanics and getting help prevents injuries to both the resident and the caregiver. It is a standard practice for heavy lifting or repositioning to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Question 9: The MOST important reason for using soap and water to clean a client’s skin after elimination is to
- help the client feel clean and fresh.
- keep the facility's linen costs down.
- prevent soiling of the bed linens.
- remove feces and urine from the skin. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: remove feces and urine from the skin.
The most important reason for using soap and water to clean a client's skin after elimination is to thoroughly remove feces and urine. This prevents skin irritation, breakdown, and the spread of bacteria, which can lead to infections. While feeling clean is a benefit, the primary goal is hygiene and infection control to protect skin integrity.
Question 10: A stroke patient with a paralyzed left arm may be able to feed himself if he uses
- A built up spoon
- Added-weight flatware
- A plate guard
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
For a stroke patient with a paralyzed left arm, adaptive eating aids can significantly improve their ability to feed themselves. A built-up spoon provides an easier grip, added-weight flatware can help stabilize tremors, and a plate guard prevents food from being pushed off the plate. Using a combination of these tools can promote independence and dignity during meals.
Question 11: When feeding a resident, frequent coughing can be a sign the resident is _______.
- getting full
- needs to drink more fluids
- having difficulty swallowing (Correct answer)
- choking
Correct answer: having difficulty swallowing
Frequent coughing during meals is a common sign that a resident is experiencing dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing. This can indicate that food or liquid is entering the airway (aspiration) instead of going down the esophagus. It is a serious concern that requires immediate attention from the nurse to prevent aspiration pneumonia.
Question 12: Aids to position a patient include all the following except
- Pillows
- Bath blankets and towels
- Footboard
- Hoyer lift (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Hoyer lift
Pillows, bath blankets, towels, and footboards are all common aids used to position a patient in bed or a chair to maintain proper alignment, prevent pressure injuries, and provide comfort. A Hoyer lift, however, is a mechanical device used for transferring patients who cannot bear weight, not for positioning them within a bed or chair.
Question 13: If a resident refuses a bath, the nurse aide should
- report the refusal to the nurse (Correct answer)
- call the resident's family
- change the resident's care plan
- get help and give the bath
Correct answer: report the refusal to the nurse
If a resident refuses a bath, the nurse aide should respect their right to refuse care and immediately report the refusal to the nurse. The nurse can then assess the situation, determine the reason for refusal, and adjust the care plan or approach as needed. Forcing care is a violation of resident rights and can lead to distress.
Question 14: What is important to know about making an occupied bed?
- To finish the bottom, then top of bed
- The privacy curtain is not necessary
- The patient is usually uncomfortable
- To complete one side and then the other (Correct answer)
Correct answer: To complete one side and then the other
When making an occupied bed, the correct and safest procedure is to complete one side of the bed from top to bottom before moving to the other side. This method minimizes disturbance to the patient, maintains their privacy, and ensures the bed is made efficiently and safely around them. It also reduces the risk of falls or injury.
Question 15: Which device does NOT make toileting easier?
- Elevated toilet seat
- Grab bars on the wall next to the toilet
- Bedside commode
- Egg crate toilet cover (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Egg crate toilet cover
Elevated toilet seats, grab bars, and bedside commodes are all devices designed to make toileting easier and safer for individuals with mobility issues. An egg crate toilet cover, however, is typically used for pressure relief on a bed or chair, not for facilitating the act of toileting itself. It does not aid in transfers or stability.
Question 16: Proper oral hygiene _______________.
- is only necessary once a day.
- allows buildup of tartar and plaque.
- isn't appropriate for unconscious residents.
- prevents mouth odor, decay, and infection (Correct answer)
Correct answer: prevents mouth odor, decay, and infection
Proper oral hygiene is crucial for overall health, as it prevents common issues like mouth odor (halitosis), tooth decay (cavities), and gum infections. Regular cleaning removes plaque and bacteria, contributing to comfort, appetite, and preventing systemic infections. It is important for all residents, including unconscious ones, to maintain good oral health.
Which of the following WILL NOT assist bowel elimination?