CNA Personal Care Skills 5 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: There is an order to give a female patient a shower, but she refuses. The nurse aide should

take the patient to the shower anyway.
threaten to use restraints if she does not cooperate.
document in the chart that the patient refused to shower. (Correct answer)
tell her that she must do what is ordered.

Correct answer: document in the chart that the patient refused to shower.

Patients have the right to refuse care, and a nurse aide must respect this right. Forcing a patient to shower against their will is a violation of their rights and could be considered assault. The correct action is to document the refusal, inform the nurse, and allow the nurse to assess the situation and determine the next steps, ensuring the patient's autonomy is respected.

Question 2: A nurse aide should give an unconscious client oral hygiene at LEAST every

6 hours
2 hours (Correct answer)
8 hours
4 hours

Correct answer: 2 hours

Unconscious clients are at high risk for aspiration pneumonia and oral infections due to decreased saliva production and inability to perform their own oral care. Frequent oral hygiene, at least every two hours, helps keep the mouth clean, moist, and free from pathogens. This regular care is crucial for preventing complications and maintaining oral health.

Question 3: Which of the following will NOT put strain on the back when lifting a heavy object?

lifting with the legs. (Correct answer)
twisting the back while moving patients.
slouching.
crossing one’s legs.

Correct answer: lifting with the legs.

Proper body mechanics are essential to prevent back injuries when lifting heavy objects. Lifting with the legs, keeping the back straight, and holding the object close to the body distributes the weight to the stronger leg muscles. Twisting the back, slouching, or crossing legs while lifting puts undue strain on the spine, significantly increasing the risk of injury.

Question 4: The nurse aide is caring for a diabetic resident. The nurse aide finds the resident trying to scrape off a callous on the little toe. The nurse aide should FIRST

scold the resident and remind them they are diabetic.
help the resident remove the callous.
put socks on the resident to keep them from scraping (Correct answer)
report the behavior to the nurse.

Correct answer: put socks on the resident to keep them from scraping

Diabetic patients have compromised circulation and sensation, making foot injuries, even minor ones like scraping a callous, extremely dangerous due to the high risk of infection and non-healing wounds. The immediate priority is to prevent further injury. Putting socks on the resident stops the immediate harmful action, and then the behavior should be reported to the nurse for professional assessment and intervention.

Question 5: When cleaning dentures, why do you line the sink with paper towels?

To have necessary supplies to dry the dentures
To lay the dentures on after they are cleaned
To keep the sink clean while brushing the dentures.
To keep the dentures from breaking if they are dropped (Correct answer)

Correct answer: To keep the dentures from breaking if they are dropped

Dentures are fragile and can easily break if dropped onto a hard surface like a porcelain sink. Lining the sink with paper towels or a washcloth provides a cushioned surface, protecting the dentures from damage. This simple precaution helps prevent costly replacements and ensures the patient's dentures remain intact and functional.

Question 6: How should the nurse aide position the patient to apply elastic stockings?

sitting on the edge of the bed
sitting in a wheelchair
lying down in bed (Correct answer)
standing at the side of the bed

Correct answer: lying down in bed

Elastic stockings are most effective when applied before the patient gets out of bed, ideally while they are lying down. This position helps to minimize venous pooling and swelling in the legs, ensuring the stockings can provide optimal compression. Applying them while standing or sitting can make it harder to get them on correctly and may trap existing fluid.

Question 7: You are giving mouth care to an UNCONSCIOUS resident. You must be especially careful to prevent the resident from

eating the toothpaste.
biting down on the toothbrush.
talking during procedure.
aspirating any fluid. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: aspirating any fluid.

Unconscious residents lack the gag reflex and ability to swallow effectively, making them highly susceptible to aspiration. Aspiration occurs when fluid or food enters the lungs instead of the stomach, which can lead to serious complications like pneumonia. During oral care, the nurse aide must position the resident on their side and use minimal fluid to prevent any liquid from entering the airway.

Question 8: While an unsteady resident is showering you should

leave to respect the client's privacy.
ambulate another resident while you wait.
have the client use a shower chair. (Correct answer)
go start another client's shower.

Correct answer: have the client use a shower chair.

An unsteady resident is at a high risk of falls, especially in a wet and slippery environment like a shower. Providing a shower chair offers a stable and secure seating option, significantly reducing the risk of falling. This ensures the resident's safety while allowing them to maintain hygiene with assistance.

Question 9: Mr. Jones is unconscious. What are some guidelines you need to remember when giving oral care?

Explain the procedure to him
Clean mouth, tongue, and gums
Provide at least q 2 hours
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

When providing oral care to an unconscious resident, it's crucial to explain the procedure to them, as they may still be able to hear and understand. Thoroughly cleaning the mouth, tongue, and gums is essential to prevent infection and maintain oral hygiene. Additionally, performing this care frequently, at least every two hours, helps prevent complications like aspiration and dry mouth, making "All of the above" the comprehensive correct answer.

Question 10: When helping a client to eat, the first thing a CNA should do is

Cut the food into bite sized pieces.
Wash the client's hands. (Correct answer)
Give the client some privacy.
Make sure all food groups are present.

Correct answer: Wash the client's hands.

Before assisting a client with eating, the most important initial step is to ensure proper hygiene by washing the client's hands. This prevents the transfer of germs from their hands to their mouth and food, reducing the risk of infection. It's a fundamental infection control practice that precedes other actions like cutting food or ensuring privacy.

Question 11: Some clients have to be fed at meal times. Which is the correct procedure concerning feeding clients?

Ask the kitchen to hold the client's meal for an hour.
Feed the client quickly, and then serve the rest of the clients.
Leave the tray in the client's room and return after all others have been served.
Bring food into the room to feed the client when you are ready to feed them. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Bring food into the room to feed the client when you are ready to feed them.

Bringing food into the room only when you are ready to feed the client ensures the food remains at the appropriate temperature and is served fresh. Leaving trays in rooms unattended can lead to food getting cold, spoiling, or being consumed by others. It also allows the CNA to provide immediate assistance, ensuring the client eats safely and comfortably.

Question 12: When helping a disabled person with ADLs, the nursing assistant should

Do everything for the person in order to save time
Avoid praise and positive feedback
Encourage as much participation as possible (Correct answer)
Encourage the person to watch in order to learn

Correct answer: Encourage as much participation as possible

Encouraging a disabled person to participate as much as they can in their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) promotes their independence, self-esteem, and preserves their functional abilities. Doing everything for them can lead to learned helplessness and a decline in their existing skills. The goal is to assist, not to take over, fostering dignity and autonomy.

Question 13: When helping a client use the commode, it is essential that

The call button/light is within easy reach in case they need help (Correct answer)
The door is locked so they have privacy
They are restrained to prevent a fall
Stay with the client until they have finished using the commode

Correct answer: The call button/light is within easy reach in case they need help

Clients using a commode may need immediate assistance due to weakness, dizziness, or a fall risk. Having the call button readily accessible empowers them to signal for help without straining or attempting to get up unsafely. This promotes client safety and independence while ensuring prompt aid if needed.

Question 14: Your patient is on bed rest. You can help prevent development of contractures by

Positioning in good body alignment
Using supportive devices
Performing range-of-motion exercises
All of the above (Correct answer)

Correct answer: All of the above

Contractures, which are permanent shortening of muscles or tendons, can severely limit mobility. Preventing them in bedridden patients requires a multi-faceted approach. Positioning in good body alignment, using supportive devices like splints or pillows, and performing regular range-of-motion exercises all work together to maintain joint flexibility and muscle length, thus preventing stiffness and deformity.

Question 15: Before giving a back rub, the bottle of lotion can be placed in a basin of hot water for several minutes so that

The lotion will relieve itching
The bottle is sanitary
The lotion will not be cold (Correct answer)
The lotion will be easier to apply

Correct answer: The lotion will not be cold

Applying cold lotion directly to a client's skin can be startling and uncomfortable, especially for elderly or sensitive individuals. Warming the lotion slightly before application enhances the therapeutic and relaxing effects of a back rub. This simple step contributes to the client's comfort and overall positive experience during care.

Question 16: Mr. Peter is legally blind. You ought to _______ when ambulating him.

on the left side
on the right side
in front of him (Correct answer)
behind him

Correct answer: in front of him

When assisting a legally blind person with ambulation, the CNA should walk slightly in front of them, allowing the client to hold onto the CNA's arm just above the elbow. This position enables the client to feel the CNA's movements, anticipate changes in direction or obstacles, and maintain a sense of control and safety. Walking in front provides guidance and allows the client to follow the CNA's lead effectively.

CNA Personal Care Skills 5

There is an order to give a female patient a shower, but she refuses.
The nurse aide should