STNA Random 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When measuring a resident's radial pulse, the nurse aide should count for:
- 15 seconds and multiply by 2
- 30 seconds and multiply by 2 (or full 60 seconds if irregular) (Correct answer)
- 10 seconds and multiply by 6
- 5 seconds and multiply by 12
Correct answer: 30 seconds and multiply by 2 (or full 60 seconds if irregular)
A 30-second count multiplied by 2 is acceptable for regular rhythms; a full 60 seconds is required when the rhythm is irregular.
Question 2: A resident with dysphagia is most at risk for:
- Pressure ulcers
- Aspiration pneumonia (Correct answer)
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Urinary tract infections
Correct answer: Aspiration pneumonia
Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) increases the risk of food or liquid entering the airway, causing aspiration pneumonia.
Question 3: Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in an elderly resident?
- Moist mucous membranes
- Decreased skin turgor and concentrated urine (Correct answer)
- Rapid weight gain
- Increased urine output
Correct answer: Decreased skin turgor and concentrated urine
Poor skin turgor and dark, concentrated urine are classic signs that the body lacks adequate fluid.
Question 4: When using a gait belt to assist a resident, it should be placed:
- Around the resident's chest under the arms
- Around the resident's waist over clothing (Correct answer)
- Around the resident's hips below the waist
- Around one wrist for control
Correct answer: Around the resident's waist over clothing
A gait belt is secured snugly at the waist over clothing to provide a safe handhold during ambulation.
Question 5: A resident tells a nurse aide, 'I feel like my heart is skipping beats.' The nurse aide should:
- Tell the resident it is normal and not to worry
- Document it at the end of the shift
- Immediately report this complaint to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Offer the resident a glass of water and recheck in an hour
Correct answer: Immediately report this complaint to the nurse
Palpitations may indicate a cardiac issue and must be reported to the nurse promptly for evaluation.
Question 6: The 'Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act' (OBRA) of 1987 primarily focused on improving:
- Medicare reimbursement rates for hospitals
- Quality of care and resident rights in nursing facilities (Correct answer)
- Physician licensing requirements
- Pharmaceutical pricing for long-term care
Correct answer: Quality of care and resident rights in nursing facilities
OBRA 1987 established federal standards for nursing home care, including resident rights and minimum staffing training requirements.
Question 7: Which of the following is an example of a physical restraint?
- A locked door to a unit
- Vest applied to a resident that limits movement in a chair (Correct answer)
- A bed alarm that alerts staff when the resident moves
- Side rails lowered to assist exit from bed
Correct answer: Vest applied to a resident that limits movement in a chair
A vest restraint physically limits the resident's ability to move freely and is classified as a restraint.
STNA Random 3
When measuring a resident's radial pulse, the nurse aide should count for: