UNAR Personal Care Skills 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When shaving a male resident with a safety razor, the nursing assistant should shave in which direction?
- Against the direction of hair growth for a closer shave
- In the direction of hair growth to prevent skin irritation (Correct answer)
- In a circular motion around the jaw
- Upward only from chin to cheeks
Correct answer: In the direction of hair growth to prevent skin irritation
Shaving in the direction of hair growth reduces the risk of razor burn, cuts, and skin irritation.
Question 2: A resident uses dentures. How should the nursing assistant handle the dentures when cleaning them?
- Clean them over an empty sink to save time
- Hold them over a sink lined with a towel or basin of water (Correct answer)
- Soak them in hot water to sterilize
- Brush them with regular fluoride toothpaste
Correct answer: Hold them over a sink lined with a towel or basin of water
Dentures should be cleaned over a padded surface or basin of water to prevent breakage if dropped.
Question 3: When combing the hair of a resident with long, tangled hair, the nursing assistant should begin combing:
- At the scalp and work down to the ends
- At the ends and work up toward the scalp (Correct answer)
- From the middle outward in both directions
- From one side of the head to the other horizontally
Correct answer: At the ends and work up toward the scalp
Starting at the ends and working toward the scalp prevents painful pulling and minimizes hair breakage.
Question 4: A resident has limited range of motion in their right arm. When dressing them, the nursing assistant should:
- Dress the stronger left arm first, then the weaker right
- Dress the weaker right arm first, then the stronger left (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident to dress themselves to promote independence
- Use adaptive clothing only if ordered by the physician
Correct answer: Dress the weaker right arm first, then the stronger left
The weak or affected limb is dressed first because it has limited movement, making it easier to thread through sleeves before the stronger arm.
Question 5: What is the primary reason the nursing assistant should wear gloves during perineal care?
- To protect the resident's skin from the NA's nails
- To maintain standard precautions and prevent cross-contamination (Correct answer)
- Gloves are only required if the resident has an infection
- To keep hands warm during the procedure
Correct answer: To maintain standard precautions and prevent cross-contamination
Gloves are required during perineal care as a standard precaution against exposure to body fluids and to prevent transmission of microorganisms.
Question 6: A resident who is bedridden needs nail care. Which action is within the nursing assistant's scope for fingernail care?
- Cutting nails with nail clippers as part of routine hygiene
- Filing nails smooth and cleaning under nails with an orange stick (Correct answer)
- Trimming cuticles to keep them neat
- Using nail scissors to cut the nails at an angle
Correct answer: Filing nails smooth and cleaning under nails with an orange stick
Nursing assistants typically may only file nails and clean under them; cutting nails (especially in diabetic or at-risk residents) usually requires a nurse or podiatrist.
Question 7: After completing a bed bath, which action should the nursing assistant take regarding the soiled water and linens?
- Dispose of water in the nearest floor sink and bag soiled linens (Correct answer)
- Leave the water basin at the bedside for the next shift
- Double-bag soiled linens and place in biohazard container always
- Pour bath water into the resident's toilet and leave linens in the room
Correct answer: Dispose of water in the nearest floor sink and bag soiled linens
Soiled water is discarded in a hopper or floor sink and dirty linens are placed in the appropriate laundry bag per facility policy.
UNAR Personal Care Skills 3
When shaving a male resident with a safety razor, the nursing assistant should shave in which direction?