UNAR Safety and Emergency Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct position for a resident during a seizure?
- Upright in a chair to keep the airway open
- On their side to prevent aspiration (Correct answer)
- On their back with head tilted up
- Held still to prevent injury
Correct answer: On their side to prevent aspiration
Positioning the resident on their side (recovery position) helps prevent aspiration of secretions during and after a seizure.
Question 2: A resident has an aluminum wheelchair. When is it safe to use a standard electrical outlet near this resident?
- Only when the wheelchair is not touching the outlet (Correct answer)
- Always, as aluminum does not conduct electricity
- Whenever the nurse gives permission
- It is never a special concern with metal wheelchairs
Correct answer: Only when the wheelchair is not touching the outlet
Metal objects including wheelchairs can conduct electricity, so electrical equipment should be used with care to avoid contact with the resident or the chair.
Question 3: Which of the following is an example of a physical restraint?
- Raising the head of the bed 30 degrees
- Placing a tray table close to a wheelchair
- Applying mittens that prevent the resident from removing an IV (Correct answer)
- Turning off the television in the resident's room
Correct answer: Applying mittens that prevent the resident from removing an IV
A physical restraint is any device that restricts freedom of movement; mittens that prevent self-removal of a medical device qualify as a restraint.
Question 4: A fire alarm sounds while a nursing assistant is bathing a resident. What should be done first?
- Finish the bath quickly to avoid leaving the resident wet
- Dress the resident and prepare to evacuate (Correct answer)
- Leave the resident immediately to find the fire
- Wait for a nurse to give specific instructions before doing anything
Correct answer: Dress the resident and prepare to evacuate
The resident's safety requires covering and protecting them before evacuation; leaving a wet, undressed resident creates additional risk.
Question 5: What should a nursing assistant do if a resident refuses a safety device such as non-slip footwear?
- Force the footwear on to protect the resident
- Document the refusal and report it to the nurse (Correct answer)
- Accept the refusal without any further action
- Distract the resident and apply it without consent
Correct answer: Document the refusal and report it to the nurse
Residents have the right to refuse care, but the nursing assistant must document the refusal and inform the nurse so the care team can address the safety risk.
Question 6: An electrical cord is frayed in a resident's room. What is the appropriate action?
- Cover the frayed area with electrical tape and continue use
- Unplug the device, label it unsafe, and report to maintenance (Correct answer)
- Leave it and report it at the end of the shift
- Only address it if the resident complains
Correct answer: Unplug the device, label it unsafe, and report to maintenance
Frayed cords are a fire and electrocution hazard; the device must be removed from service and maintenance notified immediately.
Question 7: When should a nursing assistant wear eye protection during care?
- Only when caring for residents with known infections
- When there is risk of splashing blood, body fluids, or secretions (Correct answer)
- Only when the nurse requests it
- Only during surgical procedures
Correct answer: When there is risk of splashing blood, body fluids, or secretions
Standard precautions require eye protection whenever there is a risk of splashing or spraying of blood or body fluids, regardless of the resident's diagnosis.
UNAR Safety and Emergency Procedures 3
What is the correct position for a resident during a seizure?