CNA Practice Test 1

Nursing assistants may not administer medications, it is not within their scope of practice. Only RNs, LPNs, and other properly licensed personnel may give medications.

Bathing a resident without his or her permission is an example of battery. Keeping a resident isolated from others as a form of punishment is an example of involuntary seclusion.

Abuse in nursing facilities, or even suspicion of abuse, should be reported immediately to the nursing assistant’s supervisor. This requires more intervention than the nursing assistant’s scope of practice covers. Waiting or notifying the nurse only about bruises may delay getting the resident help.

MRSA stands for methacillinn-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and is very resistant to most antibiotic treatments.

Frequent hand washing is the best way to prevent infection without a doubt. The other measures are supportive.

Allowing the resident to participate in care will raise their self esteem and allow autonomy. It is inappropriate to clean the perineal area before the face, or to use cool water rather than comfortably warm water.

It is the duty of the nursing assistant to report any red pressure spots on the resident to the nurse. The nursing assistant may not apply any prescription ointments. Talcum powder is not recommended. A second staff member is not needed for perineal care.

It is necessary to check the shaving instructions in the resident’s plan of care to be aware of any problems clotting and the necessity of using an electric razor as opposed to a traditional one.

The watery leakage of stool around a blockage is the most specific sign of fecal impaction, also known as a bowel obstruction.

Dyspnea is a term that refers to difficulty with breathing.

Maintaining a routine is incredibly important to Alzheimer’s patients. Hallucinations and a decrease in appetite are common. It is important to frequently reorient the patient.

Lowering the bed to the lowest level is important for safety. Mitering the corners of sheets is recommended, as is raising side rails. Never place soiled linens on the floor.

Any pulse outside the range of 60 to 100 should be reported immediately to the nurse for the resident’s safety.

Sweating, as well as confusion and tremors, are signs of hypoglycemia.

Speaking slowly and clearly is the key to helping hard-of-hearing clients understand what you’re saying.

High Fowlers is a description of the patient sitting straight up in bed, meaning the bed itself has to be at a 90 degree angle to support them.

The nursing assistant should wear a gown and gloves at most as correct contact precautions.

Infection, especially in older clients, tends to cause sudden onset confusion. Tented skin may be normal for an older client, as could pale skin. Aphasia could indicate the onset of a stoke.

NPO is a latin abbreviation that stands for “nil per os” or “nothing by mouth.” It indicates that the client is not allowed food, fluids, or oral medications.

Someone with diabetes should always eat regular meals to keep their blood sugar relatively stable. Numbness in the feet is neuropathy, a common side effect of diabetes.

Residents on bedrest must be turned every 2 hours to maintain skin integrity.

The radial pulse is the most easily accessible location to take a pulse.

It is important to first assess whether or not the resident is choking. If they are able to answer, air is still moving through the trachea. If they nod yes, but are unable to speak, it is time to begin the Heimlich maneuver. The Heimlich should not be performed on anyone who is able to cough or speak.

HIPPA requires you to keep client’s health information confidential. Period.

Taking the client to the bathroom will most likely prompt a bowel movement, which supports GI tract health. A confused patient may not remember what the urge means.

Diabetic clients often have special instructions regarding nail trimming. Check the chart for specific orders.

Walking and physical activity during the day promotes rest and well-being at night.

Waiting fifteen minutes ensures the temperature of the mouth will be more accurate. Axillary temperatures in the elderly are often not the best measure.

The boots will ensure that the feet are dorsiflexed to prevent contractures and discomfort.

It is very important to report a symptomatic low blood pressure to the nurse for further investigation.

To abduct is to move away, to adduct is to move closer or toward.

Support the client in their own individual religious needs. Treat any religious objects in their room with respect.

Bending at the knees is the only proper body mechanic listed. Avoid doing all the others!

Jaundice, also known as yellowing of the skin, occurs frequently in cases of hepatitis (liver disease).

Reorienting the patient frequently is the most important aspect of care. Keeping the client locked in their room could agitate them, as could asking them their name (which they might not remember).

Terminally ill clients may receive hospice care, which is designed to relieve pain rather than to cure disease.

Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a breathing pattern marked by increased respirations, labored breathing, and periods of apnea (no breathing). It is important to report these signs if discovered in a resident who is not expected to show them.

During a panic attack, the nursing assistant should make the client comfortable and encourage them to breathe slowly and deeply. Asking them to count backwards slowly from 100 can also be helpful. During an attack, the client is unable to talk about anxious situations and isn’t able to address uncomfortable feelings and frustrations. While having a panic attack, the client is also unable to focus on anything other than the symptoms, so the client won’t be able to discuss the cause of the attack.

Orthopneic position is meant to assist in breathing. Leaning forward makes it easier to get air into the lungs.

Cantaloupe is a melon that contains massive amounts of potassium. Other foods that contain high potassium include bananas and dark leafy greens.

The nursing assistant should place the cane on the side that is the strongest so that it can support the weak side.

CPR is performed on a client that has no pulse and is not breathing.

The acronym “RACE” is used for fire situations- Rescue, alarm, contain, extinguish. First you must rescue the client to prevent harm.

A SCI patient is prone to further damage and injury to the spinal cord if the legs cross over the midline (in a twisting motion). This can be avoided with proper log-rolling technique.

Incontinence can occur if the bladder becomes too full and is unrelieved.

Anticipatory grief occurs before the loss actually happens and is a normal part of grieving. Complicated, unresolved, and inhibited grieving indicate there is a problem with recovering from the loss.

Orange juice with pulp is not allowed — the pulp is not considered part of “clear liquid.” Tea, coffee, and water are all allowed on the clear liquid diet.

Keeping the bag below the level of the cavity ensures that bacteria cannot migrate up from the bag and up into the bladder due to gravity.

The physician needs to order restraints before they can be legally applied. No one else can ask for restraints for a patient or it is considered battery.

The abbreviation of “cc” is no longer appropriate in the medical field. Only ‘ml’ should be used. A large glass is 480 ml.

The sputum produced upon awakening is the most concentrated sputum and will yield the most accurate result.

Masturbation is a normal expression of sexual health. Attempt to exit quietly without disturbing the client in order to preserve his privacy and decency.

Speaking calmly in a neutral manner can soothe an agitated client. Restraints are not appropriate for a client who is merely confused and can be placated.

This patient is bargaining to be “forgiven” in order to cure his illness. This is a normal stage in the grieving process.

A mechanical lift should be used for immobile or NWB residents. A gait belt should never be used on an immobile resident to lift them and should be used on individuals who are FWB or PWB.

Securing the catheter to the lateral aspect of the patient’s thigh ensures it cannot be painfully pulled during the bath.

This is the best answer because it reflects what the patient is feeling (pain) and stays with the patient to comfort him.

It is best for the patient to perform as much of the bath as possible, with the nursing assistant helping out when necessary.

This describes a partial thickness burn. A total thickness burn appears waxy and white, while a superficial burn might be described as blotchiness of the skin with no blistering.

An enema will help the patient in expelling fecal matter before it can become impacted.