CNA Review
How do you care for a resident with impaired vision?
Approach from the front, identify yourself, describe surroundings, keep environment consistent, and offer your arm when walking.
What is an autoclave?
A machine that uses steam and pressure to kill all microorganisms.
What is sterilization?
The complete destruction of all microorganisms, including spores.
What are the roles of a CNA?
Assist with ADLs, observe and report changes, provide emotional support, and follow nurse instructions.
What is outside a CNA’s role?
Diagnosing, giving medications, and creating care plans.
How do you weigh a patient in a wheelchair?
Weigh the wheelchair alone, then the patient with the wheelchair, and subtract the wheelchair weight.
What is Huntington’s disease?
A hereditary disorder that causes uncontrolled movements and mental decline.
What is the safest razor for residents?
An electric razor.
What is the difference between ethics and morals?
Ethics are professional rules, while morals are personal beliefs.
What is aphasia?
Difficulty speaking or understanding language.
What is osteoporosis?
A condition where bones become weak and brittle, increasing fracture risk.
What should you do if a resident has an irregular pulse?
Report it to the nurse immediately.
How is HIV transmitted?
Through blood and body fluids.
Can HIV be spread by touch?
No, it is not spread by casual contact like touching or hugging.
What should you do during a seizure?
Protect the resident’s head, move objects away, do not restrain, and do not put anything in the mouth.
What should you do after a seizure?
Place the resident in a side-lying position, check breathing, stay with them, and report.
What is a Stage 1 pressure ulcer?
Red skin that is not broken.
What is a Stage 2 pressure ulcer?
Partial skin loss with a blister or shallow wound.
What is a Stage 3 pressure ulcer?
Full skin loss where fat may be visible.
What is a Stage 4 pressure ulcer?
Deep tissue damage with muscle or bone visible.
What is a stroke (CVA)?
Brain damage caused by lack of blood flow.
What are the signs of a stroke?
Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, and the need for immediate action.
What is a TIA?
A temporary “mini-stroke” where symptoms go away quickly but still requires emergency attention.
What is restorative care?
Care that helps residents regain or maintain independence.
What is dementia?
A condition involving loss of memory, thinking, and reasoning.
What happens in early-stage dementia?
Mild forgetfulness with mostly independent function.
What happens in middle-stage dementia?
Increased confusion and need for help with daily activities.
What happens in late-stage dementia?
Severe impairment with total dependence on others.
What is the CDC?
An organization that focuses on disease prevention and infection control guidelines.
What is dangling?
Sitting at the side of the bed with legs hanging to prevent dizziness before standing.
What is a Hoyer lift used for?
Transferring residents who cannot bear weight.
Why should tub water be drained immediately after use?
To prevent infection and reduce safety hazards.
Why should oil-based products not be used in tubs?
They increase the risk of slipping.
What type of socks should residents wear?
Non-skid socks to prevent falls.
What is HIPAA?
A law that protects patient privacy and confidentiality.
What is an interprofessional team meeting?
A meeting where healthcare team members create and discuss a resident’s care plan.
Why must linens be wrinkle-free during bed making?
To prevent pressure ulcers and maintain comfort.
Who is responsible for diagnosing medical conditions?
A doctor or physician assistant.
What is neglect?
Failure to provide proper care.
What is abuse?
Intentional harm to a resident.
What is malpractice?
A professional mistake that causes harm.
What should you do if you suspect abuse or neglect?
Report it immediately.
What happens when elderly residents lose fatty tissue?
They become more sensitive to cold.
Why do elderly residents bruise easily?
Because of thinner skin and fragile blood vessels.
What is scope of practice?
The tasks a CNA is legally allowed to perform.
What are basic patient rights?
Privacy, dignity, safety, and the right to refuse care.
What is an MSDS (SDS)?
A document that provides information about chemicals, including hazards and safety precautions.
When should tubs be cleaned?
After each use to prevent infection spread.
A resident suddenly has slurred speech and one-sided weakness. What should you do?
Report immediately to the nurse; treat as a medical emergency.
Why is it important to dangle a resident before standing?
To prevent dizziness and reduce the risk of falls.
A resident begins having a seizure. What is your first action?
Protect the resident from injury by clearing the area and supporting the head.
What should you do immediately after a seizure ends?
Place the resident in a side-lying position and check breathing.
A resident asks you if they have cancer. How should you respond?
Tell them the nurse or doctor will discuss that information with them.
Why should wrinkle-free linens be used when making a bed?
To prevent pressure ulcers and maintain comfort.
A CNA notices bruises on a resident that were not there before. What should they do?
Report it immediately according to facility policy.
Why do elderly residents get cold easily?
Loss of fatty tissue reduces insulation.
What is the purpose of non-skid socks?
To prevent falls.
A resident’s pulse is irregular. What should you do?
Report it to the nurse immediately.
What is the correct way to weigh a resident in a wheelchair?
Weigh the wheelchair alone, then with the resident, and subtract the difference.
What is the main purpose of HIPAA?
To protect patient privacy and confidentiality.
Can you discuss a resident’s condition in a public place?
No, it violates privacy laws.
What is the purpose of a Hoyer lift?
To safely transfer residents who cannot bear weight.
When should you use gloves with a resident who has HIV?
Only when there is a risk of contact with blood or body fluids.
What is the difference between a stroke and a TIA?
A stroke causes permanent damage, while a TIA is temporary but still serious.
What is restorative care focused on?
Helping residents maintain or regain independence.
A resident refuses care. What should you do?
Respect their right and report it to the nurse.
What is neglect?
Failure to provide necessary care.
What is abuse?
Intentional harm to a resident.
What should you do if you suspect abuse?
Report it immediately.
What is the role of the CDC in healthcare?
To provide infection control guidelines and prevent disease.
Why should tubs be cleaned after each use?
To prevent infection spread.
Why should oil-based products not be used in tubs?
They increase the risk of slipping.
What is aphasia commonly associated with?
Stroke.
What happens in Stage 2 pressure ulcers?
Partial skin loss with a blister or shallow wound.
What is the safest razor for residents?
An electric razor.
What is included in a CNA’s scope of practice?
Assisting with ADLs, taking vital signs, and reporting changes.
What is NOT included in a CNA’s scope of practice?
Diagnosing or administering medications.
What is an interprofessional team meeting?
A meeting where healthcare workers discuss and plan resident care.
What information is found on an MSDS (SDS)?
Chemical hazards and safety precautions.
Why do elderly residents bruise easily?
Their skin is thinner and blood vessels are more fragile.
What is the best way to communicate with a resident with dementia?
Use simple instructions and remain calm and patient.
What is the main goal of patient rights?
To ensure dignity, privacy, and safety.