GNA 10 study guide
GNA 10 · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The GNA 10 refers to the written knowledge component of geriatric nursing assistant certification, the credential that states require before an aide may work in a nursing home or long-term care setting. Candidates are typically nursing assistant trainees who have finished a state-approved training program, or experienced aides moving into long-term care. The GNA 10 study guide has 8 sections and about 2,421 words.
01Basic Nursing Skills: Measurement, Observation, and Safe Technique
Basic nursing skills are the hands-on tasks a nursing assistant performs daily: vital signs, intake and output, specimen collection, simple dressing changes, and infection control. A candidate must know normal ranges and, more importantly, when a value must be reported rather than simply recorded.
330 words, about 2 min02Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living
Personal care includes bathing, grooming, dressing, oral care, toileting, and feeding. The core principle is to promote independence: encourage the resident to do whatever they can do safely, and assist only with what they cannot.
317 words, about 2 min03Restorative and Rehabilitation Care
Restorative care helps residents regain or maintain function after illness, injury, or surgery. It focuses on using remaining abilities, preventing complications of immobility, and following a plan consistently.
310 words, about 2 min04Mental Health and Social Service Needs
Residents in long-term care often experience loneliness, grief, anxiety, depression, and confusion related to loss of independence. The nursing assistant's role is to recognize changes in mood and behavior, respond with empathy, and report concerns to the nurse or social worker.
296 words, about 1 min05Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents
Residents with dementia or other cognitive impairment may have memory loss, disorientation, poor judgment, and changes in communication and behavior. Care focuses on safety, routine, and reducing distress rather than correcting the resident.
289 words, about 1 min06Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Effective communication is central to safe care. The nursing assistant must communicate clearly with residents, families, and the care team, both verbally and in writing.
279 words, about 1 min07Resident Rights and Independence
Residents in long-term care have legally protected rights. Candidates must know these rights and how to support them in daily practice.
289 words, about 1 min08Safety and Emergency Procedures
Safety is woven into every task. The nursing assistant must prevent falls, burns, choking, and the spread of infection, and must know how to respond in an emergency.
311 words, about 2 min