CNA Gerontological Nursing study guide
CNA Gerontological Nursing · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The CNA Gerontological Nursing credential is a specialty certification for nursing assistants who work primarily with older adults in nursing homes, assisted living, home care, and hospital geriatric units. It signals that an aide has moved beyond entry-level tasks and can apply aging-specific knowledge: normal age-related change versus disease, dementia communication, fall and skin-integrity prevention, hydration risk, and resident rights under abuse-reporting rules. The CNA Gerontological Nursing study guide has 9 sections and about 2,558 words.
01Aging Process and Gerontological Principles
A candidate must separate predictable age-related change from pathology. Normal changes include reduced skin elasticity and thinning, decreased lean muscle mass, slower reaction time, reduced renal and hepatic clearance, diminished thirst sensation, presbyopia and high-frequency hearing loss, and lower baseline temperature.
309 words, about 2 min02Communication and Interpersonal Skills with Older Adults
Effective communication with older adults requires positioning, sensory accommodation, and respect. Face the resident, make eye contact at eye level, speak clearly at a moderate pace, and avoid shouting.
323 words, about 2 min03Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living
Personal care includes bathing, oral hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, and skin care. Know the principles of privacy, dignity, and resident preference - encourage independence and allow the resident to do what they can.
305 words, about 2 min04Mobility, Safety, and Injury Prevention
Mobility safety centers on fall prevention and safe transfer. Know that most falls occur during toileting, transfers, and ambulation, often related to orthostatic hypotension, medications, footwear, and environmental hazards.
307 words, about 2 min05Nutrition and Hydration
Older adults are at risk for malnutrition and dehydration due to reduced thirst, altered taste, dental problems, dysphagia, and medications. Know the signs of dehydration: dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, concentrated urine, confusion, and low urine output.
283 words, about 1 min06Medication Assistance and Observation
In many settings, nursing assistants may assist with medications but may not administer them; know your scope of practice and follow facility policy. Key concepts include the "rights" of medication administration (right resident, drug, dose, route, time, documentation), observing for side effects, and reporting changes.
270 words, about 1 min07Psychosocial and Mental Health Care
Older adults face loss, isolation, and role changes that can contribute to depression. Know the signs of depression: withdrawal, poor appetite, sleep changes, and hopelessness.
245 words, about 1 min08Resident Rights, Ethics, and Abuse Prevention
Resident rights include dignity, privacy, choice, confidentiality, freedom from abuse and neglect, and the right to refuse care. Know the types of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect.
250 words, about 1 min09Infection Control and Emergency Response
Know standard precautions: hand hygiene before and after every contact, gloves for body fluids, and safe handling of sharps. Transmission-based precautions include contact (e.g., MRSA, C.
266 words, about 1 min