DC CNA case studies
DC CNA · Put your knowledge to work in context.
The District of Columbia Certified Nurse Aide credential is the entry-level qualification that allows a person to work as a nursing assistant in DC long-term care settings, home care agencies, and hospitals. Candidates typically complete a state-approved nurse aide training program and then pass a competency evaluation made up of a written (or computer-based) knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration; both parts must be passed. The knowledge test samples broadly across the job: personal care and activities of daily living, basic nursing skills such as vital signs and specimen collection, safety and infection control, communication, scope of practice, resident rights, psychosocial and dementia care, and nutrition and hydration. The skills portion asks you to perform selected procedures on a live or simulated partner while an evaluator scores your technique, safety, and infection control step by step. The DC CNA case studies are 5 cases and about 2,621 words.
1The Cough at the Dining Table
Alvarez, 82, had a stroke three weeks ago and has left-sided weakness. It is 1215 and you are assisting him with lunch at the dining table.
511 words, about 3 min2Fever, Catheter, and a Bag on the Floor
Nowak, 79, has had an indwelling urinary catheter for six days and a stage 2 pressure injury on her sacrum. At 0700 you are assigned her bed bath and vital signs.
540 words, about 3 min3"My Husband Is Waiting for His Dinner"
Chen, 86, has moderate Alzheimer's disease and has lived on your unit for eight months. It is 1600 on a winter afternoon; the sun is setting and the hallway is noisy during shift change.
526 words, about 3 min4Pocketing Food and Refusing Thick Liquids
Okafor, 74, had a stroke five weeks ago. A swallow study placed him on a mechanical soft diet with mildly thick liquids.
492 words, about 2 min5The Daughter on the Phone
Patel, 78, is alert, oriented, and independent in most ADLs. She has refused her scheduled shower four days in a row, saying each time, "I'm too tired, I'll do it tomorrow." The facility standard is two showers weekly.
552 words, about 3 min