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Louisiana CNA study materials
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Louisiana CNA practice questions

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Question 1Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant has just finished emptying a resident's urinary drainage bag. What should the assistant do next?

  1. Put on a fresh pair of gloves and move on to the next task
  2. Wash the hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based rub Correct answer.
  3. Rinse the hands with water only and dry them on a bath towel
  4. Wipe the hands on a paper towel and continue to the next resident

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required after contact with body fluids and after gloves are removed, because organisms are easily spread from the hands to other residents and surfaces. Soap and water or an alcohol-based rub both clean the hands effectively. Gloves do not replace handwashing.

Question 2Physical Care Skills

When changing soiled bed linens, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Shake the soiled linen in the air to remove crumbs
  2. Place the soiled linen on the floor beside the bed
  3. Carry the soiled linen against the chest to the linen cart
  4. Roll soiled linen inward and hold it away from the body Correct answer.

Explanation

Soiled linen is rolled inward so the contaminated surface is enclosed, and it is held away from the uniform to prevent organisms from transferring to clothing. Linen is never shaken, because that scatters microorganisms into the air. Soiled linen also never touches the floor or the caregiver's body.

Question 3Physical Care Skills

What water temperature is appropriate when giving a resident a bed bath?

  1. Warm water, tested on the inner wrist, about 105 degrees F Correct answer.
  2. Hot water straight from the tap, since heat relaxes muscles
  3. Cold water, because cool temperatures reduce skin irritation
  4. Water heated until steam rises from the basin

Explanation

Bath water should be comfortably warm, roughly 105 degrees F, and tested on the inner wrist before use because older skin is thin and easily burned. Water that is too hot damages the skin, and water that is too cold causes chilling and discomfort.

Question 4Physical Care Skills

A resident removes her dentures and hands them to the nursing assistant. How should the assistant clean them?

  1. Brush them over a basin of water or a folded towel Correct answer.
  2. Wrap them in a tissue and place them on the bedside table
  3. Soak them in a bleach solution for one hour
  4. Scrub them with hot water and household cleanser

Explanation

Dentures are hard and slippery, so they are brushed over a basin partly filled with water or over a folded towel to prevent breakage if dropped. Denture cleanser or mild soap and cool water are used. Hot water can warp dentures and bleach is not appropriate for oral appliances.

Question 5Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant is walking a resident who has weakness on the left side. Where should the assistant stand?

  1. Behind the resident, holding both shoulders
  2. Directly in front of the resident, walking backward
  3. On the weaker left side, holding the gait belt Correct answer.
  4. On the stronger right side, holding the resident's arm

Explanation

The assistant stands on the resident's weaker side and slightly behind, gripping the gait belt, so the weak side is supported and the assistant can control a loss of balance. The resident is never pulled by the arm, which can injure the shoulder.

Question 6Physical Care Skills

A resident has dysphagia. Which action is best during a meal?

  1. Offer thin liquids through a straw to make swallowing easier
  2. Add extra liquid to solid foods to thin them
  3. Feed the resident quickly so the food does not get cold
  4. Keep the resident sitting upright during the meal Correct answer.

Explanation

An upright position uses gravity to help food move safely down the throat and reduces the risk of aspiration. The assistant also offers small bites, allows time to chew and swallow, and follows any ordered diet consistency.

Question 7Physical Care Skills

Which action best reduces a resident's risk of falling at night?

  1. Keep the call light within reach and answer it promptly Correct answer.
  2. Leave the room dark to encourage sleep
  3. Apply a wrist restraint to keep the resident in bed
  4. Raise all four side rails so the resident cannot get up

Explanation

Most falls happen when a resident tries to get up alone to reach the bathroom or the call light. Keeping the light within reach, answering quickly, and providing night lighting and frequent checks address the cause of the fall.

Question 8Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant must lift a heavy object. Which technique protects the assistant's back?

  1. Bend the knees and hold the object close to the body Correct answer.
  2. Bend at the waist and reach out with straight arms
  3. Lift the object quickly with a jerking motion to get it over with
  4. Twist the upper body while lifting to save steps

Explanation

Bending the knees uses the strong leg muscles, and holding the load close keeps the weight near the body's center of gravity, which reduces strain on the lower back. The back stays straight and the assistant never twists while lifting.

Question 9Physical Care Skills

The nursing assistant positions a resident in a side-lying position. Which action is correct?

  1. Leave the lower leg straight with the upper leg crossed over it
  2. Place the resident flat on the back with the head turned
  3. Place a pillow between the knees and keep the body aligned Correct answer.
  4. Tuck the upper arm under the resident's body

Explanation

In a lateral position, a pillow between the knees prevents the legs from pressing together, and additional pillows behind the back and under the upper arm keep the spine and hips aligned. Proper alignment protects the skin and joints and reduces pressure.

Question 10Physical Care Skills

A resident can bear weight and is moving from the bed to a chair. What should the assistant do?

  1. Hold the resident under the arms and lift with the back
  2. Apply a gait belt and pivot with the resident on the count of three Correct answer.
  3. Place the chair far from the bed so the resident must step to reach it
  4. Pull the resident up by the arms and swing into the chair

Explanation

For a weight-bearing resident, the assistant applies a gait belt, helps the resident sit on the edge of the bed with feet flat, and pivots together on an agreed count. The chair is placed close and locked so the resident does not have to step or reach.

Question 11Physical Care Skills

When performing range-of-motion exercises with a resident, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Force the joint past resistance to improve flexibility
  2. Move the joint slowly and stop if the resident reports pain Correct answer.
  3. Perform each exercise quickly to prevent stiffness
  4. Skip painful joints and never exercise them again

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercises are done slowly and gently, moving each joint through its normal motion only to the point of resistance. Pain, resistance, or a change in the resident's breathing means the movement should stop and be reported.

Question 12Physical Care Skills

When giving perineal care to a female resident, in which direction should the assistant wash?

  1. From the urinary meatus toward the rectum (front to back) Correct answer.
  2. From the rectum toward the urinary meatus (back to front)
  3. In a circular motion around the rectum first
  4. From the outer thighs inward toward the perineum

Explanation

Cleaning from the front to the back keeps fecal organisms away from the urinary meatus, which helps prevent urinary tract infection. A clean washcloth and clean water are used for each stroke, and the area is rinsed and dried well.

Question 13Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when caring for a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter?

  1. Rest the tubing in a loop on the bed so it does not pull
  2. Hang the drainage bag on the side rail above the bladder
  3. Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder Correct answer.
  4. Empty the bag only when it is completely full

Explanation

Gravity must drain urine down and away from the bladder, so the bag stays below bladder level and off the floor, with tubing free of kinks and loops. The bag is emptied regularly, before it becomes overfull, and output is measured.

Question 14Physical Care Skills

A resident has just finished a cup of hot coffee. How long should the assistant wait before taking an oral temperature?

  1. About 1 minute
  2. At least 15 to 30 minutes Correct answer.
  3. No wait is needed
  4. At least 2 hours

Explanation

Hot or cold food and drink change the temperature inside the mouth, so the reading would be inaccurate. The assistant waits 15 to 30 minutes, or takes the temperature by another route.

Question 15Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant count a radial pulse?

  1. Count the beats for 15 seconds and multiply by four
  2. Count the beats for 5 seconds and double the number
  3. Count the beats for 30 seconds and multiply by two Correct answer.
  4. Count the beats for 10 seconds and multiply by ten

Explanation

A regular radial pulse is counted for 30 seconds and multiplied by two; if the rhythm is irregular, the pulse is counted for a full minute. The rate, rhythm, and strength are recorded and any irregularity is reported.

Question 16Physical Care Skills

When counting a resident's respirations, the assistant should:

  1. Instruct the resident to breathe deeply and count each breath aloud
  2. Estimate the rate by watching briefly without counting
  3. Keep holding the wrist and count for a full minute Correct answer.
  4. Count only the breaths the resident takes through the mouth

Explanation

Residents often change their breathing when they know it is being watched, so the assistant keeps the fingers on the wrist as if still counting the pulse. One rise and fall of the chest is one respiration, and the count continues for a full minute.

Question 17Physical Care Skills

Which item should the nursing assistant record on a resident's intake record?

  1. Water a resident drinks from a measured cup Correct answer.
  2. The number of times the resident vomited
  3. The fluid removed from a wound drain
  4. The urine emptied from the drainage bag

Explanation

Intake includes all fluids taken in by mouth, such as water, juice, soup, and ice chips, as well as tube feedings and intravenous fluids. Urine, vomitus, and wound drainage are recorded as output.

Question 18Physical Care Skills

A resident has a weak right arm. When helping the resident dress, the assistant should:

  1. Put the shirt on the weak arm first and remove it from the weak arm last Correct answer.
  2. Pull both sleeves on at the same time to save time
  3. Put the shirt on the strong arm first and remove it from the strong arm last
  4. Dress the weak arm last and undress the weak arm first

Explanation

Clothing goes onto the weak or affected side first, so the resident does not have to push a painful or stiff arm through a sleeve. When undressing, the strong arm is freed first and the weak side is undressed last.

Question 19Physical Care Skills

After caring for a resident on contact precautions, how should the assistant remove personal protective equipment?

  1. Remove the mask first, then the gloves, then the gown
  2. Remove the gown first, then the mask, then the gloves
  3. Pull the gloves off and touch the mask before taking it off
  4. Remove gloves, then gown, then mask, and wash hands at the end Correct answer.

Explanation

The most contaminated items come off first: gloves, then the gown, then the mask, which is removed by the ties or straps without touching the front. Hand hygiene is performed after all equipment is removed.

Question 20Physical Care Skills

Where should the blood pressure cuff be placed on a resident's arm?

  1. On the upper arm with the tubing crossing the front of the elbow
  2. Over a thick sweater so the cuff does not pinch the skin
  3. On the bare upper arm, about one inch above the elbow Correct answer.
  4. Around the forearm, just above the wrist

Explanation

The cuff goes on bare skin with its lower edge about one inch above the bend of the elbow, and the artery marker is aligned over the brachial artery. The arm rests at heart level and the correct cuff size is used for an accurate reading.

Question 21Physical Care Skills

A resident has a physician-ordered restraint. How often must the nursing assistant check the resident and release the restraint?

  1. Once each shift when vital signs are taken
  2. Every 15 minutes, with release every 2 hours Correct answer.
  3. Every 4 hours, when the resident is turned
  4. Only when the resident asks to be released

Explanation

A restrained resident is checked at least every 15 minutes for breathing, circulation, skin color, and safety, and the restraint is released, the resident repositioned, and needs met at least every 2 hours. Restraints are used only when ordered and only as a last resort.

Question 22Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant applies a warm compress to a resident's back. Which action is most important?

  1. Leave the compress in place for one hour to increase the effect
  2. Check the skin every 5 minutes and stop if it becomes red Correct answer.
  3. Apply the compress over an area with a fresh skin tear
  4. Place the compress directly on the skin without a cover

Explanation

Heat increases blood flow and can burn skin that is thin or has reduced sensation, so the skin under the compress is checked every 5 minutes and treatment is limited to about 15 to 20 minutes. The compress is covered with a cloth and never placed over broken skin.

Question 23Physical Care Skills

When emptying a colostomy pouch, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Flush the pouch contents into the toilet while the pouch is attached
  2. Pull the pouch off the skin each time it is emptied
  3. Open the bottom of the pouch and drain it into a measuring container Correct answer.
  4. Empty the pouch into a bedpan and leave the pouch open

Explanation

The pouch stays attached to the skin; the bottom is opened and the contents are drained into a measuring container so output can be measured, then the end is cleaned and closed. The pouch is emptied when it is about one-third to one-half full to prevent leakage and pulling.

Question 24Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when applying elastic compression stockings?

  1. Apply them in the morning before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.
  2. Roll them down to the ankle and leave the top folded
  3. Apply lotion to the legs first so the stockings slide on easily
  4. Apply them at bedtime after the legs have been dependent all day

Explanation

Compression stockings work best when applied before the legs become swollen, so they are put on in the morning before the resident gets up. They are smoothed flat without wrinkles or folds, and circulation is checked afterward.

Question 25Physical Care Skills

A resident begins to have a generalized seizure. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Ease the resident to the floor and turn onto the side Correct answer.
  2. Hold the resident's arms and legs still to stop the movement
  3. Place a spoon between the teeth to keep the airway open
  4. Leave the room to get help and return quickly

Explanation

The priority is protecting the resident from injury, so the assistant eases the resident to the floor or bed and turns the head to the side so secretions can drain. Nothing is placed in the mouth, the limbs are not restrained, and the assistant stays with the resident and times the seizure.

Question 26Physical Care Skills

A resident has a Clostridioides difficile infection. Which hand hygiene method should the nursing assistant use after giving care?

  1. Use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  2. Wash hands with soap and water. Correct answer.
  3. Use an alcohol-based rub twice.
  4. Wipe hands with a dry paper towel.

Explanation

Alcohol-based rubs do not reliably kill the spores that cause C. difficile infection. Soap and water with friction physically removes the spores from the hands. Hand hygiene with soap and water is required in this situation.

Question 27Physical Care Skills

Which action should the nursing assistant take when giving mouth care to an unresponsive resident?

  1. Place the resident flat on the back and use plenty of mouthwash.
  2. Give the resident a cup of water to rinse and spit.
  3. Wrap a finger in gauze and scrub the teeth firmly.
  4. Turn the resident onto the side and use only a little fluid. Correct answer.

Explanation

An unresponsive resident cannot swallow or protect the airway, so fluid can be aspirated. Side-lying positioning lets fluid drain out of the mouth, and only a small amount of fluid should be used. Suction should be available in case of choking.

Question 28Physical Care Skills

A resident wears removable dentures. Which action is correct when the nursing assistant cleans them?

  1. Wrap the dentures in a washcloth and leave them in the bed.
  2. Store the dentures dry in a tissue at the bedside.
  3. Line the sink with a towel before cleaning. Correct answer.
  4. Soak the dentures in hot water and bleach.

Explanation

Dentures are slippery when wet and break easily if dropped on a hard surface. Lining the sink with a towel and holding the dentures over the basin cushions them if they slip. Hot water can warp dentures and bleach is not appropriate for routine cleaning.

Question 29Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when caring for the feet of a resident who has diabetes?

  1. Soak the feet in hot water for at least 30 minutes each evening.
  2. Cut corns and calluses off with a sharp blade.
  3. Rub lotion between the toes after bathing.
  4. Inspect between the toes for redness or breaks. Correct answer.

Explanation

Diabetes reduces circulation and sensation in the feet, so small injuries can go unnoticed and become serious. Daily inspection, especially between the toes, allows problems to be reported early. Sharp instruments and hot soaks can cause injuries or burns.

Question 30Physical Care Skills

A resident needs to use a bedpan. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Powder the bedpan so it slides under the resident easily.
  2. Ask the resident to roll onto the bedpan and stay there.
  3. Warm the bedpan and raise the head of the bed. Correct answer.
  4. Place the bedpan and leave the bed flat and low.

Explanation

A warmed bedpan is more comfortable, and raising the head of the bed supports a more normal position for elimination. The wide end of the bedpan goes under the buttocks. Leaving the bed flat makes it hard for the resident to bear down and increases strain.

Question 31Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant will transfer a resident using a mechanical lift. Which action is correct?

  1. Raise the resident quickly to save time.
  2. Check that the sling is secure before raising the resident. Correct answer.
  3. Have two staff members lift the resident by the arms and legs.
  4. Leave the resident in the lift while you get a chair.

Explanation

The sling must be correctly placed and all straps fastened before the lift is raised so the resident cannot slip or fall. Lifting must be smooth and controlled. A resident is never left unattended in a lift.

Question 32Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant weigh a resident to get useful readings over time?

  1. Weigh at the same time of day on the same scale. Correct answer.
  2. Use a different scale each day to check for errors.
  3. Weigh the resident while the resident holds the side rail.
  4. Weigh the resident after meals whenever the scale is free.

Explanation

Consistency is what makes weights comparable over time. Using the same scale, at the same time of day, with similar clothing controls for normal daily changes. Holding onto furniture changes the weight recorded.

Question 33Physical Care Skills

A midstream urine specimen is ordered for a resident who can void on her own. Which action is correct?

  1. Have the resident void into a bedpan and pour it all into the container.
  2. Take the specimen from the catheter drainage bag.
  3. Collect the first few drops because they contain the most bacteria.
  4. Cleanse the area and collect the middle of the stream. Correct answer.

Explanation

Cleansing the area and collecting the middle of the stream reduces contamination from skin flora. The first portion flushes the urethra and is discarded. A specimen must be collected directly rather than taken from a drainage bag or bedpan.

Question 34Physical Care Skills

A stool specimen is needed from a resident. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Collect the stool in the container and label it. Correct answer.
  2. Store the specimen at room temperature for 24 hours.
  3. Take the specimen from the toilet bowl after flushing.
  4. Add toilet paper with the stool to the container.

Explanation

Stool is collected from a bedpan or a collection hat in the toilet so it is not mixed with urine or toilet paper. The container is labeled and sent to the laboratory promptly. Specimens are not taken from toilet water after flushing.

Question 35Physical Care Skills

Before giving a cleansing enema, how should the nursing assistant position the resident?

  1. Have the resident use the toilet immediately after the solution goes in.
  2. Place the resident on the left side with the right knee flexed. Correct answer.
  3. Position the resident on the right side with the head raised.
  4. Insert the tip forcefully and squeeze the bag to speed the flow.

Explanation

The left side-lying position with the right knee drawn up follows the curve of the descending colon and helps the solution flow in. The solution should enter slowly to prevent cramping. The resident must be taught to hold the solution for a period before using the toilet.

Question 36Physical Care Skills

A resident is receiving oxygen by nasal cannula. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Store the oxygen cylinder lying flat in a closet.
  2. Tape the oxygen tubing tightly to the floor.
  3. Post no-smoking signs and keep petroleum products away. Correct answer.
  4. Adjust the oxygen flow rate when the resident seems short of breath.

Explanation

Oxygen makes materials burn faster and more intensely, so open flames and oil-based products must be kept away. No-smoking signs protect the resident and others. Only the prescriber sets the flow rate.

Question 37Physical Care Skills

Which factor is most likely to make a pulse oximeter reading inaccurate?

  1. The probe is on a cool finger with nail polish. Correct answer.
  2. The resident's respiratory rate is 16 breaths per minute.
  3. The resident's pulse rate is 76 beats per minute.
  4. The resident has been resting quietly for 10 minutes.

Explanation

The oximeter relies on light passing through the tissue, so poor circulation, cold skin, dark nail polish, and motion interfere with the reading. The nurse should be told if the reading does not match the resident's condition. Resting quietly and normal pulse and respiratory rates do not distort the reading.

Question 38Physical Care Skills

Which action helps prevent pressure injuries in a resident who must stay in bed?

  1. Place the resident directly on the hip for long periods.
  2. Use a rubber ring under the resident's buttocks.
  3. Rub lotion vigorously into reddened bony areas after each turn.
  4. Reposition at least every 2 hours and check the skin. Correct answer.

Explanation

Pressure builds when one area bears weight for too long, so scheduled turning relieves it and allows the skin to be checked. Reddened areas show tissue damage and should not be rubbed. Ring cushions concentrate pressure on the surrounding tissue.

Question 39Physical Care Skills

Which areas should the nursing assistant inspect when checking a resident's skin during personal care?

  1. Inspect the heels, sacrum, and elbows for redness. Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the next shift to report broken skin.
  3. Press firmly on any reddened area to see whether it blanches.
  4. Check only the areas the resident says are sore.

Explanation

Bony prominences bear the most pressure and are the first places where pressure injury develops. These areas must be looked at regularly, even when the resident feels no discomfort. New redness or broken skin is reported promptly.

Question 40Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant give a back massage to a resident?

  1. Massage directly over reddened bony areas to improve circulation.
  2. Use quick, deep kneading motions over the spine.
  3. Massage for at least 20 minutes to promote sleep.
  4. Use gentle strokes and avoid reddened bony areas. Correct answer.

Explanation

A back massage promotes comfort and circulation using smooth, gentle strokes. Reddened bony areas already show tissue damage and must not be massaged. The spine itself should not be pressed, and a massage is kept brief.

Question 41Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant wash a resident's eyes during a bed bath?

  1. Wipe each eye from the outer corner toward the nose.
  2. Wash each eye from the inner corner outward. Correct answer.
  3. Use soapy water on each eye to remove drainage.
  4. Wash both eyes with the same corner of the washcloth.

Explanation

Wiping from the inner corner outward moves drainage away from the tear duct and prevents it from being pushed into the eye. A clean area of the cloth is used for each eye to avoid spreading infection. Soap should not get into the eyes.

Question 42Physical Care Skills

A resident needs a shave. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Use a straight razor for a resident taking blood thinners.
  2. Use cold water and a dull blade to avoid cutting the skin.
  3. Shave against the direction of hair growth to get a closer shave.
  4. Soften the beard and shave in the direction of hair growth. Correct answer.

Explanation

Warm, moist skin and a softened beard reduce nicks and pulling. Shaving in the direction the hair grows lowers the risk of cutting the skin and of ingrown hairs. A dull blade tears the skin and a straight razor is unsafe for a resident who bleeds easily.

Question 43Physical Care Skills

A resident who can use his hands needs to urinate and is on bed rest. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Place the urinal on the floor beside the bed after use.
  2. Ask the resident to hold the urinal until you return.
  3. Leave the urinal on the overbed table after use.
  4. Hand the resident the urinal and provide privacy. Correct answer.

Explanation

Giving the urinal, pulling the curtain, and placing the call light within reach supports privacy, dignity, and safety. The urinal is emptied promptly after use and cleaned. It is never set on the floor or left on a table where it could spill.

Question 44Physical Care Skills

A sputum specimen is ordered for a resident. Which instruction should the nursing assistant give?

  1. Send the specimen in a paper cup without a lid.
  2. Have the resident cough deeply into the container. Correct answer.
  3. Collect saliva by having the resident spit into the cup.
  4. Collect the specimen right after breakfast.

Explanation

Sputum comes from the lungs, so the resident must cough deeply to produce it rather than spitting saliva. Specimens are best collected in the morning when secretions have pooled. They go in a covered container that is labeled and sent promptly.

Question 45Physical Care Skills

A resident is receiving a tube feeding. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Keep the head of the bed raised during and after the feeding. Correct answer.
  2. Place the resident flat and give the feeding rapidly.
  3. Lower the head of the bed after the feeding so the resident can rest.
  4. Raise the head of the bed slightly during the feeding.

Explanation

Keeping the head of the bed elevated during and for about 30 minutes after a tube feeding uses gravity to keep formula in the stomach and reduces the risk of aspiration. A slight elevation is not enough. The resident is never fed flat or laid down right after a feeding.

Question 46Physical Care Skills

A resident wears a hearing aid. Which action is correct at bedtime?

  1. Wrap the hearing aid in a tissue and leave it on the tray.
  2. Wash the hearing aid in warm soapy water each night.
  3. Leave the hearing aid on at night so the resident can hear.
  4. Turn the hearing aid off and store it in a labeled case. Correct answer.

Explanation

Hearing aids are turned off and stored in a labeled case when not in use so they are not lost or damaged. Water damages the electronics. Leaving the device on drains the battery and can be uncomfortable for the resident.

Question 47Physical Care Skills

A resident needs an external condom catheter. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Leave space at the tip and check circulation often. Correct answer.
  2. Apply petroleum jelly under the condom before applying it.
  3. Tape the tubing tightly to the thigh to prevent pulling.
  4. Remove and reapply the condom every 8 hours.

Explanation

The condom must not press on the tip of the penis or constrict the shaft, because that damages tissue and blocks urine flow. The skin and circulation are checked regularly and the device is changed according to the care plan. Petroleum products break down the material.

Question 48Physical Care Skills

A resident with a weak left leg will walk with a cane. How should the nursing assistant teach the resident to use it?

  1. Hold the cane on the stronger side and keep the body weight leaning over it at all times.
  2. Hold the cane on the weak side and step with the strong leg first.
  3. Place the cane on the stronger side and move it with the weak leg. Correct answer.
  4. Hold the cane on the weak side and keep it ahead of the feet.

Explanation

The cane is held on the stronger side so it widens the base of support and supports the weaker leg. The cane moves forward together with the weak leg, then the strong leg steps past it. Leaning the body over the cane at all times is unstable.

Question 49Physical Care Skills

A resident will move from a wheelchair to bed. Which action should the nursing assistant take first?

  1. Leave the wheel locks off so the chair can move easily.
  2. Have the resident stand on the footrests to get up.
  3. Tilt the wheelchair back on its rear wheels while the resident sits.
  4. Lock the wheel locks before the resident stands. Correct answer.

Explanation

Locking the wheels keeps the chair from rolling away as the resident stands, which is a leading cause of falls during transfers. The footrests are moved out of the way and the resident's feet are placed flat on the floor. Standing on footrests can tip the chair.

Question 50Physical Care Skills

A resident's nose begins to bleed. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Have the resident lean back and swallow the blood.
  2. Have the resident lie flat and tilt the head back.
  3. Sit the resident up, lean forward, and pinch the nose. Correct answer.
  4. Pack the nostrils with tissue and have the resident blow hard.

Explanation

Sitting upright and leaning forward keeps blood from running down the throat, where it can cause choking, nausea, or vomiting. Pinching the soft part of the nose applies pressure to the bleeding area. The assistant stays with the resident and reports a nosebleed that does not stop.