Montana CNA study guide
Montana CNA · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Montana Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) credential is the entry-level nursing assistant qualification used in Montana's long-term care facilities, nursing homes, home health agencies, and hospital aide roles. Certification is regulated at the state level, and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is the state agency whose website (dphhs.mt.gov) serves as the starting point for program information, applications, and required reports. The Montana CNA study guide has 6 sections and about 2,203 words.
01Role of the Nurse Aide and Resident Rights
A CNA provides direct, hands-on care and reports what is observed; the licensed nurse assesses, plans care, teaches, and evaluates outcomes. Tasks may be delegated by an RN or LPN, but the aide still owns doing them correctly and telling the nurse when something changes.
375 words, about 2 min02Promotion of Safety and Infection Control
Most injuries in long-term care are preventable. For fall risk: bed low and locked, call light within reach, non-skid footwear, clear path, prompt answers to call lights, and scheduled toileting.
354 words, about 2 min03Promotion of Function and Health of Residents
The aide prepares the resident, positions them upright (about 90 degrees, or as ordered), checks the tray against the diet card, honors preferences, and encourages independence. Therapeutic diets such as low sodium, diabetic, renal, or thickened liquids are ordered - never give food brought from home without nurse approval.
366 words, about 2 min04Basic Nursing Care and Personal Care Skills
Before touching a resident: check the assignment or order, gather supplies, knock, identify the resident by name and identifier, explain what you will do, provide privacy, and wash your hands. After care: leave the bed low and locked with the call light in reach, clear the clutter, wash your hands, and report and document objectively.
382 words, about 2 min05Specialized Care and Psychosocial Needs
Approach slowly from the front at eye level, use short sentences, and give one instruction at a time. Offer choices instead of quizzes: 'the blue shirt or the red one' rather than 'do you remember?' Do not argue with a delusion or hallucination - acknowledge the feeling and redirect to a safe activity.
331 words, about 2 min06Clinical Skills Performance
Evaluators look for a safe, complete sequence rather than speed: hand hygiene, identification, explanation, privacy, correct technique, clean-to-dirty order, resident comfort and dignity, and a clean finish. Missing hand hygiene or privacy is often scored as an automatic failure, so treat them as non-negotiable bookends on every skill.
395 words, about 2 min