Ohio CNA (formerly STNA) study guide
Ohio CNA (formerly STNA) · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Ohio nurse aide credential - still widely called the STNA, for State Tested Nurse Aide - is the entry-level license to work in nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals, and home care in Ohio. It is administered through a state-approved competency evaluation process: a candidate completes a state-approved training program, then passes a written or oral knowledge test and a hands-on skills demonstration. The Ohio CNA (formerly STNA) study guide has 10 sections and about 4,002 words.
01Role of the Nurse Aide and Resident Rights
A nurse aide provides basic nursing care under the supervision and delegation of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN). Aides do not assess, write care plans, give medications, insert tubes, or perform sterile procedures.
328 words, about 2 min02Communication and Interpersonal Skills
The goal is to help the resident express needs and to confirm you understood. Use active listening, open-ended questions, restating, clarifying, and reflecting feelings.
335 words, about 2 min03Safety and Emergency Procedures
Identify who is at risk: anyone with confusion, weakness, sedation, vision loss, incontinence, or a history of falling. Keep the bed low and locked, call light and personal items within reach, floor dry, clutter cleared, and lighting adequate.
346 words, about 2 min04Infection Control and Standard Precautions
Infection requires a germ, a reservoir, a way out, a way in, and a susceptible host. Hand hygiene breaks the chain better than anything else.
336 words, about 2 min05Personal Care and Hygiene (ADLs, bathing, grooming, dressing)
Hygiene keeps skin intact, prevents odor and infection, and preserves dignity. Always provide privacy, explain each step, gather supplies first, and encourage the resident to do whatever they can.
316 words, about 2 min06Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs
Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and pain are the core measurements. Know the adult norms: oral temperature about 97.6-99.6°F, pulse 60-100 beats per minute, respirations 12-20 per minute, and blood pressure around 120/80.
325 words, about 2 min07Nutrition and Hydration
Serve only the diet and liquids ordered for that resident: regular, no concentrated sweets, low sodium, renal, pureed, mechanically soft, or thickened liquids at a specified consistency. Never give water or ice chips to a resident on thickened liquids or a fluid restriction without checking; never add salt or sugar to food.
322 words, about 2 min08Elimination and Toileting Assistance
Know each resident's usual bowel and bladder routine and offer toileting on a schedule, before and after meals, at bedtime, and on waking. Prompted toileting and bladder or bowel training programs are restorative, not just convenience.
353 words, about 2 min09Restorative Care, Mobility and Body Mechanics
Restorative care keeps residents functioning at their highest possible level rather than doing everything for them. The core idea: if a resident can do part of a task, let them, and assist only with what they cannot do.
692 words, about 3 min10Mental Health, Cognition and Behavioral Support
Illness, loss of independence, pain, and institutional routines affect mood. Residents may show anxiety, grief, anger, withdrawal, or depression.
649 words, about 3 min