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Tennessee CNA practice questions

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Question 1Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A nursing assistant finishes care for one resident and is about to begin care for another. When should hand hygiene be performed?

  1. At the start of the shift and again at the end
  2. Only after care that involves blood or body fluids
  3. Before and after contact with each resident Correct answer.
  4. Only when the hands are visibly dirty or soiled

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required before and after every direct contact with a resident, whether or not gloves were worn, because organisms are picked up and passed on during routine care. Visible dirt is not a requirement for cleaning the hands. Alcohol-based rub or soap and water is used each time the caregiver moves between residents.

Question 2Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Which respiratory rate for a resting adult falls within the normal range?

  1. 16 breaths per minute Correct answer.
  2. 32 breaths per minute
  3. 6 breaths per minute
  4. 24 breaths per minute

Explanation

A normal resting adult respiratory rate is about 12 to 20 breaths per minute. Rates under 12 or over 20 are outside the expected range and are reported to the nurse. Counting for a full minute gives the most accurate number.

Question 3Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident is at high risk for falls. How should the bed be left after the nursing assistant finishes giving care?

  1. In the lowest position with the wheels left unlocked
  2. In the lowest position with the wheels locked Correct answer.
  3. Raised to the highest position so the resident can see the room
  4. Raised to waist height with both side rails up

Explanation

A bed at its lowest height with the wheels locked reduces the distance and impact of a fall and keeps the frame from rolling when the resident leans or transfers. Side rails are used only as ordered, since raising them routinely can increase risk. The call light and needed items are placed within reach before leaving.

Question 4Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Where should the nursing assistant place a used lancet after a blood glucose check?

  1. In a rigid puncture-resistant sharps container Correct answer.
  2. In a biohazard bag inside the resident's room
  3. In the regular trash wrapped in paper
  4. In the linen hamper to be sorted later

Explanation

Used needles and lancets go directly into a rigid, puncture-resistant sharps container that is closable and labeled. Recapping or bending the sharp is avoided, and the container is never overfilled. Sharps placed in soft trash or linen can injure housekeeping and laundry staff.

Question 5Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident is receiving oxygen through a nasal cannula. Which product should be kept away from the resident's face?

  1. Water-based lip balm
  2. A cotton washcloth
  3. A saline nasal spray
  4. Petroleum-based ointment Correct answer.

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so petroleum-based ointments and oils on the face or tubing create a fire risk. Water-based lubricants are used instead when the skin or nostrils feel dry. No one smokes or uses open flames in a room where oxygen is in use.

Question 6Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident has just finished a glass of ice water. How long should the nursing assistant wait before taking an oral temperature?

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

Explanation

Hot or cold drinks change the temperature inside the mouth for a short time, so a wait of about 15 to 30 minutes gives an accurate oral reading. During the wait the nursing assistant can take the pulse and respirations. If the wait is not possible, another route is used as allowed by facility policy.

Question 7Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

How often should a resident who cannot turn independently be repositioned?

  1. Every 15 minutes
  2. Every hour
  3. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  4. Once each shift

Explanation

Repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure over bony areas and helps prevent pressure injuries. Some residents need more frequent turns based on the care plan, skin condition, and the surface they lie on. The nursing assistant should also check the skin at each turn.

Question 8Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Which action shows correct body mechanics when lifting a heavy object?

  1. Twisting the trunk while lifting to turn the body
  2. Bending forward at the waist to reach the object
  3. Holding the object at arm's length to keep it steady
  4. Bending the knees and holding the load close Correct answer.

Explanation

Bending the knees, keeping the back straight, and holding the load close keeps the weight over the legs and reduces strain on the spine. Twisting while lifting is avoided; the feet are moved instead to turn. When possible, a lift device or a second helper is used rather than lifting alone.

Question 9Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Where is the blood pressure cuff placed when taking an arm reading?

  1. Over the radial pulse at the wrist, on the thumb side
  2. Over the brachial artery, one inch above the elbow crease Correct answer.
  3. Around the forearm just below the elbow, with the tubing pointing down
  4. Across the elbow crease itself, with the tubing over the joint

Explanation

The cuff is wrapped snugly over the brachial artery with its lower edge about one inch above the antecubital space, and the arm is supported at heart level. Placing the cuff over the joint or too low gives inaccurate readings. The bladder is centered over the artery so pressure is applied evenly.

Question 10Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

In which order does the nursing assistant put on personal protective equipment?

  1. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
  2. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves Correct answer.
  3. Mask, gloves, gown, goggles
  4. Goggles, gloves, mask, gown

Explanation

The gown goes on first, then the mask, then eye protection, and gloves last so that the gloves cover the gown cuffs. Putting gloves on last keeps them clean when the other items are handled. Hand hygiene is done before the equipment is applied.

Question 11Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

How should the nursing assistant handle a sheet that is wet with urine?

  1. Roll it inward and place it in a leak-proof bag Correct answer.
  2. Rinse it in the resident's sink before removal
  3. Shake it out over the floor before bagging it
  4. Carry it pressed against the uniform to the utility room

Explanation

Soiled linen is rolled with the wet area inside and placed directly into a leak-proof bag, then held away from the body during transport. Shaking linen releases organisms into the air and onto surfaces. Linen is never rinsed in the resident's sink or stored on the floor.

Question 12Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident drinks 6 ounces of juice. How many milliliters should the nursing assistant record on the intake record?

  1. 240 mL
  2. 60 mL
  3. 120 mL
  4. 180 mL Correct answer.

Explanation

One ounce equals 30 milliliters, so 6 ounces times 30 equals 180 milliliters. Intake is recorded in milliliters so that all fluids can be added together accurately. The amount is measured, not estimated, whenever a measuring container is available.

Question 13Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident must collect a clean-catch urine specimen. Which instruction should the nursing assistant give?

  1. Collect the entire amount of urine in the same container
  2. Void a little into the toilet, then collect urine in the middle of the stream Correct answer.
  3. Collect the specimen from the urine in the bedpan at the end of the shift
  4. Save only the first few drops that come out

Explanation

A clean-catch specimen requires cleaning the urinary meatus and collecting urine from the middle of the stream so the sample is not contaminated by skin organisms. The first portion flushes the urethra and is discarded, and the last portion is not needed. The container is capped, labeled, and sent to the laboratory promptly.

Question 14Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A warm soak is ordered for a resident's foot. What should the nursing assistant do during the treatment?

  1. Place the foot directly into the water without testing it first
  2. Add more hot water whenever the resident asks for it
  3. Check the skin every 5 minutes during the soak Correct answer.
  4. Step out of the room so the soak can finish undisturbed

Explanation

Heat applications are checked about every 5 minutes for redness, blistering, or pain because burns can develop when sensation is reduced. The water temperature is tested before the foot is placed in it and is not increased without an order. The resident is never left alone during a heat treatment.

Question 15Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

While performing passive range-of-motion exercises, a resident reports a sharp pain in the shoulder. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Apply lotion and repeat the same movement gently
  2. Stop the exercise and report the pain to the nurse Correct answer.
  3. Push the joint a little further, then stop for the day
  4. Continue slowly to work the joint through the pain

Explanation

Sharp pain during range of motion signals that the joint should not be forced; the movement is stopped and the finding is reported. Passive range of motion is performed by the caregiver only to the point of resistance, never beyond it. Warmth, swelling, and pain are documented and reported.

Question 16Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident is wearing a vest restraint. How often should the nursing assistant check circulation and skin?

  1. Every 15 minutes Correct answer.
  2. Every 2 hours
  3. Once per shift
  4. Every 30 minutes

Explanation

Restraints are checked at least every 15 minutes for breathing, circulation, skin color, warmth, and position, and the resident is offered fluids and toileting on a regular schedule. The restraint is removed as soon as it is safe. Any change in circulation or skin is reported immediately.

Question 17Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Which action helps maintain a sterile field?

  1. Reaching across the field to add supplies
  2. Keeping the field above waist level at all times Correct answer.
  3. Turning away from the field to pick up more gauze
  4. Setting supplies down on the outer edge of the field

Explanation

A sterile field must stay in view and above waist level, because anything below the waist or out of sight is considered contaminated. Supplies are dropped onto the field from a distance rather than reached across it. Turning away is avoided because the field can no longer be watched.

Question 18Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident with diabetes asks the nursing assistant to trim their toenails. What is the best response?

  1. Leave the nails untrimmed and report the request to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Soak the feet first, then trim the nails very short
  3. Trim the nails straight across and then file the corners
  4. Explain that nail care is not a nursing assistant duty

Explanation

Residents with diabetes often have poor circulation and reduced sensation in the feet, so nail trimming can lead to a wound that does not heal. The nursing assistant does not trim these nails and reports the request for the nurse or podiatrist to handle. The feet are still checked daily for redness, breaks, and swelling.

Question 19Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident on droplet precautions must be taken to the X-ray department. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Ask the transporter to open the hall windows
  2. Wear an N95 respirator while pushing the wheelchair
  3. Place a surgical mask on the resident's roommate
  4. Have the resident wear a mask during transport Correct answer.

Explanation

A resident on droplet precautions wears a mask whenever leaving the room to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others in shared areas. The nursing assistant also follows standard precautions and any required eye protection based on the task. The receiving department is told about the precautions in advance.

Question 20Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

After visible material is removed, which solution should be used to disinfect a small blood spill on the floor?

  1. Warm soapy water
  2. Rubbing alcohol applied with a cotton ball
  3. Hydrogen peroxide straight from the bottle
  4. A fresh 1:10 bleach and water solution Correct answer.

Explanation

A fresh solution of one part bleach to nine parts water (about 1:10) is the standard disinfectant for blood spills after the visible material is blotted up with absorbent material. Gloves and eye protection are worn, and the area is allowed the contact time required by policy. The waste is placed in a biohazard bag.

Question 21Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

An apical pulse is counted at 92 beats per minute and the radial pulse at 78 beats per minute. What does this mean?

  1. There is no pulse deficit because both pulses were counted
  2. The pulse deficit is 170 beats per minute
  3. The pulse deficit is 8 beats per minute
  4. The pulse deficit is 14 beats per minute Correct answer.

Explanation

A pulse deficit is the difference between the apical rate and the radial rate, found by subtracting the smaller number from the larger. Here 92 minus 78 leaves 14 beats per minute that the heart generates but that do not produce a peripheral pulse. The deficit is reported to the nurse.

Question 22Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Which precautions are required for a resident with active pulmonary tuberculosis?

  1. Contact precautions with a gown and gloves
  2. Airborne precautions with an N95 respirator Correct answer.
  3. Droplet precautions with a face shield
  4. Standard precautions with a surgical mask

Explanation

Tuberculosis spreads on tiny droplet nuclei that stay suspended in the air, so airborne precautions are used: a private room with negative air pressure, a fitted N95 or higher respirator, and a mask on the resident during transport. A surgical mask does not filter the smallest particles. Standard precautions are still practiced in addition.

Question 23Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

In which order should personal protective equipment be removed after resident care?

  1. Gown, gloves, mask, goggles
  2. Goggles, mask, gloves, gown
  3. Gloves, goggles, gown, mask Correct answer.
  4. Mask, gown, gloves, goggles

Explanation

The most contaminated items come off first: gloves, then eye protection, then the gown, with the mask or respirator removed last because it covers the face and its ties are handled after other items are gone. Hand hygiene follows immediately. Each item is removed without touching its contaminated surface.

Question 24Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident becomes dizzy when standing. How should the nursing assistant obtain orthostatic vital signs?

  1. Take the blood pressure after the resident walks down the hall
  2. Take a single blood pressure while the resident lies flat
  3. Take the blood pressure only while the resident is standing
  4. Take the blood pressure while lying, then sitting, then standing Correct answer.

Explanation

Orthostatic vital signs compare blood pressure and pulse in lying, sitting, and standing positions to see whether the pressure drops with position changes. The resident rests briefly in each position before the reading is taken, and the nursing assistant stays close to prevent a fall. A significant drop with symptoms is reported.

Question 25Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Which finding over a bony prominence should be reported as a possible stage 1 pressure injury?

  1. Intact skin that is red and does not blanch Correct answer.
  2. An open blister with clear drainage
  3. A shallow crater with visible fat tissue
  4. Intact skin that returns to normal color quickly

Explanation

Stage 1 is intact skin with a localized area of redness that does not blanch when pressed, often over a bony prominence. It is reported and kept off the area so it does not progress. Blanching redness that fades quickly is a normal response, not a pressure injury.

Question 26Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

The nursing assistant's hands are visibly soiled with body fluid after providing care. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Wash with soap and running water Correct answer.
  2. Wipe hands with a paper towel and continue care
  3. Rinse hands under water without soap
  4. Rub with an alcohol-based hand rub for 10 seconds

Explanation

Visibly soiled hands must be washed with soap and running water, because friction and rinsing physically remove the soil that an alcohol rub cannot. Alcohol-based rubs are used only when hands are not visibly dirty.

Question 27Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Which practice gives the most accurate daily weight for a resident?

  1. Use the same scale at the same time each day Correct answer.
  2. Weigh the resident right after the evening meal each day
  3. Weigh the resident in a different order each day
  4. Use whichever scale is closest to the resident's room

Explanation

Consistency makes weights comparable from day to day, so the same scale, the same time of day, and similar clothing should be used. A change of scale or timing can create a false gain or loss of several pounds.

Question 28Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Which item should be kept away from a resident who is receiving oxygen?

  1. Petroleum jelly or other oil-based ointment Correct answer.
  2. A cotton bath blanket folded at the foot of the bed
  3. A plastic water pitcher with a lid and straw
  4. A pair of foam slippers kept by the bed

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, and oil-based products such as petroleum jelly can ignite or burn when combined with oxygen. Cotton, plastic, and foam items are not fire hazards in the same way.

Question 29Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

Which arm should the nursing assistant avoid when measuring a resident's blood pressure?

  1. The arm on the resident's dominant side
  2. An arm with an IV line or dialysis fistula Correct answer.
  3. The arm where the cuff fits most comfortably
  4. Either arm, as long as the resident is sitting

Explanation

Cuff inflation on an arm with an IV infusion, a dialysis fistula, or on the side of a mastectomy can damage the access site or worsen swelling. The other arm, or a thigh reading if ordered, should be used instead.

Question 30Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

The nursing assistant is caring for one resident and must change gloves at which point?

  1. At 15-minute intervals for as long as care continues
  2. Only when all care for that resident has been finished
  3. Each time the gloves begin to feel warm and sweaty
  4. Before moving from soiled linen to a clean body area Correct answer.

Explanation

Gloves must be changed and hand hygiene performed whenever care moves from a contaminated area to a clean area, even with the same resident, to prevent cross-contamination. A time schedule does not reflect when contamination occurs.

Question 31Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A resident's urinary drainage bag contains urine. How should the nursing assistant measure and record the output?

  1. Record it as a "small amount" if the bag holds less than 200 mL
  2. Pour it into a graduated cylinder and read at eye level Correct answer.
  3. Weigh the bag on the scale used for the resident
  4. Estimate the amount by looking at the bag

Explanation

Output is measured by emptying the urine into a graduated cylinder and reading the volume at eye level so the measurement is accurate. The amount and the time are then recorded on the intake and output record.

Question 32Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

When should the nursing assistant apply elastic stockings to a resident?

  1. At bedtime, after the resident's bath
  2. In the morning, before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.
  3. After the resident has walked around the room
  4. Whenever the resident complains about leg discomfort

Explanation

Elastic stockings are applied in the morning before the resident gets out of bed, while the legs are least swollen, so the stockings can prevent fluid from pooling. They are removed as ordered for skin care and inspection.

Question 33Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

A cold pack has been applied to a resident's ankle. Which observation should be reported immediately?

  1. The toes look pale and the resident feels numb Correct answer.
  2. The wrap feels slightly damp at the edges
  3. The toes are pink and warm to the touch
  4. The resident says the cold pack feels pleasant and relaxing

Explanation

Pale, white, or bluish skin, numbness, or pain during cold application signals impaired circulation, and the treatment must be stopped and reported. Normal response to cold is redness and a cooling sensation that resolves.

Question 34Basic Nursing Skills and Infection Control

The nursing assistant is positioning a resident in Sims' position. Which description is correct?

  1. On the abdomen with the head turned to one side and arms down
  2. On the left side with the upper leg drawn up Correct answer.
  3. Flat on the back with the head of the bed raised 30 degrees
  4. On the right side with both legs fully extended and straight

Explanation

Sims' position is a side-lying, semi-prone position with the upper leg drawn up toward the chest and the lower arm behind the body. It is used for enemas, rectal temperatures, and perineal care.

Question 35Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A nursing assistant is washing their hands with soap and water. How long should the hands be rubbed together to build up a good lather?

  1. 5 seconds
  2. 10 seconds
  3. At least 3 minutes
  4. At least 20 seconds Correct answer.

Explanation

Friction with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds lifts and rinses away transient microorganisms. Shorter lathering does not give the soap enough contact time to work. Handwashing is required before and after resident contact and after removing gloves.

Question 36Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident has weakness on the right side after a stroke. When helping the resident dress, which side should be dressed first?

  1. Whichever side the resident prefers
  2. The left, strong side
  3. The side that is closest to the assistant
  4. The right, weak side Correct answer.

Explanation

Clothing is put on the weak side first and removed from the weak side last, so the stronger arm and leg do the work of pulling fabric through. This protects the weak limb and supports independence. The same rule applies to undressing, only in reverse.

Question 37Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident removes their dentures before a nap. How should the assistant store them?

  1. Placed dry in a sealed plastic bag on the overbed table
  2. Left on the sink ledge where the resident can reach them
  3. In a labeled cup of cool water or denture soaking solution Correct answer.
  4. Wrapped in a paper tissue and placed in the bedside drawer

Explanation

Dentures must stay moist to hold their shape and must be labeled so they are not lost or mixed up with another resident's. Cool water or commercial denture solution is appropriate. Hot water can warp the acrylic and cause the dentures to fit poorly.

Question 38Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident cannot turn or reposition independently in bed. How often should the nursing assistant change the resident's position?

  1. Every 4 hours
  2. Only when the resident asks
  3. Every 15 minutes
  4. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure on the skin and tissues over bony prominences. A written turning schedule is followed and documented. Residents with fragile skin or who sit in a chair may need more frequent shifts.

Question 39Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When cleaning the perineum of a female resident after a bowel movement, which direction should the assistant wipe?

  1. Back to front, using one stroke
  2. From side to side across the perineum
  3. In a circular motion around the rectum
  4. From front to back Correct answer.

Explanation

Wiping from the urinary area toward the rectum keeps fecal bacteria away from the urethra and reduces the risk of urinary tract infection. A clean portion of the washcloth is used for each stroke. The same front-to-back rule applies to peri care for all residents.

Question 40Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident with diabetes asks the nursing assistant to trim a thickened toenail. What is the correct action?

  1. Soak the foot for 30 minutes and then cut the corners
  2. Use a scalpel to shave the nail down
  3. Report the request to the nurse Correct answer.
  4. Trim the nail straight across with the unit's shared clippers

Explanation

Diabetes causes poor circulation and reduced sensation in the feet, so a small cut can become an ulcer that heals poorly. Nail and callus care for these residents is done by a podiatrist or under a nurse's direction. The assistant reports the request instead of cutting.

Question 41Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Which action is correct when feeding a resident who has difficulty swallowing?

  1. Tilt the resident's head back when swallowing
  2. Offer thin liquids through a straw so the resident can drink faster
  3. Seat the resident upright and place food on the stronger side Correct answer.
  4. Encourage the resident to talk during the meal

Explanation

An upright position lets gravity help move food down, and placing food on the stronger side helps the resident chew and control it. Talking and head tilting both open the airway to food. The assistant also checks for pocketing of food and offers small bites.

Question 42Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

An unresponsive resident needs mouth care. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Turn the head to the side; use suction if available Correct answer.
  2. Hold the mouth open with a gloved finger while cleaning
  3. Use plenty of water and toothpaste so the mouth is rinsed clean
  4. Provide mouth care once a day to avoid disturbing the resident

Explanation

A resident who cannot respond cannot swallow or protect the airway, so fluid can run into the lungs. Turning the head to the side lets secretions drain out, and suction must be ready. A small amount of fluid is used and the mouth is not flooded.

Question 43Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

At what temperature should bath water be for a resident?

  1. About 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius)
  2. As hot as the resident's skin can tolerate
  3. About 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius)
  4. About 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius) Correct answer.

Explanation

Water at about 105 degrees Fahrenheit is comfortably warm without scalding fragile, thinning skin. Older adults often have less sensation and cannot reliably judge heat, so the assistant checks the water temperature. Hotter water dries the skin and can cause burns.

Question 44Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Which action is correct when shaving a resident who takes a blood thinner?

  1. Use the resident's electric razor Correct answer.
  2. Shave right after a hot shower to soften the beard
  3. Apply shaving cream and shave against the grain
  4. Use a razor with a new blade and stretch the skin tight

Explanation

Blood thinners make even a small nick bleed heavily, so an electric razor is preferred because the cutting edge is guarded. The assistant also checks the resident's own razor is in good repair. Any bleeding is reported promptly.

Question 45Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Where should a gait belt be placed on a resident?

  1. Directly on bare skin at the waist
  2. Around the waist, over the clothing Correct answer.
  3. Under the arms, around the upper chest
  4. Around the hips, below the buttocks

Explanation

A gait belt goes around the waist over clothing so it can be gripped firmly without pinching skin or pulling on the rib cage. It should be snug enough to hold but allow the resident to breathe comfortably. A belt placed too high or too low can slip or injure the resident.

Question 46Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When walking with a resident who has left-sided weakness, where should the assistant stand?

  1. Directly in front, holding both of the resident's hands
  2. On the resident's right side, slightly behind
  3. On the resident's left side, slightly behind Correct answer.
  4. Behind the resident, holding the gait belt with one hand

Explanation

Standing on the weaker side, slightly behind and holding the gait belt, lets the assistant support the limb most likely to give way. The resident is also protected if they start to fall toward the weak side. Walking in front and pulling the resident forward is unsafe.

Question 47Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

While helping a resident with range-of-motion exercises, the resident says the movement hurts. What should the assistant do?

  1. Skip that joint and finish the rest quickly
  2. Push through the pain so the joint does not stiffen
  3. Stop the exercise and report the pain Correct answer.
  4. Apply heat to the joint and continue the exercise

Explanation

Pain during range of motion can signal an injury or a new medical problem, so the movement stops and the nurse is told. Joints are never forced beyond the point of resistance. The assistant documents what was done and what the resident said.

Question 48Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Which action is correct when helping a resident use a bedpan?

  1. Dust the pan with powder so it slides easily
  2. Warm the pan and raise the head of the bed Correct answer.
  3. Leave the resident alone to preserve privacy
  4. Place the narrow end of the pan under the buttocks

Explanation

Warming the pan reduces the shock of cold metal or plastic, and raising the head of the bed to a semi-sitting position helps the resident bear down and reduces strain. The wide end of the pan goes under the buttocks with the handle toward the feet. The resident is never left alone on a bedpan.

Question 49Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Which action is correct when cleaning a resident after a bowel movement in an incontinence brief?

  1. Use hot water and firm scrubbing to remove all stool
  2. Clean from front to back, using a clean area of the cloth each stroke Correct answer.
  3. Wipe from back to front with a single wipe
  4. Apply a fresh brief before cleaning so less linen gets soiled

Explanation

Front-to-back cleaning moves bacteria away from the urinary opening and a clean cloth area for each stroke prevents recontamination. Gentle washing protects fragile skin from breakdown. The brief is changed promptly and the skin is dried thoroughly.

Question 50Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

How should the drainage bag of an indwelling urinary catheter be positioned?

  1. Below the level of the bladder Correct answer.
  2. Resting on the floor beside the bed
  3. Between the resident's legs while in bed
  4. Attached to the side rail above the mattress

Explanation

Keeping the bag below the bladder lets gravity drain urine and prevents it from flowing back into the bladder, which can cause infection. The bag must never touch the floor and is not hung on a side rail above the bladder. Tubing is kept free of kinks and loops.