CNA Certification (Written Exam) flashcards

A communication technique that acknowledges the resident's feelings and reality rather than correcting or arguing with confused statements.

• Avoid arguing about facts
• Redirect gently to reduce distress
• Validate emotions behind the statement

Memory trick: Feel first, facts later.

For a conscious choking infant, rescuers alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts rather than abdominal thrusts used in adults.

• 5 back blows between shoulder blades
• 5 chest thrusts with two fingers on breastbone
• Never perform abdominal thrusts on infants
• Avoid blind finger sweeps

Memory trick: Back and chest, never the belly, for babies it's best.

A stepwise method of removing contaminated gloves so the outer, soiled surface never contacts bare skin, preventing cross-contamination.

• Peel first glove from outside, ball it into the palm of the other gloved hand
• Slide ungloved finger under second glove at wrist to remove from inside
• Discard immediately and perform hand hygiene

Memory trick: Outside stays outside — peel from the inside to keep hands clean.

The practice of immediately discarding used needles and sharp objects into puncture-resistant containers to prevent injury and bloodborne pathogen exposure.

• Never recap used needles
• Dispose immediately after use
• Use only labeled, puncture-resistant sharps containers

Memory trick: See it, use it, drop it — never recap a sharp.

Fire extinguishers are classified by the type of fire they are designed to fight: A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), C (electrical), and K (kitchen grease).

• Class A: wood, paper, cloth
• Class B: liquids and gases
• Class C: electrical equipment
• Class K: cooking oils and fats

Memory trick: C is for Cords - use it on electrical shock hazards.

Normal adult blood pressure is generally 90-120 mmHg systolic over 60-80 mmHg diastolic.

• Systolic is the top number (heart contracting)
• Diastolic is the bottom number (heart relaxing)
• Report readings outside normal range to the nurse

Memory trick: '120 over 80 keeps you happy'

Physical restraints, including full side rails used to confine, require a physician's order and must be the least restrictive option; unauthorized use can constitute false imprisonment.

• Residents have the right to be free from unnecessary restraints
• All four raised side rails can legally count as a restraint
• Restraint orders must be reviewed regularly and justified

Memory trick: 'Rails without orders = restrained without rights.'

An unplanned weight change of more than 2 pounds in one week, or 5% of body weight in a month, is significant and must be reported to the nurse.

• More than 2 lb change in a week = report
• 5% change in a month is also significant
• Unplanned weight loss can indicate illness, dehydration, or poor nutrition

Memory trick: '2 pounds a week? Time to speak!'

Precautions used for diseases that spread through tiny airborne particles capable of remaining suspended in air, such as TB, measles, and chickenpox.

• Requires fitted N95 respirator
• Resident often placed in negative-pressure room
• Door must remain closed

Memory trick: Airborne germs float far, so you need a face-fitted filter, not just a mask.

Maintaining clear walking paths free of obstacles while keeping necessary mobility aids accessible is a key fall prevention strategy.

• Remove trip hazards from walking paths
• Keep mobility aids like walkers within reach
• Environmental safety reduces fall risk

Memory trick: Clear the floor, keep the walker at the door.

For pregnant or significantly obese choking victims, chest thrusts replace abdominal thrusts to safely clear an airway obstruction.

• Hands placed at center of chest, like CPR
• Abdominal thrusts are avoided in these cases
• Applies to visibly pregnant or very obese victims

Memory trick: Big belly, big change — chest thrusts take the stage.

Respecting a resident's cultural beliefs about physical touch by asking permission and explaining care actions rather than assuming or avoiding touch.

• Always ask before touching when culture values modesty/touch boundaries
• Explain each step of care to build trust
• Care must still be provided safely and respectfully

Memory trick: Ask first, then touch with respect.

Sharing resident photos, videos, or information on social media without consent violates privacy and confidentiality rights and can result in HIPAA violations and termination.

• Consent required before any photo/video sharing
• Applies even to seemingly harmless content
• Violations can lead to legal action and job loss

Memory trick: No post without consent, that's the intent.

Nurse aides are legally required to report any suspected or witnessed abuse, neglect, or mistreatment immediately to a supervisor or appropriate authority.

• Applies even if the abuser asks you to stay quiet
• Failure to report can result in loss of certification
• Report suspicion, not just confirmed injury

Memory trick: 'See it, report it' — silence is a violation.

A bed alarm alerts staff when an at-risk resident attempts to get out of bed unsupervised, enabling timely intervention to prevent falls.

• Not a physical restraint
• Detects movement or weight shift
• Allows staff to respond before a fall occurs

Memory trick: The alarm doesn't hold them down, it just rings the alarm sound.

Before cleaning any blood or body fluid spill, staff must don appropriate PPE such as gloves to prevent bloodborne pathogen exposure.

• Gloves required before touching any blood or body fluid
• Additional PPE (gown, eyewear) used if splashing possible
• Spill must be cleaned promptly per facility policy

Memory trick: Gloves on before blood is gone

Questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no and encourage residents to share more detail about their feelings or experiences.

• Begin with words like 'how' or 'what'
• Encourage therapeutic communication
• Closed questions limit responses to yes/no

Memory trick: Open the door, not just yes or no — ask 'how' and 'what' to let feelings flow.

A state of agitation, confusion, and restlessness that can occur in the final days or hours of life, sometimes despite adequate pain control.

• Occurs near end of life
• May include picking at sheets or repetitive movements
• Different from sundowning, which is dementia-related and time-of-day based

Memory trick: Terminal restlessness = the body's final storm.

Most age-related hearing loss affects high-frequency sounds first, so lowering voice pitch (not volume) improves understanding.

• Presbycusis affects high pitches most
• Face the resident so they can see lips/expressions
• Shouting distorts sound and can seem aggressive

Memory trick: Low and slow, face them so they know.

The normal resting pulse rate for an adult is 60-100 beats per minute.

• Below 60 bpm = bradycardia
• Above 100 bpm = tachycardia
• Radial pulse is commonly checked at the wrist

Memory trick: '60 to 100 keeps the heart humming'

Closing doors during a fire emergency to slow the spread of smoke and flames, protecting unaffected areas of the building.

• Part of the RACE fire protocol (Confine)
• Closed doors act as physical barriers against smoke/fire
• Helps buy time for full evacuation

Memory trick: Shut the door, slow the fire — buy time to get everyone out.

Sputum specimens are collected by having the resident cough deeply from the lungs and expectorate into a sterile container, distinct from saliva.

• Sputum comes from deep lung cough, not saliva
• Best collected first thing in morning before eating/drinking
• Rinse mouth with water only (not mouthwash) before collecting

Memory trick: 'Deep cough, not drool, fills the sputum tool.'

Keeping the call light within a resident's reach allows them to request help rather than attempt unsafe movement alone.

• Call light should always be within reach
• Reduces attempts at unassisted transfers
• Part of comprehensive fall risk reduction plan

Memory trick: A light within reach means less chance of a fall breach.

A therapeutic technique that encourages residents to recall and discuss pleasant past experiences to boost mood and engagement.

• Uses photos, music, or familiar objects
• Focuses on positive past memories
• Different from validation therapy, which addresses present confusion

Memory trick: Reminisce about the good old days to bring a smile today.

Always approach a resident with dementia from the front, identify yourself, and speak calmly to reduce fear and confusion.

• Sudden movement or touch can startle a confused resident
• Approach from the front within their line of sight
• Use a calm, reassuring tone of voice

Memory trick: Front, Friendly, Familiar voice — approach like you're greeting a friend.

Infection control practice requiring dedicated, resident-specific equipment for individuals on contact precautions to prevent pathogen transmission.

• Equipment stays in the resident's room
• If sharing is unavoidable, disinfect thoroughly between uses
• Reduces spread of organisms like MRSA or C. diff

Memory trick: One room, one cuff, keep the germs enough contained.

A model describing five stages people may experience when facing death or loss: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

• Stages do not always occur in order and may repeat
• Anger is often directed at caregivers, self, or a higher power
• Nurse aides should respond calmly and non-defensively

Memory trick: DABDA: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, Acceptance.

Some cultures value family involvement in health decisions; nurse aides should respect this while protecting resident autonomy and rights.

• Collectivist cultures often prioritize family decision-making
• Aides should balance cultural respect with resident rights
• Not all family involvement is inappropriate interference

Memory trick: Family first, but resident's rights still matter — balance both.

Financial exploitation is the illegal or improper use of a resident's funds, property, or assets; it must be reported like other forms of abuse.

• Signs include missing money, forced signatures, or missing valuables
• CNAs must report suspicions, not confront family members
• Reporting protects vulnerable residents from ongoing harm

Memory trick: 'Money missing? Keep reporting, not confronting.'

For residents with C. difficile, soap and water must be used instead of alcohol-based hand sanitizer because alcohol does not kill spore-forming organisms.

• C. diff forms spores resistant to alcohol
• Soap and water physically remove spores via friction
• This is a key exception to standard alcohol-rub hand hygiene

Memory trick: Spores need soap, not just a sanitizer swipe

Facilities should use trained medical interpreters rather than family members for sensitive health communications with deaf or non-English-speaking residents.

• Family interpreters may compromise accuracy or confidentiality
• ASL is a distinct language, not simply English translated
• Qualified interpreters protect resident rights and understanding

Memory trick: Leave translating to the pros — family isn't a substitute for a trained interpreter.

For a conscious choking resident, confirm the obstruction, call for help, and perform abdominal thrusts if the airway is fully blocked and the person cannot speak, cough, or breathe.

• Universal sign: hands clutching the throat
• Ask 'Are you choking?' to confirm before acting
• Abdominal thrusts used only for complete obstruction while conscious

Memory trick: Ask, then Act - confirm before you thrust

A technique of gently shifting a confused resident's attention to another activity instead of correcting or arguing about false beliefs.

• Reduces agitation compared to confrontation
• Uses distraction with meaningful activities
• Different from validation, which acknowledges feelings directly

Memory trick: Don't correct—redirect.

If a choking victim becomes unconscious, call for help and begin CPR, checking the mouth for a visible object before giving rescue breaths.

• Never perform standing abdominal thrusts on unconscious victim
• Chest compressions may help dislodge the object
• Check mouth for visible object before breaths, no blind finger sweeps

Memory trick: Down and out means CPR throughout

Nurse aides must honor residents' religious and cultural food restrictions and report any errors to dietary staff.

• Common restrictions include pork, beef, or fasting periods
• Care plans should reflect dietary preferences
• Errors should be reported and corrected promptly

Memory trick: Faith on the plate — remove what doesn't belong and tell the kitchen.

An acceptable alternative to soap and water for hand hygiene when hands are not visibly soiled, requiring about 20 seconds of rubbing.

• Only effective on hands that are not visibly dirty
• Must cover all surfaces of hands and fingers
• Not effective against C. diff spores—soap and water required instead

Memory trick: Rub for 20, like humming happy birthday twice.

When blood or body fluids may splash toward the face, mask and eye protection (or a face shield) must be worn in addition to gloves.

• Protects mucous membranes of eyes, nose, mouth
• Required for procedures with splash/spray risk
• Part of standard precautions PPE selection based on task

Memory trick: If it might splash, protect the face with a mask and glasses.

A stage of the Kübler-Ross grief model in which a person tries to negotiate or make deals to prevent or delay loss.

• Often involves promises to a higher power
• Common phrase pattern: 'If only...' or 'I promise...'
• One of five Kübler-Ross stages

Memory trick: Bargaining = 'Let's make a deal.'

Before disclosing protected health information over the phone, staff must verify the caller's identity and authorization, not just accept a claimed relationship.

• Unverified callers should not receive medical details
• Refer such calls to the nurse or designated staff
• HIPAA violations can occur even with good intentions

Memory trick: 'Claiming isn't proving—verify before you share.'

Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care or services that results in harm, while abuse is an intentional act causing injury or distress.

• Neglect can be unintentional but is still reportable
• Pressure ulcers from missed repositioning are a classic neglect example
• Both neglect and abuse must be reported immediately

Memory trick: 'Neglect = Not doing; Abuse = Doing harm.'

A collection of all urine produced over a 24-hour period, starting with a discarded first void and ending with a saved void exactly 24 hours later.

• First void is discarded to start timing
• All subsequent voids for 24 hours are saved
• Final void at the 24-hour mark is included, not discarded

Memory trick: 'Toss the first, keep the rest, catch the last!'

Bluish-purple, blotchy skin discoloration of the extremities that occurs as circulation decreases near death.

• Common in the hours before death
• Caused by decreased peripheral circulation
• Should be reported to the nurse, not treated aggressively

Memory trick: Mottled skin means the body is slowing down, not speeding up an emergency.

A stage in the grief process marked by profound sadness, withdrawal, and hopelessness as the person processes the loss.

• Part of Kübler-Ross stages
• Provide quiet supportive presence
• Not the same as clinical depression, though overlap can occur

Memory trick: Depression = deep sadness sinks in.

Infection control practices used for diseases spread by large respiratory droplets, such as influenza or pertussis.

• Requires surgical mask and eye protection within 3 feet
• Different from airborne precautions which need N95
• Examples: flu, pertussis, mumps

Memory trick: Droplets fly short distances, so a simple mask stops the spray.

A tool with pictures, words, or symbols that nonverbal or aphasic residents can point to in order to communicate needs.

• Useful for stroke-related aphasia
• Supports resident autonomy
• Should be paired with patience and simple yes/no questions

Memory trick: Can't speak? Let them point instead.

For choking adults, thrusts should be delivered slightly above the navel and below the rib cage to dislodge an airway obstruction.

• Fist placed above navel, below xiphoid process
• Thrust direction is inward and upward
• Used for conscious choking adults and children over 1 year

Memory trick: Above the belly button, below the bone — that's where the thrust is thrown.

Fluid intake is measured by converting ounces to milliliters, using the standard conversion of 1 oz = 30 mL.

• 1 ounce = 30 milliliters
• Add all fluid amounts before converting, or convert each and add
• Accurate I&O tracking helps monitor hydration and kidney function

Memory trick: 'One ounce, thirty mLs, always the same'

Always announce yourself by name when entering or leaving a blind resident's room, and avoid moving their belongings without permission.

• State your name and purpose when entering
• Never rearrange furniture without telling the resident
• Tell the resident when leaving the room

Memory trick: Say your name before you claim the space.

A safety principle stating that oxygen-enriched environments greatly increase fire risk, so open flames, smoking, and flammable materials must be kept away from oxygen equipment.

• Oxygen itself doesn't burn but accelerates combustion
• No smoking or open flames within a designated safe distance from oxygen source
• Report any request for flame use near oxygen to the nurse

Memory trick: Oxygen loves fire too much — no flames where air flows free.

Face the resident, speak clearly at a normal pace and volume, and ensure good lighting for visual cues.

• Face-to-face communication aids lip-reading
• Avoid shouting, which distorts speech
• Reduce background noise when possible

Memory trick: Face it, don't shout it.

CNAs must report changes in a resident's condition, functional ability, or safety concerns to the nurse immediately.

• Includes changes in gait, balance, or use of assistive devices.
• CNAs do not diagnose or prescribe interventions.
• Reporting ensures timely assessment and appropriate care planning.

Memory trick: Report, don't diagnose; assist, don't adjust.

Shearing is a force that causes layers of skin to slide over each other, or the skin to stay put while underlying tissue moves. It stretches and tears blood vessels, increasing pressure injury risk.

• Often caused by sliding down in bed or chair.
• Damages deeper tissues and blood vessels.
• Different from friction, which is surface rubbing.

Memory trick: Shear tears deep, friction rubs surface.

The right of a resident to have their personal space and body protected from unwanted exposure or intrusion during care activities.

• Crucial for dignity and respect.
• Achieved by closing doors, using curtains, and covering appropriately.
• Must be established before any personal care begins.

Memory trick: Privacy First, then Prepared for Care.

Personal protective equipment used to prevent the spread of infections transmitted by direct or indirect contact with the patient or patient's environment.

• Gown and gloves are primary.
• Used for conditions like C. diff, MRSA, VRE.
• Donned before entering, doffed before leaving the room.

Memory trick: Gloves and Gown for Germs on the Ground!

A technique used to describe the location of food on a plate to a visually impaired person, using the analogy of a clock face.

• Promotes independence and dignity.
• Provides a clear and consistent reference system.
• Helps prevent spills and allows for food selection.

Memory trick: Sight with a Clock's Might.

Immediate and thorough handwashing with soap and water after contact with blood or body fluids, especially when hands are visibly soiled.

• Soap and water is mandatory for visible soil.
• Alcohol-based sanitizer is ineffective on visible blood.
• Prevents transmission of bloodborne pathogens.

Memory trick: Blood on your hands? Soap and water demands!

The appropriate personal protective equipment required when performing routine denture care to prevent exposure to body fluids.

• Gloves are mandatory for handling dentures.
• Gowns and face shields are generally not required for routine care.
• Standard precautions apply to all body fluids, including saliva.

Memory trick: Hands off the mouth, unless you're gloved and ready to clean.

The practice of cleaning a resident's mouth tissues (gums, tongue, cheeks) even when they wear dentures, to maintain oral health.

• Brush gums, tongue, and cheeks.
• Stimulates circulation and removes bacteria.
• Prevents oral infections and odors.

Memory trick: Gums, Tongue, Cheeks: The Denture Speaks.

During passive range of motion, the CNA must support the limb above and below the joint being moved to ensure stability, prevent injury, and maximize comfort.

• Prevents hyperextension or twisting.
• Isolates the movement to the target joint.
• Reduces strain on surrounding tissues.

Memory trick: Support above and below, like a sandwich for the joint.

To relieve pressure on a sacral injury, position the resident off the sacrum, typically in a side-lying (lateral) position with supportive pillows.

• Avoid direct pressure on the wound.
• Use lateral position effectively.
• Avoid donut cushions or pillows directly under injury.

Memory trick: Offload the wound, keep pressure unbound.