CNA Certification (Written Exam) flashcards

The CNA's scope of practice typically does not include administering medications, including most over-the-counter drugs. Any deviation requires specific training, delegation by a licensed nurse, and adherence to facility policy.

• Medication administration is usually for licensed personnel.
• Always verify with facility policy and nurse for clarification.
• Never perform tasks outside your defined scope of practice.

Memory trick: Medication questions? Consult the manual and the chief nurse.

Persistent unsafe resident behaviors must be immediately reported to the nurse to ensure proper assessment and intervention, avoiding unauthorized restraints.

• Restraints are a last resort and require a physician's order.
• Bed rails can be considered restraints and increase entrapment risk.
• Nurse aides must not apply restraints without an order.

Memory trick: Report Risk Right Away.

Characteristics or conditions that increase a resident's likelihood of experiencing a fall.

• History of falls is the strongest predictor.
• Impaired mobility, balance, and gait.
• Medication side effects (drowsiness, dizziness).
• Environmental hazards (clutter, poor lighting).

Memory trick: Past falls predict future tumbles, pay attention to those grumbles!

A wedge-shaped pillow placed between the legs to maintain hip abduction and prevent knees from touching, which is crucial for preventing skin breakdown and maintaining hip alignment.

• Prevents hip adduction.
• Reduces skin-to-skin friction between knees/thighs.
• Often used post-hip surgery or for neurological conditions.

Memory trick: Abduction pillow: AB-ducts the legs, keeps skin intact.

When providing mouth care to an unconscious resident, position them on their side with the head turned to prevent aspiration of fluids into the lungs.

• Aspiration risk is high in unconscious residents.
• Lateral position facilitates fluid drainage.
• Use minimal fluid and a suction device if available.

Memory trick: Unconscious Mouth Care: Side-Lie, Don't Let Fluids Fly!

Consistent and correct perineal and catheter care is essential for preventing catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).

• Clean around the meatus and catheter tubing.
• Always wipe away from the meatus.
• Keep drainage bag below bladder level.

Memory trick: Clean Catheters Carefully, Constantly.

For residents with unilateral weakness using a cane: move the cane and the weak leg forward together, then follow with the strong leg.

• Cane provides support to the weak side.
• Move cane and weak leg simultaneously.
• Strong leg provides propulsion and balance.

Memory trick: Cane and weak advance as one, then strong follows for safety won.

Specific steps for cleaning the genital area of an uncircumcised male resident to maintain hygiene and prevent infection.

• Gently retract foreskin before cleaning.
• Clean from urethral opening outwards.
• Return foreskin to natural position after cleaning.

Memory trick: Foreskin Back, Clean the Track.

When a resident begins to fall, the nurse aide should prioritize guiding them safely to the floor to minimize injury.

• Do not try to stop the fall completely.
• Protect the resident's head.
• Report the fall to the nurse immediately after it occurs.

Memory trick: Guide Gently, Guard Ground, Get Help.

Food pocketing, common in residents with dysphagia or cognitive impairments, can be prevented by ensuring the mouth is clear before offering the next mouthful.

• Observe resident's mouth carefully.
• Prompt 'chew and swallow'.
• Offer small, manageable bites.
• Maintain an upright position during feeding.

Memory trick: Clear the Mouth, Then More Will Allow!

When a resident refuses a meal, the CNA should first try to understand the reason, respect their choices (within safety limits), and report concerns to the nurse.

• Always investigate the reason for refusal (pain, dislike, fatigue).
• Offer alternatives if available and appropriate.
• Document and report persistent refusal or significant intake changes.

Memory trick: Refusal? Ask and Report, Don't Force or Ignore!

A semi-sitting position where the head of the bed is elevated between 45 and 60 degrees. Used for comfort, breathing, and eating.

• Standard Fowler's: 45-60 degrees.
• Semi-Fowler's: 30-45 degrees.
• High-Fowler's: 60-90 degrees.
• Reduces pressure on abdomen and chest.

Memory trick: Fowler's is 45-60, not too low, not too high.

Key steps to ensure resident safety and prevent spills when removing a bedpan after use.

• Lower the head of the bed BEFORE removal.
• Support the resident's hips.
• Empty and clean the bedpan promptly.

Memory trick: Before you GO, the bed must be LOW.

Proper technique for emptying a urinary drainage bag involves standard precautions, including clean gloves and preventing contamination of the drainage spout.

• Wear clean gloves.
• Do not let the drainage spout touch the collection container or floor.
• Empty before it becomes completely full to prevent backflow.

Memory trick: Gloves Guard, Spout Stays Safe, Splash Stops.

Proper technique for brushing tangled hair involves gentle, progressive detangling from the ends upwards to prevent pain and damage.

• Always start at the ends of the hair.
• Work in small sections.
• Use a wide-tooth comb or soft brush.
• Be gentle to avoid pulling or breaking hair.

Memory trick: Ends First, Gentle is Best, for a Painless Hair Test!

Heat-producing electrical devices, like electric blankets, are a fire hazard and should not be used in conjunction with oxygen therapy.

• Oxygen is highly flammable and supports combustion.
• Avoid open flames, smoking, and spark-producing devices.
• Ensure electrical equipment is in good repair and grounded.

Memory trick: Oxygen + Oh-no! = Fire Hazard.

Shearing occurs when skin stays in place but underlying tissue moves, causing damage. Prevented by lifting, not dragging, during repositioning.

• Major cause of pressure injuries.
• Use draw sheets/lift sheets to lift residents.
• Avoid elevating the head of the bed more than 30 degrees for prolonged periods.

Memory trick: Turn, lift, inspect, and protect.

Proper perineal care for an uncircumcised male involves gentle retraction of the foreskin, thorough cleansing of the glans, and immediate replacement of the foreskin to prevent complications.

• Always retract foreskin gently.
• Cleanse the glans with soap and water.
• Rinse thoroughly.
• Replace foreskin immediately after cleaning.

Memory trick: Retract, Cleanse, Rinse, Replace!

Measures taken to prevent falls and injury when assisting a resident with showering.

• Use non-slip mats.
• Ensure grab bars are accessible and secure.
• Test water temperature before resident enters.

Memory trick: Mat First, Safe Shower Last.

Regular repositioning of bed-bound residents, typically every two hours, is crucial to prevent pressure injuries.

• Prevents prolonged pressure on bony prominences.
• Improves circulation.
• Must be consistently documented.

Memory trick: Two hours is the magic number for turning.

Providing support to residents during oral hygiene tasks to promote independence while ensuring thorough cleaning, especially when dexterity is limited.

• Encourage resident participation as much as possible.
• Offer assistance for difficult-to-reach areas.
• Oral hygiene is crucial for preventing infections.

Memory trick: Independence with Assistance: Hold the Hand, Not the Hope!

The nurse aide's role in providing emotional support and reassurance to residents coping with a new colostomy or ostomy.

• Acknowledge and validate the resident's feelings (anxiety, fear, grief).
• Listen actively to their concerns.
• Provide reassurance and gentle encouragement.
• Offer opportunities for them to participate in care at their own pace.

Memory trick: Hear their fear, then share your care; calm the heart before you repair.

Specific steps for providing perineal care to an uncircumcised male resident to ensure cleanliness and prevent complications.

• Always retract the foreskin to clean the glans.
• Clean from tip to base, using a clean part of the washcloth for each stroke.
• ALWAYS return the foreskin to its natural position immediately after cleaning.
• Rinse and pat dry thoroughly.

Memory trick: Retract, clean, return; a crucial lesson to learn.

Contact precautions are used to prevent the spread of infectious agents transmitted by direct or indirect contact. Dedicating non-critical patient care equipment to a single patient helps prevent indirect contact transmission.

• Wear gown and gloves for all interactions.
• Perform hand hygiene before and after contact.
• Dedicate equipment or disinfect thoroughly after use.
• Private room is preferred.

Memory trick: Gloves and Gown, Dedicated Gear, Wash Hands, Keep it Clear.

The first step in the RACE fire safety protocol is to Rescue, meaning to remove anyone in immediate danger from the fire.

• Prioritize human life over property.
• Move residents to a safe area, typically behind a closed door.
• Only attempt if it is safe for the rescuer.

Memory trick: RACE to Safety: Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish.

Proper footwear is essential for resident safety, especially during ambulation, to prevent slips and falls.

• Non-skid soles provide traction.
• Shoes should fit well and be supportive.
• Avoid loose slippers or socks without treads.

Memory trick: Feet First For Fall-Free Forward movement.

Ensuring a resident's comfort during bathing involves controlling environmental factors and protecting their privacy and warmth.

• Close doors/windows to prevent drafts.
• Adjust room temperature if possible.
• Keep unbathed body parts covered.
• Use warm water, test temperature.

Memory trick: Warmth and Cover, Comfort All Over!

Strategies for safely managing residents who are restless, confused, and attempting to leave their bed or unit, prioritizing non-restraint interventions.

• Stay with the resident to ensure immediate safety.
• Use verbal de-escalation and calm redirection.
• Identify and address underlying causes of restlessness (e.g., pain, need to use bathroom).
• Avoid physical restraints unless medically ordered as a last resort.

Memory trick: Stay, calm, redirect, then inform, so no harm.

Techniques used to calm and redirect residents with dementia who are experiencing agitation or resistance during care activities.

• Prioritize resident comfort and safety.
• Avoid direct confrontation or force.
• Offer simple choices and re-approach later if needed.

Memory trick: PACE Yourself: Pause, Ask, Calm, Engage.

When assisting a resident with weakness on one side of their body, always dress the weaker side first and undress the stronger side first.

• Dressing the weaker side first allows the stronger side to assist.
• This technique promotes resident independence and reduces strain.
• Undressing follows the opposite rule: stronger side first, then weaker.

Memory trick: Weak First, Strong Last, for Dressing Fast!

Maintaining skin hydration and integrity, especially for residents with dry, flaky skin, involves using appropriate water temperatures and moisturizing.

• Avoid very hot water which can strip natural oils.
• Gently pat skin dry instead of rubbing.
• Apply moisturizing lotion after bathing.

Memory trick: Hydrate and Protect: Lotion is the Key!

Measures taken to prevent choking and aspiration when feeding individuals with difficulty swallowing.

• Maintain upright position during and after meals.
• Offer small bites and allow ample time to chew/swallow.
• Encourage head slightly forward to protect airway.

Memory trick: Upright and Forward, Aspiration Avoided.

Techniques used by nurse aides to safely manage residents who exhibit wandering behavior, prioritizing de-escalation and resident dignity.

• Approach calmly and use a gentle, reassuring tone.
• Redirect the resident to another activity or a safe area.
• Avoid confrontation or physical restraint unless absolutely necessary for safety.
• Identify triggers or reasons for wandering if possible.

Memory trick: Calm words and a new path, prevent a dangerous wrath.

A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is a medical order indicating that a person does not wish to undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A CNA's role is to notify the nurse immediately upon finding a resident unresponsive, regardless of DNR status.

• DNR means no CPR or advanced life support.
• CNAs do not initiate or withhold treatment based on DNR.
• Always report changes in resident condition to the nurse.

Memory trick: DNR means 'Don't Neglect Reporting' to the nurse.

Residents have the right to personal privacy and dignity, including the right to privacy during medical treatment, personal care, and when communicating with others.

• Always knock before entering a room.
• Close doors and pull curtains for personal care.
• Residents control their personal space and privacy.

Memory trick: Privacy matters, so close the shutters.

Safe consumption of thickened liquids for dysphagia is indicated by the absence of coughing, choking, or other signs of aspiration, ensuring the liquid passes smoothly into the esophagus.

• Thickened liquids are prescribed to slow down fluid flow.
• Observe for signs of aspiration: coughing, choking, wet voice.
• Report any difficulties immediately to the nurse.
• Ensure correct consistency of thickened liquid.

Memory trick: Smooth Swallows, No Troubles, True Success!

Perineal care for a resident with an indwelling catheter involves cleaning the perineum from front to back, then cleaning the catheter tubing from the meatus downward, using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke.

• Prevents Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs).
• Always clean from clean to dirty.
• Secure catheter tubing to prevent pulling or tension.

Memory trick: Front-to-Back, Then Meatus Down, Keep Infections Out of Town!

The sequence of washing during a partial bed bath progresses from cleanest to dirtiest areas to prevent cross-contamination and ensure proper hygiene.

• Wash face, neck, and ears first.
• Proceed to arms, hands, chest, abdomen.
• Wash legs and feet next.
• Perineal area is always washed last.

Memory trick: Clean First, Dirty Last, Stay Healthy Fast!

Proper techniques for assisting a visually impaired resident with ambulation to ensure their safety and comfort.

• Allow the resident to hold onto your arm, not the other way around.
• Walk slightly ahead, providing clear cues for steps and turns.
• Describe the environment and upcoming obstacles.
• Do not push, pull, or drag the resident.

Memory trick: Arm for guidance, not for grip; let them lead the trip.

Handling and disinfection protocols for patient care equipment used on residents with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) to prevent spread.

• Dedicate non-critical equipment (e.g., BP cuffs, stethoscopes) to the infected resident.
• If dedication is not possible, thoroughly clean and disinfect equipment before reuse.
• Avoid sharing equipment between MDRO-positive and MDRO-negative residents.
• Follow manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and disinfection.

Memory trick: Dedicated gear keeps germs here; sharing spreads fear.

In the lateral position, pillows are used to support the upper arm and leg, preventing pressure on bony prominences and nerve compression.

• Maintains spinal alignment.
• Prevents skin-on-skin contact.
• Reduces pressure on hip, shoulder, and ear.

Memory trick: Pillows prop, donut drops, sheet's no help, firmness stops.

Residents have the right to keep and use their personal possessions, including clothing, furniture, and other items, as long as they do not infringe upon the rights of others or pose a safety hazard.

• Facilities must protect resident property.
• CNAs help residents manage their belongings.
• Report missing items to the nurse if not found.

Memory trick: Lost and found starts with a thorough look around.

Steps taken to prepare a resident's skin and hair for shaving with a safety razor to prevent injury and discomfort.

• Soften skin and hair with warm, moist compress.
• Check for skin abnormalities.
• Use a sharp, clean razor.

Memory trick: Warm Up, Smooth Down.

Converting common fluid measurements (ounces, pints, cups) into milliliters for accurate intake and output documentation.

• 1 ounce (oz) = 30 milliliters (mL).
• 1 cup = 8 ounces = 240 mL.
• 1 pint = 16 ounces = 480 mL.

Memory trick: Thirty for every ounce, then sum it up with grace.

Standard precautions apply to denture care, requiring clean gloves to prevent contact with oral secretions.

• Treat all body fluids as potentially infectious.
• Clean gloves are sufficient for non-sterile contact.
• Hand hygiene is performed before and after gloving.

Memory trick: Gloves Guard Germs during Gentle Grooming.

The specific order of dressing a resident with one-sided paralysis or weakness to promote ease, comfort, and prevent injury.

• Dress the affected (weaker) side first.
• Undress the unaffected (stronger) side first.
• Work slowly and allow resident participation.

Memory trick: Weak Arm First, then Strong, then Over the Top.

A cane should be held on the strong side of the body when one side is weak, to provide optimal support and stability.

• Supports the weaker leg.
• Promotes a more natural gait.
• Reduces fall risk.

Memory trick: Strong side holds the cane, weak side goes first.

Shearing is internal tissue damage from skin staying put while underlying bone/muscle moves (e.g., sliding). Friction is external damage from rubbing against a surface.

• Shearing: skin stationary, underlying tissue moves.
• Friction: skin rubs against surface.
• Both contribute to pressure injuries, but shearing causes deeper damage from sliding.

Memory trick: Pressure, friction, shear, moisture's near.

Immediate actions taken to prevent serious injury when a resident becomes unstable or reports dizziness while ambulating.

• Prioritize guiding resident safely to the floor.
• Do not try to hold them up by yourself.
• Call for help after the resident is safe.

Memory trick: Dizzy to the Ground, Safely Found.

Recognizing signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is crucial for a CNA to ensure prompt medical intervention.

• Symptoms include pallor, dizziness, confusion, sweating, tremors.
• Can be life-threatening if untreated.
• Immediate reporting to the nurse is required.

Memory trick: See Something, Say Something, Save Someone.

Support for visually impaired residents should prioritize safety and independence, offering assistance in a way that allows them to maintain control and dignity during meals.

• Describe food placement using the clock face method.
• Offer to cut food as needed, not automatically.
• Encourage verbal cues and communication.
• Ensure necessary adaptive equipment is available.

Memory trick: Portion by Portion, Preserve the Person!

Actions taken to prevent catheter-associated urinary tract infections, particularly concerning the urinary drainage bag.

• Keep drainage bag below bladder level.
• Do not allow drainage bag to touch the floor.
• Empty bag regularly to prevent overfilling.
• Maintain a closed drainage system.

Memory trick: Gravity is your best friend to keep the bladder clean and dry.

Before any bed-to-chair transfer, always ensure the wheelchair wheels are locked to prevent movement and falls.

• Prevents unexpected rolling.
• Reduces risk of falls and injury.
• Non-negotiable safety step.

Memory trick: Locks engaged, resident saved!

CNAs must carefully observe a resident's skin for any changes, especially redness, open areas, or signs of breakdown, and report these findings to the nurse immediately.

• Early detection of skin changes is crucial for preventing pressure injuries.
• Redness over bony prominences can indicate pressure.
• CNAs are responsible for observation and reporting, not diagnosis or treatment.

Memory trick: See a Red Spot, Report it Hot!

Prioritizing resident safety when using an electric razor involves inspecting the skin for contraindications and ensuring the razor is clean and functional.

• Inspect skin for cuts, sores, rashes.
• Ensure razor is clean and charged.
• Hold skin taut for a closer shave.
• Shave in the direction of hair growth for sensitive skin.

Memory trick: Inspect the Skin, Before the Blade Begins!

The movement that decreases the angle between the forearm and the upper arm, bringing the hand closer to the shoulder.

• Part of passive range of motion (PROM) exercises.
• Essential for daily activities like eating and grooming.
• Performed by bending the arm at the elbow.

Memory trick: Flex means bend, extend means straighten.

Immediate actions to take when a resident is experiencing a seizure to protect them from injury and ensure their safety.

• Stay with the resident.
• Protect from injury (move objects away, cushion head).
• Loosen tight clothing around the neck.
• Turn resident onto their side to prevent aspiration.

Memory trick: Loosen the tie, turn to the side, then let the seizure ride.

To accurately record fluid intake, ounces must be converted to milliliters using the standard conversion factor of 1 ounce = 30 mL.

• 1 ounce (oz) = 30 milliliters (mL).
• All liquids consumed are counted as intake.
• Accurate I&O is crucial for fluid balance monitoring.

Memory trick: Ounces to Milliliters? Multiply by Thirty, My Love!

A gait belt is secured around a resident's waist, over their clothing, to provide a firm grasp for a caregiver during ambulation or transfers.

• Must be snug, but not too tight.
• Used for safety and support.
• Never on bare skin or over breasts.

Memory trick: Gait belt on the waist, for a safe embrace.

During Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises, residents perform movements themselves. Key safety rule: stop if pain occurs.

• Resident performs exercises independently.
• CNA observes and encourages.
• Pain is a warning sign; stop immediately.

Memory trick: Pain is the brain's warning signal, stop the motion, be vital!