CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalMedium
A resident's family member asks the nurse aide to insert a urinary catheter because the nurse is busy. What should the aide do?
- AAsk another aide who has done it before to perform the task
- BDelay care until the nurse becomes available without saying anything
- CExplain that catheter insertion is outside the aide's scope of practice and notify the nurse
- DInsert the catheter quickly since it is a simple procedure
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Explain that catheter insertion is outside the aide's scope of practice and notify the nurse
Inserting a urinary catheter is an invasive procedure outside the legal scope of practice for a nurse aide. The aide must decline the task and notify the nurse promptly so a licensed professional can perform it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Another aide performing the task is equally outside scope and unsafe.
- B. Delaying without communicating could harm the resident and shows poor judgment.
- D. Performing an invasive procedure outside scope of practice is illegal and unsafe.
Scope of Practice
Scope of practice defines the tasks a nurse aide is legally permitted to perform; invasive procedures like catheter insertion are reserved for licensed nurses.
- CNAs cannot insert catheters, give injections, or administer most medications
- Performing tasks outside scope can lead to legal liability
- Always notify the nurse when a task requires licensed skills
Memory trick: 'If it's invasive, it's not mine.'