CNA Certification (Written Exam)Activities of Daily LivingMedium
A CNA is assisting a resident with grooming. The resident has long hair and requests it be brushed. What is the MOST appropriate technique for brushing long, tangled hair?
- ABrush quickly and firmly to remove tangles efficiently.
- BStart brushing from the scalp down to the ends.
- CWet the hair thoroughly before attempting to brush it.
- DUse short, gentle strokes, starting from the ends and working upwards.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Use short, gentle strokes, starting from the ends and working upwards.
Starting from the ends and working upwards with short, gentle strokes helps to slowly untangle hair without causing pain or damage to the scalp, which is essential for resident comfort and hair integrity.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Quick and firm brushing can cause pain, break hair, and damage the scalp.
- B. Starting from the scalp pushes tangles down, making them worse and causing pain.
- C. Wetting tangled hair can make tangles tighter and harder to remove, increasing breakage.
Brushing Tangled Hair
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!