CNA Certification (Written Exam)Activities of Daily LivingMedium
A resident with left-sided weakness needs assistance with putting on pants. Which leg should the CNA guide into the pant leg first?
- AEither leg, as it does not matter.
- BThe weaker, left leg.
- CThe leg the resident prefers to move first.
- DThe stronger, right leg.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The weaker, left leg.
When dressing a resident with weakness on one side, it is always best practice to dress the weaker side first. This allows the resident to use their stronger side to assist with maneuvering the garment over the weaker limb, promoting independence and ease of dressing.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. It matters significantly for resident comfort, safety, and promoting independence.
- C. While resident preference is important, in cases of weakness, there's a specific technique for safety and ease.
- D. Dressing the stronger side first makes it harder to get the garment over the weaker, less mobile limb.
Dressing with Unilateral Weakness
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!