CNA Basic Nursing Skills 2 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When measuring an oral temperature with a glass thermometer, how long should it remain in place?
- 1 minute
- 2 to 3 minutes (Correct answer)
- 5 to 8 minutes
- 10 minutes
Correct answer: 2 to 3 minutes
An oral glass thermometer should remain in place for 2 to 3 minutes to obtain an accurate reading.
Leaving a glass thermometer in place for 2 to 3 minutes allows the mercury column to equilibrate with the body's oral temperature. Less time may yield a falsely low reading, while 10 minutes is unnecessarily long and risks breakage. Always document the route (oral, rectal, axillary) alongside the temperature value.
Question 2: A resident's radial pulse feels irregular. What should the CNA do?
- Record the finding and continue the care routine
- Report the finding to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident to take a deep breath and recheck
- Recount for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
Correct answer: Report the finding to the nurse immediately
An irregular pulse is an abnormal finding that must be reported to the nurse promptly for further evaluation.
An irregular radial pulse can indicate cardiac arrhythmias or other cardiovascular problems that require nursing assessment. The CNA's role is to accurately observe, measure, and report, not to diagnose or independently manage the condition. Immediate reporting ensures the resident receives timely and appropriate care.
Question 3: What is the normal resting respiratory rate for an adult?
- 6 to 10 breaths per minute
- 12 to 20 breaths per minute (Correct answer)
- 22 to 28 breaths per minute
- 30 to 40 breaths per minute
Correct answer: 12 to 20 breaths per minute
Normal adult respirations at rest range from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Respirations below 12 (bradypnea) or above 20 (tachypnea) in an adult at rest are abnormal. The CNA counts respirations for a full 60 seconds or for 30 seconds and multiplies by 2. It is important not to let the resident know respirations are being counted, as awareness can alter the rate.
Question 4: Which blood pressure reading should be reported to the nurse as abnormal?
- 118/76 mmHg
- 122/80 mmHg
- 190/110 mmHg (Correct answer)
- 110/70 mmHg
Correct answer: 190/110 mmHg
A reading of 190/110 mmHg indicates severe hypertension and must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Normal blood pressure is generally below 120/80 mmHg. A reading of 190/110 mmHg represents stage 2 hypertension and is a significant abnormal finding that could indicate a hypertensive crisis. The other options all fall within acceptable ranges. CNAs must know the normal ranges and the facility's specific reporting thresholds.
Question 5: When should a CNA re-take a resident's temperature after the resident has just finished drinking hot coffee?
- Immediately, using the rectal route instead
- After at least 15 to 30 minutes (Correct answer)
- After exactly 5 minutes
- It does not matter; coffee does not affect readings
Correct answer: After at least 15 to 30 minutes
Oral temperature readings are affected by hot or cold foods and drinks. Waiting 15 to 30 minutes ensures an accurate measurement.
Hot liquids raise the oral cavity temperature and cold liquids lower it, both causing inaccurate thermometer readings. Best practice is to wait at least 15 to 30 minutes after the resident eats or drinks before taking an oral temperature. If an immediate reading is needed, the nurse may order another route, such as axillary or tympanic.
Question 6: When counting a resident's pulse, the CNA notices it is bounding and strong. This finding most likely indicates:
- Normal cardiac function
- The resident is relaxed and sleeping
- A potentially elevated blood pressure or fluid overload (Correct answer)
- The resident needs more fluids
Correct answer: A potentially elevated blood pressure or fluid overload
A bounding pulse can indicate elevated blood pressure, fluid overload, or other cardiovascular changes that warrant reporting.
Pulse quality is described as bounding, normal, weak, or thready. A bounding pulse is stronger than normal and may be associated with hypertension, fever, or fluid overload. A weak or thready pulse may indicate dehydration or decreased cardiac output. Any unusual pulse quality should be documented and reported to the nurse.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 2 2
When measuring an oral temperature with a glass thermometer, how long should it remain in place?