CNA Emergency Procedure — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident suddenly collapses and is unresponsive. What is the first action a CNA should take?
- Begin chest compressions immediately
- Call for help and activate the emergency response system (Correct answer)
- Check the resident's blood pressure
- Reposition the resident in bed
Correct answer: Call for help and activate the emergency response system
The first step when encountering an unresponsive resident is to call for help by activating the emergency response system (call light, call code, or yell for assistance). Early activation brings trained responders quickly and initiates life-saving interventions.
Question 2: When performing the Heimlich maneuver on a conscious choking adult, where should the CNA position their hands?
- On the center of the chest
- Just above the navel and below the breastbone (Correct answer)
- On the lower abdomen below the navel
- On both shoulders
Correct answer: Just above the navel and below the breastbone
For the Heimlich maneuver on a conscious adult, the CNA should stand behind the patient, make a fist, and place it just above the navel and below the breastbone. The other hand grasps the fist to deliver firm upward thrusts.
Question 3: A resident tells you they are having chest pain and are sweating. After calling for the nurse, what should the CNA do next?
- Give the resident a glass of water
- Leave the room to get the emergency cart
- Stay with the resident, keep them calm, and monitor their condition (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident to walk to the nurses' station
Correct answer: Stay with the resident, keep them calm, and monitor their condition
After notifying the nurse, the CNA should stay with the resident to monitor their condition, keep them calm and comfortable, loosen any restrictive clothing, and be prepared to assist the nurse when they arrive. Never leave a resident who may be having a cardiac event.
Question 4: In a fire emergency, which acronym describes the correct order of actions a CNA should follow?
- PASS
- RACE (Correct answer)
- STOP
- HELP
Correct answer: RACE
RACE stands for Rescue (remove anyone in immediate danger), Alarm (activate the fire alarm), Contain (close doors and windows to contain the fire), and Extinguish or Evacuate. This is the standard fire response protocol in healthcare facilities.
Question 5: A resident is found on the floor. After calling for help, what should the CNA assess before moving the resident?
- Whether the resident is hungry
- Signs of injury including pain, swelling, and ability to move extremities (Correct answer)
- The resident's blood glucose level
- Whether the resident needs a bath
Correct answer: Signs of injury including pain, swelling, and ability to move extremities
Before moving a fallen resident, the CNA must assess for signs of injury such as deformity, bleeding, swelling, pain, or the resident's ability to move their extremities. Moving a resident with an undetected fracture or spinal injury could cause further harm.
Question 6: What does the 'P' in the fire extinguisher acronym PASS stand for?
- Push
- Pull (Correct answer)
- Point
- Press
Correct answer: Pull
PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. Knowing this acronym helps CNAs use a fire extinguisher correctly during a small contained fire emergency.
CNA Emergency Procedure
A resident suddenly collapses and is unresponsive.
What is the first action a CNA should take?