CNA Practice Test - Basic Nursing Skills #2 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Normal urine color is

Brown
Red
Yellow (Correct answer)
Colorless

Correct answer: Yellow

Normal urine color typically ranges from pale yellow to amber, primarily due to the presence of a pigment called urobilin. The exact shade can vary based on hydration levels; for instance, very dilute urine might be nearly colorless, while concentrated urine can be a darker yellow.

Question 2: Signs and symptoms of shock may include

Increased blood pressure, bradycardia, and flushed skin
Low blood pressure, tachycardia, clammy, pale skin (Correct answer)
Hyperventilation
Absence of respirations and pulse

Correct answer: Low blood pressure, tachycardia, clammy, pale skin

Signs and symptoms of shock, a life-threatening condition where the body's organs are not getting enough blood flow, include low blood pressure (hypotension), a rapid heart rate (tachycardia) as the heart tries to compensate, and cool, pale, clammy skin due to reduced circulation to the extremities.

Question 3: What is the best way of keeping a skilled nursing facility from having an unpleasant odor?

Keep all the windows open.
There is nothing you can do.
Empty bedpans and change linens in a timely manner. (Correct answer)
Use an air freshener regularly

Correct answer: Empty bedpans and change linens in a timely manner.

The most effective way to prevent unpleasant odors in a skilled nursing facility is through diligent hygiene practices. Promptly emptying bedpans and changing soiled linens are crucial steps, as they directly address the primary sources of odors. Regular cleaning and ensuring residents' personal hygiene also contribute significantly to maintaining a fresh environment.

Question 4: The brain is part of the

locomotor system
nervous system (Correct answer)
exocrine system
endocrine system

Correct answer: nervous system

The brain is the central organ of the nervous system, which is responsible for coordinating all voluntary and involuntary actions and transmitting signals to and from different parts of the body. It processes sensory information, controls thought, memory, emotion, and movement, and is essential for overall bodily function.

Question 5: While taking a rectal temperature the nurse aide should insert the thermometer and

hold onto the thermometer until it can be removed. (Correct answer)
go on his break.
take care of other patients and return in three minutes.
stay in the room until it is time to read the temperature.

Correct answer: hold onto the thermometer until it can be removed.

When taking a rectal temperature, the nurse aide must hold onto the thermometer throughout the entire procedure until it can be safely removed. This is crucial for patient safety, preventing injury from accidental displacement, and ensuring an accurate temperature reading. Leaving the thermometer unattended is unsafe and unprofessional.

Question 6: Which of the following should be reported immediately?

A pulse of 90
A blood pressure of 90/40 (Correct answer)
Temperature of 99.4
Respirations of 12

Correct answer: A blood pressure of 90/40

A blood pressure reading of 90/40 mmHg is significantly low (hypotension) and should be reported immediately. This could indicate a serious medical condition such as shock, severe dehydration, or internal bleeding, which requires prompt medical assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.

Question 7: A patient has a diagnosis of psoriasis. Her nurse aide should

wear a mask when entering the room.
wear gloves for patient care.
avoid contact with the highly contagious lesions.
treat her the same as any other patient with a non-infectious disease. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: treat her the same as any other patient with a non-infectious disease.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition, not an infectious disease. It is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person through contact. Therefore, standard precautions are sufficient, and the patient should be treated with the same dignity and care as any other patient without requiring special isolation measures like masks or gloves for infection control related to psoriasis itself.

Question 8: A professional and safe working appearance would include

Clean, wrinkle free uniform, short fingernails, off-the-shoulder hair (Correct answer)
Jewelry that reflects your fun personality
Carefully manicured acrylic nails
Sandals, t-shirt and name-tag

Correct answer: Clean, wrinkle free uniform, short fingernails, off-the-shoulder hair

A professional appearance in healthcare promotes trust and hygiene. Short fingernails prevent scratching patients and reduce the harboring of germs, while hair tied back prevents contamination and entanglement. A clean, wrinkle-free uniform projects professionalism and adherence to hygiene standards, ensuring a safe environment for both the patient and the caregiver.

Question 9: The recommended position for giving an enema is

Left Sims (Correct answer)
Semi-fowlers
Supine
Prone

Correct answer: Left Sims

The Left Sims position, or left lateral position with the right knee flexed, is recommended for enema administration. This position allows gravity to assist the flow of the enema solution into the sigmoid colon and rectum. It also helps to straighten the natural curve of the colon, making insertion easier and more comfortable for the patient while promoting better retention of the solution.

Question 10: A major risk factor for a stroke is

Hypotension
Being underweight
Overuse of vitamins
Hypertension (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the most significant modifiable risk factor for stroke. Chronically high blood pressure damages blood vessels throughout the body, including those supplying the brain, making them more prone to rupture (hemorrhagic stroke) or blockage by clots (ischemic stroke). Managing hypertension is crucial for stroke prevention.

Question 11: The patient just voided 400cc of cloudy yellow urine that has a strong smell. The patient also complains of pain while urinating. What should you report to the nurse?

Record it in the patient's chart for the nurse to read
Color, clarity, amount, odor, and pain (Correct answer)
Color, amount, and odor
Color and amount

Correct answer: Color, clarity, amount, odor, and pain

When reporting changes in a patient's urine, it is crucial to provide a comprehensive description of all observed characteristics and symptoms. The color, clarity (cloudiness), amount, and odor of the urine are objective observations, while the patient's complaint of pain during urination is a subjective symptom. Reporting all these details gives the nurse a complete picture, which is essential for accurate assessment and diagnosis, potentially indicating an an infection or other urinary issue.

Question 12: The nutrient used to build and repair tissue is

Carbohydrates
Fats
Protein (Correct answer)
Vitamins

Correct answer: Protein

Protein is an essential macronutrient vital for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all body tissues. It provides the building blocks (amino acids) necessary for creating new cells, repairing damaged ones, and producing enzymes, hormones, and other body chemicals. Without adequate protein, the body struggles to heal wounds, build muscle, and maintain overall tissue integrity.

Question 13: All of the following are signs of approaching death EXCEPT

Circulation increase (Correct answer)
Breathing is labored
Low blood pressure
Cold extremities

Correct answer: Circulation increase

As death approaches, the body's systems begin to shut down. Circulation typically decreases, leading to signs like cold extremities, mottled skin, and low blood pressure, as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. Increased circulation would indicate improved bodily function, which is contrary to the physiological changes seen in the dying process.

Question 14: Mrs. Jones is an insulin-dependent diabetic. What task should not be done for Mrs. Jones?

Bathing in warm water
Ambulating with a gait belt
Clipping toe nails (Correct answer)
Feeding with a plastic spoon

Correct answer: Clipping toe nails

Diabetics, especially those who are insulin-dependent, are at high risk for poor circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy) in their feet. Clipping toenails, even carefully, can lead to nicks or cuts that may not heal well due to impaired circulation, potentially leading to serious infections or ulcers. Therefore, foot care for diabetics, including nail trimming, should be performed by a podiatrist or a nurse with specialized training.

Question 15: A normal adult blood pressure is

134/90
80/40
180/80
116/70 (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 116/70

A normal adult blood pressure reading is generally considered to be less than 120 mmHg systolic and less than 80 mmHg diastolic. The reading 116/70 mmHg falls perfectly within this healthy range, indicating optimal cardiovascular function. Readings significantly higher or lower than this range can indicate hypertension or hypotension, respectively.

Question 16: The admission process includes all EXCEPT

Completing a physical assessment by the CNA (Correct answer)
Weighing and measuring the person
Completing an admission checklist
Orientating the person to the room, nursing unit and facility

Correct answer: Completing a physical assessment by the CNA

While CNAs play a vital role in the admission process by assisting with weighing, measuring, and orienting the patient, performing a physical assessment is outside their scope of practice. A physical assessment requires clinical judgment and diagnostic skills, which are responsibilities of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) or physician. CNAs report observations to the nurse, who then conducts the assessment.

CNA Practice Test - Basic Nursing Skills #2 1

Normal urine color is