CNA Scope of Practice — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What defines a CNA's scope of practice?
- Whatever a supervising nurse asks them to do regardless of training
- Only the tasks listed in their job description
- State laws, facility policies, and tasks the CNA has been trained and found competent to perform (Correct answer)
- What they learned in nursing school
Correct answer: State laws, facility policies, and tasks the CNA has been trained and found competent to perform
A CNA's scope of practice is defined by state law and regulations, the employing facility's policies, and the specific tasks for which the CNA has been trained and deemed competent. Scope of practice protects both residents and CNAs by clearly delineating what a CNA may and may not do.
Question 2: Which of the following is OUTSIDE the CNA's scope of practice?
- Measuring and recording vital signs
- Providing personal hygiene care
- Administering prescription medications (Correct answer)
- Assisting with ambulation using a gait belt
Correct answer: Administering prescription medications
Administering prescription medications—whether oral, topical, injectable, or by any other route—is outside the CNA's scope of practice and is reserved for licensed nurses and other authorized providers. CNAs may assist with self-administered medications in some states under specific protocols.
Question 3: A nurse asks a CNA to perform a sterile catheter insertion. The CNA has not been trained for this. What should the CNA do?
- Attempt the procedure while calling for help if needed
- Do it this one time and request training later
- Politely decline and explain they have not been trained for this procedure (Correct answer)
- Ask another CNA to supervise them while they attempt it
Correct answer: Politely decline and explain they have not been trained for this procedure
CNAs must decline tasks outside their training and scope. The correct response is to politely decline and explain that catheter insertion has not been part of their training. The CNA should not attempt the task to avoid patient harm and legal liability.
Question 4: Why is it important for CNAs to understand their scope of practice?
- So they can do as much as possible and relieve the nurses of work
- It is only important for obtaining promotions
- To protect residents from harm, protect themselves legally, and function effectively within the care team (Correct answer)
- To know which tasks they can refuse without reason
Correct answer: To protect residents from harm, protect themselves legally, and function effectively within the care team
Understanding scope of practice protects residents from harm caused by unqualified care, protects the CNA from legal and disciplinary action, and ensures the healthcare team functions effectively. Performing tasks outside one's scope risks patient safety and professional standing.
Question 5: A CNA notices that a resident's IV site appears red and swollen. What is within the CNA's scope of practice to do?
- Adjust the IV flow rate to reduce pressure at the site
- Remove the IV catheter to prevent further irritation
- Report the observation to the nurse immediately (Correct answer)
- Apply ice to the site and continue monitoring without reporting
Correct answer: Report the observation to the nurse immediately
CNAs do not manage IV lines or treat IV complications, but they are responsible for observing and reporting changes in a resident's condition. The correct action is to report the observation to the nurse immediately, who will assess and manage the IV site.
Question 6: Which task demonstrates appropriate CNA practice within their scope?
- Diagnosing a urinary tract infection based on urine color
- Changing a central venous catheter dressing
- Measuring and recording a resident's intake and output (Correct answer)
- Ordering a dietary consult for a malnourished resident
Correct answer: Measuring and recording a resident's intake and output
Measuring and recording a resident's intake and output (I&O) is a standard CNA task. It involves tracking fluids consumed and excreted and requires accurate documentation to support clinical decision-making by the nurse. It does not require clinical judgment beyond measurement and recording.
CNA Scope of Practice
What defines a CNA's scope of practice?