CNA Skills and Competencies — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which clinical skill is considered a core competency that all CNAs must demonstrate during their certification exam?
- Inserting an NG tube
- Performing wound irrigation
- Hand hygiene (handwashing technique) (Correct answer)
- Drawing blood for a CBC
Correct answer: Hand hygiene (handwashing technique)
Hand hygiene is a universal core competency tested on every CNA certification exam. It is the foundational infection control practice and is evaluated during the clinical skills portion to ensure all CNAs perform it correctly before, during, and after patient care.
Question 2: A CNA is performing a two-person transfer. What is each person's primary role?
- Both CNAs lift from the same side
- One CNA watches while the other does all the work
- One CNA supports the upper body/head and the other controls the lower body, coordinating movements together (Correct answer)
- One CNA holds the transfer belt while the other operates the mechanical lift
Correct answer: One CNA supports the upper body/head and the other controls the lower body, coordinating movements together
In a two-person transfer, one CNA supports and guides the resident's upper body and head while the second CNA controls the lower body. Both must communicate clearly, count together before lifting, and use proper body mechanics to protect both themselves and the resident.
Question 3: How should a CNA measure a resident's blood pressure using a manual sphygmomanometer?
- Inflate the cuff as high as possible and release it rapidly
- Place the cuff over clothing for comfort
- Place the cuff 1 inch above the elbow, inflate 20–30 mmHg above palpated systolic, deflate slowly at 2–3 mmHg/sec (Correct answer)
- Use the dominant arm and measure while the resident is walking
Correct answer: Place the cuff 1 inch above the elbow, inflate 20–30 mmHg above palpated systolic, deflate slowly at 2–3 mmHg/sec
To measure blood pressure manually, the CNA places the cuff 1 inch above the antecubital space, palpates the brachial artery, inflates 20–30 mmHg above the palpated systolic pressure, then deflates slowly at 2–3 mmHg per second while listening with a stethoscope for Korotkoff sounds.
Question 4: What is the correct site for measuring an axillary temperature?
- Under the tongue (sublingual)
- In the rectum
- In the center of the underarm (axilla) with the arm held close to the body (Correct answer)
- Behind the ear (tympanic)
Correct answer: In the center of the underarm (axilla) with the arm held close to the body
An axillary (underarm) temperature is taken by placing the thermometer probe in the center of the armpit (axilla), ensuring the arm is held close to the body. It is considered the least accurate route but is used when oral or rectal routes are not appropriate.
Question 5: When performing range of motion (ROM) exercises, how should the CNA move each joint?
- As fast as possible to complete the exercise set quickly
- Force the joint through its full range even if the resident feels pain
- Slowly and gently, supporting above and below the joint, stopping at the point of resistance (Correct answer)
- Only move each joint once per session to prevent fatigue
Correct answer: Slowly and gently, supporting above and below the joint, stopping at the point of resistance
ROM exercises should be performed slowly and gently through the full available range of motion. The CNA should support the joint above and below, move only to the point of resistance or slight discomfort, and never force a joint beyond its natural range, as this could cause injury.
Question 6: A CNA obtains a resident's temperature of 101.2°F orally. What should the CNA do?
- Administer acetaminophen from the medication cart
- Document it and check again at the end of the shift before reporting
- Report the elevated temperature to the nurse promptly (Correct answer)
- Apply cooling blankets independently without notifying the nurse
Correct answer: Report the elevated temperature to the nurse promptly
A temperature of 101.2°F is elevated (normal oral temperature is approximately 97.6–99.6°F). The CNA should report this finding to the nurse promptly, as fever can indicate infection or other serious conditions requiring medical evaluation and intervention.
CNA Skills and Competencies
Which clinical skill is considered a core competency that all CNAs must demonstrate during their certification exam?