CNA Supporting Rehabilitation Activities — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary goal of rehabilitation for a nursing home resident?
- To return the resident to a hospital setting for more intensive care
- To achieve the highest possible level of independence and function (Correct answer)
- To keep the resident sedated and comfortable
- To prepare the resident for end-of-life care
Correct answer: To achieve the highest possible level of independence and function
The primary goal of rehabilitation is to help the resident achieve the highest possible level of physical, cognitive, and functional independence. Rehabilitation focuses on restoring lost function, preventing further decline, and improving quality of life after illness, injury, or surgery.
Question 2: A physical therapist has established a walking program for a resident. What is the CNA's role?
- Modify the walking program based on the resident's preferences
- Refuse to walk the resident since physical therapy is only the PT's job
- Assist with scheduled ambulation using correct technique and report progress to the therapist or nurse (Correct answer)
- Only observe the resident walk and document without providing any assistance
Correct answer: Assist with scheduled ambulation using correct technique and report progress to the therapist or nurse
The CNA's role in a rehabilitation program is to support and reinforce what the therapist has established. This includes assisting with scheduled ambulation, using the correct assistive device and technique, encouraging the resident, and reporting progress or setbacks to the therapist or nurse.
Question 3: Why is it important for a CNA to use a gait belt correctly during ambulation assistance?
- It keeps the resident from moving too fast
- It is a decorative item with no safety purpose
- It gives the CNA a secure grip to guide and support the resident, preventing falls (Correct answer)
- It is used only with residents who have a history of behavioral problems
Correct answer: It gives the CNA a secure grip to guide and support the resident, preventing falls
A gait belt is a safety device worn around the resident's waist that gives the CNA a secure grip to guide and support the resident during ambulation or transfers. Correct use prevents falls and allows the CNA to react safely if the resident begins to lose balance.
Question 4: What is the CNA's role when a resident is working with an occupational therapist on ADL retraining?
- Perform ADLs for the resident to give them a rest from therapy
- Use different techniques than the OT to find what works best
- Use the same adaptive techniques and equipment taught by the OT during daily care routines (Correct answer)
- Report to the OT only if the resident is making no progress
Correct answer: Use the same adaptive techniques and equipment taught by the OT during daily care routines
CNAs reinforce occupational therapy by using the same adaptive techniques and equipment taught by the OT during daily care routines. Consistency between therapy sessions and daily care is essential for skill carryover and functional improvement.
Question 5: A resident undergoing rehabilitation begins to cry during exercise, saying it hurts too much. What should the CNA do?
- Encourage the resident to push through the pain since 'no pain, no gain'
- Stop the exercise, acknowledge the pain, and notify the nurse and therapist (Correct answer)
- Administer pain medication from the nursing station before continuing
- Distract the resident and continue the exercise
Correct answer: Stop the exercise, acknowledge the pain, and notify the nurse and therapist
Pain during rehabilitation exercises must be taken seriously. The CNA should stop the exercise, acknowledge and validate the resident's pain, notify the nurse and therapist, and document the complaint. Continuing despite expressed pain can cause harm and violates the resident's rights.
Question 6: Which activity supports restorative care principles during mealtime for a resident who had a stroke?
- Feeding the resident completely to ensure full nutrition is consumed
- Providing only liquid meals to prevent choking
- Using adaptive equipment and encouraging self-feeding with the stronger arm (Correct answer)
- Skipping mealtime rehabilitation since it slows down the meal service
Correct answer: Using adaptive equipment and encouraging self-feeding with the stronger arm
Restorative care during mealtime for a stroke survivor includes using adaptive equipment (built-up utensils, plate guards), encouraging the resident to feed themselves using their stronger arm, and positioning for safety. This approach promotes independence and functional recovery.
CNA Supporting Rehabilitation Activities
What is the primary goal of rehabilitation for a nursing home resident?