CNA Activities of Daily Living 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When assisting a resident with eating, the CNA should position the resident:
- Lying flat in bed
- At a 45-degree angle minimum, preferably upright (Correct answer)
- On their side
- In any comfortable position
Correct answer: At a 45-degree angle minimum, preferably upright
Upright positioning (at least 45-90 degrees) prevents aspiration during eating.
Residents should be positioned upright (45-90 degrees) during meals and for at least 30 minutes afterward to prevent aspiration (food entering the airway). This allows gravity to assist with swallowing and digestion.
Question 2: The correct order for dressing a resident with a weak left arm is:
- Weak arm first, strong arm second (Correct answer)
- Strong arm first, weak arm second
- Both arms at the same time
- It doesn't matter which arm first
Correct answer: Weak arm first, strong arm second
Dress the affected (weak) side first and undress it last.
The principle is 'affected first on, last off.' When dressing, put clothing on the weak/affected side first because it has less range of motion. When undressing, remove from the strong side first, then the affected side.
Question 3: When performing mouth care on an unconscious resident, position them:
- On their back with head elevated
- On their side with head turned downward (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright
- Lying flat on their stomach
Correct answer: On their side with head turned downward
Side-lying with head tilted allows fluids to drain out, preventing aspiration.
An unconscious resident cannot swallow or protect their airway. Positioning on their side with head slightly lowered allows any fluids from mouth care to drain out of the mouth rather than into the lungs (aspiration).
Question 4: The purpose of providing perineal care is to:
- Make the resident smell better
- Prevent infection and maintain skin integrity (Correct answer)
- Only performed after incontinence
- Required only during bath time
Correct answer: Prevent infection and maintain skin integrity
Perineal care prevents infection, maintains skin integrity, and promotes comfort.
Perineal care cleans the genital and rectal areas to prevent urinary tract infections, skin breakdown, and odor. It should be performed at least daily, after each incontinence episode, and during routine bathing. Always clean front to back for female residents.
Question 5: When assisting with ambulation, the CNA should stand:
- Behind the resident
- On the resident's weak side, slightly behind (Correct answer)
- In front of the resident
- On the resident's strong side
Correct answer: On the resident's weak side, slightly behind
Standing on the weak side provides support where the resident needs it most.
Position yourself on the resident's weaker/affected side and slightly behind to provide support and be ready to catch them if they lose balance. Use a gait belt around the waist for additional safety during ambulation.
Question 6: A resident's dentures should be stored in:
- A dry tissue on the nightstand
- A labeled denture cup with water (Correct answer)
- The resident's drinking glass
- A plastic bag in the drawer
Correct answer: A labeled denture cup with water
Dentures should be stored in a labeled cup with water or denture solution to prevent warping.
Dentures must be stored in a labeled denture cup with cool water or denture cleaning solution when not being worn. Dry storage can cause dentures to warp and lose their fit. Always handle dentures over a towel-lined sink to prevent breakage if dropped.
CNA Activities of Daily Living 2
When assisting a resident with eating, the CNA should position the resident: