General CNA Practice Activities of Daily Living Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is considered a basic Activity of Daily Living (ADL), as opposed to an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
- Managing personal finances
- Bathing and showering (Correct answer)
- Shopping for groceries
- Preparing a meal
Correct answer: Bathing and showering
Basic Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) are fundamental self-care tasks. Bathing and showering fit this definition. Managing finances, shopping, and preparing meals are more complex tasks classified as Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), which are necessary for independent living but are not as basic as ADLs.
Question 2: A CNA is assisting a resident who has weakness on their right side with dressing. How should the CNA proceed?
- Dress the left (stronger) side first.
- Dress the right (weaker) side first. (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident to dress themselves to promote independence.
- Start with the lower body regardless of the side.
Correct answer: Dress the right (weaker) side first.
When assisting with dressing, the CNA should always start with the weaker or affected side. This method minimizes strain and discomfort for the resident and makes the process easier and safer. The principle is 'dress the weak side first, undress the strong side first'.
Question 3: Mr. Jones, a resident in your care, is on a toileting schedule and is to be assisted to the bathroom every two hours. When you enter his room at the scheduled time, he is resting in his chair and has not used his call light. What is the most appropriate action for the CNA to take?
- Wait for him to use the call light to ask for assistance.
- Document that the resident did not need to use the restroom at this time.
- Gently remind him that it's time for his scheduled bathroom visit and offer assistance. (Correct answer)
- Tell him to let you know when he is ready to go.
Correct answer: Gently remind him that it's time for his scheduled bathroom visit and offer assistance.
Following the care plan is crucial for providing consistent and effective care. A toileting schedule is put in place to prevent incontinence and promote comfort. The CNA's role is to proactively offer assistance at the scheduled times, regardless of whether the resident has requested it.
Question 4: To ensure a resident's dignity and privacy during a bed bath, which action is most important for the CNA to perform?
- Keeping the room door open to call for help if needed.
- Asking the resident's family to leave the room.
- Exposing only the part of the body being washed at one time. (Correct answer)
- Completing the bath as quickly as possible.
Correct answer: Exposing only the part of the body being washed at one time.
Maintaining a resident's dignity is a core principle of care. During a bed bath, this is best achieved by using a bath blanket and only uncovering the specific area being washed, keeping the rest of the body covered. This approach respects the resident's privacy and helps maintain their body temperature.
Question 5: Which of the following tasks falls under the category of an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?
- Managing medications (Correct answer)
- Transferring from bed to a chair
- Eating
- Controlling one's bladder
Correct answer: Managing medications
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) are more complex activities necessary for independent living. Managing medications requires cognitive skills like planning and memory. Transferring, eating, and continence are considered basic ADLs, as they are fundamental self-care tasks.
Question 6: A resident is identified as being NPO (nothing by mouth). When providing oral hygiene, what is the safest method for the CNA to use?
- Brushing the teeth with a small amount of toothpaste and water.
- Offering the resident a small amount of water to swish and spit.
- Using a moistened toothette or mouth swab. (Correct answer)
- Skipping oral care since the resident is not eating.
Correct answer: Using a moistened toothette or mouth swab.
NPO means the resident cannot have anything by mouth, often due to risk of aspiration. Therefore, using toothpaste and water, which could be swallowed, is unsafe. The safest method is to use a toothette or sponge swab moistened with water to clean the mouth without introducing excess liquid. Oral care is still essential to prevent sores and infections.
Which of the following is considered a basic Activity of Daily Living (ADL), as opposed to an Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL)?