Basic Nursing Skills 21 Flashcards

A resident refuses to take their prescribed medication. What is the CNA's FIRST action?

Answer: Document the refusal and report it to the nurse

CNAs must document and report medication refusals to the nurse immediately so the care team can address the situation appropriately.

When performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, the CNA should support the extremity:

Answer: Above and below the joint being exercised

Supporting the extremity both above and below the joint provides stability and prevents injury during ROM exercises.

Which vital sign measurement requires the CNA to count for a full 60 seconds if an irregularity is detected?

Answer: Pulse

If an irregular pulse is detected, the CNA must count it for a full 60 seconds to obtain an accurate rate and note the irregularity.

A resident's urine output is 250 mL over 8 hours. The CNA should:

Answer: Report this low output to the nurse immediately

Normal urine output is at least 30 mL/hour; 250 mL over 8 hours is below normal and must be reported to the nurse promptly.

When using a mechanical lift to transfer a resident, the MINIMUM number of staff required is:

Answer: Two staff members

Mechanical lift transfers require at least two staff members to ensure resident safety and proper equipment operation.

The purpose of applying compression stockings (TED hose) is to:

Answer: Promote venous return and prevent blood clots

Compression stockings apply graduated pressure to the legs, promoting venous blood return to the heart and reducing deep vein thrombosis risk.

When collecting a clean-catch midstream urine specimen, the CNA instructs the resident to:

Answer: Discard the first urine stream, then collect midstream

The initial urine stream flushes urethral contaminants, so midstream collection provides the most accurate specimen for testing.