Scope of Practice Flashcards

A resident in pain asks the CNA for an extra dose of pain medication. The CNA should:

Answer: Notify the nurse of the resident's pain complaint

CNAs do not administer medications; they must report pain concerns to the nurse so appropriate action can be taken.

State nurse practice acts determine a CNA's scope of practice primarily by:

Answer: Defining which tasks are authorized based on training and certification

Nurse practice acts are state laws that define what healthcare workers at each level are legally authorized to do.

A CNA observes a resident's behavior has changed significantly since yesterday. The best action is to:

Answer: Document the observation and report it to the nurse

CNAs are trained to observe and report changes in resident condition; early reporting enables timely clinical intervention.

Which of the following is an example of a CNA working within their scope of practice?

Answer: Performing a blood glucose finger stick per facility policy

Some states and facilities allow CNAs to perform blood glucose testing after specific training; IV lines, central line dressings, and diet orders are outside CNA scope.

When a nurse delegates a task to a CNA, the CNA is responsible for:

Answer: Completing the task competently and reporting outcomes to the nurse

When a nurse delegates a task within the CNA's scope, the CNA is accountable for performing it correctly and communicating findings.

A CNA suspects a resident is showing signs of a stroke. The immediate priority is to:

Answer: Notify the nurse immediately

Stroke is a medical emergency; the CNA must alert the nurse immediately so emergency protocols can be activated.

Which statement best describes the purpose of a CNA's scope of practice?

Answer: To protect residents and ensure care is provided by appropriately trained personnel

Scope of practice exists to safeguard residents by ensuring tasks are performed only by those with appropriate training and legal authorization.