CNA Basic Nursing Skills 7 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When measuring a resident's blood pressure, where should the cuff be placed?
- Over the wrist with the cuff edge at the hand
- On the upper arm about 1 inch above the antecubital fossa (Correct answer)
- Directly over the antecubital fossa
- On the lower arm over the radius
Correct answer: On the upper arm about 1 inch above the antecubital fossa
The blood pressure cuff should be placed on the upper arm with the lower edge approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the antecubital fossa.
Question 2: A resident who is on fall precautions needs to use the bathroom. What should the CNA do?
- Let the resident go alone if they feel steady
- Assist the resident and stay within arm's reach throughout (Correct answer)
- Place a bedpan in the bed instead of getting up
- Remind the resident to call but leave the room
Correct answer: Assist the resident and stay within arm's reach throughout
Residents on fall precautions require continuous close assistance during ambulation and toileting to prevent falls.
Question 3: Which vital sign change in an elderly resident requires immediate reporting?
- Oral temperature of 98.2°F
- Pulse of 68 beats per minute
- Systolic blood pressure of 88 mmHg (Correct answer)
- Respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute
Correct answer: Systolic blood pressure of 88 mmHg
A systolic blood pressure of 88 mmHg is abnormally low and indicates possible hypotension, which can lead to falls or organ damage.
Question 4: What does the abbreviation NPO mean in a resident's care plan?
- Nothing by mouth—no food or fluids allowed (Correct answer)
- No physical orders from the physician
- Normal physical output expected
- Night protocol only—no daytime meals
Correct answer: Nothing by mouth—no food or fluids allowed
NPO (nil per os) means the resident must not receive anything by mouth, including food, fluids, or medications taken orally.
Question 5: A resident in a wheelchair needs to be transferred to bed. Which action should the CNA take first?
- Lock the wheelchair brakes (Correct answer)
- Remove the wheelchair footrests
- Ask the resident to stand immediately
- Position the wheelchair at a 90-degree angle
Correct answer: Lock the wheelchair brakes
Locking the wheelchair brakes is the first step to prevent the chair from rolling during transfer, ensuring resident safety.
Question 6: When providing oral care to an unconscious resident, how should the CNA position the resident?
- Flat on their back (supine)
- Turned to their side with head slightly forward (Correct answer)
- Sitting upright at 90 degrees
- Prone (face down)
Correct answer: Turned to their side with head slightly forward
The lateral (side-lying) position with the head tilted slightly forward allows fluid to drain out of the mouth and prevents aspiration.
Question 7: A resident reports sudden severe chest pain and difficulty breathing. What is the CNA's priority action?
- Help the resident to a reclining position and monitor closely
- Call for the nurse immediately and stay with the resident (Correct answer)
- Give the resident a glass of water and take vital signs
- Administer nitroglycerin from the emergency kit
Correct answer: Call for the nurse immediately and stay with the resident
Chest pain with difficulty breathing is a potential emergency; the CNA must call for the nurse immediately and remain with the resident.
CNA Basic Nursing Skills 7 4
When measuring a resident's blood pressure, where should the cuff be placed?