CNA Practice Questions

CNA Practice Questions

1. If a patient refuses a treatment and the CNA attempts to perform it anyway, what could the CNA be charged with?

a. Assault
b. Battery
c. Either A or B
d. Neither A nor B

2. A CNA who forgets to lock the wheels on a wheelchair (which results in a subsequent fall) could be charged with:

a. assault.
b. battery.
c. malpractice.
d. negligence.

3. If a CNA observes the nursing supervisor acting in a negligent way, what should she do?

a. Speak with the doctor in charge of the patient.
b. Follow the institution's chain of command to determine who to report the behavior to.
c. Go to the institution's president of nursing to report the behavior.
d. Confront the nursing supervisor directly.

4. If a CNA begins to suspect that a patient is being abused by a family member, what should she do?

a. Report it to the charge nurse.
b. Report it to the police.
c. Ignore it because the nurse and doctor probably suspect it too.
d. Confront the suspected abuser.

5. Who is the most important member of the health care team?

a. The nurse
b. The patient
c. The physician
d. The CNA

6. What is the minimum number of hours of continuing education that a CNA should complete each year?

a. 6
b. 12
c. 20
d. 50

7. What is the BEST way for a CNA to assist during a code?

a. Administer emergency medications according to the physician's instructions.
b. Document the events.
c. Speak with the family and answer their questions about what is happening.
d. Retrieve emergency equipment, including the code cart or intubation box, and carry out other assigned tasks that fall within a CNA's scope of practice.

8. A patient's daughter is requesting to perform morning care for her mother. The patient is okay with the request, and it has been cleared with the charge nurse. What should the CNA do?

a. Refuse to let the daughter assist.
b. Allow her to perform the morning care and leave the room to provide privacy.
c. Allow her to assist with morning care, but stay in the room to ensure it is being done correctly.
d. Request that the nurse supervise the patient's daughter.

9. When the CNA is informed of an admission, what is her responsibility?

a. Prepare the room, including the linens, gowns, and other necessary equipment.
b. Complete the admissions interview.
c. Make sure the patient's medications have been received from the pharmacy and are correct.
d. Coordinate the patient's care with the rest of the treatment team.

10. Which of the following is NOT a reason for a CNA to refuse an assignment?

a. The CNA feels the task is unethical.
b. Performing the task would cause harm to the CNA.
c. The CNA had a serious disagreement with the patient's family the day before.
d. The assignment is outside the CNA's scope of practice.

Answers and Explanations

1. C: A CNA could be charged with assault if she threatens or tries to touch a patient (provide care) without the patient's consent. It does not matter if she actually touches the patient or provides the treatment; the patient just needs to be afraid that she will do it. Battery refers to the actual act of touching the patient in a threatening manner or in a way that the patient has not consented to. In the situation outlined in the question, the CNA could be charged with both assault and/or battery, depending on the specific circumstances surrounding the incident.

2. D: The CNA could be charged with negligence because she performed a task in a way that was inconsistent with her training. Only a professional with advanced training or one who needs to maintain a license, such as a doctor or nurse, can be charged with malpractice. A CNA can't because they only need to maintain a certification, not a license. Assault and battery do not apply because the CNA is not behaving in a threatening manner.

3. B: The CNA should follow the chain of command when determining who to report the behavior to. It is inappropriate to contact the physician in charge of the patient's care because he does not have any authority to deal with this type of nursing situation. It is inappropriate to go directly to the nursing supervisor or president of nursing without following the guidelines set in place by the institution.

4. A: The CNA should immediately report the suspected abuse to the charge nurse so she can determine how best to proceed. It is possible that the suspicions have already been addressed, which is why it is not appropriate to directly report the suspected abuse to the police or confront the potential abuser. The behavior should not be ignored, however, because of the potential for the patient being harmed.

5. B: The most important member of the health care team is the patient. His or her needs-medical, spiritual, and emotional-are the most important. The patient must ultimately consent to and be actively involved in their plan of care. What the physician, nurse, and CNA need, recommend, or want takes a back seat to the needs and wishes of the patient.

6. B: The CNA should complete a minimum of 12 hours of continuing education each year to keep her skills up to date. Additional continuing education hours may be necessary, depending on the skill level and needs of the CNA. Her employer should provide some of the continuing education credits, but it is ultimately the responsibility of the CNA to maintain her certification.

7. D: During a code, the CNA should promptly retrieve emergency equipment or other supplies according to the needs of the physicians and nurses. That may include blood from the blood bank, needles, syringes, etc. Documenting the events and administering medications is the responsibility of the nurse, and is outside the scope of practice of the CNA. The CNA should not answer medical questions from the family, but may be able to provide comfort or support if necessary.

8. C: In cases where the patient will be going home to be cared for by the family, it is definitely appropriate for family members to begin to assist in the patient's care. The CNA should allow the daughter to participate in her mother's care, but should be available to supervise and assist as necessary.

9. A: The CNA should prepare the room, ensuring that linens, personal protective equipment, and other medical supplies are present. The CNA should also help orient the patient to the unit and take vital signs. The nurse should complete the admission interview and assessment and coordinate all aspects of care. This includes contacting the pharmacy and ensuring the correct medications are received.

10. C - A serious disagreement with the patient's family is not a reason to refuse an assignment. The CNA must find a way to work professionally with her patient and the family. If the disagreement begins to interfere with the care the patient is receiving, the CNA should speak with her nurse supervisor about the steps that will need to be taken. The other answer choices are all valid reasons for refusing an assignment.