CNA Practice Test – Basic Nursing Skills #3

A client with left-sided hemiplegia has paralysis on the left side of the body. The paralysis can be partial or total. It occurs on the opposite side of the CVA (stroke) or brain disorder. Mrs. Sparks had a CVA on the right side of her brain, resulting in left-sided paralysis.

This nursing care plan means that the client is receiving oxygen at a constant rate of 3 liters per minute, using a nasal cannula. If the client has difficulty breathing, the CNA can assist the client to sit in a Fowler’s (upright) position. Every facility has a list of approved abbreviations. The CNA should become familiar with these, for reading care plans and for doing documentation.

NPO is a common medical term that means the client can not eat or drink anything, including water or ice chips. A doctor orders a patient to be NPO at midnight for situations such as before surgery or certain lab work. The nurse aide can provide mouth care for a client who is NPO. Placing a “NPO” sign over the client’s bed and on the client’s door will remind all staff members not to give the client anything to eat or drink.

Clinical standards state that all health care professionals must identify the client by checking the ID band or tag before providing care. They should wash their hands before and after an encounter with a client. They should also explain what they are going to do and give the client an opportunity to ask questions before proceeding.

Signs of shock include low blood pressure (hypotension), a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), a weak pulse, and pale skin which can be damp or clammy. The client may also be breathing rapidly (hyperventilation). The client may also be confused or not alert. Shock is an emergency situation, requiring rapid treatment.

180 cc = 6 oz. When converting cubic centimeters (cc) to ounces (oz) remember that 30 cc= 1 ounce. Although an ounce is slightly more, the amounts are considered to be equal by doctors and pharmacists. Also, 1 cc = 1 ml.

Post-partum is the medical term that means “after giving birth.” The prefix “post” always means after in any medical term. For example, post-operatively means “after surgery” and post-discharge means “after leaving treatment.” The term “partum” refers to giving birth.

Drainage bags from an indwelling Foley catheter should be kept below the the level of the bladder to prevent urine from backflowing into the bladder. It also allows gravity to help drain the tubing. Checked that the tubing is not kinked or compressed. Depending on the reason for the catheter, urine may have an unusual appearance; ask the nurse what is abnormal for the patient. Monitor and record the color of the urine, as well as observations such as sediment, cloudiness, or blood. Follow your facility’s policy or the patient’s care plan regarding how often to change the urinary drainage bag.

A rectal temperature is the most accurate, but needs to be done correctly. After placing the client in Sim’s position, lubricate the thermometer and gently insert it about one or two inches into the rectum. Hold the thermometer in place for two minutes to prevent it being pushed out or advancing into the rectum. After withdrawing it, wipe it with a gauze pad, read the temperature, and place the thermometer in the “used” container.

Before serving a meal tray, always check the client’s ID band or tag and match it with the correct tray. Some clients have special diets, severe food allergies, or strict fluid restrictions. While it can be tempting to skip this step in a long-term care facility, the nurse aide is legally responsible for verifying the identity of each client before serving food or giving care.

The effects of smoking can cause many diseases and medical complications. While cigarette smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, it also causes other lung conditions such as COPD, emphysema, and pneumonia. Smokers are more likely to develop heart disease and have heart attacks and strokes. Vitamins are depleted in smokers, especially vitamin C and the B vitamins.

When an IV is running well, the tubing should be clear and the IV site clean and dry. If blood is noted in the tubing, notify the nurse. It is beyond the scope of practice for a nurse aide to do anything with an IV.

Hypertension is defined as a blood pressure over 140/90. Severe hypertension is above 180/120. Even if the client has a history of high blood pressure, always immediately report a sudden increase to the nurse. Untreated hypertension can lead to heart disease and stroke.

Diabetic clients have a strict schedule regarding insulin injections and eating. Eating causes blood sugar to rise, and the insulin helps move it into the cells. Without food, the blood sugar drops quickly, causing a serious situation. Immediate treatment is necessary. Quickly check the client’s blood sugar and report it to the nurse. The client will need to eat 15 grams of glucose or a simple carbohydrate, such as 1/2 cup orange juice or a Tablespoon of sugar. The nurse aide should be aware of which clients are diabetic so that meals are served shortly after receiving insulin.

The ileum is the lowest part of the small intestine. An ileostomy is an opening in the abdomen that is made during surgery. The end of the ileum is placed outside the body and connected to a bag that collects the waste of the intestine. It is usually on the lower right side of the body.

The normal SpO2 range for a client with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is 88-92%. This is because oxygen reaches the lungs, but lung damage prevents oxygen from getting into the blood. Giving oxygen is carefully regulated for clients with COPD, with limits according to how the oxygen is delivered. Immediately report a low saturation to the nurse. Do not make any changes on your own.

A low blood pressure (hypotension) is less than 90/60. Only one of the numbers has to be lower to be considered hypotension. Some clients may have a normal blood pressure in the low range, but if there is a sudden drop from usual, immediately report it to the nurse.

The left Sim’s position is used for rectal examinations and administering enemas. The client lies on the left side, with the right knee and hip bent. It is also called the lateral recumbent or semiprone side position.

A stoma is an artificial opening in the body, done during surgery. For a client with a colostomy, the surgeon brings the end of the colon through the abdomen and creates a mouthlike opening that will drain waste into a bag. A stoma can also be done for the bladder and for the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine).

One of the primary responsibilities of a nurse aide is to monitor the client’s skin for any signs of breakdown. During baths, dressing, or position changes, inspect the skin for redness, pallor, warmth, or bruising. Reposition at least every two hours, protecting areas that rub together, as well as the bony prominences. Massages to the back and buttocks can promote circulation. Range-of-motion exercises are also helpful. Always report any signs of breakdown to the nurse.

Congestive heart failure is a chronic disease that happens when the heart becomes weak and is unable to pump efficiently. It is important to monitor the client’s weight, because sudden weight gain means that the client is retaining fluid. This puts a strain on the heart and lungs. The nurse aide should weigh the client every morning at the same time and record the weight. Notify the nurse of any sudden change.

Auto-immune diseases are never contagious. They happen when the body’s defense (immune) system attacks its own healthy tissue by mistake. Besides psoriasis, other examples of an auto-immune disease are lupus, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. Client care is the same as for any other client without an auto-immune disease.

The left Sim’s position is used for rectal examinations and administering enemas. The client lies on the left side, with the right knee and hip bent. It is also called the lateral recumbent or semiprone side position.

It is important to remember that only a doctor can order a treatment, test, or medication for a client. This includes simple treatments, such as hot and cold compresses. A nurse aide can be fired or lose certification for initiating treatments.

The question is about HALF of a 6oz. glass. 15 oz. = 450 cc. When converting ounces (oz.) to cubic centimeters (cc) remember that 1 oz. = 30 cc. Although an ounce is slightly more, the amounts are considered to be equal by doctors and pharmacists. Also, 1 cc = 1 ml.

Infiltration happens when the IV fluid leaks into the tissue because of a dislodged or misplaced IV catheter . The nurse assistant should monitor the IV site and report if it becomes swollen, cool to the touch, or painful. The skin near the IV site may look pale. Always be careful when moving or assisting a client with an IV to avoid pulling the line.

Accurate identification of a resident is always done by checking the resident’s ID bracelet or tag. This is a universal standard of practice in every facility and health care setting. It ensures that the resident receives the correct treatment and care every time.

All staff in a skilled nursing facility are responsible for maintaining a pleasant environment. Any source of odor must be dealt with at once. Bedpans and commodes should be emptied and cleaned as soon as the client finishes. All linens should be changed per the facility’s policies and as needed. Soiled linens should be transferred to the laundry facilities as soon as possible. Housekeeping can clean the common areas, dining room, and client rooms to prevent odors from food or incontinent episodes.