Clinical Care Basics
What is the name of the routine vital sign that measures heartbeats per minute
Pulse or heart rate
What does PPE stand for? (abbreviation)
Personal Protective Equipment
Give one respectful phrase a CNA can use to ask a patient if they are comfortable. (short phrase)
"Are you comfortable?" or "Is this okay with you?"
What does aspiration mean when referring to the airway?
Food liquid or vomit enters airway instead of the esophagus
What is one reason documentation is important in healthcare and client services? (short answer)
Prevents errors, provides legal record, supports continuity of care/service
When helping a patient move from bed to chair, what technique should you use to protect your back, and the patient? (Three techniques)
Proper body mechanics; wide stance, gait belt, keep object close, knees bent, and adjust the head of the bed
Which basic PPE item should be worn when there is risk of splashes to the face or mouth?
Face shield or mask (or goggles for eye protection)
When a patient is hard of hearing, name two communication adjustments a caregiver should make. (list two)
Face the person and speak clearly; use short sentences or written notes; reduce background noise; use visual cues (any two)
Describe how being under the influence of drugs or alcohol increases the risk of aspiration
Sedatives and alcohol can depress the cough reflex and level of consciousness
Give one professional boundary a CNA] student should maintain with clients or patients. (short answer)
Avoid personal relationships with clients, do not share personal contact outside work, maintain appropriate physical boundaries
Identify two important pieces of information to check a patient's identity before providing care
Name, Date of Birth, Room Number
Explain why proper glove use does not replace the need for handwashing. (one-paragraph explanation)
Gloves can become contaminated and have microscopic tears; handwashing removes pathogens on skin and prevents cross-contamination when gloves are removed or replaced
Define "active listening" and provide one example of an active listening behavior. (short answer)
Active listening: fully concentrating, reflecting, and responding (example: repeating or summarizing what the patient said)
what is the difference between aspiration and choking? (One similarity and two differences)
Similarity: both involve material blocking the airway
Differences: choking is usually an object obstructing UPPER airway, versus aspiration which usually liquid or other substance obstructing the lower airway or lung tissue
Describe how confidentiality (HIPAA principle for CNAs) applies to conversations in a health care setting. (short paragraph)
Only share client/patient information with authorized personnel; avoid discussing identifiable details in public areas
Describe the correct sequence for handwashing using soap and water, when hands are visibly soiled
wet hands, apply soap, scrub all surfaces 20 seconds, rinse, dry with a towel, turn off sink with a paper towel
Define "standard precautions" in one or two sentences as used in healthcare. (concise definition)
Infection-prevention practices applied to all patients to reduce risk of transmission of bloodborne and other pathogens (use PPE, hand hygiene, safe handling)
A resident seems confused and agitated. List three techniques a CNA can use to de-escalate and reassure the resident. (list three)
Speak calmly, use simple reassuring statements, remove triggers if possible, offer a quiet place or slow breathing techniques, call for nurse if needed (any three)
List two visible signs that someone is choking
red face, hands to throat (universal choking sign), inability to speak, silent cough without air movement, panic and distress,
A student is running 10 minutes late for a client appointment or shift. What are two appropriate professional actions they should take? (list two)
Call ahead to inform supervisor, apologize and arrive as soon as safely possible, offer to reschedule or make up time (any two)
Patient has sudden chest pain and shortness of breath. List the steps a CNA should take while awaiting medical help
1. call for help 2. activate emergency response 3. stay with patient. 4. monitor airway, breathing and vitals 5.position for comfort (seated or lying as appropriate)
Describe the correct order for donning (putting on) and doffing (taking off) gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection to minimize contamination. (ordered list)
Donning: gown → mask/respirator → eye protection → gloves; Doffing: gloves → gown → eye protection → mask/respirator (or follow facility policy)
Provide a short script (2–3 sentences) a CNA could use to obtain informed consent before a routine non-invasive procedure, like a blood pressure check. (2–3 sentence script)
"I need to check your blood pressure now. This is a routine check to help us see how you're doing. Is it okay if I proceed?" (get verbal consent)
Explain why cyanosis (blue lips or skin) is a critical sign and what it indicates about breathing and oxygenation
Cyanosis indicates low oxygen saturation and poor oxygen delivery to tissues. (An emergency indicating poor oxygenation and tissue perfusion)
Describe the role of a CNA in terms of scope of practice and responsibilities.
CNA provides direct patient care (bathing, vitals, assistance with ADLs) under supervision of licensed nurse;