Communication & Rights
You enter a room and find a resident crying. Instead of saying "Don't cry," you sit down and listen. What is this type of listening called?
Active Listening.
What is the single most important thing a Nursing Assistant can do to prevent the spread of germs?
Handwashing
When washing a resident's eyes, you should wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner. Why?
To prevent infection/moving germs into the eye.
You notice a resident's skin looks much more pale than usual. When should you report this to the nurse?
Immediately
A resident with dementia asks, "When is my mother coming to pick me up?" (The mother passed away years ago). What is the best way to respond?
Use distraction or ask them to tell you more about their mother (Validation).
A resident’s daughter asks you about the medical diagnosis of the person in the next bed. You politely refuse to tell her. Which law are you following?
HIPAA (Confidentiality).
You are about to empty a urinary drainage bag. What "Standard Precaution" equipment (PPE) must you wear?
Gloves (and potentially a gown/goggles if splashing is likely).
A resident has a weak left side due to a stroke. Which side do you dress first?
The weak side (Left side). Tip: "Pow" - Put On Weak.
A resident just finished drinking a large cup of hot coffee. How long should you wait before taking their oral temperature?
15 to 20 minutes.
You are using a gait belt to help a resident walk. Where should you stand?
Slightly behind and to the side of the resident (usually the weaker side).
A resident wants to wear a mismatched outfit and a bright purple hat today. What right are you supporting by letting them choose?
The Right to Make Personal Choices (Self-determination).
When lifting a heavy object or moving a resident, you should keep your feet shoulder-width apart and bend at your knees, not your back. What is this called?
Good Body Mechanics.
You are assisting a resident with a meal who has vision impairment. How do you describe where the food is on their plate?
Using the face of a clock (e.g., "The peas are at 3 o'clock").
You are counting a resident’s pulse and notice it feels irregular or "skips a beat." How long should you count for?
One full minute (60 seconds).
To prevent pressure sores (bedsores), how often should a resident who stays in bed be repositioned?
Every 2 hours.
You are busy, and a coworker snaps at you. Instead of yelling back, you calmly say, "I feel frustrated when you speak to me that way." What style of communication is this?
Assertive Communication.
You see a "Falling Star" or "Fall Risk" sign on a resident’s door. What is one thing you should check before leaving their room to keep them safe?
Call light is in reach (or bed is in lowest position).
A resident wants to try to brush their own teeth, but it takes them a very long time. What should the Nursing Assistant do?
Encourage them to do it (Promote Independence).
You are measuring "Intake." If a resident drinks 4 ounces of juice, how many milliliters (mL) do you document?
120 mL (30 mL per ounce).
A resident is receiving end-of-life care. Which of the five senses is usually the last to leave the body?
Hearing
A resident with dementia is pacing and yelling. Instead of telling them to stop, you try to understand the feeling behind the behavior. What is this technique called?
Validation Therapy.
You find a resident on the floor who is not breathing. What is the very first thing you should do?
Call for help (Activate the emergency response system).
When performing perineal care (cleaning the private area), in which direction should you always wipe?
From Front to Back (Cleanest to Dirtiest).
A resident tells you they have a "sharp pain" in their chest. Is this an example of "Objective" data or "Subjective" data?
Subjective Data (it is what the resident tells you).
A resident is supposed to perform "Passive Range of Motion" (PROM) exercises. Who is doing the moving—the resident or the Nursing Assistant?
The Nursing Assistant (The resident is passive).