CNA Skills Test: Beginning Procedure Actions

Study Notes

Beginning Procedure Actions

Wash hands thoroughly before entering the room or during the procedure.
Assemble all necessary equipment prior to starting.
Knock and pause before entering a resident's room.
Introduce yourself by name and title to the resident.
Identify the resident according to facility policies, addressing them by name.
Ask visitors to leave the room and provide information on where they can wait.
Ensure privacy by pulling curtains, shutting doors, and covering the patient as needed.
Explain the procedure to the resident clearly, maintaining eye contact.
Address any questions the resident may have about the procedure.
Encourage resident participation in their own care.
Adjust the bed height to a comfortable working position.

Ending Procedure Actions

Position the resident comfortably after completing the procedure.
Lower the bed to its lowest position.
Ensure the signal cord, telephone, and water are within reach of the resident.
Perform a general safety check in the surroundings.
Open the curtain to provide visibility and accessibility.
Follow facility policies for caring for equipment used during the procedure.
Wash hands after completing the procedure.
Inform visitors that they may return to the resident's room.
Report and document the completion of tasks, noting any abnormalities observed.

Vital Signs: Blood Pressure

Clean the ear pieces and diaphragm of the blood pressure monitor with antiseptic.
Position the resident's arm palm up on a firm surface.
Wrap the cuff around the arm above the elbow, ensuring it is snug and even.
Insert ear pieces and place the diaphragm over the artery.
Inflate the cuff to a maximum of 180 mm/Hg or use the pulse obliteration method.
Gradually deflate the cuff, noting the systolic and diastolic readings accurately.
Ensure readings are within a 4 mm/Hg window for accuracy.
Record blood pressure measurements promptly and accurately.

Vital Signs: Temperature (Tympanic)

Place a cover on the tympanic thermometer before use.
Instruct the person to turn their head for easier access, adding a new probe cover.
Pull back the ear gently to straighten the ear canal and insert the probe.
Start the thermometer and wait for a beep or light indication to remove it.
Accurately read and document the temperature.

Vital Signs: Temperature (Oral/Axillary)

Confirm whether the person has eaten, drank, or smoked in the past 15 minutes.
Use a sheath on the probe before placement.
Ensure proper placement for oral or axillary readings.
Hold the probe in place if necessary for oral readings.
Leave the probe until the instrument signals completion.
Dispose of the sheath properly and replace the probe.
Accurately read and document the temperature measurement.

Vital Signs: Pulse (Radial/Apical)

Locate the pulse at the appropriate site on the body.
Count the pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by two, or count for a full minute.
Maintain an accuracy of ±4 beats per minute when documenting.

Vital Signs: Respiratory Rate

Count the number of breaths for one full minute.
Document findings with an accuracy of ±2 breaths.

Handwashing

Avoid touching the sink with any part of your uniform.
Turn the water to a warm temperature before wetting hands.
Thoroughly wet hands and apply soap.
Wash hands with fingers pointed down for 15-30 seconds, including wrists and nails.
Rinse hands with fingertips down to prevent contamination.
Use a dry paper towel to dry hands completely.
Use a paper towel to turn off the faucet to maintain cleanliness.
Immediately discard the towels without letting them touch the other hand.

Skill 1: Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Demonstrate methods for preventing pressure ulcers, including:
- Proper use of bed cradles.
- Use of elbow and heel protectors.
- Utilizing pillows to minimize skin contact.
- Ensuring wrinkle-free sheets.
Explain additional preventive measures:
- Frequent position changes.
- Maintaining good nutrition and hydration.
- Providing proper perineal care.
- Being cautious of friction and shearing on the skin.
- Regularly checking and caring for the resident's skin.
- Assisting with bathroom needs frequently.
- Encouraging mobility and using pressure-reducing devices.

Skill 2: Position Foley Catheter/Bag/Tubing

Secure catheter tubing to the resident's inner thigh or abdomen.
Position tubing to allow for gravitational flow without kinks.
Attach the catheter bag to the bed frame, ensuring it stays below bladder level.
Prevent the catheter bag from touching the floor to reduce infection risk.

Skill 3: Oxygen

Correctly position the nasal cannula, ensuring proper placement of prongs for effective oxygen delivery.

Description

This quiz focuses on the essential steps to follow when starting procedures as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). It includes the critical actions such as handwashing, introducing yourself, and ensuring privacy for residents. Test your knowledge and ensure you are prepared for real-life scenarios in healthcare settings.