1. Basic Nursing Skills: CNA study guide
Vital Signs & Observations
🩺 Measuring pulse, temperature, respiration, and blood pressure is crucial. For example, a reading of 97.0°F – 64 bpm – 24 breaths/min after eating could indicate a potential issue that needs reporting.
Infection Control
🧼 Practicing hand hygiene and using gloves for procedures (e.g., emptying a urinary drainage bag) prevents infections. Knowing when to wear PPE is essential for protecting residents and staff.
2. Personal Care Skills: The Heart of Nursing
Bathing & Personal Hygiene
🚿 If a resident refuses a bath, offer choices instead of forcing compliance. Compassion and patience are key.
Assisting with Elimination
🚽 Managing urinary catheter bags and incontinence requires both technical skill and empathy. Always seek help if unsure to ensure safety and learning
3.Mental Health & Social Service Needs
Dealing with Grief & Confusion
💬 If a resident is grieving, listen and provide emotional support instead of avoiding the topic.
Behavioral Issues
⚠️ When a resident becomes combative, prioritize safety and de-escalation using calm communication instead of force
4. Restorative Skills: Promoting Independence
Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises
🦵 Incorporating ROM into daily activities helps preserve mobility and dignity.
Bladder & Bowel Training
🕒 Encouraging scheduled bathroom visits can help residents regain independence.
5. Resident’s Rights: Advocacy & Respect
Understanding the Bill of Rights
📜 Residents have the right to privacy, respect, and decision-making in their care. Knowing these rights helps advocate for them.
6. Communication: The Bridge to Quality Care
Effective Interaction
🗣️ Techniques for better communication:
✅ Use pictures or gestures for non-English speakers.
✅ Ask open-ended questions to encourage engagement.
✅ Listen actively and respond with empathy.
7. Safety & Emergency Procedures
Preventing Falls
🛏️ Always ensure beds are in the lowest position when not in use to prevent falls.
Emergency Response
🚨 In cases of shortness of breath, immediately raise the head of the bed to assist breathing.
8. Handling Dementia & Resident Confusion
Scenario:
A resident often carries a doll, treating it like her baby. One day, she wanders around crying because she can’t find it.
🟢 Provide Emotional Support – Stay calm, reassure the resident, and validate her feelings.
🟢 Help Find the Doll – Offer assistance in locating it, as familiar objects provide comfort.
🟢 Avoid Dismissing Concerns – Never tell the resident that the doll is not real; this can increase agitation.
🟢 Engage in Distraction Therapy – If the doll is lost, gently redirect her attention with another soothing activity.
9. Urinary Catheter Care
Scenario:
A CNA is asked to change a urinary drainage bag but has never done it before.
✅ Never attempt unfamiliar procedures alone – Always ask for supervision or training first.
✅ Maintain a sterile field – Use gloves and ensure no contamination occurs.
✅ Check for tubing kinks – If no urine is collecting in the bag, first inspect for obstructions.
✅ Monitor for infection signs – Redness, swelling, or foul-smelling urine could indicate an infection.
10. Assisting Residents with Eating & Preventing Choking
🚨 Signs of Choking or Swallowing Difficulties:
✔️ Frequent coughing while eating
✔️ Holding food in the mouth
✔️ Sudden inability to speak or breathe
What to Do?
✔️ Encourage slow eating and small bites.
✔️ Ensure the resident is sitting upright.
✔️ Be trained in the Heimlich maneuver for emergencies.
11. Managing Resident Aggression & Combative Behavior
Scenario:
A resident suddenly becomes combative and tries to hit a nurse aide.
🟢 Stay calm & step back – Protect yourself while maintaining a non-threatening posture.
🟢 Use de-escalation techniques – Speak in a calm, soothing voice.
🟢 Avoid physical restraint unless necessary for safety.
12. Caring for Residents with Diabetes
🚨 Signs of Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar):
✔️ Shakiness & sweating
✔️ Confusion or irritability
✔️ Dizziness or fainting
💡 How CNAs Can Help:
✔️ Ensure residents follow their meal plans to stabilize blood sugar.
✔️ Offer quick sources of sugar (juice, glucose tablets) if needed.
✔️ Report abnormal signs to a nurse immediately.
13. Supporting Residents Who Are Grieving
💙 Best CNA Response:
✔️ Understand that grief is natural and offer opportunities to talk.
✔️ Engage the resident in social activities when they are ready.
✔️ Monitor for signs of depression, such as withdrawal or extreme sadness.
💙Final Thoughts & Exam Success Tips
🎯 Key Strategies for Passing the CNA Written Exam:
✔️ Practice with mock tests – Familiarize yourself with question formats.
✔️ Use flashcards for medical terminology – Helps with quick recall.
✔️ Review real-world scenarios – Think about how CNA skills apply practically.
✔️ Stay calm & read carefully – Take your time understanding each question.
🌟 Ready to take the next step?
🚀 Start your CNA journey today and become the compassionate caregiver you aspire to be!
