Written CNA test question - answer???

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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On the state's written test, there were about 7 or 8 questions that we did not cover in class. However, there was one that I cannot find the answer to.

It goes something like this. If you know the answer, I would appreciate any help. I can't find any info about this subject matter in my book.

Question: You are assisting to feed a resident who is paralyzed on their right side. You would:

a. place the piece of toast in their right hand

b. place the piece of toast in their left hand

c. assist them with their cup of coffee

d. (can't remember but I think it was obviously not the answer)

What would be the correct answer? It's driving me nuts. I wish I remembered what "d" was but I can't. I chose "c" because I felt there could be greater injury if hot coffee spilled and seeing as how the resident only had control over one hand, I chose this answer. But I think it may have been one of the questions that I missed.

Any ideas? Have you ever heard of a question like this? I wish we were given a list of the missed questions so we could learn what we did wrong.

Specializes in Acute Spine, Neuro, Thoracic's, LTC.

I am pretty sure the answer would be c to help with the coffee.

If the pt. was paralyed only on one side they should be able to eat the toast without you placing it in either hand. You want to allow them as much Independence as possible. However you may still need to help them with their coffee as it may be hard to manipulate with 1 hand only and they could risk spilling it and burning themselves without a bit of assistance.

I am willing to bet this is the answer :)

Let us know when you find out!

Specializes in Acute Spine, Neuro, Thoracic's, LTC.

Yikes just realized how old this post after I answered it lol

I didn't take the test yet but have taken a lot of mock ones and some of the questions drove me insane!

One question was:

If the patient has a GI bleed what color would their stool be?

A) Black, Tarry

B) Specks of Red.

C) Bright red

D) Grey

Well it all depends on how high up the bleed is! I figured they'd want the doom and gloom answer so I chose A and I got it right.

To answer your question though yes it would be whatever side the person wasn't paralyzed on so in your case the right. It promotes independence and motility in the good arm.

As mentioned above - absolutely promote as much independence as possible...give him the toast in the hand not affected by the disability.

Similarly, if the patient was blind, you would help the pt become oriented with the locations of his utensils/food/drink/etc then let him feed himself.

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