CNA Skills Test----Help Please!!!

Published

I have a relatively easy question that needs to be answered, but my CNA instructors couldn't answer because they were all new! For Fluid Intake, I was told by a friend that were are not allowed to using measuring graduates in order to measure the amount of fluids! Instead, she told me that we have to 'eye' the three fluid amounts. We can only be 30ml/1oz off of the total included! Is it true that we can only 'eye' it? or can we actually measure it out? When I asked my instructors they told me to ask the test observer on test day....:confused:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, M/S, CCU, ER.

Who told you this? You always use a measuring device to measure I/O. Remember not to hold the graduate in your hand, but instead place it on a paper towel on a flat surface to read it, otherwise it might not be accurate. "Eyeing" an amount is never proper nursing (or CNA) practice.

For my CNA practical exam, I had to take BP, reposition someone in bed, and perform personal grooming. It varies from test to test, but I've never heard of having to eyeball fluid amounts, EVER.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much! I didn't think that sounded 'professional' but I was freaking out about 'what if?'! Makes me feel a lot more confident! Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Oh ok, I thought you were asking regarding fluid intake. For fluid intake you can tell approxinately how much the cup can hold. Regarding measuring output you will always put the graduate cylinder on a flat surface, we didn't have to put a paper towel under it while in CNA school but it doesn't hurt either. That goes the same for measuring any output from emesis, JP's etc. hope this helps

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, M/S, CCU, ER.

My bad, rereading the original post, she IS talking about fluid intake. This is actually a lot easier than it sounds. Your CNA instructors should show you various sizes of cups and containers (including little juice cups and small milk cartons) and you memorize how many mls there are. It doesn't have to be perfect, you just need to know the difference between 100ml and 130 ml, which is honestly not hard. In a hospital or LTC, standardized containers are used, both for cups and prepackaged beverages, making it very easy to keep track of intake.

As for output, you ALWAYS measure. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment