A resident asks the CNA to rub a medicated anti-itch cream from a labeled tube onto a rash because their shoulders are stiff. What should the CNA do?
Answer choices
- AApply a thick layer of the medicated cream as requested
- BApply a tiny dab only so it does not count as medication
- CApply the cream now and mention it to the nurse at the end of the week
- DDecline to apply the medicated cream and report the rash and discomfort to the nurse
About this question
Can a CNA apply medicated anti-itch cream when a resident asks because their shoulders are stiff? Scope items blur skin care with medication administration. Any labeled medicated product is a drug, even a small dab from a bedside tube. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NNAAP competency being tested.
This practice question asks what the CNA should do. Decline to apply the medicated cream and report the rash and discomfort to the nurse. Do not apply any amount, delay reporting, or treat it as ordinary lotion. For cna cannot apply medicated cream, sort tasks into comfort care versus medication before you answer.
Reveal answer & explanationShow
Correct answer
- AApply a thick layer of the medicated cream as requested
- BApply a tiny dab only so it does not count as medication
- CApply the cream now and mention it to the nurse at the end of the week
- DDecline to apply the medicated cream and report the rash and discomfort to the nurseCorrect
Basic rationale
Applying medicated cream is medication administration and outside CNA scope. Do not apply it; report the rash and discomfort to the nurse.
Option explanations
- A: Incorrect. CNAs may not administer medications, including medicated creams.
- B: Incorrect. Any amount of medicated cream is still medication.
- C: Incorrect. Applying it is already a scope violation, and delayed reporting is wrong.
- D: Correct. Stay in scope and escalate the symptom.
Deep Analysis
Core logic
Medicated topical products are medications. CNAs do not apply them, even when the tube is at the bedside and the resident asks for help.
Distractor analysis
A: Applying the cream is medication administration outside scope. B: Using a smaller amount is still giving medication. C: Saving time by applying it before the nurse arrives still violates scope.
Exam trap
Help with a tube feels like skin care, but medicated cream equals medication.
Memory tip
Medicated cream request: do not apply; tell the nurse.
Ready for more Role of the Nurse Aide questions? Sign in to practice.
Related questions
- A CNA is documenting on a shared computer at the nurses' station when a visitor asks, How is my mother doing today? What is the MOST appropriate response?View question
- Which action by a CNA BEST supports a resident's right to refuse care?View question
- A CNA finds unexplained bruises in a pattern on a resident's upper arms. The resident becomes quiet and will not explain. What must the CNA do?View question
- A resident tells the CNA, Please do not tell anyone, but a staff member took money from my drawer. What should the CNA do?View question
- A CNA discovers a small open wound on a resident that was not present yesterday. The CNA is not trained to perform sterile dressing changes. What should the CNA do?View question
Master Role of the Nurse Aide for CNA
Sign in to practice this domain with blueprint-aligned questions, mocks, and AI explanations, then track what to study next.