Role of the Nurse AideMedium

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?

Answer choices

  • AApply a sterile dressing using kit supplies from the supply cart
  • BClean the wound with diluted bleach and cover it with a bandage
  • CReport the wound to the nurse and provide care only as assigned within your training
  • DDocument the wound at end of shift if it still looks the same

About this question

What should a CNA do after finding a new open wound on a resident when not trained for sterile dressing changes? Wound discovery items separate observation and reporting from sterile procedure performance. Helpful first-aid instincts are common traps. Read the wording and clinical context closely; those details determine the NNAAP competency being tested.

This practice question asks for the best action. Report the wound to the nurse and provide care only as assigned within training. Do not apply a sterile dressing kit, clean with unsafe solutions, or wait until end of shift. For new wound report nurse not sterile dressing, default to report promptly and stay within competency.

Reveal answer & explanationShow

Correct answer

  • AApply a sterile dressing using kit supplies from the supply cart
  • BClean the wound with diluted bleach and cover it with a bandage
  • CReport the wound to the nurse and provide care only as assigned within your trainingCorrect
  • DDocument the wound at end of shift if it still looks the same

Basic rationale

Perform only tasks within training and scope. Report the new wound to the nurse; do not attempt sterile procedures outside competency.

Option explanations

  • A: Incorrect. Sterile dressing changes require proper training and orders.
  • B: Incorrect. Unsafe cleaning and treatment are prohibited.
  • C: Correct. Stay within scope and escalate new findings.
  • D: Incorrect. New wounds require prompt reporting.

Deep Analysis

Core logic

Sterile dressing changes require training and authorization. CNAs report new skin issues and follow the care plan within scope.

Distractor analysis

A: Applying any dressing without orders and training may cause harm. B: Cleaning with unapproved solutions is unsafe. D: Waiting may delay needed treatment.

Exam trap

Helpful first-aid instincts fail when sterile technique is required.

Memory tip

New wound, no sterile training: protect area, report to nurse.

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