All The Useful Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Interview Questions & Answers

Q 1. What is CNA?

A CNA stands for certified nursing assistant. It is a person who has received training to help patients under the close supervision of a licensed practical nurse or a registered nurse.

Q 2. Mention how to become a qualified CNA.

To become a qualified CNA,

Complete state approved education program
Pass state approved education program.
Check local regulations before enrolling since CNA training vary by state
CNA programs last from 4 to 16 weeks
Pass state specific examination
Pass a state-specific examination to be fully certified
Graduates can work up to four months without certification while waiting to take the exam
Get your first job
Certified nurse assistants can only practice under the supervision of licensed nurses
It is illegal to offer their services as independent providers
Some states mandate CNAs must fulfill education credits each year to maintain their qualifications.

Q 3. What are the job responsibilities of a CNA Nurse?

Job responsibility of a CNA nurse include,

Provides patients personal hygiene like backrubs, shampoos, shaves, bedpans, urinals, baths, assisting travel to the bathroom, and so on.
Other activities include serving meals, feeding patients, ambulating, turning, and positioning patients, etc.
CNA should also give medical help like administering enemas, nonsterile dressings, douches, surgical preps, heat treatments, ice packs, sitz and therapeutic baths, applying restraints, etc.
Restock rooms with necessary supplies and change bed sheets.
Take patient vital signs- testing urine, weight check, recording intake and output information.
Transporting patients, answering patients' call lights and request, reporting observations of the patient to nursing supervisor
Documentation and maintaining forms, logs, reports, and records
By following policies and procedures maintains work operations like keeping patient information confidential
Participate in educational opportunities, maintaining licensure, reading professional publications and so on.
Serve hospital community by adhering to professional standards, hospital policies and procedures, federal, state, and local requirements, and jcaho
summon emergency assistance in the hospital

Q 4. What are the common challenges a CNA may face?

A common challenges a CNA may face include,

Dealing with difficult patients and their demeanor
Managing smooth transition of shifts
Avoiding conflicts with co-workers
Lack of help from co-workers
Convincing patient and politely denying unreasonable request

Q 5. How you deal with a patient who is aggressive and resist for medication?

To deal with patient who is aggressive and resist for medication my first approach would be,

I would make patient calm and administer the drug if that didn't work then
I would make sure that he is safe, and I would ask for help

Q 6. You will have several patients to take care of? How do you prioritize which one you attend to first?

I would assess the list and organize them in order of urgency as per their medical needs.

Q 7. What are all places a CNA can work?

A CNA can work at following places,

Nursing Homes
Home Health Care Agencies
Assisted Living Facilities
Staffing Agencies
Hospitals
Hospices
Doctor Offices/Practice Groups
Day Care Centers and Schools
Medical Clinics
Urgent Care Centers
By federal law, CNA are mandatory at Nursing Homes.

Q 8. Mention medical skills a CNA must possess.

A CNA must not require a highly sophisticated medical skills, but they should know in emergency, what to do like

To perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation if a patient is having heart attack or breathing problem
Should know how to use pressure to stop bleeding

What to do when unconscious patient suddenly begins to vomit

Q 9. Give details about the CNA licensing exam?

The CNA licensing exam is taken in two segments,

The theoretical portion includes questions about patient procedures, protecting patient privacy and other information you covered in your lectures, textbooks, and workbooks. It is written portion of the licensing exam.
The second part of the test is a clinical portion. Where you need to practically demonstrate all tasks on a model patient.

Q 10. What is the difference between CNA and Nursing assistant?

The difference between CNA and Nursing assistant is that CNA tends to provide bedside care to senescent patients. While medical assistants assist more with procedural or administrative preparation and housekeeping.

Q 11. What are the software a CNA will be using during their tenure?

Billing software
Health information medical history databases
GE Healthcare Centricity EMR
Charting software and MS office

Q 12. What are the medical apparatus a CNA will be using?

Automated external defibrillators
Electronic medical thermometers
Heating or cooling pads
compression packs

Q 13. What are the opportunities a CNA may have?

After few years of experience as CNA, he/she can advance in following fields

LPN (Licensed Practical Nursing)
RN (Registered Nursing)
RN (Neonatal Nurse)

Q 14. What are legal guidelines CNA must be aware of?

Laws are passed by local, state and federal governments. When CNA disobey a law, he is liable for fines, loss of certification and/or imprisonment.  To avoid legal issues, CNA must avoid following things,

Knowing and staying within their state's scope of practice rules.
Seek the advice of your supervisor if you're asked to do tasks you have not been trained to do
Carry out procedures and tasks only the way you are trained or taught. Do not go after any experiments.
Keep yourself upto date with your skills, education, and in-service requirements
In questionable situations, seek the advice of your supervisor.
Understand your assignment and role very well
Do not harm patients
Know your facility policies and standard guidelines

Q 15. Give 1-2 examples for negligence a CNA can show?

Example of negligence include,

Administering drug without supervision
You place a wrong medication tray that belongs to another patient with the same name
You transfer a patient by yourself even though the care plans states two staff should be present
You give a patient a bath without checking the water temperature first.

Q 16. When your CNA license is liable for inactivation?

Your CNA license is liable for inactivation if you do not work for at least eight (8) hours, for pay, in the provision of nursing services with two (2) or more years break.

Q 17. What is your five-year plan as a CNA?

As a CNA mention a plan like pursuing a bachelor degree in nursing or some advanced course related to CNA.  This shows that you aspire for RN (registered nurse).

Q 18. What you do if you notice a doctor or nurse not doing their job?

When you see a doctor or nurse not doing their job, you should follow protocol and report the person through the proper channels.

Q 19. What all things CNA needs to take care while transferring a patient from bed?

While transferring patient from bed, CNA must crosscheck following things,

Can patient bear his weight? fully or partially
If patient is cooperative use stand and pivot technique using a gait/transfer belt
(1 caregiver) -or- powered standing assist lift (1 caregiver)

If the patient is not cooperative use full body sling lift and 2 caregivers to transfer patient.
If patient have upper extremity strength then use gait/transfer belt until the patient is proficient in completing transfer independently

Q 20. While doing a lateral side transfer for patient having different weights what will be your approach?

For lateral side transfer for patient having different weights, say for,

For patient < 100 pounds use a lateral sliding aid and 2 caregivers
Patient having >200 pounds weight use a lateral sliding aid or mechanical lateral transfer device with 3 caregivers

Q 21. What all lateral sliding aid you can use to transfer the patient to bed?

Lateral sliding aid you can use to move patient are,

Draw sheet or transfer cot with handles
Low friction mattress covers
Slide boards
Gurneys with transfer devices
Beds that convert to chairs

Q 22. What all precautions need to be taken care while using bath boards and transfer benches?

While using bath boards and transfer benches, following things need to be taken care of

Use clothing or material between the resident's skin and the board
Look for devices that allow for water drainage and have height adjustable legs
If a wheelchair is used, ensure wheels are locked. Make sure the transfer surfaces are at the same level
Ensure that floor is dry while taking patient out of bath tub

Q 23. Mention for what patient height adjustable shower gurney or lift bath cart with Waterproof top is used?

Height adjustable shower gurney or lift bath cart with Waterproof top is used for a patient who is unable to sit up.

Q 24. Mention how would you classify a pressure sore?

A pressure sore is classified into 4 stages,

Stage I: stage I pressure sore would appear as a reddened area that does not blanch (turn white) when pressed
Stage II: stage II pressure sore involves a partial breakdown of the upper layer of skin, but does not extend all the way through the
Stage III: stage III and stage IV ulcers extend all the way through the skin
Stage IV: stage IV ulcers extend all the way down to muscles, tendons or bones

Q 25. What is the proper term for an infection that is transmitted during a medical procedure?

The proper term for an infection that is transmitted during a medical procedure is iatrogenic.

Q 26. What is the measurement of the pressure in a patient's heart during contraction?

During contraction, the measurement of the pressure in a patient's heart is referred as systolic blood pressure.

Q 27. What is the meaning of assault and battery in CNA practice?

In CNA practice,

Assault is referred to physical violence or threat to use violence against someone.
Battery is actually referred for physical violence or wrongful touching against someone.

Q 28. What is the best way to deal with the irritant patient?

The best way to deal with irritant patient is,

Talk to them
Inform them of what you will be doing
Be kind and gentle
Always check the room for any hazards or waste
Be courteous and treat them with respect
Be vigilant in monitoring what they are doing at all times of the procedure

Q 29. What should a CNA must do to assist during a code?

A CNA must do following things to assist during a code,

Retrieve emergency equipment, including the code cart or intubation box. Perform other tasks that fall within a CNA's scope of practice.
Document the events
Administer emergency medications as per the physician's instructions
Speak with the family and inform them about what is happening.

Q 30. What is the responsibility of a CNA when he is informed about an admission?

The responsibility of a CNA when he is informed about an admission is to,

Prepare the room, bed, clothing and other necessary equipment.
Complete the admission process.
Make sure the patient's medications have been received from the pharmacy and it's
Coordinate the patient's care with the rest of the treatment team.

Q 31. What are some of the types of post-surgical care that a nursing assistant can be asked to provide for patients?

Some of the types of post-surgical care that a nursing assistant can be asked to provide for patients include

Monitoring and recording of vital signs ( blood pressure, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate)
Post-Operative Pain, make sure their pain is under control
Carefully moving the patient as such tubes or drains are connected with patients body
Fluid Intake/Output should be monitored

Q 32. What are the measure and methods practiced by CNA for handling Urinary drainage bag?

For handling Urinary drainage bag, CNA should practice following steps,

Wear gloves before handling urinary sample or urinary drainage bag
Empty bag into relevant container without touching tubing against container
After emptying urine wipe drain with alcohol swab
Close or protect drain
Leave bag close to bed and should not touch floor (use barrier)
Remove gloves and wash hands

Q 33. Mention how should a CNA must deal resident who has a speech problem.

Knock on the door, call out to the resident by name and begin conversation
keep conversation to the point and brief
Use simple direct questions
Be patient and wait for answers
Use communication tools like Notepads and pens, scrabble tiles, flash cards, pointing, picture boards and maybe charades
Repeat it back to make sure you heard right what is said

Q 34. Mention how a CNA can become LN (Licensed Nurse).

A CNA can become LN (Licensed Nurse),

Need as many as 200 hours of additional education in some areas like pediatrics, maternal medicine, and gerontology.
Need experience in a hospital, clinic, or private practice that you can use toward your license
Need to pass the national NCLEX-PN exam to work in a hospital setting

Q 35. Mention how to record intake and output in a resident or patient.

To record intake and output in a resident or patient, follow the steps below.

Locate liquid foods for the resident and record their intake
Record liquid food intake in cubic centimeters or milliliters as per facility policy
The output is measured by pouring the urine of the resident into a graduate
While using a gloved hand to hold the graduate, use a gloveless hand to flush down the toilet
Disinfect each and every appliance used during the test
Record the urine output and report any form of the unusual characteristic to nurse.

36. What is Heimlich maneuver?

Heimlich maneuver is a technique used when a person's airway get chocked. In this technique you,

Reach around the victim from behind. Circle your hands around the victim's stomach
Make a fist with your dominant hand. The thumb of the fist should point into the stomach (just above the victim's navel )
Wrap your other hand firmly around this fist and give a good inward push by pressing the victim's abdomen
These thrusts should be repeated until either the item is removed, or the resident loses consciousness.
Use less force if the victim is a child.

Q 37. Being a CNA what is the correct way to sign your name?

( P.Jason ,CNA.) is the correct way to sign the name.

38. What is the right way to correct an error made while charting on a resident's chart?

The right method to correct an error made while charting on a resident's chart is to draw one line through it, write the words 'mistaken entry,' and then initial.

Q 39. While measuring blood pressure what do you need to check as a precaution?

As a precaution, while measuring blood pressure, you need to make sure that you don't take a BP on an arm with an IV.

40. What is a goal of hospice care?

A goal of hospice care is to provide comfort to terminally ill patients and their families

Q 41. How should be a resident in a shower chair be placed?

A resident in a shower chair should be placed facing the door of the shower stall.

42. What are the complications that can develop due to immobility?

Complications that can develop due to immobility are,

Blood clots
Pressure sores
Contractures
Constipation

Q 43. Mention whether STNA and CNA are same.

Yes, they both are same 'STNA' stands for State Tested Nursing Assistant and 'CNA' stands for Certified Nursing Assistant.

Q 44. Explain how to apply wrist and ankle restraint.

To apply wrist and ankle restraint,

Pad the bony areas of the restrained area.
The padded portion should be applied at the ankle or wrists correspondingly
The tie of the restraint should be pulled through the corresponding slit
To avoid the tourniquet effect, use a half-bow knot in order to attach the other end to the movable side of the bed
Be careful while removing the restraints, because failing to follow them will be considered negligence.

Q 45. Mention how to get the most accurate patient weight.

To get the most accurate patient weight, the nursing assistant should weigh the patient at the same time every day.

Q 46. Being a nurse how you contribute to your patient?

Offer them the best care and advice for their good health
Provide them comfort and attention by listening to their concerns
Ensuring that they are taking their medication regularly

Q 47. What are the duties of a Vocational Nurse?
Duties of Vocational Nurse include:

Provide medication regularly or intravenous fluid
Observe patients and reporting any changes in patient's condition
Sterilize equipment and supplies
Provide basic patient care like checking patient temperature, treating bedsores, dressing wounds, performing catheterization
Answer patients call
Collect samples of urine, blood and sputum and send samples for laboratory tests
Assemble and sterilize equipment like catheters, tracheotomy tubes and oxygen suppliers
Prepare the patient for tests, examinations and treatments

Q 48. Explain what is the difference between LVN, RN and VN?
RN is a Registered Nurse and more responsible in respect of setting patient care than LVN. While, LVN is a Licensed Vocation Nurse, and can collect data on a patient and carries out clinical duties under the supervision of licensed physician or RN. Both has to pass a national licensing exam- for LVN it is NCLEX-PN and for RNs it is NCLEX-RN. Without holding the certificate of LVN one cannot work as vocational nurse.

Q 49. What are the skills required for a Vocational Nurse?
Skills required for a Vocational Nurse are:

He/she should be a people's person
Always ready to serve people
Good at communication and understanding people's problem
Must mentally prepare to do any work
Must be detail oriented- observing, receiving and obtaining information from lead nurse, doctors and patients

Q 50. What are the challenges that nurse have to face?
Some of the challenges that a nurse has to face are:

Meeting patient expectation
Work stress due to limited staff
Time management
Working in odd shift
Conflict between staff members, patient and patient relatives

Q 51. How to deal with a difficult patient?
To deal with a difficult patient, you have to take following things in consideration:

-  Don't just hear patient, listen to them
-  Seek the assistance of fellow staff member while dealing with a difficult patient
-  Check the history of the patient if he/she is under any psychological treatment
-  Report or record any uneven incident from the patient
-  Inform the supervisor in case of threat or any abnormal behavior from the patient
-  Try to figure out the cause that makes them restless or uncomfortable

Q 52. Where vocational nurse can work?
Vocational nurse can work anywhere in:

-  In the hospital under supervision of LVN, RN or Doctors
-  Community care facilities
-  College or community health clinics
-  Private homes
-  Nursing homes
-  Physician offices
-  Outpatient care centers

Q 53. Explain how to stay updated with the nursing profession?
To stay updated with the nursing profession, you have to:

-  Subscribe professional nursing journals and literature like American Journal of Nursing
-  Registering with relevant forums and groups
-  Attending seminars and vocational training program
-  Learn about new technologies used in field online

54. What are the general check-up does vocational nurse have to do?
General observation that vocational nurse have to do are:

-  Check for the vital sign in a patient, including apical pulse
-  Height and Weight
-  General appearance of skin and nails
-  Hair masses and swelling of the scalp
-  Pupil size, shape, symmetry and reaction to light
-  Analysis of the lips appearance like color, ulceration, moisture, etc.
-  Check inside the mouth like bleeding gums, dental caries, cracked or chipped teeth
-  General appearance of the mouth and color of the sclera
-  Abdominal tenderness or see for bowel sounds
-  Curvature of the spine, posture, gait or motion problems
-  Deformities and joint injuries
-  Peripheral pulses
-  edema and involuntary muscular movements

Q 55. What vocational nurses don't do?
Vocational nurses may NOT do:

-  Comprehensive assessments like complete medical analysis
-  May not make a medical or nursing diagnosis
-  May not assume responsibility for determining nursing interventions for specific patients
-  May not independently determine or initiate a course of treatment
-  May not perform endotracheal intubation
-  May not administer emergency medication intravenously or via endotracheal tube
-  May not apply casts
-  May not cut a window or bivalve a cast even upon the order of a physician
-  May not dispense medication
-  May not remove an occlusion by aspiration or other means
-  May not initiate or superimpose intravenous fluids into a peripheral site if the infusate contains medications

Q 56. Explain when a vocational nurse can initiate intravenous fluids into a peripheral site.
A vocational nurse can initiate intravenous fluids into a peripheral site when

-  LVN holds a valid post license certificate in intravenous therapy
-  When the infusate is a solution of vitamins, electrolyte, nutrients, blood or blood products
-  When administration is carried out under the supervision of a valid physician order

Q 57. Can vocational nurses do medical screening exam?
The board of nursing of that states determines the practice for nursing. As far as medical screening exam is concerned, it is not under the scope of vocational nurses, regardless of having years of experience. Even if the physician wishes to delegate the assessment of the medical condition, vocational nurse can only perform the task that falls under the act 217.11.

Q 58. Can a vocational nurse administer a sedation drugs?
The regulatory body for nurses does not give permission to vocational nurse to administer sedation drug intravenously or by any other route to the patient. However, regulatory board cannot supervise the physician practice.

Q 59. Can a vocational nurse give directions to the patient on the phone?
Vocational nurse cannot give any direction or suggestion to the patient in an independent environment to safeguard patient.

Q 60. Explain what is the procedure for a nurse to work with radiologic procedures.
The nurse who are willing to or intended to work with radiologic procedure has to register themselves with the regulatory board of that states by filling the form with documents such as.

-  Current licensure of a registered nurse
-  The name and address of the practitioner or director of radiological services under whose guidance the radiologic procedure has to be performed
-  Once received confirmation of registration, any change in the information shall be informed in 30 days
-  The nurse has to practice according to the regulatory body of the nurse of that state

Q 61. Can LVN nurse pronounce the patient's death?
An LVN nurse are not allowed to pronounce patient's death in hospital, however there are different laws for different states, and few facilities allow two RNs to pronounce patient death with a set protocol.

Q 62. How would you deal with a doctor who is rude and demeaning to you?

Discuss with the doctor straightway to find the reason
Also, if there is anything that displeased him I would find out and rectify the situation
If he goes rude once I would ignore it. Otherwise, I would notify to my supervisor

Q 63. How would you handle patient who complains about everything?

Make sure whether patient has some genuine reason and try convince them what we were doing is best for them
Try to explain them your responsibility is not limited to one particular patient
Ask them politely to stop being mean to you  if they are getting unnecessarily on your nerves
If issue cannot be resolved, approach your supervisor.

Q 64. What is most rewarding about being a nurse?
The most rewarding about being a nurse is:

Taking care for people who are in pain and suffering
See the happiness on the face of the patient when they recover from critical condition
Interacting with patients and their families
Assuring the patient how important the patient is

Q 65. Explain what is the responsibilities of nurses.
Registered nurses primary responsibilities are:

Administering medications
Managing intravenous lines
Monitoring and observing patients conditions
Maintaining records and communicating with doctors
If necessary provide moral support to patients and relatives
Giving direction patient and patient relative about medications
Train other nurses

Q 66. What is the most challenging part of being nurse?
The most difficult part of being nurse is:

You have to take care of many patients at the same time which cause much stress sometimes
When you see your patient hopeless and suffering from pain
When you cannot help patient to face a difficult situation
When you have to work in shift

Q 67. Where nurse practitioners can provide patient care?
The various field where nurse practitioners can provide their service are:

Neonatology
Nurse-midwifery
School health
Women's health
Family and adult health
Paediatrics
Mental health
Home Care
Geriatrics

Q 68.  Can anyone see a nurse practitioner?
Yes, anyone who are interested in seeing a nurse practitioner can visit by asking their health care provider.

Q 69.  Mention the normal blood glucose level.
Normal blood glucose in a healthy person is between 4-8 millimoles per litre.

Q 70. What patient is considered diabetic?
According to WHO, a diabetic person has blood sugar 7millimoles per litre or more and blood glucose after two hours of eating is 11.1 millimoles per litre

Q 71. What are the duties of nursing assistance?
The duties of nursing assistance includes:

Dressing
Skin care and bathing
Feeding
Mouth and Hair care
Making beds
Toileting assistance and catheter care
Helping patient to walk who can't
Assisting with range of motion exercise
Positioning bedridden patients regularly
Safety awareness
Reporting all changes to the nurse
Observing, reporting and documentation
Post-mortem care

Q 72. What are hygiene procedures for unconscious patients?
For unconscious patients, nurse has to do following things:

At least every four hours oral care should be taken care of
To prevent aspiration in the unconscious patient oral suctioning may be required
A soft toothbrush or gauze padded tongue can be used to clean and mouth
Patient handling in suitable position for drainage and to prevent perspiration.

Q 73. What are the precaution nurse have to take while bathing patient on bed?

During patient bed bath, bed should be in high position
Side rails should be up after the patients bath for the patient who is confined to the bed
Side rails help to prevent falls for the elderly patient
Patients call light should be in reach of the patient
No smoking is allowed surround the patient bed
Wash hands after leaving the patient room

Q 74. What are the methods by which medication can be administered?
Different methods for administering the medication are:

Parenteral
Intradermal
Intramuscular
Intravenous
Inhalation
Vaporization
Gas Inhalation
Nebulization
Topical
Rectal
Vaginal

Q 75. Explain what are topical drugs.
The topical drugs are applied to the surface area of the body.  The two purpose of topical drugs are

Local Effect: The drug is used to relieve the patient from burning, itching or other skin conditions
Systemic Effect: The drug is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream

Q 76. Explain what is the difference between Intradermal and Intravenous.

Intradermal: Intradermal is the method of injecting drugs within the dermis layer of the skin.
Intravenous: Intravenous is the method of administering the drug or fluid directly into the veins

Q 77. What are the tips for administering Subcutaneous Injections?
While giving subcutaneous injections,

Injection should not contain fluid more than 1 ml
Give at 45-90 degrees of angle
It can be given at outermost part of the upper arm, abdomen, anterior part of the thigh, upper back, upper ventral or dorsogluteal area.  The insertion site depends on the nature of medication and patient's preference.

Q 78. What is an air embolism?
An air embolism is a medical term used when any large air bubble trapped in blood vessel.  At some instant of time, this air bubble could block the artery and cut off the blood supply to a particular part of the body.  Death may occur if large bubble of gas becomes lodged in the heart.

Q 79. What are the different types of burns?
Burns are categorised according to their severity; there are five types of burns

First-degree burns:  First-degree burn involves red, dry and painful blanch on the epidermis. It heals in 1 week without scarring
Superficial or second degree burns: There is a blister formation and is very painful it includes the superficial dermis.  It usually takes 10 to 14 days for healing
Deep second degree burn: it is less painful than superficial dermis, but it takes more time to heal
Third-degree burn: In this burn, you would observe a leather like texture due to destroyed collagen, and they do not heal spontaneously
Fourth-degree burn: It extends beyond the skin to fat, tendon, muscle or bone.  In such cases, you need amputation or complex reconstruction

Q 80. Explain what is occlusive dressing.
Occlusive dressing is not used for treating wound for long terms, but it is used to provide immediate control of pressure and to stop bleeding from the wound.  It provides a barrier between the wound and contamination agent like air and water.

Q 81. Explain what is a skin graft.
Skin graft is a surgery where a fresh layer of skin from patient body is cut and placed it over the damaged skin of the patient.  This method is usually used in treating patient having third-degree burn.