Overview
This lecture reviews key information and practice questions for the Headmaster CNA exam, covering exam structure, essential nursing assistant knowledge, and test-taking tips.
Headmaster CNA Exam Basics
- The Headmaster CNA exam is a competency-based certification consisting of 72 multiple-choice questions and three randomly assigned clinical skills.
- All CNA exams are based on national standards, making preparation materials widely applicable.
- Candidates must also demonstrate skills like handwashing and blood pressure.
- More information is available at hdmaster.com.
Test-Taking and Study Tips
- Practice reading questions carefully and trust your instincts.
- Know your normal vital sign ranges, infection control practices, and patient care procedures.
- Respect residents' rights, autonomy, and privacy in all care situations.
- Document observations objectively and in ink.
- Use resources such as free online study guides and clinical skills videos.
Core CNA Knowledge & Practice Questions
- Perform abdominal thrusts for choking if resident cannot speak or cough.
- For visually impaired residents, place call light in hand and explain function.
- Report abnormal vital signs, such as low respiratory rate (<12 breaths/min).
- Standard precautions apply to all residents; treat all bodily fluids as infectious.
- Reposition bedridden residents every two hours and keep skin clean/dry to prevent pressure ulcers.
- Use a gait belt snugly over clothing and check for circulation.
- For Alzheimer's, calmly redirect residents who wander.
- Respect legal rights, such as allowing residents to refuse care and offering alternatives.
- For residents with catheters, keep drainage bag below bladder level.
- Bathe residents to remove germs and assess skin, not just for odor control.
- Always clarify with a nurse if unsure how to perform a procedure.
- Encourage independence but assist as needed, e.g., with feeding in Parkinson's.
Resident Safety & Special Scenarios
- For postmortem care, position body respectfully and reinsert dentures.
- Report new symptoms like leg pain/swelling immediately to nurse—may signal DVT.
- Wear gloves for perineal care, not for every resident interaction.
- Respect resident privacy during sensitive situations like masturbation.
- Encourage fluids and fiber for constipation within the CNA scope.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Standard Precautions — Infection control practices used with all residents.
- Incontinence — Loss of bladder or bowel control.
- Dysphagia — Difficulty swallowing.
- Fecal Impaction — Hardened stool stuck in the rectum.
- Nocturia — Need to urinate frequently during the night.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) — Blood clot usually in the leg, marked by pain/swelling.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review free study guides and clinical skills videos at the provided websites.
- Practice answering multiple-choice and scenario-based questions.
- Know and practice proper handwashing steps and documentation procedures.
- Prepare a quiet study environment and continue to review key CNA terminology.