CNA Training Worksheet for 17-Year-Olds — Basic Patient Care & Skills Practice

Instructions

Read each section carefully and answer the questions to the best of your ability. This worksheet is designed to review some of the core concepts you will use as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Your understanding of these principles is key to providing safe and compassionate care.

Section 1: Medical Abbreviations Match-Up

Match the common medical abbreviation on the left with its correct meaning on the right. Write the corresponding letter in the blank space provided.

Section 2: Scenario Analysis - Patient Rights & Empathy

Read the following scenario and answer the questions that follow in the space provided. Think about the principles of patient-centered care.

Scenario: Mrs. Garcia is an 88-year-old resident who recently had hip surgery. She is alert and oriented. When you enter her room to assist her with her morning care and physical therapy exercises, she firmly says, "Not today. I'm in too much pain and I just want to rest." You know that her care plan requires her to get out of bed every day to prevent complications.

1. What is the most important patient right to consider in this situation?
   
2. What is your immediate first action after Mrs. Garcia states her refusal?
   
3. Describe two different communication strategies you could use to address the situation while respecting her rights. (e.g., How could you encourage her? What could you offer?)
   

Section 3: Infection Control - Fill in the Blank

Use the words from the word bank below to complete the sentences. Each word is used only once.

Word Bank: host      PPE      hand washing      infectious

1. The single most important way to prevent the spread of infection is through proper ________________________.
2. Standard Precautions state that you should treat all blood, bodily fluids, and mucous membranes as if they are potentially ________________________.
3. Personal Protective Equipment, or ________________________, includes items like gloves, gowns, and masks that protect you from exposure.
4. The chain of infection requires an infectious agent, a reservoir, a portal of exit, a mode of transmission, a portal of entry, and a susceptible ________________________.

Section 4: Vital Signs - True or False

Read each statement carefully and circle whether it is True or False.

ANSWER KEY

Section 1: Medical Abbreviations Match-Up

1. F. Nothing by mouth
2. B. Activities of Daily Living
3. G. As needed
4. C. Complains of
5. A. Immediately
6. D. Intake and Output
7. E. Temperature, Pulse, Respiration

Section 2: Scenario Analysis - Patient Rights & Empathy

1. What is the most important patient right to consider in this situation?
   The right to refuse care/treatment.
2. What is your immediate first action after Mrs. Garcia states her refusal?
   Acknowledge her statement and feelings. Do not force the activity. Ask her about her pain (e.g., "I understand. Can you tell me more about the pain you're feeling? Where is it on a scale of 1-10?"). Then, report her refusal and pain level to the nurse.
3. Describe two different communication strategies you could use to address the situation while respecting her rights.
   (Answers will vary but should include elements of the following):
   
   • Strategy 1 (Empathy & Education): "I understand you're in a lot of pain, and it's difficult to want to move when you feel that way. The nurse and doctor want you to move a little bit each day to help you heal faster and prevent problems like blood clots. Is it okay if I check with the nurse to see if we can give you your pain medication before we try again in a little while?"
   • Strategy 2 (Compromise & Re-approach): "Okay, Mrs. Garcia, I hear you. How about we try something smaller? Instead of the full exercises, maybe we could just sit at the edge of the bed for a few minutes. If that's too much, we can try again after you've had some more time to rest. Your health is our top priority."

Section 3: Infection Control - Fill in the Blank

1. hand washing
2. infectious
3. PPE
4. host

Section 4: Vital Signs - True or False

1. True. (The normal range is 60-100 bpm).
2. True. (Normal blood pressure is generally considered less than 120/80 mmHg).
3. False. (Patients may alter their breathing if they know it is being counted. It's best to count respirations discreetly, such as while appearing to still be taking their pulse).
4. True. (Axillary temperature is less invasive but also less precise than other methods).