California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes the role of the California Certified Nursing Assistant?

1. Conducting medical assessments

2. Assisting with daily living activities

3. Teaching health education

4. Administering medications

The correct answer is: Assisting with daily living activities

The role of the California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) primarily revolves around assisting patients with daily living activities. This includes tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and helping patients with mobility. These responsibilities are crucial for the overall well-being and comfort of patients, particularly in long-term care facilities where individuals may need support due to health issues, limitations, or disabilities. CNAs are not trained to conduct medical assessments, which are typically reserved for nurses or medical practitioners who have the necessary education and certification to evaluate patients' health status. Teaching health education is also not a primary responsibility of CNAs; this task generally falls under the purview of health educators and nursing staff who are trained to provide in-depth health instruction. Furthermore, while CNAs may assist in the administration of certain medications under the supervision of licensed nurses, they are not authorized to administer medications independently. Their primary focus is on personal care and support for the daily needs of patients. Thus, the description that aligns best with the core duties of a CNA is their role in assisting with daily living activities.