What is the primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

What is the primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?

• A. To provide diagnostic testing under a physician's supervision
• B. To provide basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse
• C. To manage medical records and paperwork
• D. To administer medications to patients

Answer: (B)

The primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is to provide basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. This includes assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. CNAs play a crucial role in the healthcare team by ensuring that patients receive the personal care they need while also reporting any changes in a patient's condition to the supervising nurse. The training that CNAs undergo emphasizes the importance of patient comfort and safety, which aligns with their responsibilities in helping to maintain hygiene and basic health needs. This foundational care is essential in the healthcare setting, as it ensures that patients are supported in their daily activities, which can significantly affect their overall health and well-being. The other options misrepresent the duties of a CNA. Performing diagnostic testing is typically outside of a CNA's scope, as this requires specialized training and the authority of a physician. While managing medical records is important in healthcare, it is generally a task designated for administrative staff, not CNAs. Additionally, administering medications requires specific training and is primarily the responsibility of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses, rather than CNAs.

The primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is to provide basic patient care under the supervision of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse. This includes assisting patients with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. CNAs play a crucial role in the healthcare team by ensuring that patients receive the personal care they need while also reporting any changes in a patient's condition to the supervising nurse.

The training that CNAs undergo emphasizes the importance of patient comfort and safety, which aligns with their responsibilities in helping to maintain hygiene and basic health needs. This foundational care is essential in the healthcare setting, as it ensures that patients are supported in their daily activities, which can significantly affect their overall health and well-being.

The other options misrepresent the duties of a CNA. Performing diagnostic testing is typically outside of a CNA's scope, as this requires specialized training and the authority of a physician. While managing medical records is important in healthcare, it is generally a task designated for administrative staff, not CNAs. Additionally, administering medications requires specific training and is primarily the responsibility of licensed practical nurses and registered nurses, rather than CNAs.