Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

During foot care, a nurse aide notices an open sore on a resident's foot. What is the appropriate action?

1. Apply antiseptic cream

2. Report the skin opening to the charge nurse

3. Ignore it if the resident does not mention it

4. Schedule the resident for a foot check-up

The correct answer is: Report the skin opening to the charge nurse

Reporting the skin opening to the charge nurse is the appropriate action because it ensures that a qualified healthcare professional is made aware of a potentially serious issue. Open sores can lead to infections or indicate underlying health problems, especially in residents with existing conditions such as diabetes or poor circulation. The charge nurse can assess the situation further, determine the need for medical intervention, and facilitate appropriate treatment. While applying antiseptic cream may seem like a proactive measure, it is not within the scope of practice for a nurse aide to make treatment decisions regarding open wounds without supervisory approval. Ignoring the sore can result in complications if the condition worsens, and scheduling a foot check-up is not immediate enough to address the current issue. Thus, the most responsible and appropriate action is to report the finding to ensure the resident receives the necessary care.