Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

If a nurse aide is asked to perform an out-of-scope task by a charge nurse, what is the appropriate response?

1. Perform the task to help the charge nurse

2. Refuse and explain that it is not within the nurse's aide role

3. Ask the charge nurse for more details

4. Look for another team member to assist

The correct answer is: Refuse and explain that it is not within the nurse's aide role

When a nurse aide is asked to perform a task that is beyond their scope of practice, the appropriate response is to refuse the task and explain that it is not within the nurse aide’s role. This is important for several reasons. First, nurse aides have specific training that defines the scope of their practice, which is designed to ensure patient safety and the delivery of appropriate care. Tasks that fall outside this scope may require specialized knowledge and skills that the aide may not possess, thus putting patients at risk. Second, refusing to perform out-of-scope tasks is a crucial component of professional integrity and adherence to regulatory standards in healthcare. It helps ensure that all team members perform tasks within their competencies, which promotes a collaborative and safe work environment. Additionally, this response encourages open communication regarding professional boundaries, and it helps to reinforce the importance of each team member’s role in patient care. By clearly stating that the task is not within their responsibility, the nurse aide can contribute to a conversation about task delegation and appropriate roles within the healthcare team.