Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What kind of fluid should a nurse aide remove from the bedside of an NPO resident?

1. Caffeinated drinks

2. Pitcher of water

3. Thickened liquids

4. Tea or coffee

The correct answer is: Pitcher of water

An NPO (Nil Per Os) designation means that a patient is not allowed to take anything by mouth, including food and liquids. In this context, the most appropriate action for a nurse aide is to remove the pitcher of water from the bedside, as water is a clear liquid that falls under the restrictions of NPO status. Keeping liquids at the bedside could lead to the resident inadvertently consuming something that they are not supposed to, which can be dangerous, especially before certain medical procedures or surgeries. While caffeinated drinks, thickened liquids, and tea or coffee are also not appropriate for an NPO patient, the pitcher of water is particularly significant because it is a fundamental source of hydration and easily accessible. Removing it directly addresses the need to ensure that the resident adheres to their NPO guidelines and reinforces safety in care practices.