Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What should a nurse aide do for a resident who is NPO due to nausea?

1. Allow the resident to sip water when comfortable

2. Remove any fluids at the bedside including water pitcher

3. Offer ice chips discreetly

4. Provide mouth care frequently

The correct answer is: Remove any fluids at the bedside including water pitcher

In the context of a resident who is NPO (nil per os), which indicates that they should not ingest anything by mouth due to nausea, the most appropriate action is to remove any fluids at the bedside, including the water pitcher. This is important because having fluids available can tempt the resident to drink, which could worsen their nausea or lead to aspiration if they have difficulty swallowing. Maintaining an NPO status is typically a temporary measure to allow the gastrointestinal system to rest, but it is crucial to ensure that the resident adheres to this as instructed by the healthcare provider. By removing fluids, the nurse aide helps to enforce the dietary order and prevent any potential complications that could arise from the resident attempting to drink. Other options may seem considerate in a different context but do not support the NPO directive. For instance, allowing the resident to sip water when comfortable contradicts the NPO status. Offering ice chips is another common suggestion for those feeling nauseated, but it also goes against the NPO directive, as it involves the resident consuming something orally. Frequent mouth care is certainly beneficial for overall hygiene and comfort, especially for NPO patients, but it does not directly relate to the logistical management of NPO status. Thus, in this