Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

When providing post-mortem care to a resident, what practice is most appropriate for the CNA to follow?

1. Keep all doors open

2. Wash hands and wear gloves throughout care

3. Use only a mask

4. Ask another staff member for help

The correct answer is: Wash hands and wear gloves throughout care

The practice of washing hands and wearing gloves throughout the care is essential when providing post-mortem care. This approach helps to maintain proper hygiene and protect both the resident's dignity and the CNA's own health. After a resident has passed away, bodily fluids may still be present, which poses a risk for potential transmission of infections. Using gloves creates a barrier between the healthcare worker and any pathogens that might be present. Additionally, the act of handwashing is crucial as it minimizes the risk of contaminating surfaces or spreading pathogens, ensuring a safe care environment for all involved. Proper infection control practices are vital in any healthcare setting, especially in situations involving deceased individuals. In contrast, keeping all doors open could compromise privacy and dignity, while relying solely on a mask does not provide adequate protection from potential contaminants. Seeking assistance from another staff member can be supportive but is not a requisite part of the standard care protocol for post-mortem procedures, which can often be performed safely by a single CNA following the proper precautions.