Which task is within a CNA's scope of practice?

Which task is within a CNA's scope of practice?

• A. Educate a resident on a new diet
• B. Remind a resident to perform his leg exercises
• C. Show a resident how to put on his wrist brace for the first time
• D. Instruct a resident on how to take a new medication

Answer: (C)

Demonstrating how to use a wrist brace falls within a CNA’s scope because it involves helping a resident use a simple assistive device safely and correctly, which supports self-care under supervision. It doesn’t involve diagnosing, prescribing, or giving medical instructions about treatment or medications. Educating a resident on a new diet or instructing on how to take a new medication require licensed medical professionals (nurses or dietitians) and are outside typical CNA duties. Reminding a resident to perform leg exercises is related to prompting and assisting with prescribed activities, but the act of teaching how to apply a brace is the clearer example of facilitating use of a device safely.

Demonstrating how to use a wrist brace falls within a CNA’s scope because it involves helping a resident use a simple assistive device safely and correctly, which supports self-care under supervision. It doesn’t involve diagnosing, prescribing, or giving medical instructions about treatment or medications.

Educating a resident on a new diet or instructing on how to take a new medication require licensed medical professionals (nurses or dietitians) and are outside typical CNA duties. Reminding a resident to perform leg exercises is related to prompting and assisting with prescribed activities, but the act of teaching how to apply a brace is the clearer example of facilitating use of a device safely.