A CNA exam story starts with a choice.

Answer: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

CDC guidance says alcohol-based hand sanitizer is preferred in most clinical situations when hands are not visibly soiled.

Remember: Choose ABHS for clean-looking hands; soap and water when visibly soiled or directed by facility policy.

Answer: Perform hand hygiene.

Gloves do not replace hand hygiene. CDC includes cleaning hands immediately after glove removal.

Remember: Gloves are a barrier, not a substitute for clean hands.

Answer: Yes. Standard Precautions apply during all resident care.

CDC defines Standard Precautions as practices used for all patient care based on expected exposure risk.

Remember: Assume blood and body fluids may carry infection even without a diagnosis.

Answer: When contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated items is expected.

Standard Precautions call for PPE when exposure to infectious material is expected.

Remember: PPE is selected by task risk.

Answer: Soap and water.

CDC guidance says to wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled.

Remember: Visible soil means soap and water.

Answer: Urine and equipment may contaminate hands.

PPE is used when contact with body fluids or contaminated items is expected.

Remember: Body fluid exposure means glove risk assessment.

Answer: Respect the resident's choice if safe.

Residents have the right to personal choice and dignity.

Remember: The resident's preference controls when it is safe and allowed.

Answer: Close the curtain and uncover only the area being washed.

Residents have the right to dignity, privacy, and respectful care.

Remember: Drape, explain, and protect privacy.

Answer: Support the resident's preferred sleep schedule while meeting safety and care needs.

Residents have rights to choice, schedules, and self-determination within safe care requirements.

Remember: Work with the care team to honor the resident's preferred schedule safely.

Answer: The N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry.

The N.C. registry verification page says nursing homes must verify good standing on the N.C. Nurse Aide I Registry before allowing nurse aides to work.

Remember: NC registry verification is the official employment check.