Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Exam

When is it appropriate to use standard precautions in caregiving?

1. When assisting with mobility exercises

2. During meal times

3. Performing perineal care

4. When reading to a resident

The correct answer is: Performing perineal care

Using standard precautions is crucial in situations where there is a risk of exposure to blood, body fluids, or potentially infectious materials. Performing perineal care involves direct contact with a vulnerable area of a resident's body, which increases the likelihood of exposure to such materials. Therefore, standard precautions should always be employed in this context to protect both the caregiver and the resident. This includes proper hand hygiene and the use of personal protective equipment when necessary. In other scenarios, while some may involve interactions with residents, they do not necessarily present the same level of risk for exposure to infectious substances, making standard precautions less critical. For example, assisting with mobility exercises or reading to a resident does not typically involve direct exposure to body fluids, thus standard precautions may not be required in those situations.