Answer Key Complete Solution 2026/2027
Mosby’s Essentials For Nursing Assistants
Workbook 7th Edition
1. A resident with a history of hypertension tells the nursing assistant that he has developed
a severe throbbing headache and feels unusually dizzy while watching television in the
dayroom. He appears flushed, slightly confused, and is holding onto the armrest for
support. The nursing assistant remembers that the resident refused his morning blood
pressure medication. What should the nursing assistant do first?
A. Help the resident lie down and reassess him later
B. Offer the resident a cold cloth and encourage rest
C. Immediately report the symptoms to the nurse
D. Tell the resident the feeling will likely pass
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Severe headache, dizziness, flushing, and confusion in a resident with hypertension may signal
dangerously elevated blood pressure or a hypertensive emergency. This can lead to stroke,
seizures, or organ damage if not treated promptly. The nursing assistant cannot assess blood
pressure independently in many facilities or administer medication. Therefore, the priority action
is to immediately report these symptoms to the nurse for rapid evaluation and intervention.
Delaying action or simply allowing rest could result in life-threatening complications.
2. During morning care, the nursing assistant notices that a resident’s coccyx area is red,
warm, and does not blanch when gentle pressure is applied. The resident has limited
mobility and remained in bed for most of the previous shift. Although the resident denies
pain, she appears uncomfortable when repositioned. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Massage the reddened area to improve circulation
B. Apply lotion and continue routine care
C. Document the finding at the end of the shift
D. Report the finding to the nurse immediately
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is an early sign of a Stage 1 pressure injury.
Massage can cause further tissue damage and is contraindicated. Applying lotion does not relieve
the pressure causing the breakdown. Waiting until the end of the shift delays necessary
,intervention. Prompt reporting ensures the nurse can assess the area, initiate pressure-relief
measures, and prevent progression to deeper tissue damage.
3. A resident with diabetes begins trembling, sweating profusely, and complaining of
sudden hunger shortly before dinner. The resident states, “I feel shaky and lightheaded,”
and appears pale. The care plan notes a history of hypoglycemic episodes. What should the
nursing assistant do first if permitted by facility policy?
A. Offer a quick source of sugar such as fruit juice
B. Encourage the resident to lie down and rest
C. Notify the nurse after completing other tasks
D. Give the resident water to drink
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Shakiness, sweating, pallor, hunger, and lightheadedness are classic signs of hypoglycemia (low
blood glucose). This condition can rapidly progress to confusion, unconsciousness, or seizures if
untreated. If the care plan allows, providing a fast-acting carbohydrate such as juice is
appropriate immediate action. Resting without correcting glucose does not resolve the cause.
Water does not raise blood sugar. Prompt treatment followed by notifying the nurse helps
prevent serious complications.
4. While transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair using a gait belt, the resident
suddenly becomes weak and states, “I can’t stand anymore.” The resident’s knees begin to
buckle and the resident loses balance. What is the nursing assistant’s best immediate
action?
A. Attempt to lift the resident back into bed quickly
B. Step aside to avoid injury
C. Hold the resident upright at all costs
D. Gently lower the resident to the floor while protecting the head
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
When a resident begins to fall, the safest intervention is to guide and lower the resident gently to
the floor while protecting the head. Attempting to hold the resident upright or lift them abruptly
can result in musculoskeletal injury to both the resident and the assistant. Stepping away
increases risk of serious injury. Proper fall technique prioritizes safety and aligns with standard
training practices.
,5. A resident quietly tells the nursing assistant that another caregiver handled her roughly
during bathing and spoke to her in a harsh tone. The resident appears anxious and
requests that no one be told because she fears retaliation. What should the nursing
assistant do?
A. Promise to keep the information confidential
B. Report the allegation immediately according to facility policy
C. Confront the caregiver privately
D. Wait to see if it happens again
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
All allegations of abuse must be reported immediately. Nursing assistants are mandated reporters
and cannot promise secrecy when safety is involved. Confronting the caregiver is inappropriate
and may escalate the situation. Waiting places the resident at continued risk. Prompt reporting
protects the resident, initiates investigation, and fulfills legal and ethical obligations.
6. A resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease becomes short of breath after
walking back from the bathroom. The resident is sitting upright, breathing rapidly, and
using accessory muscles. Oxygen tubing is in place at the prescribed rate. What should the
nursing assistant do first?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate independently
B. Encourage pursed-lip breathing and notify the nurse
C. Lay the resident flat to rest
D. Remove the oxygen tubing temporarily
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Pursed-lip breathing helps improve ventilation and reduce shortness of breath in residents with
COPD. Encouraging this technique while notifying the nurse ensures supportive care within
scope of practice. Adjusting oxygen flow without an order is not permitted. Lying flat can
worsen breathing difficulty. Removing oxygen decreases oxygenation and is unsafe. Supporting
breathing and promptly reporting changes is appropriate care.
7. While assisting with lunch, a resident suddenly begins coughing forcefully and cannot
speak. The resident’s face becomes red and distressed, and no air movement is heard when
attempting to cough. What is the priority action if the resident cannot clear the airway?
A. Offer water to help swallow the food
B. Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if trained
C. Gently pat the resident on the back
D. Leave to call for help immediately
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Inability to speak or breathe effectively indicates severe airway obstruction. Performing
abdominal thrusts is the appropriate emergency response if trained and allowed by policy.
Offering water may worsen the blockage. Gentle patting is ineffective in complete obstruction.
While calling for help is important, immediate action to restore airway patency is critical to
prevent respiratory arrest.
two days ago is resting in bed with an abduction pillow in place between the legs. During
evening care, the resident complains that the pillow is uncomfortable and attempts to
remove it without assistance. The care plan clearly indicates that the abduction pillow must
remain in place while the resident is in bed to prevent complications. What should the
nursing assistant do first?
A. Remove the pillow since the resident is uncomfortable
B. Force the pillow back into place without explanation
C. Explain the purpose of the pillow and report refusal to the nurse
D. Ignore the situation and continue with other assigned tasks
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
After hip replacement surgery, an abduction pillow is used to maintain proper alignment and
prevent hip dislocation. Removing it without proper authorization may lead to serious
complications, including displacement of the prosthetic joint. Forcing the pillow into place
violates the resident’s rights and could be considered abusive. Ignoring the situation places the
resident at risk. The nursing assistant should calmly explain why the device is necessary and
report any refusal to the nurse so further education or pain management interventions can be
provided.
9. While providing perineal care to a female resident, the nursing assistant observes thick
white discharge, redness, and mild swelling in the vaginal area. The resident reports itching
and burning that began earlier in the day. There is no foul odor noted. What is the most
appropriate action for the nursing assistant to take?
A. Apply a scented powder to reduce moisture
B. Document the findings and say nothing further
C. Clean the area more vigorously with soap
D. Report the abnormal findings to the nurse promptly
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Thick white discharge with redness and itching may indicate a yeast infection or other vaginal
infection. The nursing assistant’s responsibility is to observe and report abnormal findings.
Mosby’s Essentials For Nursing Assistants
Workbook 7th Edition
1. A resident with a history of hypertension tells the nursing assistant that he has developed
a severe throbbing headache and feels unusually dizzy while watching television in the
dayroom. He appears flushed, slightly confused, and is holding onto the armrest for
support. The nursing assistant remembers that the resident refused his morning blood
pressure medication. What should the nursing assistant do first?
A. Help the resident lie down and reassess him later
B. Offer the resident a cold cloth and encourage rest
C. Immediately report the symptoms to the nurse
D. Tell the resident the feeling will likely pass
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Severe headache, dizziness, flushing, and confusion in a resident with hypertension may signal
dangerously elevated blood pressure or a hypertensive emergency. This can lead to stroke,
seizures, or organ damage if not treated promptly. The nursing assistant cannot assess blood
pressure independently in many facilities or administer medication. Therefore, the priority action
is to immediately report these symptoms to the nurse for rapid evaluation and intervention.
Delaying action or simply allowing rest could result in life-threatening complications.
2. During morning care, the nursing assistant notices that a resident’s coccyx area is red,
warm, and does not blanch when gentle pressure is applied. The resident has limited
mobility and remained in bed for most of the previous shift. Although the resident denies
pain, she appears uncomfortable when repositioned. What is the most appropriate action?
A. Massage the reddened area to improve circulation
B. Apply lotion and continue routine care
C. Document the finding at the end of the shift
D. Report the finding to the nurse immediately
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is an early sign of a Stage 1 pressure injury.
Massage can cause further tissue damage and is contraindicated. Applying lotion does not relieve
the pressure causing the breakdown. Waiting until the end of the shift delays necessary
,intervention. Prompt reporting ensures the nurse can assess the area, initiate pressure-relief
measures, and prevent progression to deeper tissue damage.
3. A resident with diabetes begins trembling, sweating profusely, and complaining of
sudden hunger shortly before dinner. The resident states, “I feel shaky and lightheaded,”
and appears pale. The care plan notes a history of hypoglycemic episodes. What should the
nursing assistant do first if permitted by facility policy?
A. Offer a quick source of sugar such as fruit juice
B. Encourage the resident to lie down and rest
C. Notify the nurse after completing other tasks
D. Give the resident water to drink
Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
Shakiness, sweating, pallor, hunger, and lightheadedness are classic signs of hypoglycemia (low
blood glucose). This condition can rapidly progress to confusion, unconsciousness, or seizures if
untreated. If the care plan allows, providing a fast-acting carbohydrate such as juice is
appropriate immediate action. Resting without correcting glucose does not resolve the cause.
Water does not raise blood sugar. Prompt treatment followed by notifying the nurse helps
prevent serious complications.
4. While transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair using a gait belt, the resident
suddenly becomes weak and states, “I can’t stand anymore.” The resident’s knees begin to
buckle and the resident loses balance. What is the nursing assistant’s best immediate
action?
A. Attempt to lift the resident back into bed quickly
B. Step aside to avoid injury
C. Hold the resident upright at all costs
D. Gently lower the resident to the floor while protecting the head
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
When a resident begins to fall, the safest intervention is to guide and lower the resident gently to
the floor while protecting the head. Attempting to hold the resident upright or lift them abruptly
can result in musculoskeletal injury to both the resident and the assistant. Stepping away
increases risk of serious injury. Proper fall technique prioritizes safety and aligns with standard
training practices.
,5. A resident quietly tells the nursing assistant that another caregiver handled her roughly
during bathing and spoke to her in a harsh tone. The resident appears anxious and
requests that no one be told because she fears retaliation. What should the nursing
assistant do?
A. Promise to keep the information confidential
B. Report the allegation immediately according to facility policy
C. Confront the caregiver privately
D. Wait to see if it happens again
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
All allegations of abuse must be reported immediately. Nursing assistants are mandated reporters
and cannot promise secrecy when safety is involved. Confronting the caregiver is inappropriate
and may escalate the situation. Waiting places the resident at continued risk. Prompt reporting
protects the resident, initiates investigation, and fulfills legal and ethical obligations.
6. A resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease becomes short of breath after
walking back from the bathroom. The resident is sitting upright, breathing rapidly, and
using accessory muscles. Oxygen tubing is in place at the prescribed rate. What should the
nursing assistant do first?
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate independently
B. Encourage pursed-lip breathing and notify the nurse
C. Lay the resident flat to rest
D. Remove the oxygen tubing temporarily
Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Pursed-lip breathing helps improve ventilation and reduce shortness of breath in residents with
COPD. Encouraging this technique while notifying the nurse ensures supportive care within
scope of practice. Adjusting oxygen flow without an order is not permitted. Lying flat can
worsen breathing difficulty. Removing oxygen decreases oxygenation and is unsafe. Supporting
breathing and promptly reporting changes is appropriate care.
7. While assisting with lunch, a resident suddenly begins coughing forcefully and cannot
speak. The resident’s face becomes red and distressed, and no air movement is heard when
attempting to cough. What is the priority action if the resident cannot clear the airway?
A. Offer water to help swallow the food
B. Perform abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if trained
C. Gently pat the resident on the back
D. Leave to call for help immediately
, Correct Answer: B
Rationale:
Inability to speak or breathe effectively indicates severe airway obstruction. Performing
abdominal thrusts is the appropriate emergency response if trained and allowed by policy.
Offering water may worsen the blockage. Gentle patting is ineffective in complete obstruction.
While calling for help is important, immediate action to restore airway patency is critical to
prevent respiratory arrest.
two days ago is resting in bed with an abduction pillow in place between the legs. During
evening care, the resident complains that the pillow is uncomfortable and attempts to
remove it without assistance. The care plan clearly indicates that the abduction pillow must
remain in place while the resident is in bed to prevent complications. What should the
nursing assistant do first?
A. Remove the pillow since the resident is uncomfortable
B. Force the pillow back into place without explanation
C. Explain the purpose of the pillow and report refusal to the nurse
D. Ignore the situation and continue with other assigned tasks
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
After hip replacement surgery, an abduction pillow is used to maintain proper alignment and
prevent hip dislocation. Removing it without proper authorization may lead to serious
complications, including displacement of the prosthetic joint. Forcing the pillow into place
violates the resident’s rights and could be considered abusive. Ignoring the situation places the
resident at risk. The nursing assistant should calmly explain why the device is necessary and
report any refusal to the nurse so further education or pain management interventions can be
provided.
9. While providing perineal care to a female resident, the nursing assistant observes thick
white discharge, redness, and mild swelling in the vaginal area. The resident reports itching
and burning that began earlier in the day. There is no foul odor noted. What is the most
appropriate action for the nursing assistant to take?
A. Apply a scented powder to reduce moisture
B. Document the findings and say nothing further
C. Clean the area more vigorously with soap
D. Report the abnormal findings to the nurse promptly
Correct Answer: D
Rationale:
Thick white discharge with redness and itching may indicate a yeast infection or other vaginal
infection. The nursing assistant’s responsibility is to observe and report abnormal findings.
