Answer Key for Mosby’s Essential for Nursing
Assistants Workbook 7th Edition
Complete Solutions 2026/2027 Edition
1. A resident complains of sudden chest pain while walking in the hall. The resident is pale,
sweating, and short of breath. The nurse assistant notices the resident leaning on the
railing. Which action should the nursing assistant take first?
A. Help the resident sit or lie down and notify the nurse
B. Encourage the resident to continue walking
C. Offer a glass of water and wait 5 minutes
D. Call the resident’s family
Rationale: Chest pain with diaphoresis and pallor may indicate a cardiac emergency. The
priority is resident safety and immediate reporting. Sitting or lying down prevents falls and
allows rapid nurse intervention.
2. While assisting a resident with feeding, the nurse assistant notices coughing and choking.
The resident is turning red and struggling to breathe. What should the nurse assistant do
immediately?
A. Stop feeding and encourage the resident to cough
B. Continue feeding slowly
C. Call the family
D. Take vital signs first
Rationale: Choking is urgent; stopping feeding and encouraging coughing helps clear the
airway. Continuing feeding could cause aspiration. Immediate nurse notification ensures further
assessment.
3. A resident refuses a scheduled bath, stating they want to rest. The resident appears
anxious and uncomfortable with the idea of bathing now. How should the nurse assistant
respond?
A. Respect the resident’s choice and report to the nurse
B. Force the resident to take the bath immediately
C. Ignore the refusal and proceed later
D. Ask another resident for permission
Rationale: Residents have the right to refuse care. Respecting the choice and reporting to the
nurse ensures resident autonomy and ethical practice while maintaining safety.
4. While taking vital signs, the nurse assistant notes a resident’s temperature is 101.5°F,
pulse is 110, and respiration is 24. The resident also complains of chills. What is the next
best action?
A. Report the findings to the nurse immediately
,B. Retake the vital signs in 1 hour
C. Encourage the resident to rest and hydrate
D. Document and continue routine care
Rationale: Fever with tachycardia and tachypnea may indicate infection. Prompt reporting
allows early intervention and prevents complications. Documentation supports continuity of care.
5. A resident who uses a wheelchair is positioned at the edge of the bed with feet dangling.
The resident suddenly begins to feel dizzy and lightheaded. What should the nurse assistant
do first?
A. Help the resident lie back in bed and call for assistance
B. Encourage the resident to stand slowly
C. Offer water and wait a few minutes
D. Document the incident only
Rationale: Dizziness at bedside is often due to orthostatic hypotension. The priority is
preventing falls, helping the resident lie down, and notifying the nurse.
6. A resident in isolation for MRSA is requesting help with grooming. What is the best
infection control practice for the nurse assistant?
A. Wear gloves and a gown before assisting the resident
B. Assist without gloves to make the resident more comfortable
C. Only wear a mask
D. Have the resident perform grooming alone
Rationale: Proper PPE prevents transmission of MRSA. Gloves and gown protect both the
resident and staff, adhering to standard precautions and infection control policies.
7. A resident’s food tray arrives, and the resident states they are not hungry. The nurse
assistant notices the resident has lost 5 pounds in a month. What is the best action?
A. Report the resident’s intake and weight loss to the nurse
B. Force the resident to eat
C. Leave the tray and do nothing
D. Encourage the resident to eat later without documentation
Rationale: Weight loss and poor intake may indicate malnutrition or illness. Prompt reporting
ensures assessment and intervention by the healthcare team.
8. A resident begins to fall while walking. What is the nurse assistant’s safest response?
A. Gently lower the resident to the floor and call for help
B. Try to lift the resident back to standing immediately
C. Step aside and let the resident hit the floor
D. Call the family to assist
Rationale: Protecting the resident from injury during a fall is priority. Attempting to lift without
help can cause staff or resident injury.
9. A resident is scheduled for a blood pressure check. The nurse assistant notes the resident
has a prosthetic arm. What is the best action?
A. Measure blood pressure on the opposite arm
B. Use the prosthetic arm
,C. Skip the vital signs
D. Ask the resident to remove the prosthetic and use the same arm
Rationale: Vital signs must be accurate. Measuring on the opposite arm ensures safety and
reliability without risking injury to the prosthetic limb.
10. A resident is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula. The nurse assistant notices the tubing
is kinked and oxygen flow sounds weak. What should the nurse assistant do first?
A. Check the tubing for kinks and ensure proper placement
B. Remove the oxygen entirely
C. Turn the resident onto the other side
D. Increase the oxygen flow without notifying the nurse
Rationale: Proper oxygen delivery is essential for safety. Correcting kinks ensures adequate
oxygenation. Any changes in flow or settings must be reported to the nurse.
11. A resident is on a high-protein diet and refuses meat. What is an appropriate way for
the nurse assistant to help meet nutritional needs?
A. Offer alternative protein sources like eggs, beans, or dairy
B. Force the resident to eat meat
C. Skip protein entirely
D. Substitute sweets for protein
Rationale: Respecting dietary preferences while maintaining nutritional intake is key.
Alternatives ensure adequate protein without forcing foods.
12. A resident’s dentures are missing. The resident is anxious and cannot eat. What should
the nurse assistant do first?
A. Report the missing dentures to the nurse immediately
B. Offer regular food
C. Leave the resident alone to search
D. Attempt to make a temporary denture
Rationale: Prompt reporting ensures the nurse can address the issue, preventing nutritional
deficits and resident distress.
13. During handwashing, the nurse assistant notices the resident’s skin is red and cracking.
What is the best action?
A. Report skin condition to the nurse and use gentle soap
B. Continue using regular soap
C. Ignore the observation
D. Apply lotion without reporting
Rationale: Damaged skin increases infection risk. Reporting allows assessment and
intervention, protecting resident safety and skin integrity.
14. A resident is incontinent and embarrassed. What is the nurse assistant’s best approach?
A. Provide care discreetly and maintain privacy
B. Call out to other staff for help
C. Leave the resident until they request help
D. Tell the resident it is not a big deal
, Rationale: Respecting dignity and privacy promotes trust and emotional well-being while
ensuring proper hygiene and infection control.
15. A resident requests to be repositioned in bed every two hours. Why is this important?
A. Prevents pressure injuries and promotes circulation
B. Makes the resident more comfortable only
C. Helps the nurse assistant complete rounds
D. Reduces medication needs
Rationale: Regular repositioning prevents pressure ulcers, improves circulation, and reduces
complications, which are essential nursing assistant responsibilities.
16. A resident begins to vomit during a meal. What should the nurse assistant do first?
A. Turn the resident to the side and clear the airway
B. Continue feeding
C. Record the incident without intervention
D. Call the family
Rationale: Protecting the airway prevents aspiration and ensures safety. Prompt notification of
the nurse is also required for further assessment.
17. A resident asks the nurse assistant about their medications. What is the correct
response?
A. Refer the resident to the nurse or pharmacist
B. Explain all medications in detail
C. Provide the resident with extra doses
D. Ignore the question
Rationale: Nurse assistants cannot give medical advice or discuss medications. Referring
ensures accurate, safe information and adherence to scope of practice.
18. While performing range-of-motion exercises, a resident complains of pain. What should
the nurse assistant do?
A. Stop the exercise and report to the nurse
B. Continue the exercise slowly
C. Encourage the resident to push through pain
D. Ask another resident to demonstrate
Rationale: Pain may indicate injury. Stopping exercises and reporting prevents harm and
ensures the nurse evaluates the cause.
19. A resident has a fall risk. Which safety measure should the nurse assistant implement?
A. Keep the call light within reach and the floor clear
B. Leave the resident unattended for long periods
C. Place obstacles to encourage mobility
D. Ignore fall risk signs
Rationale: Preventing falls requires environmental safety, accessibility, and frequent
monitoring. These measures reduce accidents and injuries.
Assistants Workbook 7th Edition
Complete Solutions 2026/2027 Edition
1. A resident complains of sudden chest pain while walking in the hall. The resident is pale,
sweating, and short of breath. The nurse assistant notices the resident leaning on the
railing. Which action should the nursing assistant take first?
A. Help the resident sit or lie down and notify the nurse
B. Encourage the resident to continue walking
C. Offer a glass of water and wait 5 minutes
D. Call the resident’s family
Rationale: Chest pain with diaphoresis and pallor may indicate a cardiac emergency. The
priority is resident safety and immediate reporting. Sitting or lying down prevents falls and
allows rapid nurse intervention.
2. While assisting a resident with feeding, the nurse assistant notices coughing and choking.
The resident is turning red and struggling to breathe. What should the nurse assistant do
immediately?
A. Stop feeding and encourage the resident to cough
B. Continue feeding slowly
C. Call the family
D. Take vital signs first
Rationale: Choking is urgent; stopping feeding and encouraging coughing helps clear the
airway. Continuing feeding could cause aspiration. Immediate nurse notification ensures further
assessment.
3. A resident refuses a scheduled bath, stating they want to rest. The resident appears
anxious and uncomfortable with the idea of bathing now. How should the nurse assistant
respond?
A. Respect the resident’s choice and report to the nurse
B. Force the resident to take the bath immediately
C. Ignore the refusal and proceed later
D. Ask another resident for permission
Rationale: Residents have the right to refuse care. Respecting the choice and reporting to the
nurse ensures resident autonomy and ethical practice while maintaining safety.
4. While taking vital signs, the nurse assistant notes a resident’s temperature is 101.5°F,
pulse is 110, and respiration is 24. The resident also complains of chills. What is the next
best action?
A. Report the findings to the nurse immediately
,B. Retake the vital signs in 1 hour
C. Encourage the resident to rest and hydrate
D. Document and continue routine care
Rationale: Fever with tachycardia and tachypnea may indicate infection. Prompt reporting
allows early intervention and prevents complications. Documentation supports continuity of care.
5. A resident who uses a wheelchair is positioned at the edge of the bed with feet dangling.
The resident suddenly begins to feel dizzy and lightheaded. What should the nurse assistant
do first?
A. Help the resident lie back in bed and call for assistance
B. Encourage the resident to stand slowly
C. Offer water and wait a few minutes
D. Document the incident only
Rationale: Dizziness at bedside is often due to orthostatic hypotension. The priority is
preventing falls, helping the resident lie down, and notifying the nurse.
6. A resident in isolation for MRSA is requesting help with grooming. What is the best
infection control practice for the nurse assistant?
A. Wear gloves and a gown before assisting the resident
B. Assist without gloves to make the resident more comfortable
C. Only wear a mask
D. Have the resident perform grooming alone
Rationale: Proper PPE prevents transmission of MRSA. Gloves and gown protect both the
resident and staff, adhering to standard precautions and infection control policies.
7. A resident’s food tray arrives, and the resident states they are not hungry. The nurse
assistant notices the resident has lost 5 pounds in a month. What is the best action?
A. Report the resident’s intake and weight loss to the nurse
B. Force the resident to eat
C. Leave the tray and do nothing
D. Encourage the resident to eat later without documentation
Rationale: Weight loss and poor intake may indicate malnutrition or illness. Prompt reporting
ensures assessment and intervention by the healthcare team.
8. A resident begins to fall while walking. What is the nurse assistant’s safest response?
A. Gently lower the resident to the floor and call for help
B. Try to lift the resident back to standing immediately
C. Step aside and let the resident hit the floor
D. Call the family to assist
Rationale: Protecting the resident from injury during a fall is priority. Attempting to lift without
help can cause staff or resident injury.
9. A resident is scheduled for a blood pressure check. The nurse assistant notes the resident
has a prosthetic arm. What is the best action?
A. Measure blood pressure on the opposite arm
B. Use the prosthetic arm
,C. Skip the vital signs
D. Ask the resident to remove the prosthetic and use the same arm
Rationale: Vital signs must be accurate. Measuring on the opposite arm ensures safety and
reliability without risking injury to the prosthetic limb.
10. A resident is receiving oxygen via nasal cannula. The nurse assistant notices the tubing
is kinked and oxygen flow sounds weak. What should the nurse assistant do first?
A. Check the tubing for kinks and ensure proper placement
B. Remove the oxygen entirely
C. Turn the resident onto the other side
D. Increase the oxygen flow without notifying the nurse
Rationale: Proper oxygen delivery is essential for safety. Correcting kinks ensures adequate
oxygenation. Any changes in flow or settings must be reported to the nurse.
11. A resident is on a high-protein diet and refuses meat. What is an appropriate way for
the nurse assistant to help meet nutritional needs?
A. Offer alternative protein sources like eggs, beans, or dairy
B. Force the resident to eat meat
C. Skip protein entirely
D. Substitute sweets for protein
Rationale: Respecting dietary preferences while maintaining nutritional intake is key.
Alternatives ensure adequate protein without forcing foods.
12. A resident’s dentures are missing. The resident is anxious and cannot eat. What should
the nurse assistant do first?
A. Report the missing dentures to the nurse immediately
B. Offer regular food
C. Leave the resident alone to search
D. Attempt to make a temporary denture
Rationale: Prompt reporting ensures the nurse can address the issue, preventing nutritional
deficits and resident distress.
13. During handwashing, the nurse assistant notices the resident’s skin is red and cracking.
What is the best action?
A. Report skin condition to the nurse and use gentle soap
B. Continue using regular soap
C. Ignore the observation
D. Apply lotion without reporting
Rationale: Damaged skin increases infection risk. Reporting allows assessment and
intervention, protecting resident safety and skin integrity.
14. A resident is incontinent and embarrassed. What is the nurse assistant’s best approach?
A. Provide care discreetly and maintain privacy
B. Call out to other staff for help
C. Leave the resident until they request help
D. Tell the resident it is not a big deal
, Rationale: Respecting dignity and privacy promotes trust and emotional well-being while
ensuring proper hygiene and infection control.
15. A resident requests to be repositioned in bed every two hours. Why is this important?
A. Prevents pressure injuries and promotes circulation
B. Makes the resident more comfortable only
C. Helps the nurse assistant complete rounds
D. Reduces medication needs
Rationale: Regular repositioning prevents pressure ulcers, improves circulation, and reduces
complications, which are essential nursing assistant responsibilities.
16. A resident begins to vomit during a meal. What should the nurse assistant do first?
A. Turn the resident to the side and clear the airway
B. Continue feeding
C. Record the incident without intervention
D. Call the family
Rationale: Protecting the airway prevents aspiration and ensures safety. Prompt notification of
the nurse is also required for further assessment.
17. A resident asks the nurse assistant about their medications. What is the correct
response?
A. Refer the resident to the nurse or pharmacist
B. Explain all medications in detail
C. Provide the resident with extra doses
D. Ignore the question
Rationale: Nurse assistants cannot give medical advice or discuss medications. Referring
ensures accurate, safe information and adherence to scope of practice.
18. While performing range-of-motion exercises, a resident complains of pain. What should
the nurse assistant do?
A. Stop the exercise and report to the nurse
B. Continue the exercise slowly
C. Encourage the resident to push through pain
D. Ask another resident to demonstrate
Rationale: Pain may indicate injury. Stopping exercises and reporting prevents harm and
ensures the nurse evaluates the cause.
19. A resident has a fall risk. Which safety measure should the nurse assistant implement?
A. Keep the call light within reach and the floor clear
B. Leave the resident unattended for long periods
C. Place obstacles to encourage mobility
D. Ignore fall risk signs
Rationale: Preventing falls requires environmental safety, accessibility, and frequent
monitoring. These measures reduce accidents and injuries.
