Which task is within the Nursing Assistant’s scope of practice?

Which task is within the Nursing Assistant’s scope of practice?

• A. Inserting urinary catheter
• B. Administering IV medications
• C. Assisting with elimination needs and transferring from bed to chair
• D. Performing sterile dressing changes

Answer: (C)

Understanding what tasks a Nursing Assistant can perform informs safe and appropriate resident care. CNAs focus on helping with daily living activities and safe mobility, which includes assisting with elimination needs (helping residents use the toilet, manage incontinence supplies, and maintain skin care) and aiding transfers from bed to chair. These responsibilities support independence, reduce risk of skin breakdown and falls, and rely on observing and reporting changes rather than performing medical procedures. Inserting a urinary catheter is an invasive procedure requiring sterile technique and clinical licensure, not something a CNA is allowed to do. Administering IV medications involves IV therapy and pharmacologic administration beyond the CNA scope. Sterile dressing changes require sterile technique and are typically carried out by licensed staff such as nurses or wound care specialists.

Understanding what tasks a Nursing Assistant can perform informs safe and appropriate resident care. CNAs focus on helping with daily living activities and safe mobility, which includes assisting with elimination needs (helping residents use the toilet, manage incontinence supplies, and maintain skin care) and aiding transfers from bed to chair. These responsibilities support independence, reduce risk of skin breakdown and falls, and rely on observing and reporting changes rather than performing medical procedures.

Inserting a urinary catheter is an invasive procedure requiring sterile technique and clinical licensure, not something a CNA is allowed to do. Administering IV medications involves IV therapy and pharmacologic administration beyond the CNA scope. Sterile dressing changes require sterile technique and are typically carried out by licensed staff such as nurses or wound care specialists.