Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Proper personal grooming for an NA means:

1. Wearing artificial nails and large rings

2. Keeping hair clean and neatly brushed

3. Wearing nose rings

4. Keeping tattoos visible by wearing a low-cut blouse

The correct answer is: Keeping hair clean and neatly brushed

Proper personal grooming for a nursing assistant emphasizes the importance of maintaining a professional appearance, which is essential in a healthcare setting. Keeping hair clean and neatly brushed is a critical aspect of this because it contributes to a hygienic and professional image. Effective grooming practices help instill confidence in patients and their families, reinforcing the idea that the staff is taking care of their own appearance just as they care for the patients. A healthcare environment often has strict hygiene and infection control policies, making attention to personal grooming crucial. Clean and neatly arranged hair not only enhances professionalism but also prevents any hair from falling into open wounds or contaminating sterile environments, thus prioritizing patient safety. In contrast, options that include wearing artificial nails, large rings, nose rings, or low-cut blouses may not adhere to standard professional grooming guidelines for nursing assistants. These elements can present problems relating to hygiene, safety, and professionalism, and are often discouraged in clinical settings.