Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes a nursing assistant's role?

1. They perform surgery on residents

2. They assist residents with daily living activities

3. They write care plans for residents

4. They diagnose medical conditions

The correct answer is: They assist residents with daily living activities

A nursing assistant's primary role is to assist residents with daily living activities. This includes helping with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting, which are essential for maintaining the residents' dignity and independence. By providing support in these areas, nursing assistants play a vital role in ensuring that residents receive the care they need to live comfortably in a healthcare setting. The focus on daily living activities highlights the nursing assistant's position in the care team, where they help to foster a safe and supportive environment. They are also trained to observe and report any changes in the residents' conditions to the nursing staff, but their main duty does not involve performing surgeries, writing care plans, or diagnosing medical conditions, as those responsibilities fall under the purview of nurses and medical professionals.