Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What is a recommended action for a nurse aide to prevent burns for a resident who enjoys drinking coffee?

1. Add ice to the coffee to cool it down

2. Serve the coffee at room temperature instead

3. Always add cool water to the coffee before serving

4. Put a little cool water in the coffee to lower the temperature

The correct answer is: Put a little cool water in the coffee to lower the temperature

To effectively prevent burns for a resident who enjoys drinking coffee, it's important to serve the coffee at a temperature that is safe for consumption while still allowing the resident to enjoy their beverage. Adding a little cool water to the coffee prior to serving achieves this objective by lowering the temperature of the drink, making it safer for the resident to consume without the risk of scalding. This method strikes a balance between maintaining the resident's preference for coffee while minimizing the possibility of burns, as coffee can typically be served at very high temperatures that pose a risk. It is crucial to ensure that the resident can enjoy their beverage without compromising their safety. In comparison, simply adding ice to the coffee may be impractical since it can significantly dilute the flavor and alter the texture. Serving the coffee at room temperature may also not meet the resident’s preference, and adding cool water could be less effective than using a small amount to temper the drink. By adding just a small amount of cool water, the nurse aide can effectively reduce the temperature while still allowing the resident to enjoy their coffee as they prefer.