Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Prometric Practice Exam

What should the nurse aide do if a bowl of hot soup spills on a resident's shirt?

1. Leave the shirt on and cover it with a towel

2. Remove the wet shirt and hold a cool, damp towel against the skin

3. Change the resident's clothes completely

4. Ignore the spill if the resident is not complaining

The correct answer is: Remove the wet shirt and hold a cool, damp towel against the skin

When a bowl of hot soup spills on a resident's shirt, the appropriate response is to remove the wet shirt and hold a cool, damp towel against the skin. This action is crucial because it helps to reduce the heat from the spill, which can cause burns or further skin irritation. By cooling the affected area, the nurse aide can alleviate discomfort and potentially mitigate the risk of more severe injury. This approach demonstrates an understanding of basic first aid principles. It emphasizes the importance of immediate action to protect the resident's skin and overall well-being. The cool towel provides relief and helps to soothe the affected area, which is essential in the case of a scalding incident. The other options, such as leaving the shirt on, changing the resident's clothes completely, or ignoring the spill, do not prioritize the resident's safety or comfort. Leaving the wet shirt on may trap heat against the skin, potentially worsening the injury, while changing clothes completely may not address the immediate concern of the hot substance on the skin. Ignoring the incident when the resident is not complaining also fails to recognize that some injuries can take time before they become apparent.