Dress a Resident with a Weak Arm CNA Skill

A NEWER VERSION OF THIS SKILL CAN BE FOUND HERE: • Dress a Resident With ...
THIS IS AN OLDER VERSION OF THIS SKILL. View how this skill should look when performing for the Florida CNA State Exam. View to proper way to safely remove a patient's clothing and dress a patient with a weak arm by undressing the strong arm first, then dressing the weak arm first. This skill requires maintaining a patient's privacy and allowing them to choose their clothing. This skill is one of the 21 testable skills on the Florida State CNA exam and is also used in RN and LPN training. Additional resources can be found at 4YourCNA.com.
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[@4yourcna]

Always dress the weak arm first so that the shirt just slides on the arm and it doesn't have to move much. Then the head and then the other arm. Hope this helps!

[@Brooklynlife1000]

Thank you for this. Your tutorial is to the point and well done! I'm not a health aide but I have my Mom at home after a stroke and it's a lot of work 24/7 so I'm trying to learn the best ways to care for her. Thank God for youtube lol

[@redqueen1348]

God BLESS YOU FOR THIS! My test is tomorrow and I was freaking out until I found these videos! Ill be back to let the world know if I passed but these videos are awesome because I'm a much better visual learner!

[@4yourcna]

These skills are performed according to nursing best practices. They are demonstrated correctly. You MUST undress strong arm first and dress weak arm first.

[@4yourcna]

Congratulations to your mom! We wish her great success in her new career!

[@4yourcna]

Congratulations! We are very proud of you! We are happy that you found these videos helpful as you prepared for the test. Please tell others about our videos! Good luck in your new career!

[@natemckoy1467]

Thanks Patty, this was one of my skills for the CNA exam passed both.

[@4yourcna]

Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment! We are so happy that you have found our videos helpful! Best of luck!

[@4yourcna]

I am so proud of you! Congratulations! We wish you the best of luck in your new career!

[@rapmarkusgaiuspableo4288]

this is one of my skills that i performed yesterday...thank you very much miss patty.i passed the CNA test..your great videos help a lot to me..once again,thank you!!!god bless you!!!

[@4yourcna]

Awww, thank you for your wonderful comment! We are so proud of you and wish you the best of luck in your new career!

[@4yourcna]

Thank you for your wonderful comment! Good luck on your test and we are happy that you find these videos helpful! It was a pleasure to have you in class again and we wish you well in your career!

[@annejoseph2729011]

thank you so much patty / 4yourCNA... I just passed my exam today ... in TMCC Reno Nevada...... Your vids help me a lot ... I picked this one, the other two were ROM exercise of hip,knee and respiration.....

[@jasminehughery7287]

I just wanted to say Patty you really do have some great videos here . All of your videos meet the Prometric skills checklist and they helped me passed my Cna exam with flying colors yesterday! Your videos really helped me and they have changed my life . Thank you so much for taking the time to put these videos up to help others who need it! They really are a great help for anyone who needs a refresher on their skills!

[@4yourcna]

+Jasmine Hughery Thank you so much for such a wonderful comment! We are so happy that you found the skills videos helpful and wish you lots of luck in your new career!

[@marlenelawson8495]

Thank you very much!!!! These videos are so helpful. I'm now in a three week course to get my Nurses Assistant certificate. These videos are great practice at home to get me prepared.

[@rosalynjones3861]

Thank-you for a perfect walk-through of a tricky skill - ( also dressing with an IV line in). The verbal communication/rapport/direction is exceptional,strong and clear.

[@4yourcna]

Your Welcome!

[@4yourcna]

Thank you for your kind words! We wish you luck tomorrow on your final exam!

[@4yourcna]

Congratulations and best of luck in your new job!

[@Snappldel]

A lot of you guys are really rude here. The videos are great. You don't have to rude to point out some mistakes. Be nice.

[@4yourcna]

Thank you for your kind comment! We are happy you find our videos helpful and wish you luck!

[@Snappldel]

+4yourCNA 😃😘

[@rosebon1709]

Thank you 4yourCNA i passed my cna in florida yesterday!. My skill dress resident with weak arm, respiratory and ROM and i did exactly as the video taught. Thank you so much

[@4yourcna]

You are very welcome! Please make sure you view our updated videos for each of the skills as well! Congratulations and best of luck! :-)

[@precaesroyale3676]

Roselle Watkins Hi, I am taking my exam in 2 days and I'm wondering if they always test on 3 skills or is it more than 3 and if it's on dummies or actually people? Please and thank you in advance!

[@4yourcna]

Thank you for your comment! Good luck in your new carrer!

[@candygurl073]

Whoo hoo! I start my first cna job in a week! Thanks for the refresher videos.

[@4yourcna]

Thank you for your comment and we hope you did well on the exam! Best of luck to you!

[@4yourcna]

Thanks for the comment! We are happy that you are finding our videos helpful in preparing for your exam! Best of luck!

[@4yourcna]

Glad you are not nervous...and you are right...practice is the key to passing! Every written test is scheduled between 9am and 9:05. It just means you are scheduled for the written test as well as the clinical exam on that day. It is up to the evaluator exactly what time during the day the written test will be administered. Let us know how you do...and GOOD LUCK! We will be thinking of you!

[@4yourcna]

Good luck on your next attempt!

[@Ecompass4]

This video makes it look easy, because it is easy! Great tutorial

[@4yourcna]

We wish you luck!

[@4yourcna]

You should perform your opening (knock, identify the patient, introduce yourself by name and title and close the curtain) before washing your hands. The door and privacy curtain are not considered clean (it was touched by staff members, visitors, patients) and should be touched BEFORE you wash your hands. This keeps your hands clean to gather supplies and perform your skill. Hope this helps!

[@musicfanUSA]

you are an amazing demonstrator, thankyou very much for sharing :)

[@prismcat40]

Just want to say thank you for all these videos. I aced the written part but tomorrow is my third attempt at the skills, last chance! I just get very nervous with the one-on-one observation and forget the little things, so hopefully watching these will help.

[@4yourcna]

Your Welcome. Need training materials? We’ve got them! Textbooks, skills book, practice kits and more…everything you need to become a successful CNA! Buy them individually or save money by purchasing a pre-packaged combination kit! 4yourcna.com/store/

[@4yourcna]

Every patient is an individual and will have different needs. The care plan (developed by the RN for that particular patient) will dictate what tasks are to be done for each patient and indicate how those tasks should be performed. These videos represent the care plan for this particular skill for the CNA test in Florida. It is true that you will encourage independence, but there are times the patient will not be able to be independent. Good luck!

[@EYoder]

I passed the Florida exam today! Thank You so much! I did exactly how you teach. I had: Dress a resident with weak arm, Respirations and Passive ROM hip,knee,ankle. Before I found you, I was taught that it was ok to touch curtain AFTER washing hands,but ended up having 6 cross contaminations.. and Failed….Retested today, after having ordered your video and practiced exactly how you teach!

[@4yourcna]

+eleanne rhymmer Awesome! So very happy for you and we wish you the best of luck in your new career!

[@unknownzodiac9134]

you did what the video showed 100% ( basically) for the Florida exam and passed? I will be taking mine soon but this method is different from what I learned however this is way easier.

[@kayharp7178]

Thank you...you are really good!

[@4yourcna]

It does not matter in what order the patient is dressed for the exam. You can put socks on first, pants on first or shirt on first. The only order that is graded for the exam is that the strong arm is undressed first and the weak arm is dressed first. Performing the skill as demonstrated in the video is correct for the exam. Thanks for the great question!

[@CobraLass1]

I want to thank you for the access to all the videos, I'm practicing on my husband :o) YOU are sooooo professional and you make it easy for us watching these videos because we get to go back as often as we need to, so again thx (Lyn)

[@4yourcna]

The test may not use siderails because they are considered a restraint and will not be present in all settings. You are responsible for knowing how to promote safety even when siderails are not available to use. Scooting the patient toward you and turning them away from you places them on their side in the middle of the bed, where they are safe. This is the appropriate way to position the patient. Good luck!

[@4yourcna]

Weaker, involved or affected are all acceptable terms. The term "bad" should not be used, due to the negative connotation associated with that word. The state exam will use the term WEAK when referring to this particular skill "Dress Resident with a Weak Arm". Thank you for your comment and good luck.

[@prismcat40]

Yay! Passed the skills (finally)! Out of five skills tested, I only got marked down for one minor error. THANK YOU!!!

[@clvndz1010]

thanks for your reply...

[@4yourcna]

The head of the bed is adjusted at the end of the skill for comfort. If the patient wants the bed elevated, then it stays elevated. If they want it lowered, then you will lower it. If the ENTIRE bed was raised to a comfortable working height, it would have to be lowered to the lowest setting before leaving to prevent falls (if the floor is further away than the patient expects it to be, they can fall). Good luck!

[@Ree-vn9dc]

Ms Patty hello from Detroit, Michigan, Thank you for taking the time out to make these video a huge resource for me. Recently, the State of Michigan change from Prometrics to Headmasters do you know if they use the same steps or are they a little different? Thank you

[@melissatinsley9210]

Oh and you don't have to be exact to pass. Just think GERMS (wash hands before and after, gloves, barrier for supplies) SAFETY (self and patient) like gait belt, bed level, call button, protective gear- gloves wash hands, ask patient comfortable PRIVACY curtain and or privacy blanket. If you hit those points with each skill you will probably pass even if you don't do everything just by the book

[@4yourcna]

Weak, involved, affected, pain and discomfort are all standard medical terms that are allowable in clinical settings. You do not want to use terms like "bad arm". There is a big difference between pain and discomfort and you need to know what the patient is experiencing to report back to the nurse accurately. You have been taught correctly that there are words that it is best to avoid, however "weak" and "pain" are not in that list. Thank you for your wonderful comment and we wish you luck!

[@4yourcna]

You are permitted to use the words "weak", "involved" or "affected", but you cannot use the word "bad" to refer to a specific extremity. For instance, you cannot say, "I am going to dress your bad arm now", but you can say "I am going to dress your weak arm now". The word "bad" is a negative word that may offend the patient or make them less likely to use that extremity. Weak, involved and affected are clinical terms and acceptable for use. Thank you for your question!

[@4yourcna]

@KMYA4ME Congratulations! Best of luck to you in your new career!

[@4yourcna]

Yes. But I cannot list them all in this format. We offer a skills book called CNA Skills Made Easy that can be ordered from our website that lists all steps for each skill and key points that should be covered. Hope this helps!

[@4yourcna]

Correct. We call this the big 3: safety (yours and the patient), patient rights and infection control. These are the main testing points on the exam. Good luck on your next attempt!

[@TheMysticRosez]

I love these videos, they are helping me study for my test, though I have a question. If i remember correctly wouldn't it be better to wash your hands first before giving them the call light? Cause that was what I was taught in class.

[@xCOttONBABiix]

Great videos! But I have a question I'm from NY, and I can't really remember if we have to put the top sheet back on of leave it off .

[@4yourcna]

The order you put on clothing is completely up to you! However, most people find it easier to put the manikin's pants on with the manikin lying flat (helps to pull the pants up over the hips) then elevate the head of the bed to have the patient lean forward to put the shirt on. The important thing to remember here is to undress the strong arm first, then dress the weak arm first. Subscribe to our channel for new video notifications when they are posted! Thanks for your question!

[@4yourcna]

Thank you for the comment. Side rails are not graded on the CNA exam because they are not present in all settings. It is much more important to learn how to safely turn a patient in bed when siderails are not available for use. You promote safety by scooting the patient toward you, then rolling them into the center of the bed facing away from you. This video demonstrates the proper procedure for safety and is presented according to current Florida testing standards. Thanks and Good Luck!

[@4yourcna]

It does not matter whether you dress the patient in pants first or shirt first. You may find it easier to start at the bottom (socks and pants) which are easier to put on when the patient is lying flat and then elevate the head of the bed to put the shirt on. But, it is up to you! Good luck!

[@4yourcna]

Electric beds are far more convenient for staff and patients, but you may not have the benefit of electric beds in all facilities. I demonstrated the skills on a manual bed because they are more complex to operate and some caregivers may have to use them. Thanks for the comment and good luck!

[@Ecompass4]

Thanks! :)

[@everymoss09]

passed the test. the written one was extremely easy, at least for me. cus i finished it in like 6 minutes. i thought i might have skip some questions cus i was the 1st to finish it. anyways thnx for letting me practice on your room! really helped me alot, this is john by the way, hahah

[@nicholasgomez8489]

Hello I'm in Florida and I just want to know... Aren't you supposed to lower the bed before you finish the skill? Is it ok for the state test to leave it on the sitting position?

[@diamondjones547]

i test this week are there any key points to remember while doing all of the skills properly

[@4yourcna]

If the patient complains of pain, you should stop what you are doing and try a different approach. Evaluate your actions and make sure you are not gripping the arm too hard or moving the arm too fast. The whole purpose of performing the steps in this order is to minimize movement of the affected arm. If the pain persists, get the nurse immediately. ANY time the patient complains of pain, the nurse must be notified (even if you were able to get her dressed anyway). Good luck and thanks!

[@4yourcna]

You may raise the bed if you choose, but it is not required for the exam. If you forget to lower the bed at the end of the skill, you may fail the skill. This is a safety issue...the floor is much further away than the patient expects it to be and they will fall. Because it is not required for the exam, and is a safety issue if forgotten at the end of the skill, it is not demonstrated on these videos. You may raise the bed if you wish, but don't forget to lower it.

[@4yourcna]

Weak does not mean paralyzed. Weak means that the patient has limited range of motion, strength or mobility. You cannot make blanket assumptions on the patient's level of ability by using the term weak. If the patient is unable to use the call light with that arm, the care plan would indicate that the call light should be located on the other side. For the exam, this is not an issue (review the clinical skills checklist on Prometric's website). Thank you and good luck.

[@4yourcna]

We wish you the best of luck on the 20th! Let us know how you do and good luck in your new career!

[@babylicious12418]

hi my test is next week. i have a question. Do you put up the bed rails on the side you are not working on?

[@4yourcna]

The head of the bed does not have to be lowered at the end of the skill. The head of the bed is adjusted to patient comfort (requiring every patient to lie flat at all times is not only uncomfortable, but unnecessary). The entire bed remains in the low position as it was not raised for this skill. If you are tall, you may raise the bed for your own comfort to prevent you from bending, but it is not necessary. If you raise the bed, don't forget to lower it for safety after the skill. Thanks.

[@4yourcna]

Only if the patient (or you) has non-intact skin or body fluids. For the exam, gloves are not necessary as your patient has intact skin and is continent (no body fluids). You may wear them if you wish, but it is not required. Good luck!

[@clvndz1010]

can i do the upper part of the bedy first and follow the lower part?...thank you.

[@4yourcna]

Privacy is graded under indirect care for this skill. A privacy blanket is not REQUIRED, you may provide privacy with the bedsheet, but privacy must be provided somehow. It is easier to use a privacy blanket, which allows for more access to the patient's feet and is acceptable for the exam. For ROM of elbow/wrist, only two exercises are required, but for the sake of consistency, all three are demonstrated on the video (flexion, abduction,rotation). This is acceptable for the exam. Good luck!

[@4yourcna]

The care plan will specify which arm is weak. Pay close attention to this! You must undress the strong arm first (remember this by using the saying U.S.A. first - undress strong arm first). Then dress the weak arm first. This order will minimize the movement of the weak or injured arm. Good luck!

[@4yourcna]

This particular skill is performed on a patient with a weak ARM, not a weak SIDE. Since they only have a weak arm, every other part of the patient works fine (think shoulder surgery). So, you can have them lift their bottom or roll from side to side, whatever is easier for you (but remember when rolling, they must first scoot toward you to remain in the middle of the bed). HOW you dress the bottom of the patient isn't graded. For the arm, undress strong side first,dress weak first. Good luck!

[@4yourcna]

For this skill, you can ask the patient if they would like the sheet after they are dressed. Since they are dressed, they no longer need the sheet for privacy and it is purely a matter of patient comfort. Many patients will not want be covered once they are dressed and/or they may be getting ready to go to an activity or meal. Just ask the patient at the end of the skill. Thank you for your comment and good luck on your exam!

[@hbmjbn77]

I take my CNA in the morning :-) {happy}.... Anyway I appreciate these videos a great deal they have helped me out a lot however, I do have one question if the pt's weak are is the right arm wouldn't the call light go in near the left arm? I'm not attacking how she does her skills I just want to be sure for my test. Thanks for your time :-)

[@judithhartley1436]

is there a complete vs. sample CNA certification test that can be called up on computer and taken, (70-100) questions

[@4yourcna]

Putting the top sheet back on after dressing is not necessary, as the patient is already covered and their privacy is protected. The top sheet would be a matter of comfort, so you should ask the patient if they want the sheet or not. Hope this helps! Best of luck!

[@4yourcna]

You may dress the resident in any order you choose, as long as you Undress the Strong Arm first (USA First) and dress the weak arm first when putting on the shirt. So you can put the socks on first, or the shirt on first or the pants on first - completely up to you! Good luck!

[@Janay23]

Do you have to start with pants first or shirt first?

[@yvonneampofo3311]

are you not supposed to put the bed back down before leaving the room?

[@afatherslove5341]

Yvonne Ampofo yes definitely put bed back down

[@damaband41]

Do you just leave the sheet at the foot of the bed like that at the end?

[@jasminegaines1277]

Aren't you suppose to wear gloves when taking off the socks and putting the clean ones on?

[@4yourcna]

NOTE: Please refer to our newest skills videos for updated skills demonstrations. Thank you for your comment, but your response is incorrect. If you wear gloves the entire time you are in the room, you risk contaminating those gloves before touching the patient (keep your gloves clean for the patient) and then contaminating other items in the room with soiled gloves AFTER you have performed care. You need to be aware of clean vs. dirty. When performing care, wash your hands, gather supplies, perform your prep and then apply gloves immediately before touching the patient. After completing care, dispose of dirty linens, clean and store supplies and remove gloves prior to completing the closing (curtain, call light, comfort) to prevent contaminating the environment with body fluids from your soiled gloves. Not all skills require gloves for the test: gloves should be worn if you will come into contact with body fluids, non-intact skin (rash, incision, wound, sore) or personal skin (breasts, genitals). If the patient is fully clothed, continent and has no wounds and your skill does not involve contact with body fluids, then you do not need gloves. This patient does not have any sores, wounds, rashes, etc and we will not be in direct contact with body fluids or personal skin, so gloves are not necessary for the exam. You may wear them if you wish, but you WILL BE graded on when you put them on and when you take them off if you use them. Since they are not REQUIRED for the test, they are not worn in this demonstration. Hope this helps and best of luck!

[@juanitaramirez3517]

What would be the order when putting a t shirt on?

[@tasheenalogan2876]

I wouldn't have said the right side is the weak side... I would have said I understand your left side is the strongest side or the strong side. just helps their self esteem not to be referred to as weak. Thanks these are great I figure if I watch these enough I can't go wrong when my turn comes :)

[@2209jen1]

Before lifting the bed, should you have checked to see if the brakes were on the bed? we are always taught "Safety first"

[@carlosbarnes3237]

@4yourCNA i got this my exam is coming up on the 20thI'm going to do this thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@souldiesoul]

With a patient having an affected right or left side ....would they be able to lift their bottom? Is rolling the patient an option?

[@rakiyaslays3913]

good job my mom is doing this to and she loves it she just got done with school and made it go mom love u and she is now going to get a job for that

[@castilloiliam]

fot this do u need to used gloves?

[@joeyjosern]

"Dress resident by putting on pants, shirt with sleeves, and socks?" that is what on the checklist for the cna prometric in florida. is it necessary that i should put the pants first or its just fine if i put socks first like you did?

[@4yourcna]

No, as long as the patient remains in the middle of the bed, you do not need to remain on that side of the patient. A patient in the middle of the bed with a weak arm is not in danger of falling out of bed (they only have a weak ARM). You must undress the strong arm first and dress the weak arm first to limit the movement required of the weak arm. Trying to remain on the bed will cause you to reach across a patient to dress the other arm which is a safety hazard and not allowed. Thanks!

[@everymoss09]

im taking my exam tommorow, and it says in my confirmation paper that the written part is from 9am to 9:05? not really nervous at all becuase ive been going to that room to practice every tues thurs. hahaha

[@EricaRuthann]

When Gowning or un gowning a patient with an IV or weak arm Do you start with that arm both when dressing and undressing ? I always get confused

[@melissatinsley9210]

I failed my test last week to. I passed the written at least. I only missed one thing that I knew better then anything but I was SO nervous and I had worked all night before :( hopefully I can reschedule next time I get paid.

[@4yourcna]

For the exam, you are not required to raise the bed to a comfortable height because many settings don't have adjustable beds (home care, ALFs and some nursing homes won't have adjustable beds). Because CNAs will work in a variety of settings, this point is not graded. It is mentioned in our training course and textbook, however. These videos are only one component of CNA training and should not be construed as an entire course. Thank you!

[@rozjones4097]

For those who asked why didn't she wash her hands prior to entering the room - door handles can be contaminated

[@manoah6316]

Patty, hello :) Aren't you suppose to cover the PT back up after completing the dressing??? Great video!!! These videos are vital for me !!:)

[@4yourcna]

+Manoah Durandis No, since the patient is dressed, it is not necessary to cover them unless they request it. In most cases, patients that are dressed will not be remaining in bed or going back to sleep. Usually, once someone is dressed, they are ready to engage in activity, go to a meal or visit with others. You can ask at the end of the skill whether the patient wants the sheet and follow their wishes. Hope this helps!

[@manoah6316]

+4yourCNA Thank you so much for answering . :) :) Got it!

[@kerryannjohn5671]

the bed head not suppose to back down?

[@KMYA4ME]

On my clinical skills list it doesn't say to use a privacy blanket and also for ROM on the elbow and wrist you're using multiple excercises when theres only two? Taking the exam in Florida this Thursday.I'm scared!

[@4yourcna]

Raising the entire bed to make this skill more comfortable for you is not REQUIRED for the exam. You can do so if you wish, however. This is not a graded point on the exam. If you do decide to raise the bed to a comfortable height, you MUST remember to lower it at the end of the skill. If you do not put the bed in its LOWEST position, it is an automatic failure because if the patient tries to get out of bed, the floor will be much farther away than expected, causing them to fall! Thanks!

[@annettamoore2389]

Does is it matter the order in which the patient is dressed? I like the way it is done in the video but on the Prometric website the order is stated differently.

[@alexusmitchell9747]

I test July 1st 🤞🏽🤞🏽

[@4yourcna]

Sorry to hear that you were unsuccessful in your skills test. I know it is difficult to know which skills videos to watch, there are many to choose from. Our videos are prepared and demonstrated by an RN with extensive research in current Florida state standards and are demonstrated in a way that would satisfy all state standards. We wish you luck as you prepare to re-test!