6.2 Common Diseases, Conditions, and Exam-Day Readiness

High-Yield Disease Processes

The Disease Process category is small on the blueprint, but these conditions also appear inside Basic Nursing Skills, Safety, and Data Collection questions. For each one, the CNA observes, supports, and reports but never diagnoses or treats.

Stroke (CVA)

A stroke (cerebrovascular accident, CVA) happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts. Use F.A.S.T. to recognize it: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call for help. Sudden one-sided weakness, slurred speech, confusion, or vision loss is an emergency to report immediately. After a stroke, the CNA approaches and feeds from the strong (unaffected) side, supports the weak side during transfers, and encourages communication patiently.

Diabetes: Hypoglycemia vs. Hyperglycemia

Diabetes mellitus is a problem using blood sugar (glucose). A CNA must tell apart the two emergencies because they are reported and acted on differently.

Low blood sugar can become dangerous quickly, so a conscious resident may be given a fast sugar source per the nurse's direction. Report any of these changes to the nurse at once.

More Conditions a CNA Supports

Heart Failure (CHF)

In congestive heart failure (CHF), a weak heart lets fluid back up. Watch for edema (swollen ankles/feet), shortness of breath, weight gain, and a resident who needs to sleep propped up. The CNA weighs residents at the same time each day, reports rapid weight gain or worsening breathing, and helps the resident rest in an upright (semi-Fowler's) position.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Residents have trouble exhaling and tire easily. Encourage rest periods, position upright (often leaning forward), and never change oxygen flow without an order. Report increased shortness of breath, a new cough, or color changes around the lips.

Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease causes tremors, muscle rigidity, a shuffling gait, slow movement, and a mask-like face. Allow extra time, guard against falls, encourage independence, and report swallowing problems because of aspiration risk.

Arthritis and Osteoporosis

• Arthritis is joint inflammation causing pain and stiffness. Support joints, allow rest, and never force range of motion past the point of pain.
• Osteoporosis is weakened, brittle bones. Bones fracture easily, so transfer and reposition gently and prevent falls.

Pressure Injuries

A pressure injury (bedsore) forms where skin breaks down over a bony area from constant pressure. They progress in stages, and early reporting prevents serious harm:

Prevent them by repositioning at least every 2 hours, keeping skin clean and dry, reducing friction and shear, and reporting the first sign of non-blanching redness.

Exam-Day Readiness Recap

You now know both the content and the California process. Here is the final picture of test day.

The Two Tests

• Written (knowledge) test: 75 multiple-choice questions in 60 minutes; you need 75% to pass. An audio version is available if selected before payment.
• Manual skills test: 3 or 4 assigned tasks — one mandatory first task plus 2 or 3 randomly selected tasks — performed in about 30 minutes in front of an RN Test Observer. Soap-and-water handwashing is embedded at the end of the mandatory first task; one task is always a measurement skill. Pass every task by doing all bold key steps plus 80% of non-key steps, and avoid recontaminating your hands.

Final High-Yield Checklist

1. Safety first on every question: protect the resident from harm before anything else.
2. Wash your hands at the start and end of care and after glove removal.
3. Provide privacy: knock, close the curtain, and explain care before you touch.
4. Report, never diagnose: tell the nurse about changes; stay in CNA scope.
5. Respect rights: dignity, choice, refusal, and confidentiality always win.
6. Lock wheels and lower the bed before leaving; place the call light within reach.
7. Measure in correct units (mL, mmHg, beats/min) and record only what you did.

Test-Day Logistics

Bring acceptable photo identification, arrive early, know your TMU login, and wear clothing and closed-toe shoes that let you perform skills safely. Read your confirmation letter so an ID, dress, or timing error does not cost you the attempt. If you contaminate a step during skills, you may correct it within the allotted time.

A Short Study Plan to Finish

1. Master Basic Nursing Skills first (it is the largest written category).
2. Drill Safety, Resident Rights, and Infection Control daily with practice questions.
3. Rehearse the skill tasks out loud — especially the four possible first tasks with embedded handwashing and the measurement skills — until every step is automatic and timed.
4. Log missed questions and convert them into a focused remediation list.
5. Run a full timed simulation of both tests before your appointment.

With the content mastered and the steps automatic, you are ready. Stay calm, work the safe answer, and finish each task cleanly. You can do this.