Which activity falls within the scope of practice for a certified nursing assistant?

Which activity falls within the scope of practice for a certified nursing assistant?

• A. Prescribe medications
• B. Suture a laceration
• C. Assist a patient with bathing
• D. Titrate a medication drip

Answer: (C)

Assisting with bathing is within a certified nursing assistant’s scope because CNAs provide basic personal care and daily living activities under supervision. This duty focuses on hygiene and comfort and does not involve medical decision-making or invasive procedures. The other options require medical diagnosis, prescription authority, or sterile technical skills that are reserved for licensed professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, or licensed nurses under appropriate protocols. In Florida, CNAs perform routine care under the direction of a licensed nurse, not tasks like prescribing medications, suturing wounds, or titrating IV drips.

Assisting with bathing is within a certified nursing assistant’s scope because CNAs provide basic personal care and daily living activities under supervision. This duty focuses on hygiene and comfort and does not involve medical decision-making or invasive procedures. The other options require medical diagnosis, prescription authority, or sterile technical skills that are reserved for licensed professionals such as physicians, nurse practitioners, or licensed nurses under appropriate protocols. In Florida, CNAs perform routine care under the direction of a licensed nurse, not tasks like prescribing medications, suturing wounds, or titrating IV drips.