What services do certified nursing assistants commonly provide?

• A. Health promotion, counseling, and education
• B. Surgical assistance
• C. Medical diagnoses
• D. Pharmacologic management

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is that certified nursing assistants primarily support patients in everyday care while promoting health and providing basic education. In practice, CNAs help with activities of daily living, ensure comfort and safety, and reinforce healthful behaviors—such as proper hygiene, nutrition, mobility, and fall prevention. They also offer simple counseling and teaching to help patients understand their care routines, medications as directed by the nurse, and what to expect during recovery. All of these activities fall within their role and help patients maintain or improve health as part of the care team.

Surgical assistance, medical diagnoses, and pharmacologic management require higher levels of licensure and training. Surgeries are performed by surgeons and OR staff; diagnoses are made by physicians or advanced practice providers; and medications are prescribed and managed by licensed nurses, doctors, or pharmacists. CNAs support care, observe and report, and reinforce education, but they do not perform these more specialized tasks.