When assisting a resident with grooming, the resident requests the nursing assistant to cut their fingernails. What should the aide do?

Question

Accepted Answer

Cut only the visible portion of the nail above the quick. Routine nail care, including trimming, is generally within the CNA scope of practice in accordance with state regulations and facility policy. The correct technique is to cut only the visible portion of the nail above the quick to prevent injury. Special caution applies for residents with diabetes or impaired circulation — any abnormalities should be reported to the nurse before proceeding. Option A (cutting nails as short as possible) risks injury. Option B is overly restrictive for routine nail care. Option D (using any available scissors) is unsafe.