CNA Skill: Dressing with One-Sided Weakness | Step-by-Step Guide for the Florida Exam

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This skill tests your ability to dress a resident who has weakness or paralysis on one side of their body (hemiplegia/hemiparesis, common after stroke). In the test scenario, a mannequin is used and the resident is not able to help with the dressing. The key rule: dress the weak side first, undress the strong side first.

Equipment and Supplies Needed

• Towel
• 2 long-sleeved button-front shirts
• 2 pairs of pants
• 1 pair of socks
• Gloves
• Hospital-style gown (the resident starts the skill wearing one)

Step-by-Step Procedure

Below are the criteria checklist checkpoints for Dressing with One-Sided Weakness on the Florida CNA clinical skills exam, the same checkpoints the evaluators score. Checkpoints marked (IC) are the universal indirect care checkpoints, which are scored on every skill.

1. Greet resident, address by name, and introduce self? (IC)
2. Provide explanations to resident about care before beginning and during care? (IC)
3. Include resident in decision-making about clothing to wear?
4. Collect all garments before removing hospital gown?
5. Support affected arm while undressing and dressing?
6. Remove hospital gown?
7. Dress affected arm first?
8. Gather up sleeve to ease pulling over affected arm?
9. Dress resident by putting on pants, shirt with sleeves, and socks?
10. Move resident's extremities gently without overextension or force when undressing and dressing?
11. Apply clothing correctly (e.g. front of shirt in front), adjust clothing for comfort, neatness, alignment, and close fasteners?
12. Place dirty gown in hamper?
13. Keep resident positioned a safe distance from the edge of the bed at all times?
14. Ask resident about preferences during care? (IC)
15. Use Standard Precautions and infection control measures when providing care? (IC)
16. Ask resident about comfort or needs during care or before care completed? (IC)
17. Promote resident's rights during care? (IC)
18. Promote resident's safety during care? (IC)

Common Mistakes on the Prometric Test

Based on our experience preparing thousands of students for Florida's CNA state exam, here are the most common mistakes candidates make on this skill:

• Wrong order: The most common mistake is dressing the strong side first. Remember: weak side ON first, strong side OFF first.
• Rough handling of the weak limb: The affected limb should be supported and moved gently throughout the process.
• Forgetting the small checkpoints: Collect all garments before removing the gown, gather up the sleeve to ease it over the affected arm, and place the dirty gown in the hamper.

Test Day Tips for Dressing with One-Sided Weakness

• Memorize the rule 'affected ON first, unaffected OFF first': it applies to shirts, pants, socks, everything.
• Support the weak arm/leg throughout the process. Don't let it dangle or drop.
• Work slowly and explain each step to the resident.
• Support the weak arm with your hands open and flat underneath it, never gripping; residents with one-sided weakness often have fragile skin and capillaries.
• Raise the bed to about the height of your pelvis while you work; it protects your back and is the body mechanics evaluators expect. Lower it again when you finish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which side do you dress first on a resident with one-sided weakness?

Always dress the weak (affected) side first and undress the strong (unaffected) side first. This rule minimizes discomfort and makes dressing easier for the resident.

Master This Skill with Video Demonstrations

Reading the steps is a great start, but watching the skill performed correctly makes a huge difference on test day. Our online CNA course includes:

• HD video demonstration of Dressing with One-Sided Weakness performed exactly as Prometric expects
• Detailed narration explaining each checkpoint the evaluator looks for
• Practice scenarios and tips from experienced CNA instructors
• All 22 clinical skills plus written exam preparation

Start with a free course preview. See the quality of our video instruction before you commit.

All 22 CNA Clinical Skills

See the full CNA clinical skills guide, or jump to any skill: Handwashing · Mouth Care (Brushing Teeth) · Hand and Nail Care · Denture Care · Feeding a Resident · Taking a Pulse · Measuring Respirations · Changing an Occupied Bed · Female Catheter Care · Bedpan Assistance · Emptying Urinary Drainage Bag · Female Perineal Care · Range of Motion (Lower Body) · Range of Motion (Elbow and Wrist) · Range of Motion (Shoulder) · Partial Bed Bath · Change of Position · Wheelchair Transfer · Foot Care · Ambulation with Gait Belt · Indirect Care.