What to Say During the Foot Care Exam
The evaluator scores your communication with the resident as a separate component. Silence is not neutral — narrating key steps shows competence and keeps the evaluator on your side.
Why what you say matters
CNA evaluators score both technique and resident interaction. Candidates who talk through their procedure — explaining steps to the resident and narrating safety checks — score higher on dignity and communication items, even when technique is identical to candidates who stay silent.
1. Entering the Room — Always Say This First
Script (memorize this)
"Knock knock. Hello [resident's name], my name is [your name]. I'm a nursing assistant here today. I'm going to [brief description of what you're about to do]. Do I have your permission to begin?"
What this covers:
2. Key Moments to Narrate During Foot Care
You don't need to announce every step — that sounds robotic. Focus on safety checks, technique choices, and anything the evaluator might wonder if you're about to skip.
When you: Identify the resident and explain the procedure.
"Hello [resident's name], I'm [your name], a nursing assistant. I'm going to foot care maintains skin integrity, promotes circulation, and prevents infection, especially critical for residents with diabetes. Is that okay with you?"
When you: Test the water temperature — approximately 100–105°F (37–40°…
"I'm test the water temperature — approximately 100–105°F (37–40°C). Use a thermometer if available now."
When you: Assist the resident to a comfortable seated position with le…
"I'm going to help you get into a comfortable position now."
When you: Use an emery board to smooth any rough edges of the nails — …
"I'll report these findings to the nurse right away." (Say this out loud to the evaluator.)
3. Privacy & Dignity — Say These When Relevant
Before exposing the resident
"I'm going to close the curtain (door) to give you some privacy."
When something may be uncomfortable
"Please let me know if anything I'm doing causes you any discomfort."
If the resident seems hesitant
"You have the right to refuse. If you change your mind, just let me know."
During any care that touches the resident
"I'm going to touch your [arm/leg/etc.] now to help with [procedure]."
4. Closing — Always End With This
Script (same for every skill)
"All done. I'm going to lower your bed to the lowest position now. [Pause to do it.] Your call light is right here within reach — press it any time you need assistance. Is there anything else I can do for you? I'll go wash my hands now."
Common verbal mistake at the close:
Saying "I'm done" and walking away without announcing the bed lowering or call light placement. Evaluators mark this as a resident rights/dignity failure even when the physical steps were performed correctly.
Verbal Mistakes That Cause Failures
Staying completely silent
The evaluator can't verify you're checking the things you're supposed to check. Silence creates doubt.
Announcing every single step like a checklist
"Step 1... Step 2... Step 3..." sounds memorized, not practiced. Narrate naturally, not robotically.
Asking the resident "Is the water temperature okay?" instead of testing it yourself
The resident may have reduced sensation or may not complain even if uncomfortable. You must test it independently.
Using clinical jargon with the resident
Say "I'm going to take your blood pressure" not "I'm going to assess your BP." Residents are not medical professionals.
Practice the written exam too
The knowledge behind every skill is tested in the written NNAAP exam. 501 free questions.
Take the Practice Test →