CNA Chapter 10 Exam Guide: Positioning, Transfers &
Ambulation Q&A (2026/2027)
CNA Skills: Body Mechanics & Patient Mobility | Key Domains: Principles of Body Mechanics,
Positioning Techniques (Fowler's, Lateral, Supine, Prone), Transfer Methods (Bed to Chair, Gait Belt
Use), Ambulation Assistance & Fall Prevention, Use of Assistive Devices (Walkers, Canes,
Wheelchairs), and Special Considerations (Hemiplegia, Bariatric Patients) | Expert-Aligned
Structure | Chapter Exam Guide Format
Introduction
This structured CNA Chapter 10 Exam Guide for 2026/2027 provides a focused set of questions and
rationales on positioning, transfers, and ambulation. It emphasizes the safe and effective application
of core mobility skills, prioritizing both resident comfort and safety and the prevention of injury to
the nursing assistant through proper body mechanics.
Guide Structure:
● Chapter 10 Skills Q&A Guide: (50 SKILL-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS)
Answer Format
All correct procedural steps and safety actions must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied by
concise rationales explaining the correct sequence for a transfer (e.g., locking wheels, using a gait
belt), the purpose of a specific positioning technique (e.g., Fowler's for breathing), the proper way to
assist with ambulation (e.g., standing on the resident's weaker side), and why alternative steps are
unsafe, ineffective, or violate standard CNA procedure.
Chapter 10 Skills Q&A Guide (50 Questions)
1. What is the first step before transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair?
Lock the wheelchair brakes and ensure it is positioned at a 45-degree angle to the bed. Locking
prevents movement during transfer; the angle aligns hips for safer pivoting. Failing to lock wheels risks
falls and injury.
2. When using a gait belt, where should it be placed?
, Snugly around the resident’s waist over clothing, with the buckle in front. This provides secure
grip without restricting breathing. Placing it too high (ribcage) or too low (hips) reduces control and
increases fall risk.
3. Which position is best for a resident with difficulty breathing?
High Fowler’s position (head of bed elevated 60–90 degrees). This allows full lung expansion by
reducing abdominal pressure on the diaphragm. Supine or flat positions worsen respiratory effort.
4. When assisting a resident with hemiplegia to ambulate, you should stand on which side?
The resident’s weaker (affected) side. This allows you to support the unstable leg and trunk,
preventing collapse. Standing on the strong side offers no protection if the weak side gives way.
5. What is the correct body mechanics principle when lifting or moving a resident?
Bend at the knees, keep back straight, and hold the resident close to your body. This uses strong
leg muscles instead of vulnerable back muscles, reducing strain and injury risk. Twisting or bending at
the waist is unsafe.
6. How often should a resident on bed rest be repositioned?
Every 2 hours. Frequent repositioning prevents pressure injuries by relieving pressure on bony
prominences like sacrum, heels, and elbows. Less frequent turning increases skin breakdown risk.
7. In the lateral (side-lying) position, what supports the top leg?
A pillow placed between the knees and ankles. This prevents hip and knee adduction, maintains
alignment, and reduces pressure on the lower leg. Without support, nerves and skin can be compressed.
8. Before ambulating a resident, what must you assess first?
The care plan, physician orders, and the resident’s current ability and tolerance. Never assume a
resident can walk—check for dizziness, weakness, or new orders. Ambulating without assessment risks
falls.
9. When using a walker, how should the resident move?
Move the walker forward, then step with the weaker leg, followed by the stronger leg. This
ensures stability. Advancing legs before the walker creates imbalance and fall risk.
10. What is the purpose of a footboard in the supine position?
To prevent foot drop by maintaining the foot at a 90-degree angle. Prolonged plantar flexion
stretches the Achilles tendon and weakens dorsiflexors. A footboard or high-top sneakers serve this
purpose.
11. When transferring a resident who can bear weight, what instruction should you give?
Ambulation Q&A (2026/2027)
CNA Skills: Body Mechanics & Patient Mobility | Key Domains: Principles of Body Mechanics,
Positioning Techniques (Fowler's, Lateral, Supine, Prone), Transfer Methods (Bed to Chair, Gait Belt
Use), Ambulation Assistance & Fall Prevention, Use of Assistive Devices (Walkers, Canes,
Wheelchairs), and Special Considerations (Hemiplegia, Bariatric Patients) | Expert-Aligned
Structure | Chapter Exam Guide Format
Introduction
This structured CNA Chapter 10 Exam Guide for 2026/2027 provides a focused set of questions and
rationales on positioning, transfers, and ambulation. It emphasizes the safe and effective application
of core mobility skills, prioritizing both resident comfort and safety and the prevention of injury to
the nursing assistant through proper body mechanics.
Guide Structure:
● Chapter 10 Skills Q&A Guide: (50 SKILL-SPECIFIC QUESTIONS)
Answer Format
All correct procedural steps and safety actions must appear in bold and cyan blue, accompanied by
concise rationales explaining the correct sequence for a transfer (e.g., locking wheels, using a gait
belt), the purpose of a specific positioning technique (e.g., Fowler's for breathing), the proper way to
assist with ambulation (e.g., standing on the resident's weaker side), and why alternative steps are
unsafe, ineffective, or violate standard CNA procedure.
Chapter 10 Skills Q&A Guide (50 Questions)
1. What is the first step before transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair?
Lock the wheelchair brakes and ensure it is positioned at a 45-degree angle to the bed. Locking
prevents movement during transfer; the angle aligns hips for safer pivoting. Failing to lock wheels risks
falls and injury.
2. When using a gait belt, where should it be placed?
, Snugly around the resident’s waist over clothing, with the buckle in front. This provides secure
grip without restricting breathing. Placing it too high (ribcage) or too low (hips) reduces control and
increases fall risk.
3. Which position is best for a resident with difficulty breathing?
High Fowler’s position (head of bed elevated 60–90 degrees). This allows full lung expansion by
reducing abdominal pressure on the diaphragm. Supine or flat positions worsen respiratory effort.
4. When assisting a resident with hemiplegia to ambulate, you should stand on which side?
The resident’s weaker (affected) side. This allows you to support the unstable leg and trunk,
preventing collapse. Standing on the strong side offers no protection if the weak side gives way.
5. What is the correct body mechanics principle when lifting or moving a resident?
Bend at the knees, keep back straight, and hold the resident close to your body. This uses strong
leg muscles instead of vulnerable back muscles, reducing strain and injury risk. Twisting or bending at
the waist is unsafe.
6. How often should a resident on bed rest be repositioned?
Every 2 hours. Frequent repositioning prevents pressure injuries by relieving pressure on bony
prominences like sacrum, heels, and elbows. Less frequent turning increases skin breakdown risk.
7. In the lateral (side-lying) position, what supports the top leg?
A pillow placed between the knees and ankles. This prevents hip and knee adduction, maintains
alignment, and reduces pressure on the lower leg. Without support, nerves and skin can be compressed.
8. Before ambulating a resident, what must you assess first?
The care plan, physician orders, and the resident’s current ability and tolerance. Never assume a
resident can walk—check for dizziness, weakness, or new orders. Ambulating without assessment risks
falls.
9. When using a walker, how should the resident move?
Move the walker forward, then step with the weaker leg, followed by the stronger leg. This
ensures stability. Advancing legs before the walker creates imbalance and fall risk.
10. What is the purpose of a footboard in the supine position?
To prevent foot drop by maintaining the foot at a 90-degree angle. Prolonged plantar flexion
stretches the Achilles tendon and weakens dorsiflexors. A footboard or high-top sneakers serve this
purpose.
11. When transferring a resident who can bear weight, what instruction should you give?
