Allied Health CNA – Certified Nursing Assistant
Exam Prep – Fall Semester 2026 | 300+ Verified
Questions & Detailed Rationales
A patient in a long-term care facility has a new order for a mechanical soft diet. Which
food is the best choice to serve the patient?
A. Whole-wheat bread
B. Raw carrot sticks
C. Mashed potatoes
D. Apple slices
RATIONALE: A mechanical soft diet includes foods that are soft, easily chewed and
swallowed, and require minimal dental work/biting. Mashed potatoes are smooth and
require minimal chewing. Whole-wheat bread and raw carrots are fibrous and require
significant chewing; apple slices are firm and can increase choking or aspiration risk
unless softened/cooked.
Which action shows the best way for a CNA to identify a patient before providing
care?
A. Ask the patient their name and check the ID band
B. Ask the nurse if the patient is the correct one
C. Use the room number on the door to identify the patient
D. Ask another CNA if the patient is correct
RATIONALE: Patient identification uses at least two identifiers (commonly the
patient’s full name and an ID band; date of birth is another). Relying on room number or
another staff member increases the chance of error. Asking the patient and checking the
ID band is the safest immediate step.
When performing hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand rub, the CNA should:
A. Apply product to dry hands and rub until hands are dry
B. Wet hands with water first, then apply the product
C. Use it only if hands are visibly soiled
D. Apply product and immediately wipe off
RATIONALE: Alcohol-based hand rubs should be used on dry hands and rubbed until
completely dry (usually 20–30 seconds); they are not effective on heavily soiled or
greasy hands, which require soap and water. Wiping the product off or applying it to wet
hands reduces efficacy.
A patient with dementia repeatedly wanders and becomes lost. The best immediate
action is to:
A. Restrain the patient to prevent wandering
B. Report the behavior and use consistent reorientation techniques
,C. Tell family members to stay with the patient at all times
D. Ignore the behavior because it is normal for dementia
RATIONALE: Wandering requires assessment and non-restrictive interventions first—
report to the nurse, follow the care plan, use reorientation, safe environmental
modifications (alarms, clear signage), and individualized strategies. Restraints are a last
resort and require orders and careful justification.
Which of the following is an example of a subjective symptom?
A. Elevated temperature of 101.2°F
B. Patient reports feeling dizzy
C. Blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
D. Redness at an IV site
RATIONALE: Subjective data are what the patient reports (symptoms); dizziness is
subjective. Objective data (signs) are measurable/observable, such as vital signs and
visible skin changes.
A CNA is caring for a patient on contact precautions for MRSA. Which PPE is
required when entering the room?
A. Mask and face shield
B. Gown and gloves
C. N95 respirator only
D. Eye protection only
RATIONALE: Contact precautions require gown and gloves to prevent direct or
indirect contact transmission. Masks, respirators, or eye protection are for
droplet/airborne or splatter risks as indicated by the organism or procedures.
Which position is best for a patient who has difficulty breathing and needs to be fed?
A. Supine flat on back
B. Trendelenburg position
C. High Fowler’s (sitting upright)
D. Lateral (side-lying) position
RATIONALE: High Fowler’s or upright positions (sitting at 60–90 degrees) optimize
lung expansion and swallowing safety, reducing aspiration risk during feeding. Lying flat
or Trendelenburg can increase aspiration risk.
A patient refuses a bath. The CNA should:
A. Force the patient to bathe for infection control
B. Report refusal to the nurse and attempt to provide care later respecting the
patient’s rights
C. Ignore the patient and skip bathing forever
D. Tell the family the patient refused and let them decide
,RATIONALE: Patients have the right to refuse care. CNAs should document and
report refusals to the nurse, offer alternatives (e.g., partial bath, bed bath, different
time), and respect autonomy while ensuring safety and hygiene as much as possible.
Which vital sign change is most important to report immediately to the nurse?
A. Pulse 78 beats per minute in an adult
B. Respirations 16 breaths per minute
C. Blood pressure 80/50 mmHg with dizziness
D. Temperature 98.6°F
RATIONALE: Hypotension accompanied by dizziness can indicate shock, bleeding,
medication effect, or other acute problems and requires immediate notification. The
other listed values are within normal ranges for many adults.
When transferring a patient who has a weaker left side from bed to wheelchair, the
CNA should stand on the:
A. Patient’s right side and support only the right arm
B. Patient’s right side and support the left (weaker) side during transfer
C. Foot of the bed and pull the patient by the shoulders
D. Patient’s left side to support the weaker side
RATIONALE: The caregiver should stand on the patient’s weaker side to provide
support to that side during pivot/transfer. (Common teaching: position yourself on the
affected/weak side to provide maximum support; this question’s correct choice aligns
with supporting the weaker left side during transfer while standing on the right side if
that provides best leverage in a particular technique — always follow facility-specific
transfer policies and two-person assist when indicated.)
Which of the following best demonstrates proper documentation?
A. “Patient was fine today.”
B. “Patient ambulated 50 feet with a walker, tolerated well, no dizziness at 10:00
AM.”
C. “Nurse took vitals.”
D. “Patient may have fallen.”
RATIONALE: Proper documentation is specific, objective, includes time, what was
done, measurable distances/amounts, and patient response. Vague or secondhand
statements are not acceptable for clinical records.
A resident with diabetes is scheduled for a mid-morning snack. The CNA should
serve which item?
A. Candy bar
B. Glass of fruit juice (12 oz)
C. Plain crackers and peanut butter
, D. Large cinnamon roll
RATIONALE: Snacks for diabetic residents should be balanced and avoid high simple-
sugar loads that cause rapid glucose spikes. Crackers with peanut butter provide
carbohydrates with protein/fat to slow absorption. Candy, large juice, or pastries can
cause rapid hyperglycemia.
Which sign indicates possible infection at a wound site?
A. Clear drainage and closed edges
B. Redness, swelling, and purulent drainage
C. Dry scab with no warmth
D. Pink, healing tissue
RATIONALE: Cardinal signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and
purulent (pus) drainage. Clear drainage and pink granulation tissue indicate healing.
The best way to help prevent falls in an elderly patient is to:
A. Keep the room dark at all times
B. Encourage wearing non-skid footwear and ensure call light within reach
C. Use physical restraints when ambulating
D. Never allow the patient to get out of bed
RATIONALE: Fall prevention strategies include non-skid footwear, appropriate
lighting, clear pathways, lower bed height, bedside items and call light access, and
assistance when ambulating. Restraints and immobilization increase risk and are not
acceptable fall-prevention strategies.
Which of the following shows respect for patient confidentiality?
A. Discussing patient’s condition in elevator with coworkers
B. Leaving the chart open at the nurses’ station
C. Closing the curtain and speaking quietly when discussing sensitive
information with family in the room
D. Posting patient photos on social media
RATIONALE: Protecting privacy involves minimizing disclosure of PHI in public areas,
ensuring private conversations occur in private settings, and never sharing identifiable
information on social media without consent.
A patient is receiving oxygen therapy. Which safety measure should the CNA follow?
A. Allow smoking near the oxygen tubing if the patient is careful
B. Keep flammable materials (like alcohol, aerosol sprays) away from oxygen
sources
C. Place an open flame near the oxygen tank to check flow
D. Use oil-based lotions on the patient’s face while on oxygen
RATIONALE: Oxygen supports combustion, so keep oxygen sources away from heat,
Exam Prep – Fall Semester 2026 | 300+ Verified
Questions & Detailed Rationales
A patient in a long-term care facility has a new order for a mechanical soft diet. Which
food is the best choice to serve the patient?
A. Whole-wheat bread
B. Raw carrot sticks
C. Mashed potatoes
D. Apple slices
RATIONALE: A mechanical soft diet includes foods that are soft, easily chewed and
swallowed, and require minimal dental work/biting. Mashed potatoes are smooth and
require minimal chewing. Whole-wheat bread and raw carrots are fibrous and require
significant chewing; apple slices are firm and can increase choking or aspiration risk
unless softened/cooked.
Which action shows the best way for a CNA to identify a patient before providing
care?
A. Ask the patient their name and check the ID band
B. Ask the nurse if the patient is the correct one
C. Use the room number on the door to identify the patient
D. Ask another CNA if the patient is correct
RATIONALE: Patient identification uses at least two identifiers (commonly the
patient’s full name and an ID band; date of birth is another). Relying on room number or
another staff member increases the chance of error. Asking the patient and checking the
ID band is the safest immediate step.
When performing hand hygiene with an alcohol-based hand rub, the CNA should:
A. Apply product to dry hands and rub until hands are dry
B. Wet hands with water first, then apply the product
C. Use it only if hands are visibly soiled
D. Apply product and immediately wipe off
RATIONALE: Alcohol-based hand rubs should be used on dry hands and rubbed until
completely dry (usually 20–30 seconds); they are not effective on heavily soiled or
greasy hands, which require soap and water. Wiping the product off or applying it to wet
hands reduces efficacy.
A patient with dementia repeatedly wanders and becomes lost. The best immediate
action is to:
A. Restrain the patient to prevent wandering
B. Report the behavior and use consistent reorientation techniques
,C. Tell family members to stay with the patient at all times
D. Ignore the behavior because it is normal for dementia
RATIONALE: Wandering requires assessment and non-restrictive interventions first—
report to the nurse, follow the care plan, use reorientation, safe environmental
modifications (alarms, clear signage), and individualized strategies. Restraints are a last
resort and require orders and careful justification.
Which of the following is an example of a subjective symptom?
A. Elevated temperature of 101.2°F
B. Patient reports feeling dizzy
C. Blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg
D. Redness at an IV site
RATIONALE: Subjective data are what the patient reports (symptoms); dizziness is
subjective. Objective data (signs) are measurable/observable, such as vital signs and
visible skin changes.
A CNA is caring for a patient on contact precautions for MRSA. Which PPE is
required when entering the room?
A. Mask and face shield
B. Gown and gloves
C. N95 respirator only
D. Eye protection only
RATIONALE: Contact precautions require gown and gloves to prevent direct or
indirect contact transmission. Masks, respirators, or eye protection are for
droplet/airborne or splatter risks as indicated by the organism or procedures.
Which position is best for a patient who has difficulty breathing and needs to be fed?
A. Supine flat on back
B. Trendelenburg position
C. High Fowler’s (sitting upright)
D. Lateral (side-lying) position
RATIONALE: High Fowler’s or upright positions (sitting at 60–90 degrees) optimize
lung expansion and swallowing safety, reducing aspiration risk during feeding. Lying flat
or Trendelenburg can increase aspiration risk.
A patient refuses a bath. The CNA should:
A. Force the patient to bathe for infection control
B. Report refusal to the nurse and attempt to provide care later respecting the
patient’s rights
C. Ignore the patient and skip bathing forever
D. Tell the family the patient refused and let them decide
,RATIONALE: Patients have the right to refuse care. CNAs should document and
report refusals to the nurse, offer alternatives (e.g., partial bath, bed bath, different
time), and respect autonomy while ensuring safety and hygiene as much as possible.
Which vital sign change is most important to report immediately to the nurse?
A. Pulse 78 beats per minute in an adult
B. Respirations 16 breaths per minute
C. Blood pressure 80/50 mmHg with dizziness
D. Temperature 98.6°F
RATIONALE: Hypotension accompanied by dizziness can indicate shock, bleeding,
medication effect, or other acute problems and requires immediate notification. The
other listed values are within normal ranges for many adults.
When transferring a patient who has a weaker left side from bed to wheelchair, the
CNA should stand on the:
A. Patient’s right side and support only the right arm
B. Patient’s right side and support the left (weaker) side during transfer
C. Foot of the bed and pull the patient by the shoulders
D. Patient’s left side to support the weaker side
RATIONALE: The caregiver should stand on the patient’s weaker side to provide
support to that side during pivot/transfer. (Common teaching: position yourself on the
affected/weak side to provide maximum support; this question’s correct choice aligns
with supporting the weaker left side during transfer while standing on the right side if
that provides best leverage in a particular technique — always follow facility-specific
transfer policies and two-person assist when indicated.)
Which of the following best demonstrates proper documentation?
A. “Patient was fine today.”
B. “Patient ambulated 50 feet with a walker, tolerated well, no dizziness at 10:00
AM.”
C. “Nurse took vitals.”
D. “Patient may have fallen.”
RATIONALE: Proper documentation is specific, objective, includes time, what was
done, measurable distances/amounts, and patient response. Vague or secondhand
statements are not acceptable for clinical records.
A resident with diabetes is scheduled for a mid-morning snack. The CNA should
serve which item?
A. Candy bar
B. Glass of fruit juice (12 oz)
C. Plain crackers and peanut butter
, D. Large cinnamon roll
RATIONALE: Snacks for diabetic residents should be balanced and avoid high simple-
sugar loads that cause rapid glucose spikes. Crackers with peanut butter provide
carbohydrates with protein/fat to slow absorption. Candy, large juice, or pastries can
cause rapid hyperglycemia.
Which sign indicates possible infection at a wound site?
A. Clear drainage and closed edges
B. Redness, swelling, and purulent drainage
C. Dry scab with no warmth
D. Pink, healing tissue
RATIONALE: Cardinal signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and
purulent (pus) drainage. Clear drainage and pink granulation tissue indicate healing.
The best way to help prevent falls in an elderly patient is to:
A. Keep the room dark at all times
B. Encourage wearing non-skid footwear and ensure call light within reach
C. Use physical restraints when ambulating
D. Never allow the patient to get out of bed
RATIONALE: Fall prevention strategies include non-skid footwear, appropriate
lighting, clear pathways, lower bed height, bedside items and call light access, and
assistance when ambulating. Restraints and immobilization increase risk and are not
acceptable fall-prevention strategies.
Which of the following shows respect for patient confidentiality?
A. Discussing patient’s condition in elevator with coworkers
B. Leaving the chart open at the nurses’ station
C. Closing the curtain and speaking quietly when discussing sensitive
information with family in the room
D. Posting patient photos on social media
RATIONALE: Protecting privacy involves minimizing disclosure of PHI in public areas,
ensuring private conversations occur in private settings, and never sharing identifiable
information on social media without consent.
A patient is receiving oxygen therapy. Which safety measure should the CNA follow?
A. Allow smoking near the oxygen tubing if the patient is careful
B. Keep flammable materials (like alcohol, aerosol sprays) away from oxygen
sources
C. Place an open flame near the oxygen tank to check flow
D. Use oil-based lotions on the patient’s face while on oxygen
RATIONALE: Oxygen supports combustion, so keep oxygen sources away from heat,
