CNA Certified Nursing Assistant Exam Prep – Practice Questions,
Answers & Detailed Rationales (Updated 2026) | Patient Care
Skills, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Vital Signs Measurement, Infection
Control & Safety, Communication & Patient Rights, Mobility & Transfer
Techniques, Nutrition & Hydration, Documentation, Elderly Care &
Dementia Support
Question 1: When measuring a resident's oral temperature, which action should
the nursing assistant perform FIRST?
A. Place the thermometer under the resident's tongue
B. Ensure the resident has not consumed hot or cold liquids in the past 15 minutes
C. Record the temperature reading immediately
D. Shake down the glass thermometer to below 95°F
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Ensure the resident has not consumed hot or cold liquids in
the past 15 minutes
Rationale: Before taking an oral temperature, it is essential to verify that the resident
has not ingested hot or cold substances within the last 15 minutes, as this can
significantly alter the accuracy of the reading. This step ensures reliable assessment
data before proceeding with the measurement technique.
Question 2: Which of the following is the MOST appropriate way to assist a resident
with right-sided weakness to dress?
A. Dress the strong side first, then the weak side
B. Dress the weak side first, then the strong side
C. Allow the resident to dress independently without assistance
D. Dress both sides simultaneously to save time
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dress the weak side first, then the strong side
Rationale: When assisting a resident with one-sided weakness, dressing the affected
(weak) side first promotes safety, reduces strain on the resident, and facilitates easier
movement of the stronger side afterward. This technique supports independence while
maintaining proper body mechanics for both resident and caregiver.
Question 3: A nursing assistant observes redness on a resident's sacrum that does
not blanch when pressed. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
A. Apply lotion and massage the area gently
B. Reposition the resident and document the finding
C. Ignore it since it is common in bedbound residents
D. Apply a heating pad to improve circulation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reposition the resident and document the finding
Rationale: Non-blanching redness is an early sign of a pressure injury (Stage 1). The
priority is to relieve pressure by repositioning the resident and promptly document the
,observation for the nursing team. Massaging or applying heat can worsen tissue
damage and is contraindicated.
Question 4: Which hand hygiene technique is REQUIRED after caring for a resident
with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)?
A. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
B. Soap and water for at least 20 seconds
C. Antiseptic wipes only
D. No hand hygiene needed if gloves were worn
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Rationale: C. diff spores are not killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Soap and
water physically remove the spores from the hands through friction and rinsing. This is a
critical infection control measure to prevent transmission of C. diff in healthcare
settings.
Question 5: When transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair using a gait belt,
where should the nursing assistant position themselves?
A. Directly in front of the resident
B. To the resident's stronger side, slightly behind
C. Behind the wheelchair at all times
D. On the resident's weaker side to provide maximum support
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To the resident's stronger side, slightly behind
Rationale: Positioning on the resident's stronger side allows the nursing assistant to
provide optimal support and leverage during the transfer while encouraging the resident
to use their stronger muscles. Standing slightly behind helps guide the movement and
maintain balance, reducing fall risk.
Question 6: A resident refuses to take a bath. What is the nursing assistant's BEST
response?
A. "You must bathe; it's facility policy."
B. "I'll come back later; would you prefer a shower or a bed bath?"
C. "If you don't bathe, I'll have to report you."
D. Bathe the resident anyway to maintain hygiene standards
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I'll come back later; would you prefer a shower or a bed
bath?"
Rationale: Residents have the right to refuse care. The nursing assistant should respect
autonomy while offering alternatives and a reasonable timeframe to revisit the request.
This approach maintains dignity, builds trust, and may increase cooperation without
coercion.
Question 7: Which vital sign finding requires IMMEDIATE reporting to the nurse?
,A. Oral temperature of 98.6°F
B. Pulse of 72 beats per minute
C. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute
D. Blood pressure of 118/78 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute is tachypneic (normal adult
range: 12-20). This may indicate respiratory distress, infection, pain, or other serious
conditions requiring prompt nursing assessment. The other values fall within normal
limits.
Question 8: When providing foot care to a resident with diabetes, the nursing
assistant should:
A. Cut toenails straight across and file edges
B. Soak feet in hot water for 15 minutes before care
C. Apply lotion between the toes to prevent dryness
D. Use a razor to remove calluses
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Cut toenails straight across and file edges
Rationale: Diabetic residents are at high risk for foot injuries and infections. Toenails
should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Soaking feet can macerate
skin, lotion between toes promotes fungal growth, and razors can cause cuts—all
contraindicated in diabetic foot care.
Question 9: Which action BEST prevents aspiration during feeding?
A. Have the resident lie flat while eating
B. Offer large spoonfuls to speed up the meal
C. Ensure the resident is sitting upright at 90 degrees
D. Provide thin liquids only for easier swallowing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ensure the resident is sitting upright at 90 degrees
Rationale: An upright position (90 degrees) uses gravity to help food and liquids pass
safely into the esophagus, reducing aspiration risk. Lying flat increases aspiration risk,
large spoonfuls can overwhelm swallowing ability, and thin liquids are often harder to
control for residents with dysphagia.
Question 10: A resident with Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated during care.
The nursing assistant should FIRST:
A. Restrain the resident to prevent injury
B. Speak loudly to gain the resident's attention
C. Assess for unmet needs such as pain, hunger, or toileting
D. Leave the room until the resident calms down
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assess for unmet needs such as pain, hunger, or toileting
, Rationale: Agitation in dementia often stems from unmet physical or emotional needs.
The nursing assistant should first assess for causes like pain, discomfort, or
environmental triggers before intervening. Restraints and loud speech can escalate
agitation; leaving may increase confusion.
Question 11: Which of the following is a SIGN of dehydration in an elderly resident?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Elastic skin turgor
C. Dark, concentrated urine
D. Increased urine output
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Dark, concentrated urine
Rationale: Dark, concentrated urine is a classic sign of dehydration. Other indicators
include dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, confusion, and decreased urine
output. Moist membranes, elastic turgor, and increased output suggest adequate
hydration.
Question 12: When measuring blood pressure, the cuff should be placed:
A. Over clothing for comfort
B. On the forearm if the upper arm is inaccessible
C. With the lower edge 1-2 inches above the antecubital fossa
D. Tightly enough that two fingers cannot fit underneath
CORRECT ANSWER: C. With the lower edge 1-2 inches above the antecubital fossa
Rationale: Proper cuff placement ensures accurate readings. The lower edge should be
1-2 inches above the antecubital fossa (elbow crease) with the bladder centered over
the brachial artery. Cuffs should never be placed over clothing, forearm placement
requires special cuffs, and excessive tightness causes discomfort and inaccurate
readings.
Question 13: Which task is WITHIN the scope of practice for a Certified Nursing
Assistant?
A. Administering oral medications
B. Inserting a urinary catheter
C. Measuring and recording intake and output
D. Developing a care plan
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Measuring and recording intake and output
Rationale: CNAs are trained to measure and document intake and output as part of
basic nursing care. Administering medications, inserting catheters, and developing care
plans are outside the CNA scope and require licensed nursing personnel.
Question 14: A resident complains of chest pain. The nursing assistant should
FIRST:
Answers & Detailed Rationales (Updated 2026) | Patient Care
Skills, Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Vital Signs Measurement, Infection
Control & Safety, Communication & Patient Rights, Mobility & Transfer
Techniques, Nutrition & Hydration, Documentation, Elderly Care &
Dementia Support
Question 1: When measuring a resident's oral temperature, which action should
the nursing assistant perform FIRST?
A. Place the thermometer under the resident's tongue
B. Ensure the resident has not consumed hot or cold liquids in the past 15 minutes
C. Record the temperature reading immediately
D. Shake down the glass thermometer to below 95°F
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Ensure the resident has not consumed hot or cold liquids in
the past 15 minutes
Rationale: Before taking an oral temperature, it is essential to verify that the resident
has not ingested hot or cold substances within the last 15 minutes, as this can
significantly alter the accuracy of the reading. This step ensures reliable assessment
data before proceeding with the measurement technique.
Question 2: Which of the following is the MOST appropriate way to assist a resident
with right-sided weakness to dress?
A. Dress the strong side first, then the weak side
B. Dress the weak side first, then the strong side
C. Allow the resident to dress independently without assistance
D. Dress both sides simultaneously to save time
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Dress the weak side first, then the strong side
Rationale: When assisting a resident with one-sided weakness, dressing the affected
(weak) side first promotes safety, reduces strain on the resident, and facilitates easier
movement of the stronger side afterward. This technique supports independence while
maintaining proper body mechanics for both resident and caregiver.
Question 3: A nursing assistant observes redness on a resident's sacrum that does
not blanch when pressed. What is the MOST appropriate immediate action?
A. Apply lotion and massage the area gently
B. Reposition the resident and document the finding
C. Ignore it since it is common in bedbound residents
D. Apply a heating pad to improve circulation
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Reposition the resident and document the finding
Rationale: Non-blanching redness is an early sign of a pressure injury (Stage 1). The
priority is to relieve pressure by repositioning the resident and promptly document the
,observation for the nursing team. Massaging or applying heat can worsen tissue
damage and is contraindicated.
Question 4: Which hand hygiene technique is REQUIRED after caring for a resident
with Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)?
A. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
B. Soap and water for at least 20 seconds
C. Antiseptic wipes only
D. No hand hygiene needed if gloves were worn
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Rationale: C. diff spores are not killed by alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Soap and
water physically remove the spores from the hands through friction and rinsing. This is a
critical infection control measure to prevent transmission of C. diff in healthcare
settings.
Question 5: When transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair using a gait belt,
where should the nursing assistant position themselves?
A. Directly in front of the resident
B. To the resident's stronger side, slightly behind
C. Behind the wheelchair at all times
D. On the resident's weaker side to provide maximum support
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To the resident's stronger side, slightly behind
Rationale: Positioning on the resident's stronger side allows the nursing assistant to
provide optimal support and leverage during the transfer while encouraging the resident
to use their stronger muscles. Standing slightly behind helps guide the movement and
maintain balance, reducing fall risk.
Question 6: A resident refuses to take a bath. What is the nursing assistant's BEST
response?
A. "You must bathe; it's facility policy."
B. "I'll come back later; would you prefer a shower or a bed bath?"
C. "If you don't bathe, I'll have to report you."
D. Bathe the resident anyway to maintain hygiene standards
CORRECT ANSWER: B. "I'll come back later; would you prefer a shower or a bed
bath?"
Rationale: Residents have the right to refuse care. The nursing assistant should respect
autonomy while offering alternatives and a reasonable timeframe to revisit the request.
This approach maintains dignity, builds trust, and may increase cooperation without
coercion.
Question 7: Which vital sign finding requires IMMEDIATE reporting to the nurse?
,A. Oral temperature of 98.6°F
B. Pulse of 72 beats per minute
C. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute
D. Blood pressure of 118/78 mmHg
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute
Rationale: A respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute is tachypneic (normal adult
range: 12-20). This may indicate respiratory distress, infection, pain, or other serious
conditions requiring prompt nursing assessment. The other values fall within normal
limits.
Question 8: When providing foot care to a resident with diabetes, the nursing
assistant should:
A. Cut toenails straight across and file edges
B. Soak feet in hot water for 15 minutes before care
C. Apply lotion between the toes to prevent dryness
D. Use a razor to remove calluses
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Cut toenails straight across and file edges
Rationale: Diabetic residents are at high risk for foot injuries and infections. Toenails
should be cut straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. Soaking feet can macerate
skin, lotion between toes promotes fungal growth, and razors can cause cuts—all
contraindicated in diabetic foot care.
Question 9: Which action BEST prevents aspiration during feeding?
A. Have the resident lie flat while eating
B. Offer large spoonfuls to speed up the meal
C. Ensure the resident is sitting upright at 90 degrees
D. Provide thin liquids only for easier swallowing
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Ensure the resident is sitting upright at 90 degrees
Rationale: An upright position (90 degrees) uses gravity to help food and liquids pass
safely into the esophagus, reducing aspiration risk. Lying flat increases aspiration risk,
large spoonfuls can overwhelm swallowing ability, and thin liquids are often harder to
control for residents with dysphagia.
Question 10: A resident with Alzheimer's disease becomes agitated during care.
The nursing assistant should FIRST:
A. Restrain the resident to prevent injury
B. Speak loudly to gain the resident's attention
C. Assess for unmet needs such as pain, hunger, or toileting
D. Leave the room until the resident calms down
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Assess for unmet needs such as pain, hunger, or toileting
, Rationale: Agitation in dementia often stems from unmet physical or emotional needs.
The nursing assistant should first assess for causes like pain, discomfort, or
environmental triggers before intervening. Restraints and loud speech can escalate
agitation; leaving may increase confusion.
Question 11: Which of the following is a SIGN of dehydration in an elderly resident?
A. Moist mucous membranes
B. Elastic skin turgor
C. Dark, concentrated urine
D. Increased urine output
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Dark, concentrated urine
Rationale: Dark, concentrated urine is a classic sign of dehydration. Other indicators
include dry mucous membranes, poor skin turgor, confusion, and decreased urine
output. Moist membranes, elastic turgor, and increased output suggest adequate
hydration.
Question 12: When measuring blood pressure, the cuff should be placed:
A. Over clothing for comfort
B. On the forearm if the upper arm is inaccessible
C. With the lower edge 1-2 inches above the antecubital fossa
D. Tightly enough that two fingers cannot fit underneath
CORRECT ANSWER: C. With the lower edge 1-2 inches above the antecubital fossa
Rationale: Proper cuff placement ensures accurate readings. The lower edge should be
1-2 inches above the antecubital fossa (elbow crease) with the bladder centered over
the brachial artery. Cuffs should never be placed over clothing, forearm placement
requires special cuffs, and excessive tightness causes discomfort and inaccurate
readings.
Question 13: Which task is WITHIN the scope of practice for a Certified Nursing
Assistant?
A. Administering oral medications
B. Inserting a urinary catheter
C. Measuring and recording intake and output
D. Developing a care plan
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Measuring and recording intake and output
Rationale: CNAs are trained to measure and document intake and output as part of
basic nursing care. Administering medications, inserting catheters, and developing care
plans are outside the CNA scope and require licensed nursing personnel.
Question 14: A resident complains of chest pain. The nursing assistant should
FIRST:
