CNA Certified Nursing Assistant Exam Prep – Real Practice
Questions, Answers & Clear Rationales (Updated 2026) |
Patient Care Skills, ADLs (Bathing, Feeding, Toileting), Vital Signs,
Infection Control & Safety, Communication & Patient Rights,
Mobility & Transfers, Nutrition & Hydration, Documentation,
Dementia & Elderly Care
Question 1: Which of the following is the most appropriate action for a CNA when
assisting a resident with dementia who becomes agitated during bathing?
A. Restrain the resident to complete the bath quickly
B. Raise your voice to gain the resident's attention
C. Stop the activity, speak calmly, and try again later
D. Ignore the agitation and continue with the procedure
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Stop the activity, speak calmly, and try again later
Rationale: Residents with dementia may become agitated due to confusion, fear, or
sensory overload. The CNA should prioritize the resident's emotional well-being by
stopping the activity, using a calm and reassuring tone, and attempting the task later
when the resident is more relaxed. Restraints, raising one's voice, or ignoring agitation
can escalate distress and violate resident rights.
Question 2: When measuring a resident's blood pressure, which arm should the
CNA use if the resident has had a mastectomy on the right side?
A. Either arm is acceptable
B. The right arm only
C. The left arm only
D. The leg instead of the arm
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The left arm only
Rationale: After a mastectomy, lymph nodes may have been removed, increasing the
risk of lymphedema. Blood pressure should never be taken on the affected side to avoid
compromising circulation and causing swelling. The unaffected arm (left, in this case) is
the appropriate site.
Question 3: Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in an elderly resident?
A. Increased skin turgor
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Dark, concentrated urine
D. Elevated blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Dark, concentrated urine
Rationale: Dehydration in older adults often presents with dark, concentrated urine due
to reduced fluid intake or excessive fluid loss. Other signs include dry mucous
,membranes, decreased skin turgor, confusion, and low blood pressure. Increased skin
turgor and moist membranes indicate adequate hydration.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of using proper body mechanics when
lifting or moving a resident?
A. To complete the task more quickly
B. To prevent injury to the CNA and the resident
C. To reduce the need for assistive devices
D. To comply with facility documentation requirements
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To prevent injury to the CNA and the resident
Rationale: Proper body mechanics—such as bending at the knees, keeping the back
straight, and using leg muscles—reduce strain on the CNA's spine and minimize the risk
of dropping or injuring the resident. Safety for both parties is the foremost priority during
patient handling.
Question 5: A resident with diabetes asks the CNA for a snack. Which of the
following snacks is most appropriate?
A. A candy bar
B. A glass of orange juice
C. A small apple with peanut butter
D. A bag of potato chips
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A small apple with peanut butter
Rationale: For residents with diabetes, snacks should balance carbohydrates with
protein or healthy fats to prevent blood sugar spikes. An apple provides natural sugars
with fiber, and peanut butter adds protein for sustained energy. Candy, juice, and chips
can cause rapid glucose elevation and are not ideal choices.
Question 6: Which of the following actions by a CNA best promotes a resident's
right to privacy?
A. Leaving the curtain open during care to monitor the resident
B. Discussing the resident's condition with family in the hallway
C. Closing the door and curtain during personal care activities
D. Sharing care details with other staff at the nursing station
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Closing the door and curtain during personal care activities
Rationale: Privacy is a fundamental resident right. Closing doors and curtains during
bathing, toileting, or dressing protects dignity and confidentiality. Discussing health
information in public areas or leaving curtains open violates HIPAA and ethical
standards.
Question 7: When providing mouth care to an unconscious resident, which position
is safest?
,A. Supine with head flat
B. Side-lying with head turned to the side
C. Fowler's position
D. Prone position
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Side-lying with head turned to the side
Rationale: Unconscious residents cannot protect their airway. Positioning them side-
lying with the head turned prevents aspiration of fluids or secretions during mouth care.
Supine or Fowler's positions increase aspiration risk; prone is impractical and unsafe
for care.
Question 8: Which of the following is an early sign of a pressure injury?
A. Black, necrotic tissue
B. Non-blanchable redness on intact skin
C. Open wound with drainage
D. Blister filled with pus
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Non-blanchable redness on intact skin
Rationale: Stage 1 pressure injuries present as non-blanchable erythema—redness
that does not fade when pressed—on intact skin. This indicates compromised
circulation and requires immediate intervention. Necrotic tissue, open wounds, or pus
indicate later, more severe stages.
Question 9: A resident refuses to take a prescribed medication. What should the
CNA do first?
A. Force the medication to ensure compliance
B. Document the refusal and notify the nurse
C. Hide the medication in food without telling the resident
D. Skip the dose and move on to the next task
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Document the refusal and notify the nurse
Rationale: Residents have the right to refuse treatment. The CNA must respect this
right, document the refusal accurately, and promptly inform the licensed nurse, who
will assess the situation and determine next steps. Coercion or deception violates
ethical and legal standards.
Question 10: Which of the following is the correct sequence for donning personal
protective equipment (PPE)?
A. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
B. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
C. Mask, goggles, gown, gloves
D. Goggles, gloves, gown, mask
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
, Rationale: PPE should be donned in an order that minimizes contamination: gown first
to cover clothing, then mask/respirator, followed by eye protection, and gloves last to
cover gown cuffs. This sequence ensures maximum protection during patient care.
Question 11: When transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair, what is the most
important safety step?
A. Ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked
B. Ask the resident to hold onto the CNA's neck
C. Move quickly to reduce discomfort
D. Remove the wheelchair footrests after transfer
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked
Rationale: Locking wheelchair brakes prevents the chair from moving during transfer,
reducing fall risk. The CNA should also use a gait belt, maintain proper body mechanics,
and ensure footrests are in place after transfer. Holding the neck or rushing
compromises safety.
Question 12: Which of the following best describes the CNA's role in the care
planning process?
A. Developing the initial care plan independently
B. Implementing interventions and reporting observations to the nurse
C. Prescribing medications based on resident needs
D. Discharging residents when goals are met
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Implementing interventions and reporting observations to
the nurse
Rationale: CNAs play a vital role in executing care plans and providing real-time
feedback about resident status. They do not create, prescribe, or discharge; these
responsibilities belong to licensed professionals. Accurate reporting ensures care plans
remain effective and responsive.
Question 13: A resident with Parkinson's disease is having difficulty swallowing.
What should the CNA do?
A. Encourage the resident to eat quickly to finish meals
B. Offer thin liquids to ease swallowing
C. Report the observation to the nurse immediately
D. Puree all foods without consulting the care plan
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Report the observation to the nurse immediately
Rationale: Dysphagia in Parkinson's disease increases aspiration risk. The CNA must
report swallowing difficulties promptly so the nurse can arrange a swallowing
evaluation. Altering diet consistency or rushing meals without orders can cause harm.
Questions, Answers & Clear Rationales (Updated 2026) |
Patient Care Skills, ADLs (Bathing, Feeding, Toileting), Vital Signs,
Infection Control & Safety, Communication & Patient Rights,
Mobility & Transfers, Nutrition & Hydration, Documentation,
Dementia & Elderly Care
Question 1: Which of the following is the most appropriate action for a CNA when
assisting a resident with dementia who becomes agitated during bathing?
A. Restrain the resident to complete the bath quickly
B. Raise your voice to gain the resident's attention
C. Stop the activity, speak calmly, and try again later
D. Ignore the agitation and continue with the procedure
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Stop the activity, speak calmly, and try again later
Rationale: Residents with dementia may become agitated due to confusion, fear, or
sensory overload. The CNA should prioritize the resident's emotional well-being by
stopping the activity, using a calm and reassuring tone, and attempting the task later
when the resident is more relaxed. Restraints, raising one's voice, or ignoring agitation
can escalate distress and violate resident rights.
Question 2: When measuring a resident's blood pressure, which arm should the
CNA use if the resident has had a mastectomy on the right side?
A. Either arm is acceptable
B. The right arm only
C. The left arm only
D. The leg instead of the arm
CORRECT ANSWER: C. The left arm only
Rationale: After a mastectomy, lymph nodes may have been removed, increasing the
risk of lymphedema. Blood pressure should never be taken on the affected side to avoid
compromising circulation and causing swelling. The unaffected arm (left, in this case) is
the appropriate site.
Question 3: Which of the following is a sign of dehydration in an elderly resident?
A. Increased skin turgor
B. Moist mucous membranes
C. Dark, concentrated urine
D. Elevated blood pressure
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Dark, concentrated urine
Rationale: Dehydration in older adults often presents with dark, concentrated urine due
to reduced fluid intake or excessive fluid loss. Other signs include dry mucous
,membranes, decreased skin turgor, confusion, and low blood pressure. Increased skin
turgor and moist membranes indicate adequate hydration.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of using proper body mechanics when
lifting or moving a resident?
A. To complete the task more quickly
B. To prevent injury to the CNA and the resident
C. To reduce the need for assistive devices
D. To comply with facility documentation requirements
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To prevent injury to the CNA and the resident
Rationale: Proper body mechanics—such as bending at the knees, keeping the back
straight, and using leg muscles—reduce strain on the CNA's spine and minimize the risk
of dropping or injuring the resident. Safety for both parties is the foremost priority during
patient handling.
Question 5: A resident with diabetes asks the CNA for a snack. Which of the
following snacks is most appropriate?
A. A candy bar
B. A glass of orange juice
C. A small apple with peanut butter
D. A bag of potato chips
CORRECT ANSWER: C. A small apple with peanut butter
Rationale: For residents with diabetes, snacks should balance carbohydrates with
protein or healthy fats to prevent blood sugar spikes. An apple provides natural sugars
with fiber, and peanut butter adds protein for sustained energy. Candy, juice, and chips
can cause rapid glucose elevation and are not ideal choices.
Question 6: Which of the following actions by a CNA best promotes a resident's
right to privacy?
A. Leaving the curtain open during care to monitor the resident
B. Discussing the resident's condition with family in the hallway
C. Closing the door and curtain during personal care activities
D. Sharing care details with other staff at the nursing station
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Closing the door and curtain during personal care activities
Rationale: Privacy is a fundamental resident right. Closing doors and curtains during
bathing, toileting, or dressing protects dignity and confidentiality. Discussing health
information in public areas or leaving curtains open violates HIPAA and ethical
standards.
Question 7: When providing mouth care to an unconscious resident, which position
is safest?
,A. Supine with head flat
B. Side-lying with head turned to the side
C. Fowler's position
D. Prone position
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Side-lying with head turned to the side
Rationale: Unconscious residents cannot protect their airway. Positioning them side-
lying with the head turned prevents aspiration of fluids or secretions during mouth care.
Supine or Fowler's positions increase aspiration risk; prone is impractical and unsafe
for care.
Question 8: Which of the following is an early sign of a pressure injury?
A. Black, necrotic tissue
B. Non-blanchable redness on intact skin
C. Open wound with drainage
D. Blister filled with pus
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Non-blanchable redness on intact skin
Rationale: Stage 1 pressure injuries present as non-blanchable erythema—redness
that does not fade when pressed—on intact skin. This indicates compromised
circulation and requires immediate intervention. Necrotic tissue, open wounds, or pus
indicate later, more severe stages.
Question 9: A resident refuses to take a prescribed medication. What should the
CNA do first?
A. Force the medication to ensure compliance
B. Document the refusal and notify the nurse
C. Hide the medication in food without telling the resident
D. Skip the dose and move on to the next task
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Document the refusal and notify the nurse
Rationale: Residents have the right to refuse treatment. The CNA must respect this
right, document the refusal accurately, and promptly inform the licensed nurse, who
will assess the situation and determine next steps. Coercion or deception violates
ethical and legal standards.
Question 10: Which of the following is the correct sequence for donning personal
protective equipment (PPE)?
A. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
B. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
C. Mask, goggles, gown, gloves
D. Goggles, gloves, gown, mask
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves
, Rationale: PPE should be donned in an order that minimizes contamination: gown first
to cover clothing, then mask/respirator, followed by eye protection, and gloves last to
cover gown cuffs. This sequence ensures maximum protection during patient care.
Question 11: When transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair, what is the most
important safety step?
A. Ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked
B. Ask the resident to hold onto the CNA's neck
C. Move quickly to reduce discomfort
D. Remove the wheelchair footrests after transfer
CORRECT ANSWER: A. Ensure the wheelchair brakes are locked
Rationale: Locking wheelchair brakes prevents the chair from moving during transfer,
reducing fall risk. The CNA should also use a gait belt, maintain proper body mechanics,
and ensure footrests are in place after transfer. Holding the neck or rushing
compromises safety.
Question 12: Which of the following best describes the CNA's role in the care
planning process?
A. Developing the initial care plan independently
B. Implementing interventions and reporting observations to the nurse
C. Prescribing medications based on resident needs
D. Discharging residents when goals are met
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Implementing interventions and reporting observations to
the nurse
Rationale: CNAs play a vital role in executing care plans and providing real-time
feedback about resident status. They do not create, prescribe, or discharge; these
responsibilities belong to licensed professionals. Accurate reporting ensures care plans
remain effective and responsive.
Question 13: A resident with Parkinson's disease is having difficulty swallowing.
What should the CNA do?
A. Encourage the resident to eat quickly to finish meals
B. Offer thin liquids to ease swallowing
C. Report the observation to the nurse immediately
D. Puree all foods without consulting the care plan
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Report the observation to the nurse immediately
Rationale: Dysphagia in Parkinson's disease increases aspiration risk. The CNA must
report swallowing difficulties promptly so the nurse can arrange a swallowing
evaluation. Altering diet consistency or rushing meals without orders can cause harm.
