Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q1When dressing a resident who has weakness on one side of the body, which arm should the nurse aide place into the sleeve first?
✓ Correct answer: C. The weaker (affected) arm
Dress the weaker (affected) side first and undress it last. This reduces strain on the limb and makes the task easier and safer for the resident.
Q2While giving a complete bed bath, in what general order should the nurse aide wash the body?
✓ Correct answer: B. From the cleanest area (eyes/face) to the dirtiest (perineum)
Wash from the cleanest area to the dirtiest, starting at the eyes and face and ending with the perineal area, to avoid spreading microorganisms.
Q3When providing mouth care to an unconscious resident, the nurse aide should position the resident in which way?
✓ Correct answer: A. On the side with the head turned to one side
Turning the head to the side lets fluid drain out of the mouth and helps prevent aspiration (fluid entering the lungs) in a resident who cannot swallow or cough on cue.
Q4How often should a nurse aide reposition a resident who is confined to bed and cannot move independently?
✓ Correct answer: C. At least every 2 hours
Repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure over bony areas and helps prevent pressure injuries (bedsores).
Q5Which areas of the body are at the highest risk for pressure injuries?
✓ Correct answer: B. Bony prominences such as the sacrum, heels, and hips
Pressure injuries develop where bone is close to the skin — the sacrum (tailbone), heels, hips, elbows, and shoulder blades — because blood flow is easily cut off there.
Q6When giving perineal (peri) care to a female resident, the nurse aide should wipe in which direction?
✓ Correct answer: A. From front to back (toward the rectum)
Wiping front to back moves microorganisms away from the urethra and helps prevent urinary tract infections.
Q7What is the safest water temperature range for a resident's tub bath or shower?
✓ Correct answer: D. About 105°F, and checked before use
Bath water around 105°F is comfortable and safe. Always test the temperature first, because many residents have reduced skin sensation and can be burned without feeling it.
Q8Before trimming or filing a diabetic resident's toenails, the nurse aide should:
✓ Correct answer: B. Not cut the nails and report the need to the nurse
Nurse aides generally do not cut the toenails of residents with diabetes or poor circulation because a small nick can lead to a serious infection. Report the need to the nurse.
Q9When a resident wears dentures, the nurse aide should clean them:
✓ Correct answer: C. Daily, holding them over a basin of water or a soft towel
Dentures are cleaned daily. Clean them over a water-filled basin or padded surface so they will not break if dropped, and use cool or lukewarm water (hot water can warp them).
Q10A resident is able to wash his own face and hands but needs help with the rest of the bath. The nurse aide should:
✓ Correct answer: A. Let him wash what he can and assist with the rest
Promoting independence and self-care supports the resident's dignity and abilities. The aide assists only with what the resident cannot safely do alone.
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