TheoryCNA
Practice Test
1097+ CNA practice questions with explanations. Study modes, progress tracking, works offline.
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30 free CNA questions
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CNA
If a sterile washcloth fell on the floor, it is now:
Correct — D. Anything that comes into contact with or mixes with something that is unclean, like the floor, is considered contaminated.<br/><br/>Disinfected (choice B) is a less-deadly process than sterilization because it kills certain bacteria and viruses from surfaces and eliminates and reduces harmful germs.<br/><br/>To be infected (choice C) means that an organism has entered the body and caused disease. To be sterile (choice D) means that the process of killing all germs has occurred. -
CNA
Mrs. Walker was diagnosed with colon cancer, and a descending colostomy was created.<br/><br/>Which statement about ostomies is false?
Correct — D. Feces are not always liquid. Stool consistency depends on the colostomy site. Consistency ranges from liquid to formed. The more colon remaining to absorb water, the more solid and formed the stool. If the colostomy is near the start of the colon, stools are liquid. A colostomy near the end of the colon results in formed stools. -
CNA
Which site for taking a patient’s temperature is the least reliable and is used mainly when the other sites cannot be used?
Correct — D. The axillary site is less reliable than the other sites. It is used mainly when the other sites cannot be used. The axillary temperature is taken under the arm. The site must be dry when the temperature is taken. -
CNA
In order to get an accurate reading, how long should you wait after a client smokes or drinks coffee before taking his or her blood pressure?
Correct — D. You should wait 30 minutes to take the client’s blood pressure. Cigarette smoking and coffee cause vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction leads to increased BP. Allowing the client to rest for 30 minutes will facilitate the return of normal blood circulation and can provide accurate BP reading. -
CNA
A type of quantitative data collection is:
Correct — D. Questionnaires are a way to collect data in a quantitative manner. Observations (choice A), focus groups (choice C), and oral histories (choice D) collect data in a qualitative way.�. -
CNA
You are doing hospice care for Mr. Jones.<br/><br/>Which of the following symptoms will let you know his death is near?
Correct — A. Cheyne Stokes respirations are a sign of impending death. A pulse rate as low as 42-60 and irregular is a sign of cardiac issues. Skin being cool and moist may indicate shock. Lastly, a pulse oximetry that low indicates poor air exchange. The other answers have irregular vital signs but are not definitive signs of impending death. -
CNA
All of the following would be included in a patient’s progress notes EXCEPT:
Correct — D. Education and occupation would not be included in progress notes. They would be part of a person’s health history. -
CNA
Mrs. Lewis normally eats meals independently in her room. You check on her and see her clutching her throat. She is unable to cough or speak. You put on the call light. Your next action should be to:
Correct — C. Abdominal thrusts are indicated if a choking victim is unable to cough or speak. Because CNAs observe and feed residents with swallowing difficulties, they need to be competent in this skill. -
CNA
If an aide restates a patient's message in their own words, then the aide is:
Correct — B. Paraphrasing is restating a message in your own words. Clarifying (choice A) is to make a statement or situation understandable. Repeating (choice C) is to say or do something several times in the same way. Correcting (choice D) is to change something so that it is right. -
CNA
The abdomen is divided into regional sections. A pain in the RUQ means that the pain is located in the:
Correct — C. The abdomen is divided into four regional quadrants. They are upper or lower and left or right. A pain in the RUQ is in the right upper quadrant. -
CNA
Which of the following statements is correct about ostomy care?
Correct — A. Able clients can perform this procedure by themselves after a thorough health teaching. Ostomy care is done aseptically (according to rules of cleanliness). Changing the ostomy pouch does not require a doctor’s order. The collection bag must be changed when it is full or when the adhering seal is broken. A client with an ostomy will not defacate normally; rather, the fecal matter will be collected through an appliance that is held over the stoma by a special adhesive or paste. -
CNA
You are working in a community primary care center. It is your job to get the heights and weights of all patients. You are trying to measure a patient's height and you see that the patient is somewhat slouched. You should <code>________</code>.
Correct — C. You should ask the patient to stand up straight and erect so that you are better able to get an accurate height. The patient may just be carelessly slouching. If the person cannot stand up straight, report it to the nurse in the primary care center. It is not the job of a CNA to refer people to a physical therapist. -
CNA
All of the following are part of good communication EXCEPT:
Correct — C. It is best to be brief and concise and to stay on the subject. Do not add unrelated or unnecessary information or get wordy. -
CNA
Mr. Barry, a resident with dementia, asks you when his wife is coming to see him. You know his wife is deceased.<br/><br/>How should you answer him?
Correct — B. When dealing with dementia residents seek the emotion behind the words. Mr. Barry is unable to deal with the fact of his wife's death. He is likely missing her and may receive comfort from talking about her. Distraction may be effective but does not deal with the emotion the resident is experiencing. -
CNA
Choose an example of negative body language.
Correct — C. With negative body language, the meaning of your words can be powerful and actually canceled.<br/><br/>A physical barrier between you and other people is represented by placing your hands on your hips, crossing your arms, or making a "steeple" with your fingers.<br/><br/>More than half of all Communication is nonverbal.<br/><br/>Use your gestures to support others rather than to push them away. -
CNA
Assuring your residents that you are listening to them is the best common response to give.<br/><br/>Which of the following would be the most effective way to demonstrate good listening skills?
Correct — A. Stopping what you're doing, facing your patient, and making eye contact with them are ways to signal that you're paying attention and that what they have to say matters. The other choices may discourage future conversations. -
CNA
In communicating with a person who has Alzheimer’s disease which of the following is NOT appropriate?
Correct — C. You should approach the person with AD from the front; never from the side or back. This can startle the person. -
CNA
You are assisting Mr. Williams with dinner. The mashed potatoes are steaming<br/><br/>How can you be sure the food is not too hot?
Correct — D. This method will ensure the food is at a safe temperature and will not compromise infection control when hand hygiene is performed before and after the procedure. -
CNA
The patient is using crutches for the first time. He positions the crutches, moves his good foot forward, then moves the crutches forward.<br/><br/>Which type of gait is being used?
Correct — D. The patient moves forward on one good leg when using a three-point gait.<br/><br/>When using a four-point gait, the patient will move forward using both legs. The right crutch is moved forward and then the left foot. The left crutch is moved forward followed by the right foot. The swing-to gait involves moving both crutches forward then the person lifts both legs and swings to the crutches. With the swing-through gait, the person moves the crutches forward then lifts both legs and swings through the crutches. Gait is an important factor to note. -
CNA
The nurse informs you Mr. Flores has started taking antihypertensive medication.<br/><br/>You will this information affect your care?
Correct — C. Antihypertensive medication lowers blood pressure. Elderly residents starting blood pressure medication should be closely monitored for dizziness, which increases the risk for falls. -
CNA
You are expecting a new resident in the nursing home where you work. The patient is ambulatory. You are asked to prepare the bed for the new resident.<br/><br/>Which of the following methods will you use?
Correct — A. For a new ambulatory resident you would make a closed bed. This means that the top linens are not folded back because the bed is not in use. This is also done for residents who are up during the day. -
CNA
What should a nursing assistant do when he or she notices warning signs that indicate the patient may be developing a bedsore?
Correct — C. The nursing assistant should immediately report the warning signs to the patient’s assigned nurse. It is the legal and ethical responsibility of a nursing assistant to report all patient abnormalities to the patient’s nurse as soon as they are identified. Therefore, the nursing assistant should not continue to monitor the patient’s warning signs or ignore the warning signs completely. A nursing assistant is not certified to prescribe medication or to treat patients. [Category:Role of the Nurse Aide]. -
CNA
The nurse aide has been asked to remove a soiled isolation gown from a client.<br/><br/>Which is the correct procedure?
Correct — A. The correct way to remove a dirty isolation gown is to roll it dirty side in and away from the body. This contains contamination. Soiled linens or gowns should never be shaken. This could contaminate the client, the nurse aide, and the room. -
CNA
Which of the following needs has the LEAST priority?
Correct — C. The lowest priority of all of these needs is reaching one's fullest potential (a self-actualization need).<br/><br/>The other needs in terms of priority are self-esteem and esteem by others (awards or another form of recognition), then love and belonging (membership in a community group), followed by safety and security (healthy and satisfying relationships). -
CNA
In most facilities, what is a Code Red?
Correct — C. Many hospitals use a Code Red for fire warning. -
CNA
How does dehydration affect the respiratory system?
Correct — D. With less hydration nasal mucus is lessened and the defense against infection is reduced.<br/><br/>Answer C is incorrect because symptoms of dehydration are increased heart rates and increased respiration. -
CNA
Which of the following symptoms does not indicate depression?
Correct — D. If a person is suffering from depression, their desire to participate in social activities won't grow. In fact, that desire would decrease. Depression is characterized by an increase in sleep duration, a decrease in appetite, and a withdrawal from social situations. -
CNA
Which of the following personal qualities is a nursing assistant demonstrating when he or she accepts a new assignment without complaint?
Correct — A. Flexibility is the personal quality in which a nursing assistant would accept a new assignment without complaint.<br/><br/>As a nursing assistant, you will most likely be re-assigned to a new patient group or unit during your career and you will need to be flexible and accept the new disruption in your work routine.<br/><br/>Being considerate is the act of being thoughtful, kind, and caring towards patients and coworkers.<br/><br/>Self-responsibility is the act showing responsibility for yourself by wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment, caring for your own personal health, keeping your workspace safe from hazards, and conserving energy by streamlining your work duties.<br/><br/>Accountability is your ability to perform the job duties for which you have been trained and to bring up any concerns privately with your immediate supervisor. -
CNA
When is the best time to make disaster plans?
Correct — D. Disaster plans should be constructed and in place before a disaster happens. These should be reviewed and practiced regularly. -
CNA
Range-of-motion exercises move each muscle and joint through its full range of motion.<br/><br/>Which type of range-of-motion exercise is the type in which the patient is able to move limbs through their range of motion unassisted?
Correct — C. In active range-of-motion exercises the patient is able to move limbs through their range of motion unassisted. In active assist range-of-motion the patient participates to the extent that the patient is able.
CNA sample questions
Tap any question below to reveal the answer and a plain-English explanation.
Communication You are working in a community primary care center. It is your job to get the heights and weights of all patients. You are trying to measure a patient's height and you see that the patient is somewhat slouched. You should ________.
A. Both a and b
B. Skip the height and just do the patient's weight
C. Ask the patient to stand up straight and erect so their height is accurate ✓
D. Tell the patient to see a physical therapist for posture training
Correct — C. You should ask the patient to stand up straight and erect so that you are better able to get an accurate height. The patient may just be carelessly slouching. If the person cannot stand up straight, report it to the nurse in the primary care center. It is not the job of a CNA to refer people to a physical therapist.
Activities Daily Living You are assisting Mr. Williams with dinner. The mashed potatoes are steaming How can you be sure the food is not too hot?
A. Taste it yourself.
B. Ask another CNA to taste it.
C. Blow on the forkful of food to cool it off first.
D. Drop a small amount on your wrist to test the temperature. ✓
Correct — D. This method will ensure the food is at a safe temperature and will not compromise infection control when hand hygiene is performed before and after the procedure.
Legal Ethical Behavior What is the first thing a nursing assistant must do if there is a contained fire in a patient's room?
A. You must pull the fire alarm.
B. You must move your patient to safety. ✓
C. You must yell for help.
D. You must grab the closest fire extinguisher.
Correct — B. The safety of your patients should always be your top priority.
Client Rights According to the client's Bill of Rights, the nurse aide may not:
A. Prevent the client from complaining about care given by the nurse aide ✓
B. Allow the client to use personal possessions when appropriate during care.
C. Open the client's mail when requested by the client.
D. Provide privacy during the patient's personal care
Correct — A. The client has a right to complain about care. She has a right to privacy. She may have personal possessions if allowed by the care plan.
About the CNA test
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- Safe and effective care environment
- Health promotion and maintenance
- Psychosocial and physiological integrity
- Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
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Topics in this question bank
Safe and effective care environment
Health promotion and maintenance
Psychosocial and physiological integrity
Pharmacology, infection control and patient safety
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