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.
Q11Which of the following statements is correct about ostomy care?
✓ Correct answer: A. Able clients can perform this procedure by themselves after a thorough health teaching.
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.
Q12You 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 answer: C. Ask the patient to stand up straight and erect so their height is accurate
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.
Q13All of the following are part of good communication EXCEPT:
✓ Correct answer: C. Be detailed and wordy.
It is best to be brief and concise and to stay on the subject. Do not add unrelated or unnecessary information or get wordy.
Q14Mr. 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 answer: B. "Tell me about Mrs. Barry. "
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.
Q15Choose an example of negative body language.
✓ Correct answer: C. Placing hands on the hips
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.
Q16Assuring 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 answer: A. Facing your patient while they are speaking and responding when you deem it to be appropriate.
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.
Q17In communicating with a person who has Alzheimer’s disease which of the following is NOT appropriate?
✓ Correct answer: C. approaching the person from the side or the back
You should approach the person with AD from the front; never from the side or back. This can startle the person.
Q18You 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 answer: D. Drop a small amount on your wrist to test the temperature.
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.
Q19The 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 answer: D. Three point gait
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.
Q20The nurse informs you Mr. Flores has started taking antihypertensive medication.<br/><br/>You will this information affect your care?
✓ Correct answer: C. His risk for falls will increase.
Antihypertensive medication lowers blood pressure. Elderly residents starting blood pressure medication should be closely monitored for dizziness, which increases the risk for falls.
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