Free CNA Practice Test

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is an essential step for those pursuing a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. CNAs provide compassionate and skilled care to patients in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.

Contents hide

1 CNA Practice Test – 100 Questions

2 Test Preparation Tips

2.1 Study Strategies and Resources for CNA Candidates

2.2 Time Management Advice for the Practice Test

2.3 Strategies for Answering Multiple-Choice Questions Effectively

3 Additional Resources

The CNA certification is a nationally recognized credential that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in basic nursing care. It demonstrates proficiency in areas such as patient safety, personal care, communication, and fundamental nursing procedures.

Earning this certification opens doors to employment opportunities and serves as a foundation for further career advancement within the nursing field.

Obtaining CNA certification requires passing a state-approved competency evaluation, typically consisting of a written examination and a practical skills assessment. Proper preparation is crucial to ensuring success in these evaluations and ultimately securing the CNA credential.

CNA Practice Test – 100 Questions

Which of the following would be considered an example of battery toward a patient?

The nursing assistant asks for permission before touching the resident to assist them to the bathroom.
The nursing assistant bathes the resident without his or her permission.
The nursing assistant keeps a resident isolated from others as a form of punishment.
The nursing assistant cleans the resident’s glasses.

Fecal impaction may present with which of the following symptoms?

Dark urine.
Excessive flatulence.
Abdominal pain.
Small, watery leakage of stool.

This pattern of nursing focuses on TASKS and JOBS. Each person has a separate task to do. What pattern would this be?

Patient-focused nursing
Primary nursing
Team nursing
Functional nursing

Which of the following is the most appropriate action when providing perineal care to a patient?

Using the same section of the washcloth for the entire procedure to conserve supplies.
Encouraging the patient to perform the care themselves, regardless of their ability.
Cleaning from the least contaminated area to the most contaminated area.
Ensuring the water temperature is slightly cooler than body temperature to prevent burning.

When transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair, what is the MOST important safety measure?

Moving the patient quickly to minimize discomfort.
Checking the wheelchair's brakes after the transfer is complete.
Asking another CNA to supervise the transfer.
Ensuring the patient's feet are on the floor before standing up.

An acute illness is controlled but the patient will always have it?

True
False

Which of the following is a primary principle of infection control?

Wearing gloves at all times when in the clinical setting.
Using personal protective equipment (PPE) only in isolation rooms.
Washing hands only after glove removal.
Practicing hand hygiene before and after contact with each patient.

A patient with Alzheimer’s disease frequently becomes agitated and confused late in the afternoon and evening. This behavior is known as:

Sundowning.
Depression.
Anxiety.
Delirium.

Asthma is an example of what type of illness?

Acute
Chronic
Terminal

A resident goes to cast there vote for the president of the United States. they are exercising what right?

Right to information
Right to citizenship
Quality of life
Right to work

An NA can give medication and take doctors orders?

True
False

You notice a pressure ulcer forming on the heel of a bedridden patient. What is the FIRST action you should take?

Apply a high-grade disinfectant directly to the ulcer.
Encourage the patient to walk at least twice a day to improve circulation.
Adjust the patient's position and report the finding to a nurse.
Cover the ulcer with a bandage to prevent further infection.

HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) is best described as a law that:

Allows employees to transfer their health insurance after losing a job.
Requires all healthcare professionals to receive annual flu vaccinations.
Protects patient privacy and security of health information.
Mandates a minimum staff-to-patient ratio in healthcare facilities.

Which pulse point is commonly used to check a pulse for a patient receiving CPR?

Brachial
Dorsalis pedis
Radial
Carotid

The correct way to remove gloves to prevent contamination is:

Removing gloves inside-out, one at a time, using the opposite gloved hand.
Peeling one glove off from the wrist to the fingertips, then holding it with the gloved hand to peel off the other glove.
Washing gloves with soap and water before removing them.
Pulling from the fingertips of both hands simultaneously.

A patient is on a fluid-restricted diet. Which of the following tasks falls within the CNA's scope of practice?

Deciding the amount of fluid the patient should receive.
Prescribing electrolyte supplements to manage fluid balance.
Monitoring and recording the patient's fluid intake and output.
Adjusting the fluid restriction based on the patient's condition.

What is the most effective way to communicate with a patient who is hard of hearing?

Exaggerating your lip movements while speaking.
Speaking loudly and quickly to ensure the patient can hear.
Avoiding communication to prevent frustration.
Writing down instructions and important information.

A resident's neighbor comes in and asks you about the residents condition. you, as a CNA, can tell them this Information?

True
False

OBRA does all BUT WHICH of the following items?

Looks after resident quality of life
Sets training and competency hours
Makes sure resident rights are being followed
Sets regulations for hospitals

Negligence is hitting a resident on purpose?

True
False

When does the CNA NOT report to the nurse?

When they leave the unit
The ADL's you did on your patient
When there is a change from normal on a resident
What ADL's another CNA on your unit did to their resident

How is 2:32pm written in military time?

1432
232pm
14:32
232

What quadrant is MOST of the stomach located in?

The toes are distal to the knee compared to the ankle

True
False

Which observations does not need to be reported immediately?

Abnormal vitals
Dry skin
Reddened skin
Bleeding

According to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs which of the following needs must be taken care of first?

Having friends
Food
Feeling secure as a person
Shelter

Medicated shampoo should be kept where?

With the CNA at all times
In the residents bathroom
Locked up at the nurses station
In the residents bedside table

How many people do you need for a stretcher transfer?

Which of the following is NOT on a MSDS?

Chemical name of the product
How to clean up a spill
What age you should be to use the product
Health hazards

Which of the following does NOT help prevent falls?

Non-skid footwear
Answer the call lights promptly
Call lights by the door so the resident doesn't trip
Meet basic needs

When providing catheter care, what is the most important step to prevent urinary tract infections?

Wear clean gloves
Secure the catheter tubing
Use proper cleansing technique
Document the date/time

What is the proper technique for making an occupied bed?

Start from the side of the bed and roll linens under the resident
Raise the bed to prevent back strain
Have the resident get out of bed completely
Roll the resident toward you, remove linens from the other side

How should you respond if a resident refuses to take their medication?

Hold the medication until the next cycle
Try to reason with them and explain why it is important
Disguise the medication in food or drink without consent
Leave and report it to the nurse immediately

What is the proper way to brush a bedridden resident's teeth?

Brush first before providing oral care
Dip the toothbrush in diluted mouthwash
Brush once weekly for full mouth care
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste

How frequently should an incontinent resident be changed and cleaned?

Once per shift
When the skin becomes visibly soiled
Every 2 hours
At the resident's request only

When bathing a resident, what water temperature should be used?

Warm water between 100-110°F
As hot as the resident prefers for comfort
Cool water to prevent dizziness
Lukewarm around 90°F

How should you respond if a confused resident tries to leave the facility?

Call security to prevent elopement
Explain where they are and redirect their attention
Allow them to leave if they insist
Firmly restrain them to their room

What is an appropriate way to communicate with residents who have hearing loss?

Use complex vocabulary to challenge them
Face the resident and make eye contact when speaking
Speak very loudly and slowly
Have another resident interpret for you

If a resident shows signs of depression, what is the best intervention?

Give unhealthy food they enjoy
Offer pleasant social activities
Ignore the signs unless they ask for help
Recommend they speak to a counselor

Gait belts should be buckled over the spine

True
False

Bedrails are considered a restraint

True
False

Restrained residents should be observed every...

10 mins
5 mins
15 mins
20 mins

As a CNA when should you not use Alcohol-based hand rub?

Before contact with a resident
Before eating
After removing gloves
After contact with a resident

What is the proper technique for transferring a resident from bed to a wheelchair?

Pull the resident up by their arms
Bend at the waist and lift with your back
Use a drawsheet and transfer belt
Have the resident bear all their weight

A resident has a stage 2 pressure ulcer. What intervention is appropriate?

pply a dry dressing
No treatment, it will heal itself
Massage the area firmly
Relieve pressure with positioning

How should you respond if a resident strikes out at you during care?

Step back, remain calm, and report it
Scold them for unacceptable behavior
Strike them back in self-defense
Use a restraint until they calm down

What is the best way to feed a resident who has difficulty swallowing?

Use a larger-bore feeding syringe
Have them lie flat to prevent choking
Thicken liquids and puree solid foods
Encourage rapid eating to get it over with

While providing foot care, you notice a red, swollen area between a resident's toes. What should you do?

Apply an antifungal powder
Document and report it to the nurse
Ignore it unless the resident complains of pain
Soak the feet in warm water

TB, chicken pox, severe acute respiratory are all examples of?

All of the above
Airborne precautions
Droplet precautions
Contact precautions

Which of these isolation precautions requires an N95 mask?

All of these above
Contact
Droplet
Airborne

Fowler's bed position is often used for our residents. Which one of these is NOT a Fowler's position?

60-90 degrees
30-45 degrees
15-30 degrees
45-60 degrees

Lateral and dorsal recumbent are the same position

True
False

There are 4 different types of bed-making for a medical facility. Which one is done for a resident returning on a stretcher?

Occupied
Surgical
Closed bed
Open-top

Which of these is NOT an OBRA requirement?

Room temperature 71-81 degrees Fahrenheit
1 window
Space for wheelchair
No more than 2 residents per room

Performing oral care for a resident in their bed, you should NOT:

Brush teeth at a 45-degree angle
Only use hot water for denture care
Use a kidney basin
Sit the resident upright

Mr. Jones is unconscious and needs mouth care. As a CNA, you should gather all supplies, then?

Turn his head to the side to prevent aspiration
Use a clamp to hold his mouth open
Brush his teeth with a toothbrush
Position Mr. Jones in a supine position

Which of the following actions is essential when caring for a patient with a urinary catheter?

Ensuring the tubing is free of kinks and the bag is below the level of the bladder.
Encouraging the patient to limit fluid intake to reduce the volume of urine produced.
Emptying the collection bag once every 24 hours or when it is full.
Keeping the collection bag above the level of the bladder to promote urine flow.

When a patient expresses sadness about their health condition, the best response is to:

Listen attentively and offer a comforting presence.
Change the subject to avoid further sadness.
Offer advice on how to cheer up.
Tell them that everything will be okay to reassure them.

A patient has been placed on Contact Precautions due to a MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infection. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the CNA to take?

Use a dedicated set of medical equipment for the patient.
Ensure the patient wears a mask if they leave the room.
Clean the room only once the patient has been discharged.
Wear a mask at all times when in the patient’s room.

The proper technique for washing hands includes:

Applying soap after thoroughly wetting hands and forearms.
Scrubbing hands together for at least 5 seconds before rinsing.
Using cold water to prevent drying out the skin.
Keeping hands lower than the elbows to allow water to flow towards fingertips.

What is the primary reason for recording a patient's food intake?

To monitor for potential food allergies.
To ensure the kitchen is preparing the correct meals.
To evaluate the patient's nutritional status.
To calculate the cost of meals for billing purposes.

When providing a bed bath you should wash from the dirtiest to the cleanest

True
False

When removing PPE it should be done in this order: mask, gown, and gloves

True
False

What should you NOT do when giving a resident a bath?

Keep water at 100 degrees Fahrenheit
Disinfect tub
Report/record bathing procedures and resident's response
Cover body parts for privacy

You are giving mrs. Jones a back massage. You notice a reddened area. You should massage the bony red spots and apply lotion

True
False

You should change the basin water when giving a bath before cleaning the perennial area

True
False

When assisting a resident with a tub bath, what should you NOT do?

Clean the tub before and after use
Turn on the cold water first
Stay with the resident if weak
Assist the resident out of the bath before draining the water

Attributes such as size, color of skin, grooming, posture, expression, dress, etc. may influence the relationship between you and the patient, family, and coworkers.

True
False

When feeding a resident who has difficulty swallowing, what consistency of food should be provided?

Only liquids to avoid choking
Thin liquids and soft, solid foods
Whatever the resident prefers
Thick liquids and pureed foods

What is the proper way to make an occupied bed for a resident?

Use a bed cradle to keep sheets off the resident
Have the resident get out of bed completely
Fan-fold soiled linens toward the resident's back, then roll clean linens underneath
Roll the resident over and tuck in the sheets

How frequently should a urinary catheter be changed for an incontinent resident?

Only when an issue arises
Every 8 hours
Once per shift
Once per week

What is the best response if a resident exhibits verbally abusive behavior toward staff?

Ignore the behavior until it stops
Leave the room until the resident calms down
Explain that such language is unacceptable
Document it but do not approach the resident

While providing foot care, you notice open areas on a resident's heels. What should you do?

Advise the resident to avoid walking on the areas
Apply a dry dressing
Gently massage the areas
Document and report the areas to the nurse

What best describes aggressive communication?

Sharing one's thoughts and feelings openly and honestly while respecting others.
Interacting with another in an overpowering and forceless manner to meet one's own needs at the expense of others.
Expressing one's needs, thoughts, and feelings indirectly through passive behaviors.
Adapting one's communication style to avoid conflict and accommodate others' needs.

Which of the following is a characteristic of nontherapeutic communication techniques?

Encourages equal participation between the patient and healthcare provider, fostering a mutual partnership.
Utilizes open-ended questions to explore the patient's feelings and thoughts comprehensively.
Prevents the patient from becoming a mutual partner in the relationship and may place the patient in a passive role.
Employs active listening to ensure the patient feels heard and understood.

What best describes the concept of a comfort zone?

The distance between two or more individuals that must be maintained to guard against personal threat or intimidation.
A psychological state in which one feels at ease, in control, and within their capabilities without feeling stressed.
A physical space that is arranged to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
The boundary around personal space that varies from culture to culture and is primarily determined by social norms.

Can pregnant teenagers, people with substance abuse problems such as alcoholism. or clients with eating disorders also be at risk of malnutrition?

Yes (True)
No (False)

What are calories?

A type of nutrient essential for muscle growth and repair.
A unit measuring the nutritional value of food, such as vitamins and minerals.
The energy value of food.
A measure of the fat content in food.

What are proteins?

Fats that help to insulate the body and protect vital organs.
Building blocks of the body, which are composed of amino acids.
Organic compounds that are essential for minor repairs on the body's exterior surfaces.
The main source of energy for the body, primarily found in sugary and starchy foods.

What are carbohydrates?

Essential fats needed for brain health.
Source of quick energy.
A type of nutrient that primarily serves to build and repair tissues.
Micronutrients that are involved in energy production at a cellular level.

What are fats?

Concentrated energy source.
Complex carbohydrates that provide long-term energy storage.
Simple molecules that the body uses primarily for quick energy.
The primary components that make up the cellular structure of the body.

How many amino acids make up protein?

20 amino acids
10 amino acids
22 amino acids
15 amino acids

What is HDL?

High density lipoprotein, often referred to as "good" cholesterol.
A primary form of protein used for muscle repair.
Low density lipoprotein, considered as "bad" cholesterol.
A type of carbohydrate that provides quick energy.

HDL & LDL are both part of cholesterol.

True
False

What are minerals?

Concentrated energy sources found in oils and fats.
Essential proteins that form the structural components of muscles.
Non-caloric substances that regulate chemical processes.
Organic compounds required for energy production.

What measurement is used for recording the amount of food that a patient ate?

In calories
In grams
In %
In servings

What characterizes a soft hospital diet?

Contains high-fiber foods that aid in digestion.
Focuses on high-protein foods for muscle repair and growth.
Includes only liquid or pureed foods.
Contains foods soft in texture, usually low in residue, and readily digestible.

What is a mechanical soft hospital diet?

A strict diet consisting of raw fruits and vegetables.
A diet that includes only clear liquids and broths.
Resembles a light diet but used for clients with chewing difficulties.
A diet high in fiber to promote digestive health.

What is dysphagia?

An allergic reaction to certain types of food.
A condition characterized by high metabolism and rapid weight loss.
Difficulty swallowing.
The inability to digest lactose.

What is the Standard of Care?

A federal law that dictates medical procedures.
The minimum level of hygiene practices in a medical facility.
What a person should do, developed by the state in which you practice.
A guideline for the maximum amount of medical services one can receive.

What does "invasion of privacy" refer to?

A healthcare professional's duty to report confidential information.
The legal right to access any public information.
A person's right to be left alone and go unnoticed if he or she chooses.
The unauthorized disclosure of personal health information.

Patient's medical record (chart) on paper or cpu is a legal document & needs to be guarded.

True
False

What pressure measurements are used for blood pressure?

Pounds per square inch
Millimeters of Mercury
Centimeters of Water
Kilopascals

What is the best method to verify that a dish has been cooked to a safe temperature?

Taste testing
Using a food thermometer
Timing how long it's been cooking
Checking the color

Which food item is most at risk of causing salmonella poisoning?

Raw poultry
Whole wheat bread
Hard cheeses
Canned vegetables

How often should food contact surfaces be cleaned and sanitized?

Every four hours when in use
After each use
Once a day
Once a week

What is the primary reason for rotating food using the FIFO method?

To keep the kitchen organized
To minimize the risk of foodborne illness
To save money
To use the oldest items first

Which of the following is NOT a TCS (Time/Temperature Control for Safety) food?

Sliced melons
Baked potatoes
Bread
Tofu

While providing morning care, a resident seems depressed and has little appetite. An appropriate CNA response is:

Offer words of encouragement and their favorite snack
Notify the nurse before providing any other care
Tell them they need to eat to take their medications
Insist they get out of bed to improve their mood

When making an occupied bed, what is the proper technique?

Fan-fold soiled linens towards the resident's back
Place a bedpan underneath the resident
Roll the resident over and tuck in the sheets
Have the resident get out of bed completely

Check Answers

Retake Quiz

Test Preparation Tips

Preparing for the CNA practice test is essential. These tips will help you succeed.

Study Strategies and Resources for CNA Candidates

Review the Curriculum: Familiarize yourself with the content areas covered in the CNA certification exam. These typically include basic nursing skills, patient care, safety procedures, and communication techniques.
Use Reputable Study Materials: Invest in high-quality study guides, textbooks, and practice questions specifically designed for CNA exam preparation. Look for resources recommended by your training program or approved by relevant nursing organizations.
Take Practice Tests: Utilize practice tests to simulate the actual exam environment and identify areas where you need further study. Our comprehensive CNA practice test provides realistic questions and detailed explanations to reinforce your understanding.
Join Study Groups: Collaborate with fellow CNA candidates to share knowledge, ask questions, and discuss challenging concepts. Group study sessions can enhance your learning experience and provide valuable insights.

Time Management Advice for the Practice Test

Effective time management is crucial during the practice test to ensure you can complete all questions within the allotted time. Here are some tips:

Follow the Instructions Carefully: Read and understand the instructions for each practice test section to avoid wasting time or missing important details.
Pace Yourself: Allocate your time wisely by monitoring the remaining questions and time left. Adjust your pace as needed to avoid rushing through the later sections.
Skip and Return: If you encounter a particularly challenging question, make a note and move on. You can return to it later if time permits, ensuring you don’t get stuck on a single question.
Practice with Timed Sessions: Simulate the actual exam conditions by taking timed practice tests to develop your time management skills and identify areas where you may need to improve your pacing.

Strategies for Answering Multiple-Choice Questions Effectively

Multiple-choice questions are a common format in the CNA certification exam. Here are some strategies to approach them effectively:

Read the Question Carefully: Ensure you fully understand what is being asked before considering the answer options.
Eliminate Obvious Distractors: Quickly identify and eliminate answer choices that are clearly incorrect or implausible, narrowing your focus to the remaining options.
Watch for Absolutes: Be cautious of answer choices that use absolute terms like “always” or “never,” as they are often incorrect in the context of nursing care.
Consider the Context: Evaluate each answer option within the context of the question and the information provided. Look for the most logical and accurate response based on your knowledge and training.
Guess Strategically: If you’re unsure of the correct answer, use logical reasoning and process of elimination to make an educated guess, as there is typically no penalty for incorrect answers.

Additional Resources

While our comprehensive CNA practice test is designed to provide a realistic simulation of the actual certification exam, supplementing your preparation with additional resources can further enhance your understanding and readiness. Here are some authoritative sources and supplementary materials we recommend:

Authoritative Sources for CNA Exam Preparation

Your State’s Nursing Board or Regulatory Body Website: Visit your state’s nursing board or regulatory body website (e.g., https://www.ncsbn.org/contact-bon.htm) for up-to-date information on CNA certification requirements, exam details, and approved training programs.
National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA): The NAHCA is a professional organization dedicated to CNAs and provides valuable resources, including practice tests, study guides, and continuing education opportunities.
Nurse.com CNA Certification Resources: Nurse.com offers a wide range of CNA certification resources, including online courses, practice tests, and study materials developed by experienced nursing professionals.

Supplementary Study Materials and Practice Resources

Textbooks and Study Guides: Besides the materials provided by your training program, consider investing in supplementary textbooks and study guides specifically designed for CNA exam preparation. Look for well-reviewed and up-to-date resources.
Flashcards and Mnemonics: Create or purchase flashcards and use mnemonic devices to help you memorize key terminology, procedures, and concepts more effectively.
Additional Practice Tests: Seek additional practice tests from reputable sources to familiarize yourself with the exam format and question types.
Skills Demonstrations: If possible, practice hands-on nursing skills with guidance from experienced instructors or through video demonstrations to improve your practical abilities.