Certified Nursing Assistant Practice Test

Sample Questions and Answers

Question 1. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is preparing to assist a resident with breakfast. Before handling the meal tray or helping the resident eat, what is the most important action the CNA should perform?

A. Put on a face shield immediately.

B. Wash hands thoroughly and follow standard infection control precautions.

C. Adjust the resident’s television.

D. Prepare the next resident’s meal tray first.

Correct Answer: B. Wash hands thoroughly and follow standard infection control precautions.

Explanation:
Proper hand hygiene is one of the most effective methods for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. A CNA should wash their hands before and after resident contact, before assisting with meals, after removing gloves, and whenever contamination may have occurred. Following standard precautions helps protect residents, coworkers, and the CNA from harmful microorganisms. Infection prevention is a fundamental responsibility of every Certified Nursing Assistant and is one of the most frequently tested topics on the CNA certification exam.

Question 2. While helping a resident walk to the bathroom, the resident suddenly becomes weak and begins to fall. What should the CNA do first?

A. Try to hold the resident upright at all costs.

B. Ease the resident safely to the floor while protecting the resident from injury and call for assistance.

C. Leave the resident to get help immediately.

D. Continue walking as if nothing happened.

Correct Answer: B. Ease the resident safely to the floor while protecting the resident from injury and call for assistance.

Explanation:
Resident safety is always the CNA’s highest priority. If a resident begins to fall, the CNA should never try to stop the fall by lifting the resident, as this may cause injury to both individuals. Instead, the CNA should guide the resident safely to the floor, protect the head if possible, remain with the resident, and immediately notify the supervising nurse according to facility procedures. Proper fall prevention and emergency response are important competencies assessed on the CNA certification examination.

Question 3. A resident tells the CNA that they do not want assistance with their scheduled bath today. What is the most appropriate response?

A. Force the resident to take the bath.

B. Respect the resident’s decision, encourage participation, and report the refusal to the supervising nurse according to facility policy.

C. Record that the bath was completed even though it was refused.

D. Tell the resident they have no choice.

Correct Answer: B. Respect the resident’s decision, encourage participation, and report the refusal to the supervising nurse according to facility policy.

Explanation:
Residents have the right to make decisions regarding their care whenever possible. The CNA should communicate respectfully, encourage cooperation without forcing care, and report refusals according to facility policy. Accurate documentation is also important. Respecting resident rights, maintaining dignity, and promoting independence are essential responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant and are commonly tested on CNA certification exams.

Question 4. While providing morning care, a CNA notices a reddened area on a resident’s lower back that does not fade when pressure is removed. What should the CNA do next?

A. Massage the reddened area.

B. Report the finding promptly to the supervising nurse.

C. Ignore the area because redness is normal.

D. Cover the area without telling anyone.

Correct Answer: B. Report the finding promptly to the supervising nurse.

Explanation:
Persistent redness over a pressure point may indicate the beginning of a pressure injury. CNAs are responsible for observing changes in residents’ skin condition and reporting them promptly to the supervising nurse. Early intervention can help prevent further tissue damage and improve resident outcomes. CNAs should never massage reddened skin because doing so may worsen tissue damage. Skin care, observation, and reporting changes in resident condition are important topics on the CNA certification examination.

Question 5. A CNA measures a resident’s temperature, pulse, and blood pressure and notices that the blood pressure is significantly higher than previous readings. What is the most appropriate action?

A. Change the reading so it matches earlier results.

B. Verify the measurement if appropriate and immediately report the abnormal finding to the supervising nurse.

C. Ignore the result because the resident feels fine.

D. Wait until the next shift to mention the reading.

Correct Answer: B. Verify the measurement if appropriate and immediately report the abnormal finding to the supervising nurse.

Explanation:
Accurate measurement and timely reporting of vital signs are essential responsibilities of a Certified Nursing Assistant. If a reading appears abnormal, the CNA should follow facility procedures to verify the measurement when appropriate and promptly report the finding to the supervising nurse. CNAs should never alter, ignore, or delay reporting abnormal results. Accurate observation, documentation, and communication help ensure residents receive timely medical evaluation and appropriate care. Monitoring vital signs is a core competency frequently tested on the CNA certification exam.