STNA Practice Test

Sample Questions and Answers

Question 1. While providing morning care, an STNA notices that a resident who is usually alert and talkative suddenly appears confused, unusually sleepy, and has difficulty answering simple questions. What is the most appropriate action for the STNA to take?

A. Wait until the next shift to see if the resident improves.

B. Document the observations and immediately report the change to the supervising nurse.

C. Encourage the resident to return to bed without notifying anyone.

D. Offer the resident medication to improve alertness.

Correct Answer: B. Document the observations and immediately report the change to the supervising nurse.

Explanation:
A sudden change in a resident’s mental status may indicate a serious medical condition that requires prompt evaluation. Although an STNA does not diagnose illnesses or administer medications, observing and reporting significant changes in a resident’s condition is one of the most important responsibilities of the role. Timely communication allows the supervising nurse to assess the resident, determine the cause of the symptoms, and initiate appropriate interventions if needed. Accurate documentation and prompt reporting contribute to patient safety, support continuity of care, and help prevent complications that could result from delayed medical attention.

Question 2. An STNA is helping a resident transfer from a wheelchair to the bed. As the resident begins to lose balance during the transfer, what should the STNA do first?

A. Attempt to pull the resident upright using both arms.

B. Ease the resident safely to the floor while protecting them from injury if a fall cannot be prevented.

C. Step away to avoid personal injury.

D. Tell the resident to continue standing without assistance.

Correct Answer: B. Ease the resident safely to the floor while protecting them from injury if a fall cannot be prevented.

Explanation:
Resident safety should always be the highest priority during transfers. If a resident begins to fall, the STNA should avoid attempting to stop the fall by lifting or pulling forcefully because this could injure both the resident and the caregiver. Instead, the caregiver should use proper body mechanics to guide the resident safely to the floor while protecting the head and body from injury. After the resident is safely positioned, the STNA should immediately notify the supervising nurse, remain with the resident, and follow the facility’s reporting procedures. Proper transfer techniques help reduce injuries and improve overall patient safety.

Question 3. Before assisting a resident with eating, the STNA reviews the care plan and notices that the resident has swallowing difficulties. Which action is most appropriate during the meal?

A. Encourage the resident to eat quickly to finish the meal sooner.

B. Assist the resident to sit upright and follow the prescribed dietary and swallowing precautions.

C. Allow the resident to lie flat while eating for greater comfort.

D. Offer foods that are not included in the prescribed diet.

Correct Answer: B. Assist the resident to sit upright and follow the prescribed dietary and swallowing precautions.

Explanation:
Residents with swallowing difficulties are at increased risk for choking and aspiration. Sitting the resident upright during meals helps reduce this risk by promoting safer swallowing. STNAs should always follow the care plan, including any prescribed diet textures, thickened liquids, or feeding instructions. Meals should be provided at a comfortable pace while observing the resident for signs of coughing, choking, or difficulty swallowing. If any concerns arise, they should be reported promptly to the supervising nurse. Following individualized care plans helps protect resident safety and supports proper nutrition and hydration.

Question 4. During routine care, an STNA observes redness over a resident’s tailbone that does not disappear after the resident changes position. Why is it important to report this finding promptly?

A. It may be an early sign of pressure injury that requires timely intervention.

B. Redness is a normal part of aging and does not require reporting.

C. It indicates that the resident needs less frequent repositioning.

D. It should only be reported if the skin becomes bruised.

Correct Answer: A. It may be an early sign of pressure injury that requires timely intervention.

Explanation:
Persistent redness over a bony prominence is often one of the earliest signs of pressure injury development. Early identification allows the healthcare team to implement preventive measures such as repositioning, pressure-relieving devices, skin care, and nutritional support before the skin breaks down. STNAs play an important role in observing skin integrity during daily care and reporting abnormalities promptly. Timely intervention helps reduce the risk of complications, infection, pain, and delayed healing. Regular repositioning, maintaining clean and dry skin, and following the resident’s care plan are essential components of pressure injury prevention.

Question 5. An STNA has completed providing personal care for a resident who is on contact precautions due to an infectious condition. What should the STNA do immediately after removing personal protective equipment (PPE)?

A. Leave the room without performing hand hygiene.

B. Perform thorough hand hygiene before touching other surfaces or caring for another resident.

C. Reuse disposable gloves during the next resident’s care.

D. Place used PPE on the bedside table for later disposal.

Correct Answer: B. Perform thorough hand hygiene before touching other surfaces or caring for another resident.

Explanation:
Hand hygiene is the single most effective method for preventing the spread of infections in healthcare settings. Even after gloves and other personal protective equipment have been removed, microorganisms may remain on the hands during the removal process. Washing hands with soap and water or using an approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer according to facility policy helps protect residents, coworkers, and the caregiver from cross-contamination. STNAs should consistently follow standard and transmission-based precautions, dispose of used PPE appropriately, and perform hand hygiene before and after every resident interaction to promote a safe healthcare environment.