CNA Exam

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Sample questions from CNA Exam

This material has 90 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.An 82-year-old resident in a skilled nursing facility has right-sided weakness after a stroke. During morning care, the resident's right knee buckles while standing at the bedside; the resident is alert and says, "I feel weak." What should the nursing assistant do first?

   • A.A. Lower the resident safely to the floor and call for help
   • B.B. Pull the resident upright by the affected arm
   • C.C. Leave the resident standing and get a wheelchair
   • D.D. Ask the resident to walk a few steps to see if the weakness improves

   Rationale: Lowering the resident safely reduces injury risk, and calling for help brings the nurse to assess the new weakness. Pulling the affected arm can cause injury, leaving the resident standing risks a fall, and walking could worsen the situation. The exam takeaway is to protect the resident from immediate harm and promptly report a change in condition.

2. 2.A 76-year-old resident in a long-term care facility has a temperature of 38.3 C (100.9 F), a new cough, and respirations of 26/min. The resident asks for a bath. What is the best action for the nursing assistant?

   • A.A. Give the bath quickly before the resident becomes more tired
   • B.B. Report the findings to the nurse before proceeding with care
   • C.C. Offer an over-the-counter fever medicine from the medication cart
   • D.D. Open the window and reassess the resident in an hour

   Rationale: Fever, cough, and tachypnea are changes that require prompt nurse assessment before routine care continues. Completing the bath may delay evaluation, a nursing assistant must not give medication outside authorized scope, and waiting an hour delays reporting. The takeaway is to report concerning vital signs and new symptoms promptly.

3. 3.A 70-year-old resident in a rehabilitation center is on contact precautions for a draining wound. The nursing assistant is preparing to provide perineal care. Which action is appropriate?

   • A.A. Wear gloves only if blood is visible
   • B.B. Put on gloves and gown before entering the resident's care area
   • C.C. Use the same gloves to handle clean linens after wound care
   • D.D. Remove the isolation sign so the resident feels less stigmatized

   Rationale: Contact precautions require appropriate personal protective equipment, including gloves and a gown when indicated by facility protocol, before care begins. Gloves are needed even when blood is not visible, contaminated gloves must not touch clean items, and isolation signs communicate precautions rather than stigmatize. The takeaway is to follow posted precautions and prevent transmission between contaminated and clean surfaces.

4. 4.A 79-year-old resident in a nursing home has diabetes and reduced foot sensation. During a shower, the resident says the water feels comfortable, but the assistant notices it is very hot. What should the assistant do?

   • A.A. Continue because the resident reports comfort
   • B.B. Test the water with a thermometer or the unaffected area and adjust it before bathing
   • C.C. Add cold water after the resident has entered the shower
   • D.D. Ask the resident to turn the temperature control independently

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.An 88-year-old resident in long-term care has a history of falls and uses a walker. The resident is found sitting on the floor beside the bed and says, "I slipped, but I'm fine." What should the nursing assistant do first?

   • A.A. Help the resident stand using the walker
   • B.B. Ask the resident to remain still and call the nurse
   • C.C. Document the event at the end of the shift
   • D.D. Offer water and leave to find another staff member

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.