Preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam can be a daunting task.
The following collection of 100 free practice test questions and answers is designed to help you review key concepts. It will also improve your understanding of essential nursing practices.
Each question includes the correct answer for your study reference, making it an invaluable resource for aspiring CNAs.
1. What is the primary role of a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)?
- a) Provide medical diagnoses
- b) Assist patients with daily living activities
- c) Administer medications
- d) Perform surgical procedures
Answer: b) Assist patients with daily living activities
2. What should a CNA do if a patient refuses care?
- a) Force the patient to comply
- b) Document the refusal and report it to a nurse
- c) Ignore the patient
- d) Call the doctor immediately
Answer: b) Document the refusal and report it to a nurse
3. Which of the following is a sign of infection?
- a) Decreased appetite
- b) High fever
- c) Increased energy
- d) Clear skin
Answer: b) High fever
4. What is the importance of hand hygiene in healthcare?
- a) It keeps the floors clean
- b) It prevents the spread of infection
- c) It is only necessary before meals
- d) It is not very important
Answer: b) It prevents the spread of infection
5. When helping a patient to walk, a CNA should:
- a) Walk behind the patient
- b) Support the patient under the arms
- c) Use a gait belt
- d) Allow the patient to walk freely without assistance
Answer: c) Use a gait belt
6. What does the abbreviation “BP” stand for in a medical context?
- a) Body Pressure
- b) Blood Pressure
- c) Bone Pain
- d) Breathing Pulse
Answer: b) Blood Pressure
7. Which body position is most commonly used for patients who are resting?
- a) Prone
- b) Supine
- c) Lateral
- d) Fowler’s
Answer: b) Supine
8. What information is NOT typically included in a patient’s chart?
- a) Patient’s medical history
- b) Patient’s personal opinions
- c) Patient’s vital signs
- d) Physician’s orders
Answer: b) Patient’s personal opinions
9. A patient is orthostatic, which means they may experience:
- a) Dizziness when standing up
- b) Pain when sitting down
- c) Difficulty breathing
- d) Nausea only
Answer: a) Dizziness when standing up
10. How often should a CNA check on a patient in a hospital setting?
- a) Once a day
- b) Every hour
- c) Every 15 minutes
- d) Only when called
Answer: b) Every hour
11. What is the purpose of a “transfer belt” in patient care?
- a) To restrain patients
- b) To provide support when moving patients
- c) To assist in medical examinations
- d) To monitor vital signs
Answer: b) To provide support when moving patients
12. Which acronym represents a common method for handwashing in healthcare?
- a) WASH
- b) SOAP
- c) MESS
- d) ABHR
Answer: a) WASH
13. What is the proper way to handle a patient who has fallen?
- a) Move them immediately to another location
- b) Assess for injuries and call for assistance
- c) Help them get up as quickly as possible
- d) Ignore them and continue with your duties
Answer: b) Assess for injuries and call for assistance
14. What is the normal range for adult respiratory rate?
- a) 8-12 breaths per minute
- b) 12-20 breaths per minute
- c) 20-30 breaths per minute
- d) 30-40 breaths per minute
Answer: b) 12-20 breaths per minute
15. Which body system is primarily affected by diabetes?
- a) Neurological
- b) Respiratory
- c) Endocrine
- d) Digestive
Answer: c) Endocrine
16. What is the role of a CNA regarding patient privacy?
- a) Share information with family members
- b) Maintain confidentiality of patient’s information
- c) Discuss cases with friends
- d) Allow anyone access to medical records
Answer: b) Maintain confidentiality of patient’s information
17. How should a CNA respond if they notice a change in a patient’s condition?
- a) Ignore it
- b) Document it in the patient’s chart
- c) Report it to the nurse immediately
- d) Wait for the doctor to arrive
Answer: c) Report it to the nurse immediately
18. When a resident is in a wheelchair, the CNA should ensure:
- a) The footrests are in place
- b) The straps are secured tightly
- c) The wheels are locked
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
19. What are the basic vital signs that a CNA must check?
- a) Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature
- b) Weight and height
- c) Vision and hearing
- d) Mood and energy level
Answer: a) Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature
20. Before feeding a patient, what is a crucial step for a CNA?
- a) Ensure the patient is in a comfortable position
- b) Ask the patient if they want food
- c) Check for allergies
- d) Warm up the food
Answer: c) Check for allergies
21. In what situation should a CNA wear gloves?
- a) When giving a bath
- b) When handling food
- c) When cleaning a patient’s room
- d) Only if the patient has an infection
Answer: a) When giving a bath
22. What is the purpose of repositioning a patient every 2 hours?
- a) To allow the patient to rest
- b) To improve circulation and prevent bedsores
- c) To keep the patient entertained
- d) To clean the bed
Answer: b) To improve circulation and prevent bedsores
23. Which of the following is an appropriate way to measure weight in patients?
- a) Using a ruler
- b) Using a bathroom scale
- c) Using a bed scale
- d) Guessing based on appearance
Answer: c) Using a bed scale
24. What should a CNA do if a patient is experiencing chest pain?
- a) Dismiss it as anxiety
- b) Call for immediate medical assistance
- c) Give them a glass of water
- d) Ask the patient to lie down and rest
Answer: b) Call for immediate medical assistance
25. CNA training programs typically cover how many hours of clinical practice?
- a) 10 hours
- b) 32 hours
- c) 75 hours
- d) 160 hours
Answer: c) 75 hours
26. What is the safest way for a CNA to lift a patient?
- a) Bend at the waist and lift
- b) Use proper body mechanics and lift with the legs
- c) Pull with the arms only
- d) Wait for help
Answer: b) Use proper body mechanics and lift with the legs
27. When providing personal hygiene care, the CNA should:
- a) Ask for permission before proceeding
- b) Do everything without speaking
- c) Talk about the patient to others
- d) Only provide care if the patient requests it
Answer: a) Ask for permission before proceeding
28. How should a CNA assist a patient who is visually impaired?
- a) Talk loudly
- b) Hold their arm and guide them
- c) Leave them to find their way
- d) Avoid eye contact
Answer: b) Hold their arm and guide them
29. What is an essential skill for a CNA to develop?
- a) Speed-reading
- b) Time management
- c) Computer programming
- d) Public speaking
Answer: b) Time management
30. What is the most effective way a CNA can prevent the spread of infection?
- a) Using hand sanitizer only
- b) Regular handwashing with soap and water
- c) Wearing gloves all the time
- d) Wearing masks
Answer: b) Regular handwashing with soap and water
31. With which type of patients should a CNA use the most caution?
- a) Elderly patients
- b) Pediatric patients
- c) Patients with mobility issues
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
32. The term “ADLs” refers to:
- a) Activities Done List
- b) Activities of Daily Living
- c) Assessment of Daily Life
- d) Abilities of Daily Living
Answer: b) Activities of Daily Living
33. What does “restorative care” aim to achieve?
- a) Cure diseases
- b) Improve patient mobility and independence
- c) Provide emotional support
- d) Assist with diet only
Answer: b) Improve patient mobility and independence
34. If a patient has a catheter, the CNA should:
- a) Empty the bag only if full
- b) Keep the bag below the level of the bladder
- c) Change the catheter every day
- d) Leave the bag on the floor
Answer: b) Keep the bag below the level of the bladder
35. Which of the following is a common symptom of dehydration?
- a) Excessive sweating
- b) Clear urine
- c) Dry mouth
- d) Increased energy
Answer: c) Dry mouth
36. In which situation is it NOT necessary to use a gait belt?
- a) When transferring an unsteady patient from bed to chair
- b) When helping a patient walk who is stable
- c) When moving a patient in a wheelchair
- d) When assisting a patient with exercises
Answer: c) When moving a patient in a wheelchair
37. A pneumonia vaccine is especially important for which group of patients?
- a) Children
- b) Elderly patients
- c) Healthy adults
- d) None of the above
Answer: b) Elderly patients
38. To promote effective communication, a CNA should:
- a) Speak quickly
- b) Use medical jargon
- c) Listen actively and respond politely
- d) Avoid questions
Answer: c) Listen actively and respond politely
39. An example of personal protective equipment (PPE) is:
- a) Lab coat
- b) Surgical scrubs
- c) Gloves
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
40. What is the proper way to take a pulse?
- a) With a stethoscope only
- b) Using two fingers on the wrist or neck
- c) Counting heartbeats for an hour
- d) Asking the patient to count it themselves
Answer: b) Using two fingers on the wrist or neck
41. What is the best way for a CNA to communicate with a patient who has a hearing impairment?
- a) Shout loudly
- b) Face the patient and speak clearly
- c) Use gestures only
- d) Use complex sentences
Answer: b) Face the patient and speak clearly
42. After providing care to a patient, a CNA should:
- a) Leave immediately
- b) Document the care provided
- c) Discuss the patient with other employees
- d) Forget about the patient
Answer: b) Document the care provided
43. What could be a sign of a pressure ulcer?
- a) Soft skin
- b) Red, swollen, or open areas on the skin
- c) Healthy-looking skin
- d) Warmth in the area
Answer: b) Red, swollen, or open areas on the skin
44. Fluid intake should be monitored for patients who:
- a) Are on a diet
- b) Have chronic kidney disease
- c) Are recovering from surgery
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
45. What is a common method of measuring temperature?
- a) Oral
- b) Axillary
- c) Rectal
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
46. Which of the following can be a side effect of medication?
- a) Increased appetite
- b) Drowsiness
- c) Allergenic reactions
- d) Both b and c
Answer: d) Both b and c
47. A resident in a long-term care facility requests to see their doctor. The CNA should:
- a) Tell them it’s not necessary
- b) Notify the nurse immediately
- c) Schedule an appointment for them
- d) Ignore the request
Answer: b) Notify the nurse immediately
48. What is an appropriate action if a patient is choking?
- a) Give them water
- b) Perform the Heimlich maneuver
- c) Call the nurse and wait
- d) Leave the room
Answer: b) Perform the Heimlich maneuver
49. What does the term “hypertension” refer to?
- a) Low blood pressure
- b) Normal blood pressure
- c) High blood pressure
- d) Fluctuating blood pressure
Answer: c) High blood pressure
50. How should a CNA assist with a patient’s diet?
- a) Determine their food choices
- b) Follow dietary restrictions prescribed by a doctor
- c) Assure the patient eats quickly
- d) Ignore the food preferences
Answer: b) Follow dietary restrictions prescribed by a doctor
51. What position should a patient be in for a pelvic exam?
- a) Supine
- b) Lateral
- c) Lithotomy
- d) Prone
Answer: c) Lithotomy
52. What is the correct range for adult heart rate?
- a) 60-100 beats per minute
- b) 50-70 beats per minute
- c) 70-120 beats per minute
- d) 80-140 beats per minute
Answer: a) 60-100 beats per minute
53. A patient is unresponsive. The first step a CNA should take is:
- a) Immediately start CPR
- b) Call for help
- c) Shake the patient
- d) Monitor their vital signs
Answer: b) Call for help
54. How soon should a CNA report a change in a patient’s vital signs?
- a) Within 24 hours
- b) Immediately after noticing
- c) At the end of the shift
- d) Only if it’s significant
Answer: b) Immediately after noticing
55. What is a CNA’s role in medication administration?
- a) Administer medications directly
- b) Prepare medications for a nurse to administer
- c) Evaluate the effectiveness of medications
- d) Only document medication given
Answer: b) Prepare medications for a nurse to administer
56. A patient with a history of falls should be placed in:
- a) A high bed
- b) A room far from the restroom
- c) A low bed with safety measures
- d) A room with no furniture
Answer: c) A low bed with safety measures
57. What vital sign changes indicate a fever?
- a) Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- b) Increased respiratory rate and decreased blood pressure
- c) Elevated body temperature
- d) Low body temperature
Answer: c) Elevated body temperature
58. What is the best way for a CNA to assist a patient with mobility issues?
- a) Encourage them to walk alone
- b) Provide devices or assistance as needed
- c) Limit their movement
- d) Ignore the issue
Answer: b) Provide devices or assistance as needed
59. What is the most common type of incontinence?
- a) Stress incontinence
- b) Urge incontinence
- c) Overflow incontinence
- d) Functional incontinence
Answer: b) Urge incontinence
60. Which of the following is a function of the skin?
- a) Protection from injury
- b) Regulation of body temperature
- c) Sensation
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
61. A patient with a feeding tube requires:
- a) Regular meals
- b) Total enteral nutrition as prescribed
- c) IV fluids only
- d) No special care
Answer: b) Total enteral nutrition as prescribed
62. What type of patient needs to be monitored for signs of aspiration?
- a) Patients who are on a soft diet
- b) Patients with swallowing difficulties
- c) Patients receiving intravenous therapy
- d) Healthy patients
Answer: b) Patients with swallowing difficulties
63. Which of the following is a way to ensure patient safety?
- a) Keeping the patient in bed all day
- b) Ensuring the call light is within reach
- c) Ignoring safety protocols
- d) Leaving the patient alone often
Answer: b) Ensuring the call light is within reach
64. What should a CNA do if they observe a co-worker being rude to a patient?
- a) Confront the co-worker immediately
- b) Report the behavior to a supervisor
- c) Ignore it
- d) Discuss it with other staff members
Answer: b) Report the behavior to a supervisor
65. What is one of the main duties of a CNA after a procedure is performed on a patient?
- a) Leave the patient alone
- b) Monitor the patient for any changes
- c) Document the procedure but not the effects
- d) Discuss the patient with others
Answer: b) Monitor the patient for any changes
66. Which of the following is a way to promote patient dignity?
- a) Discussing their medical history in public areas
- b) Providing assistance with personal care respectfully
- c) Ignoring their requests
- d) Not allowing them to make decisions
Answer: b) Providing assistance with personal care respectfully
67. What is the chief concern when caring for a patient with a tracheostomy?
- a) Maintaining fluid intake
- b) Ensuring patency of the airway
- c) Monitoring their diet
- d) Assisting with mobility
Answer: b) Ensuring patency of the airway
68. How often should CNA education and training be updated?
- a) Annually
- b) Every two years
- c) Every five years
- d) Only when starting a new job
Answer: a) Annually
69. What is the primary goal of palliative care?
- a) Cure the illness
- b) Improve the quality of life
- c) Increase hospital visits
- d) Provide solely medical interventions
Answer: b) Improve the quality of life
70. Which of the following should a CNA do first in case of a fire in a healthcare setting?
- a) Call for help
- b) Evacuate patients
- c) Try to extinguish the fire
- d) Retrieve personal belongings
Answer: b) Evacuate patients
71. What is the correct method for counting a patient’s respirations?
- a) With the patient’s consent
- b) By watching the chest rise and fall without telling the patient
- c) Only using a stethoscope
- d) Asking the patient to breathe deeply
Answer: b) By watching the chest rise and fall without telling the patient
72. What is a key indicator of a stroke?
- a) Rapid heart rate
- b) Sudden loss of vision
- c) Numbness on one side of the body
- d) Difficulty breathing
Answer: c) Numbness on one side of the body
73. Which is a common mental health challenge among elderly patients?
- a) Anxiety
- b) Increased physical activity
- c) Improved memory
- d) Decreased need for social interaction
Answer: a) Anxiety
74. What is an important aspect of a CNA’s role in patient education?
- a) Providing detailed medical advice
- b) Encouraging patients to ask questions
- c) Ignoring patient concerns
- d) Focusing on medication side effects only
Answer: b) Encouraging patients to ask questions
75. How should a CNA approach a patient experiencing anxiety?
- a) Dismiss their feelings
- b) Offer reassurance and a calming presence
- c) Avoid talking to them
- d) Change the subject immediately
Answer: b) Offer reassurance and a calming presence
76. Which type of diet is often recommended for patients with heart disease?
- a) High-sugar diet
- b) Low-sodium diet
- c) High-fat diet
- d) No restrictions required
Answer: b) Low-sodium diet
77. What should a CNA do if a patient shows signs of confusion?
- a) Ignore it
- b) Keep them in a quiet environment and assess their condition
- c) Blame them for acting strangely
- d) Demand that they remember information
Answer: b) Keep them in a quiet environment and assess their condition
78. When is it appropriate to use restraints on a patient?
- a) For the convenience of staff
- b) When the patient’s safety is at risk
- c) When a patient is being uncooperative
- d) Only when a doctor is nearby
Answer: b) When the patient’s safety is at risk
79. Which of the following is a sign of a stroke (using FAST)?
- a) Fainting
- b) Arm weakness
- c) High fever
- d) Sudden headache
Answer: b) Arm weakness
80. What is a common reason for a patient to refuse medication?
- a) Lack of knowledge about the medication
- b) Better understanding of their own health
- c) Enjoyment of the illness
- d) All medications are acceptable
Answer: a) Lack of knowledge about the medication
81. Which vital sign indicates a potential problem if significantly elevated in an adult?
- a) Heart rate of 50
- b) Blood pressure of 180/120
- c) Respiratory rate of 8
- d) Temperature of 98.6°F
Answer: b) Blood pressure of 180/120
82. How should a CNA care for a patient with diabetes?
- a) Ensure regular exercise and balanced meals
- b) Encourage high sugar intake
- c) Avoid monitoring blood sugar levels
- d) Ignore dietary restrictions
Answer: a) Ensure regular exercise and balanced meals
83. In a healthcare setting, which is a proper way to maintain patient confidentiality?
- a) Discussing patient information in public areas
- b) Sharing information only on a need-to-know basis
- c) Keeping patient records within easy reach
- d) Allowing family members to access records without permission
Answer: b) Sharing information only on a need-to-know basis
84. What action should a CNA take when a patient expresses feelings of hopelessness?
- a) Dismiss their feelings
- b) Report these feelings to a nurse or supervisor
- c) Change the subject
- d) Offer advice on being more positive
Answer: b) Report these feelings to a nurse or supervisor
85. How should a CNA handle a patient’s personal belongings?
- a) Keep them accessible to anyone
- b) Respect and secure them as per policies
- c) Throw them away if they are cluttering
- d) Use them if the patient is not around
Answer: b) Respect and secure them as per policies
86. Which of the following helps to prevent falls in patients?
- a) Using proper footwear
- b) Keeping walkways clear
- c) Ensuring adequate lighting
- d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
87. What is a significant dietary concern for a patient with renal failure?
- a) Increased sodium intake
- b) Increased potassium consumption
- c) Excessive fluid intake
- d) A diet high in protein
Answer: b) Increased potassium consumption
88. Which is essential information that should be documented after assisting a patient?
- a) The patient’s complaints only
- b) The time, date, and care provided
- c) Personal opinions about the patient
- d) Other staff members’ opinions
Answer: b) The time, date, and care provided
89. How can a CNA best promote skin integrity in bedridden patients?
- a) Keep the patient in one position
- b) Reposition the patient every 2 hours
- c) Use only soft fabric sheets
- d) Avoid bathing the patient regularly
Answer: b) Reposition the patient every 2 hours
90. What does it mean to have “cognitive impairment”?
- a) Ability to think clearly and make decisions
- b) Inability to make basic lifestyle choices
- c) Difficulty with memory, attention, or reasoning
- d) Excellent problem-solving skills
Answer: c) Difficulty with memory, attention, or reasoning
91. Which of the following represents a healthy blood sugar level for most patients?
- a) 70-130 mg/dL before meals
- b) 150-200 mg/dL before meals
- c) Above 200 mg/dL
- d) Below 50 mg/dL
Answer: a) 70-130 mg/dL before meals
92. What is the primary goal of rehabilitative care?
- a) To provide pain management
- b) To help the patient regain independence
- c) To cure all diseases
- d) To focus solely on psychological support
Answer: b) To help the patient regain independence
93. What should a CNA note when documenting a patient’s condition?
- a) Only the positive changes
- b) Any observed changes, both positive and negative
- c) Only the information provided by the patient
- d) General comments without observations
Answer: b) Any observed changes, both positive and negative
94. How can a CNA assist in clarifying care instructions for a patient?
- a) Speak in complex medical terms
- b) Use clear and simple language
- c) Avoid answering any questions
- d) Provide printed instructions without explanation
Answer: b) Use clear and simple language
95. What is the significance of a “do not resuscitate” (DNR) order?
- a) It allows normal resuscitation protocols
- b) It indicates a patient’s wish to forgo resuscitation
- c) It is irrelevant to patient care
- d) It must be ignored at all times
Answer: b) It indicates a patient’s wish to forgo resuscitation
96. What is essential when meeting the needs of patients with different cultural backgrounds?
- a) Assuming all patients are the same
- b) Understanding and respecting their cultural beliefs
- c) Ignoring cultural differences
- d) Forcing patients to follow one standard practice
Answer: b) Understanding and respecting their cultural beliefs
97. A common side effect of immobility in patients is:
- a) Increased muscle strength
- b) Development of blood clots
- c) Improved circulation
- d) Enhanced mental clarity
Answer: b) Development of blood clots
98. How should a CNA deal with an angry patient?
- a) Argue with them
- b) Listen attentively and validate their feelings
- c) Ignore their emotions
- d) Dismiss their concerns
Answer: b) Listen attentively and validate their feelings
99. What does a low score on the Braden Scale indicate?
- a) Low risk of developing pressure ulcers
- b) Moderate risk of developing pressure ulcers
- c) High risk of developing pressure ulcers
- d) No need for any intervention
Answer: c) High risk of developing pressure ulcers
100. What is the most effective communication technique for a CNA?
- a) Avoidance of eye contact
- b) Active listening and empathy
- c) Speaking in a loud voice
- d) Using technical language frequently
Answer: b) Active listening and empathy
Frequently Asked Questions About CNA Practice Test
1. What topics are covered in the CNA practice test?
The practice test covers various topics including patient care, infection control, vital signs, and residents’ rights.
2. How can I use these practice questions effectively?
Review the questions and answers regularly, take practice tests under timed conditions, and focus on areas where you need improvement.
3. Are these questions similar to the actual CNA exam?
The format and content may vary. However, these practice questions are representative of the types of questions you may encounter in the actual CNA exam.
4. How many times should I take the practice test?
It’s recommended to take the practice test multiple times. Continue until you consistently score well. This approach ensures that you grasp the material thoroughly.
5. Can I find other resources for CNA exam preparation?
Yes, many online resources, study guides, and CNA training programs are available to complement your preparation.
Conclusion
By utilizing this resource of 100 free CNA practice test questions and answers, you can enhance your knowledge and boost your confidence in preparation for the CNA exam. Consistent practice and thorough review will help you become well-equipped to succeed in your nursing career.
Comments
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Disclaimer
The information provided in this content is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice or training. Always consult with an appropriate professional or training resource.