CNA Premium Practice Test (With answers and explanations)
1. A water pitcher has tipped over and you notice water on the floor. You should
a. wipe it up immediately
b. throw a towel over the water to prevent accidents
c. notify the charge nurse
d. call housekeeping
Answer: A
2. For a resident who is classified as wound-and-skin isolation, the soiled linen should be
a. placed in the linen hamper
b. discarded
c. bagged before removing from the room
d. taken directly to the laundry
Answer: C
3. On entering a room, you notice that the patient is not breathing. Your first action should be to
a. call for help
b. lay the resident down on his back
c. give four quick breaths
d. give 8-10 abdominal thrusts
Answer: A
4. If a resident begins to choke while being fed and is unable to speak, the nursing assistant should call for help and begin doing
a. back blows
b. mouth-to-mouth ventilations
c. a finger sweep
d. abdominal thrusts
Answer: D
5. When you make a bed, you should place the soiled linen
a. on the bedside table
b. on the overbed table
c. in a laundry bag
d. on a chair
Answer: C
6. When making an occupied bed, it is important to
a. make half of the bed at one time
b. have one side rail up and one down
c. make a toe pleat in the top covers
d. do all of the above
Answer: D
7. You can prevent decubitus ulcers by
a. changing the patient’s position frequently
b. placing an egg-crate mattress on top of the mattress
c. increasing the patient’s vitamin C consumption
d. doing both a and b
Answer: D
8. After positioning a patient, it is most important to
a. examine the resident thoroughly
b. close the door to the resident’s room so she can rest
c. offer the patient a drink of juice
d. check the position of nonfunctional limbs
Answer: D
9. The first step in getting a resident up to walk is to
a.sit the resident on the side of the bed
b. put the resident’s slippers on
c. check the activity order
d. tell the resident what you want him to do
Answer: C
10. As you are transferring a patient, the resident becomes weak and starts to fall. You should
a. hold the patient’s transfer belt and lean away from the fall
b. call for help
c. grasp the transfer belt and lower the resident to the floor along your bent leg
d. hold the resident tightly and lean backwards
Answer: C
11. The patient’s TPR is 98.8-80-30. The finding that should be reported at once is
a. pulse
b. temperature
c. respiration
d. all of the above
Answer: C
12. Which of the following can cause an inaccurate oral temperature reading?
a. drinking hot or cold liquids within 10 minutes of the reading
b. failure to shake down a mercury thermometer
c. vigorous exercise prior to measuring temperature
d. all of the above
Answer: D
13. Systolic blood pressure is determined by
a. reviewing previous readings
b. listening for the first clear sound
c. waiting for a change in sound
d. listening for the last clear sound
Answer: B
14. The order weigh resident q.o.d. means to weigh the resident every
a. other week
b. other day
c. morning
d. week
Answer: B
15. Accurate daily weights are measured
a. at the same time each day
b. with the resident fully clothed
c. in the morning
d. all of the above
Answer: A
16. The first step in performing any procedure is to
a. explain the procedure
b. gather needed equipment
c. wash your hands
d. provide privacy
Answer: C
17. The most important factor in preventing the spread of infection is to
a. place the resident in isolation
b. handwash between resident contacts
c. clean the unit each day
d. wear sterile gloves to care for all residents
Answer: B
18. Which of the following procedures best destroys all bacteria?
a. soaking in alcohol
b. washing with bleach
c. sterilizing
d. all of the above
Answer: C
19. In the event of a fire in a resident’s room, your first action should be to
a. notify the head nurse
b. turn in a fire alarm
c. get the resident to a safe place
d. get the fire extinguisher
Answer: C
20. Safe use of oxygen therapy includes
a. always setting the flowmeter at 2-3 liters per minute
b. using wool blankets only
c. cleansing the nasal prongs each shift with alcohol
d. posting a no smoking sign on the door
Answer: D
21. When you perform CPR, the patient should be lying
a. flat on a hard surface
b. with head and shoulders elevated
c. with the head and feet raised slightly
d. none of the above
Answer: A
22. You have come upon a patient lying on the floor who is not moving. Your first action should be to
a. call for help
b. gently shake the victim and ask, Are you all right?
c. check to see if the patient is breathing
d. check to see if the patient has a pulse
Answer: B
23. A procedures manual is a
a. written set of instructions on how to perform procedures
b. set of directions needed to complete your job description
c. book of directions for administering medications
d. book listing the procedures you have been assigned to do
Answer: A
24. If a resident asks a question you cannot answer, you should
a. tell the resident you will look it up
b. ask the charge nurse to talk to the resident about it
c. call the doctor to talk to the resident
d. tell the resident that you cannot answer the question
Answer: B
25. The accepted way to identify a resident is to
a. check the bed name and number
b. check the identification band
c. ask the resident’s name
d. call the resident by name
Answer: B
26. Which of the following best describes nail care?
a. Nail care is not needed for the elderly.
b. Use scissors for all nail care.
c. All residents need nail care.
d. Check with the LPN for nail care instructions.
Answer: C
27. When performing perineal care on a male, always
a. clean the scrotum first
b. retract the foreskin if uncircumcised
c. clean from front to back
d. hold the penis at a 90-degree angle
Answer: B
28. When giving a resident a shower, you should
a. use a bath blanket
b. wear a raincoat to protect yourself
c. place the resident in a shower chair
d. run water at 135 degrees F
Answer: C
29. The purpose of the cleansing bath is to
a. provide cleanliness
b. promote circulation
c. observe skin condition
d. do all of the above
Answer: D
30. The reasons for rubbing a patient’s back include
a. provide cleanliness
b. promote circulation
c. observe skin condition
d. do all of the above
Answer: D
31. The procedure for bathing that prevents damage to the skin is to
a. rub carefully with a rough washcloth
b. use a large amount of lotion
c. rinse well and dry thoroughly
d. apply a generous amount of talcum powder after the bath
Answer: C
32. The patient’s elbows are dry and red. You should
a. report this to the charge nurse
b. rub them with lotion
c. apply elbow protectors
d. all of the above
Answer: A
33. The preferred substance for a back rub is
a. alcohol
b. talcum powder
c. lotion
d. baby oil
Answer: C
34. A decubitus ulcer is caused by
a. poor circulation
b. pressure on the skin
c. poor nutrition
d. all of the above
Answer: D
35. You would shampoo a resident’s hair to improve
a. circulation to the scalp
b. the resident’s general appearance
c. the resident’s feeling of well-being
d. all of the above
Answer: D
36. When shampooing a patient’s hair, it is important to
a. rinse thoroughly
b. protect the eyes
c. provide for privacy
d. do all of the abov
Answer: D
37. Which statement about trimming a diabetic’s toenails is correct?
a. You should always cut the toenails in a rounded pattern.
b. Be sure you have the doctor’s order before beginning.
c. Always use safety/bandage scissors on diabetic residents.
d. A nursing assistant may not trim a diabetic’s toenails.
Answer: D
38. Which of the following statements about dressing residents is true?
a. It is not necessary for handicapped residents to dress in street clothes.
b. Residents like staff members to dress them.
c. Residents are concerned about how they look.
d. Residents are used to being dressed in front of others.
Answer: C
39. Which of the following activities should be included in personal daily hygiene?
a. shaving male residents
b. hair care
c. oral hygiene
d. all of the above
Answer: D
40. You are removing a soiled gown from a resident who has an IV. You should
a. remove the opposite arm from the gown first
b. have the nurse remove the IV needle
c. disconnect the bag and tubing
d. slip the gown over the IV solution bag
Answer: A
41. The preferred way to remove a bedpan from a resident who is unable to lift her buttocks is to
a. use a mechanical lifting device
b. have another nursing assistant lift the resident
c. turn the patient to the side while holding the pan
d. slowly slide the pan from under the resident
Answer: A
42. A fracture-type bedpan is used for residents who
a. are in traction
b. have had hip surgery
c. have a back injury
d. have any of the above conditions
Answer: D
43. If your patient does not eat all the food on his tray, the first thing you should do is
a. notify the charge nurse
b. ask the resident why
c. remove the tray
d. urge the patient to eat all the food
Answer: B
44. The resident states that a mistake has been made: there is salt on her tray, although the doctor has ordered a low-salt diet. You should
a. explain this means no salt when preparing food
b. tell the patient not to use the salt
c. check the diet order with the nurse
d. call the kitchen for a new tray
Answer: C
45. If a resident is receiving forced-fluid treatment, you should
a. provide at least 2,000 cc of fluid per shift
b. provide high-protein fluids
c. offer liquids every two hours
d. do all of the above
Answer: C
46. The main safety factor in transferring a patient is to
a. always transfer slowly
b. raise the side rails
c. secure adequate assistance
d. make sure the resident is not tired
Answer: C
47. A resident who is too large for staff members to transfer safely is
a. moved with a mechanical lifting device
b. placed on a calorie-controlled diet
c. left in bed, but turned every two hours
d. left in bed, but repositioned every hour
Answer: A
48. Before transferring a resident from the bed to a wheelchair, you should sit him on the edge of the bed for a few minutes to
a. rearrange his gown or clothing
b. prevent orthostatic hypotension
c. position and secure the wheelchair
d. rest and remove the transfer belt
Answer: B
49. At the beginning of your shift, you give a resident a water pitcher containing 270 cc (9 oz.) of water. At the end of your shift, you note that 35 cc of water is left in the pitcher. How much water has been consumed?
a. 35 cc
b. 135 cc
c. 175 cc
d. 235 cc
Answer: D
50. When a resident is on I & O, which of the following are measured?
a. liquids other than water
b. see-through liquids only
c. milk, ice cream, and carbonated beverages
d. all substances that are fluid at room temperature
Answer: D
51. Decubitus ulcers may develop in patients who are
a. incontinent
b. paralyzed
c. poorly nourished
d. all of the above
Answer: D
52. The proper procedure for washing the female resident’s perineal area is to
a. clean from front to back
b. clean the rectal area last
c. pat dry thoroughly
d. do all of the above
Answer: D
53. Frequent mouth care should be given to residents who
a. clean from front to back
b. clean the rectal area last
c. pat dry thoroughly
d. do all of the above
Answer: D
54. Using the Bass method, a patient’s teeth are to be brushed
a. up and down
b. for at least ten minutes
c. with circular motions
d. all of the above
Answer: C
55. When a resident complains that his dentures are hurting, you should
a. encourage him to wear the dentures more often
b. report the complaint to the charge nurse
c. report the complaint to the physician
d. put the dentures on the bedside table
Answer: B
56. The first thing you should do before giving a patient a tub bath is to
a. make sure the tub is clean
b. check the temperature of the water
c. make sure there is an order for it
d. gather necessary supplies table
Answer: B
57. The resident’s religion forbids eating pork. Ham is being served for lunch. You should
a. tell the resident to eat it because she needs protein
b. tell the resident it’s all right since her doctor ordered the diet
c. ask the nurse to call the kitchen
d. tell the resident that restrictions don’t pertain in times of illness supplies table
Answer: C
58. It is important to remember that dying residents
a. have the same needs for care as other patients
b. need to be by themselves in a quiet room
c. do not need to be consulted regarding their care
d. are usually in pain supplies table
Answer: A
59. Dying residents and their families
a. always pass through five stages of dying in order
b. always accept death before it occurs
c. may go back and forth among the five stages
d. must go through all stages of dying before they die supplies table
Answer: C
60. A sign of dementia in elderly patients is
a. a need to eat regular meals
b. not knowing who and where they are
c. an ability to figure out problems
d. a good memory for recent events they die supplies table
Answer: B
61. Residents with Alzheimer’s disease may show which of the following signs/symptoms?
a. physical and mental wasting away
b. extremely clear memory
c. frequent pacing or wandering
d. a and c only supplies table
Answer: D
62. When a patient turns on the call bell every few minutes, the appropriate response is to
a. ask the patient not to call so often
b. stop by the room more often
c. place the call bell out of reach
d. tell the patient how busy you are table
Answer: B
63. Many older adults suffer loss of
a. income
b. physical strength
c. loved ones
d. all of the above
Answer: D
64. How a patient reacts to illness and disability is most dependent on his or her
a. age and stage of life
b. spouse’s support
c. income and level of education
d. support system and life history
Answer: D
65. An 85-year-old resident tells you that his mother is coming to visit. Your best response would be,
a. That’s impossible. Your mother can’t come to see you.
b. That’s nice, when is she coming?
c. Tell me how old your mother is.
d. Are you wishing you could see your mother? life history
Answer: D