CNA Comprehensive Final Exam Study Guide (2026/2027 Update)
1. Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent the spread of
infection?
A. Frequent and proper handwashing
B. Wearing gloves at all times
C. Using hand sanitizer instead of soap
D. Wearing a mask with every resident
Answer: A
Rationale: Handwashing is universally recognized as the single most important procedure
for preventing the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings.
2. When a resident is in a vest restraint, the CNA should check the resident’s
circulation and breathing every:
A. 1 hour
B. 30 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. 2 hours
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety guidelines require checking a restrained resident at least every 15
minutes to ensure no injury or circulatory distress has occurred.
,3. What is the medical term for high blood pressure?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypertension
C. Hypotension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertension is the clinical term for high blood pressure, while hypotension
refers to low blood pressure.
4. The CNA is measuring a resident’s pulse. Which artery is most commonly
used?
A. Carotid
B. Brachial
C. Femoral
D. Radial
Answer: D
Rationale: The radial artery, located on the thumb side of the wrist, is the most common
site for taking a pulse in a stable adult resident.
5. A resident is on a clear liquid diet. Which of the following can they have?
A. Milk
B. Orange juice with pulp
C. Apple juice
D. Vanilla pudding
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear liquid diets include fluids you can see through, such as apple juice, broth,
and gelatin. Milk and pudding are part of a full liquid diet.
, 6. A resident has right-sided weakness. When dressing the resident, the CNA
should:
A. Dress the right side first
B. Dress the left side first
C. Ask the resident to dress themselves entirely
D. Dress both sides at the same time
Answer: A
Rationale: When dressing a resident with a weak side, always dress the weak (affected)
side first to reduce strain and make the process easier.
7. What does the abbreviation ‘NPO’ mean?
A. New Patient Only
B. Nightly Pressure Observation
C. Next Per Order
D. Nothing by Mouth
Answer: D
Rationale: NPO stands for the Latin ‘nil per os,’ which translates to ‘nothing by mouth.’ The
resident should not eat or drink anything.
8. Which stage of a pressure ulcer involves a break in the skin that looks like a
shallow crater?
A. Stage 2
B. Stage 1
C. Stage 3
D. Stage 4
Answer: A
Rationale: Stage 2 pressure ulcers involve partial-thickness skin loss involving the
epidermis or dermis, often appearing as a blister or shallow crater.
1. Which of the following is the most effective way to prevent the spread of
infection?
A. Frequent and proper handwashing
B. Wearing gloves at all times
C. Using hand sanitizer instead of soap
D. Wearing a mask with every resident
Answer: A
Rationale: Handwashing is universally recognized as the single most important procedure
for preventing the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings.
2. When a resident is in a vest restraint, the CNA should check the resident’s
circulation and breathing every:
A. 1 hour
B. 30 minutes
C. 15 minutes
D. 2 hours
Answer: C
Rationale: Safety guidelines require checking a restrained resident at least every 15
minutes to ensure no injury or circulatory distress has occurred.
,3. What is the medical term for high blood pressure?
A. Hyperglycemia
B. Hypertension
C. Hypotension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: B
Rationale: Hypertension is the clinical term for high blood pressure, while hypotension
refers to low blood pressure.
4. The CNA is measuring a resident’s pulse. Which artery is most commonly
used?
A. Carotid
B. Brachial
C. Femoral
D. Radial
Answer: D
Rationale: The radial artery, located on the thumb side of the wrist, is the most common
site for taking a pulse in a stable adult resident.
5. A resident is on a clear liquid diet. Which of the following can they have?
A. Milk
B. Orange juice with pulp
C. Apple juice
D. Vanilla pudding
Answer: C
Rationale: Clear liquid diets include fluids you can see through, such as apple juice, broth,
and gelatin. Milk and pudding are part of a full liquid diet.
, 6. A resident has right-sided weakness. When dressing the resident, the CNA
should:
A. Dress the right side first
B. Dress the left side first
C. Ask the resident to dress themselves entirely
D. Dress both sides at the same time
Answer: A
Rationale: When dressing a resident with a weak side, always dress the weak (affected)
side first to reduce strain and make the process easier.
7. What does the abbreviation ‘NPO’ mean?
A. New Patient Only
B. Nightly Pressure Observation
C. Next Per Order
D. Nothing by Mouth
Answer: D
Rationale: NPO stands for the Latin ‘nil per os,’ which translates to ‘nothing by mouth.’ The
resident should not eat or drink anything.
8. Which stage of a pressure ulcer involves a break in the skin that looks like a
shallow crater?
A. Stage 2
B. Stage 1
C. Stage 3
D. Stage 4
Answer: A
Rationale: Stage 2 pressure ulcers involve partial-thickness skin loss involving the
epidermis or dermis, often appearing as a blister or shallow crater.
