CNA Competency Exam Prep: Practice Questions
with Answers & Clinical Rationales
1. What is the most important action a CNA can take to prevent the spread of infection?
A) Wearing gloves for all resident contact
B) Wearing a mask when in the resident's room
C) Hand hygiene
D) Wearing a gown when providing personal care
Answer: C
Rationale: Hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub) is the single most effective way to prevent the
transmission of pathogens. While PPE is important, it is specific to the task, whereas hand hygiene is universal.
,2. When assisting a resident with denture care, what should the CNA do?
A) Use hot water to sterilize the dentures.
B) Clean the dentures with a standard toothbrush and toothpaste.
C) Hold the dentures firmly and clean them over a sink filled with water or a towel.
D) Leave the dentures in a cup of water and mouthwash overnight.
Answer: C
Rationale: Dentures are slippery and can easily break if dropped. Filling the sink with water or placing a towel in the bottom provides a soft
landing surface if they are accidentally dropped. Hot water can warp dentures, and regular toothpaste is too abrasive.
3. A resident is in the prone position. How is the resident lying?
A) On their back
B) On their stomach
C) On their side
D) Sitting upright
,Answer: B
Rationale: Prone means lying flat on the abdomen (stomach). Supine means on the back. Lateral means on the side. Fowler's is a semi-sitting
position.
4. Which of the following is the correct way to identify a resident before providing care?
A) Ask the resident, "Are you Mr. Smith?"
B) Check the name on the door and the bed.
C) Call the resident by name and ask them to state their name and date of birth.
D) Ask the roommate to confirm the resident's name.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Joint Commission requires using at least two resident-specific identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) before any procedure.
Asking a "yes/no" question or relying on a door tag is not a reliable identification method.
5. What is the normal range for an adult's resting pulse (heart rate)?
, A) 40-60 beats per minute
B) 60-100 beats per minute
C) 100-120 beats per minute
D) 80-120 beats per minute
Answer: B
Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for an adult is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Rates below 60 (bradycardia) or above
100 (tachycardia) may indicate a problem, though athletes can have lower resting rates.
6. The normal range for an adult's respiratory rate is:
A) 12-20 breaths per minute
B) 20-30 breaths per minute
C) 10-15 breaths per minute
D) 30-40 breaths per minute
Answer: A
Rationale: A normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult is 12-20 breaths per minute.
with Answers & Clinical Rationales
1. What is the most important action a CNA can take to prevent the spread of infection?
A) Wearing gloves for all resident contact
B) Wearing a mask when in the resident's room
C) Hand hygiene
D) Wearing a gown when providing personal care
Answer: C
Rationale: Hand hygiene (washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand rub) is the single most effective way to prevent the
transmission of pathogens. While PPE is important, it is specific to the task, whereas hand hygiene is universal.
,2. When assisting a resident with denture care, what should the CNA do?
A) Use hot water to sterilize the dentures.
B) Clean the dentures with a standard toothbrush and toothpaste.
C) Hold the dentures firmly and clean them over a sink filled with water or a towel.
D) Leave the dentures in a cup of water and mouthwash overnight.
Answer: C
Rationale: Dentures are slippery and can easily break if dropped. Filling the sink with water or placing a towel in the bottom provides a soft
landing surface if they are accidentally dropped. Hot water can warp dentures, and regular toothpaste is too abrasive.
3. A resident is in the prone position. How is the resident lying?
A) On their back
B) On their stomach
C) On their side
D) Sitting upright
,Answer: B
Rationale: Prone means lying flat on the abdomen (stomach). Supine means on the back. Lateral means on the side. Fowler's is a semi-sitting
position.
4. Which of the following is the correct way to identify a resident before providing care?
A) Ask the resident, "Are you Mr. Smith?"
B) Check the name on the door and the bed.
C) Call the resident by name and ask them to state their name and date of birth.
D) Ask the roommate to confirm the resident's name.
Answer: C
Rationale: The Joint Commission requires using at least two resident-specific identifiers (e.g., name and date of birth) before any procedure.
Asking a "yes/no" question or relying on a door tag is not a reliable identification method.
5. What is the normal range for an adult's resting pulse (heart rate)?
, A) 40-60 beats per minute
B) 60-100 beats per minute
C) 100-120 beats per minute
D) 80-120 beats per minute
Answer: B
Rationale: The normal resting heart rate for an adult is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. Rates below 60 (bradycardia) or above
100 (tachycardia) may indicate a problem, though athletes can have lower resting rates.
6. The normal range for an adult's respiratory rate is:
A) 12-20 breaths per minute
B) 20-30 breaths per minute
C) 10-15 breaths per minute
D) 30-40 breaths per minute
Answer: A
Rationale: A normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult is 12-20 breaths per minute.
