NEW YORK CNA SKILLS MASTERY EXAM PRACTICE EXAM | STUDY GUIDE |
TESTBANK | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | 150 QUESTIONS | 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS
Table of Contents:
Role of the Nurse Aide & Professional Boundaries
Infection Control & Hand Hygiene
Vital Signs Measurement & Interpretation
Personal Care & Hygiene Assistance
Mobility, Transfer & Positioning
Nutrition, Feeding & Fluid Intake
Elimination & Catheter Care
Skin Care, Wound Prevention & Dressing
Communication, Reporting & Documentation
Resident Rights, Ethics & Legal Issues
Safety & Emergency Procedures
Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents
Restorative Care & Independence Promotion
End-of-Life & Post-Mortem Care
Integrated Clinical Scenarios & Critical Thinking
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for candidates preparing for the
New York Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) competency evaluation administered by
Prometric. The exam mirrors the rigorous standards of the New York State Department
of Health curriculum, testing both theoretical knowledge and clinical judgment across
all core domains of nursing assistant practice. Questions are crafted at an advanced
level requiring critical analysis, application of infection control principles,
interpretation of vital signs, ethical decision-making, and prioritization in complex
clinical scenarios. Candidates should expect scenario-based questions that test the
ability to integrate multiple skills simultaneously, recognize subtle changes in resident
condition, and apply New York-specific regulations regarding resident rights and
safety protocols. Mastery of this material, combined with clinical skills proficiency, is
essential for successful registry placement and safe, competent practice.
,Question 1
A 78-year-old resident with a history of congestive heart failure is receiving
supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. During morning care, the CNA
notices the resident's respiratory rate has increased from 18 to 26 breaths per minute
over the past hour, and the resident reports feeling increasingly short of breath. The
CNA's priority action should be:
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min and continue with morning care.
B. Document the increased respiratory rate and report the change to the charge nurse
immediately.
C. Position the resident in a high Fowler's position and encourage pursed-lip
breathing.
D. Check the oxygen tubing for kinks and ensure the cannula prongs are properly
positioned.
Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: A CNA must report any significant change in a resident's condition,
especially respiratory distress, to the supervising nurse immediately. The nurse must
assess the resident and determine if medical intervention is needed. While positioning
and checking equipment are appropriate supportive measures, they do not replace the
obligation to report. CNAs cannot adjust oxygen flow rates independently as this
requires a provider order.
Question 2
During a bed bath, the CNA observes a reddened area on the resident's coccyx that
does not blanch when pressure is applied. The resident has been incontinent of urine
and stool. Which of the following actions demonstrates the most appropriate
professional judgment?
A. Apply a moisture barrier cream to the area and continue the bath.
B. Gently massage the area to promote circulation and report it to the nurse.
C. Document the finding as a suspected Stage 1 pressure injury and report it to the
charge nurse.
D. Apply a hydrocolloid dressing to protect the area from further breakdown.
Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: A non-blanching reddened area over a bony prominence in an
incontinent resident is a Stage 1 pressure injury. CNAs should accurately document
objective findings and report them promptly to the nurse. Massage is contraindicated
over reddened areas as it can cause tissue damage. Dressing application requires
nursing assessment and orders.
,Question 3
A resident who is NPO (nothing by mouth) for an upcoming diagnostic procedure
asks the CNA for a glass of water because they are very thirsty. The CNA should:
A. Provide a small sip of water to comfort the resident since the procedure is not for
several hours.
B. Explain that the resident cannot have anything by mouth and offer ice chips
instead.
C. Politely explain the NPO order, remind the resident of the procedure, and notify the
nurse of the resident's request.
D. Tell the resident to ask the nurse directly since the CNA cannot make decisions
about food or fluids.
Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: CNAs must uphold provider orders while demonstrating compassion.
The CNA should explain the NPO status, reinforce the reason, and communicate the
resident's concerns to the nurse. Offering ice chips or water violates the NPO order.
Dismissing the resident to the nurse without explanation fails to provide basic
information and support.
Question 4
When transferring a resident from a bed to a wheelchair using a mechanical lift, the
CNA notices that the sling is positioned too low on the resident's back, leaving the
resident's head unsupported. The CNA should:
A. Proceed with the transfer slowly, supporting the resident's head manually during
the lift.
B. Lower the resident back to the bed, reposition the sling correctly, and then perform
the transfer.
C. Adjust the sling by pulling it upward while the resident is suspended in the air.
D. Ask the resident to hold their head upright during the transfer.
Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: A mechanical lift sling must be correctly positioned before the resident
is lifted to ensure safety and prevent injury. If the sling is improperly positioned, the
resident must be lowered and the sling repositioned before proceeding. Adjusting the
sling while the resident is suspended is unsafe and can cause falls or injury.
Question 5
A resident with a diagnosis of dementia frequently wanders into other residents'
rooms and takes their personal belongings. The CNA's most therapeutic response is
, to:
A. Firmly redirect the resident back to their own room and explain that taking others'
items is not allowed.
B. Escort the resident to a common area and provide a supervised activity to redirect
their attention.
C. Place a sign on the resident's door reminding them not to enter other rooms.
D. Ask the resident why they take other people's things and explain the consequences.
Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Redirecting a resident with dementia to a supervised activity addresses
the underlying need for engagement without confrontation. Firm reprimands,
consequences, or questions that require reasoning abilities the resident may lack can
increase agitation and are not therapeutic. Environmental modifications (like signs)
may not be effective due to cognitive deficits.
Question 6
The CNA is assisting a resident with a meal when the resident begins to cough
forcefully and has difficulty breathing. The resident's face becomes flushed, and they
are clutching their throat. What is the CNA's immediate priority?
A. Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) immediately.
B. Encourage the resident to cough more forcefully to clear the airway.
C. Call for help and wait for the nurse to arrive.
D. Slap the resident firmly on the back between the shoulder blades.
Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The resident is showing signs of a severe airway obstruction (coughing,
difficulty breathing, clutching throat). When a person cannot speak or breathe
effectively, the Heimlich maneuver must be performed immediately. Back slaps are
recommended only for infants or when the person is conscious and can cough
effectively. Waiting for help delays life-saving intervention.
Question 7
A resident who is ambulatory with a walker tells the CNA they feel dizzy and
lightheaded when standing up from the toilet. The CNA's most appropriate action is:
A. Instruct the resident to sit back down slowly and press the call light for assistance.
B. Help the resident stand slowly and walk them back to bed while supporting their
gait.
C. Tell the resident to hold onto the grab bar and take deep breaths until the dizziness
passes.
TESTBANK | LATEST UPDATE 2026/2027 | 150 QUESTIONS | 100% CORRECT
ANSWERS
Table of Contents:
Role of the Nurse Aide & Professional Boundaries
Infection Control & Hand Hygiene
Vital Signs Measurement & Interpretation
Personal Care & Hygiene Assistance
Mobility, Transfer & Positioning
Nutrition, Feeding & Fluid Intake
Elimination & Catheter Care
Skin Care, Wound Prevention & Dressing
Communication, Reporting & Documentation
Resident Rights, Ethics & Legal Issues
Safety & Emergency Procedures
Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents
Restorative Care & Independence Promotion
End-of-Life & Post-Mortem Care
Integrated Clinical Scenarios & Critical Thinking
INTRODUCTION
This comprehensive practice examination is designed for candidates preparing for the
New York Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) competency evaluation administered by
Prometric. The exam mirrors the rigorous standards of the New York State Department
of Health curriculum, testing both theoretical knowledge and clinical judgment across
all core domains of nursing assistant practice. Questions are crafted at an advanced
level requiring critical analysis, application of infection control principles,
interpretation of vital signs, ethical decision-making, and prioritization in complex
clinical scenarios. Candidates should expect scenario-based questions that test the
ability to integrate multiple skills simultaneously, recognize subtle changes in resident
condition, and apply New York-specific regulations regarding resident rights and
safety protocols. Mastery of this material, combined with clinical skills proficiency, is
essential for successful registry placement and safe, competent practice.
,Question 1
A 78-year-old resident with a history of congestive heart failure is receiving
supplemental oxygen at 2 L/min via nasal cannula. During morning care, the CNA
notices the resident's respiratory rate has increased from 18 to 26 breaths per minute
over the past hour, and the resident reports feeling increasingly short of breath. The
CNA's priority action should be:
A. Increase the oxygen flow rate to 4 L/min and continue with morning care.
B. Document the increased respiratory rate and report the change to the charge nurse
immediately.
C. Position the resident in a high Fowler's position and encourage pursed-lip
breathing.
D. Check the oxygen tubing for kinks and ensure the cannula prongs are properly
positioned.
Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: A CNA must report any significant change in a resident's condition,
especially respiratory distress, to the supervising nurse immediately. The nurse must
assess the resident and determine if medical intervention is needed. While positioning
and checking equipment are appropriate supportive measures, they do not replace the
obligation to report. CNAs cannot adjust oxygen flow rates independently as this
requires a provider order.
Question 2
During a bed bath, the CNA observes a reddened area on the resident's coccyx that
does not blanch when pressure is applied. The resident has been incontinent of urine
and stool. Which of the following actions demonstrates the most appropriate
professional judgment?
A. Apply a moisture barrier cream to the area and continue the bath.
B. Gently massage the area to promote circulation and report it to the nurse.
C. Document the finding as a suspected Stage 1 pressure injury and report it to the
charge nurse.
D. Apply a hydrocolloid dressing to protect the area from further breakdown.
Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: A non-blanching reddened area over a bony prominence in an
incontinent resident is a Stage 1 pressure injury. CNAs should accurately document
objective findings and report them promptly to the nurse. Massage is contraindicated
over reddened areas as it can cause tissue damage. Dressing application requires
nursing assessment and orders.
,Question 3
A resident who is NPO (nothing by mouth) for an upcoming diagnostic procedure
asks the CNA for a glass of water because they are very thirsty. The CNA should:
A. Provide a small sip of water to comfort the resident since the procedure is not for
several hours.
B. Explain that the resident cannot have anything by mouth and offer ice chips
instead.
C. Politely explain the NPO order, remind the resident of the procedure, and notify the
nurse of the resident's request.
D. Tell the resident to ask the nurse directly since the CNA cannot make decisions
about food or fluids.
Correct Answer: C
- Explanation: CNAs must uphold provider orders while demonstrating compassion.
The CNA should explain the NPO status, reinforce the reason, and communicate the
resident's concerns to the nurse. Offering ice chips or water violates the NPO order.
Dismissing the resident to the nurse without explanation fails to provide basic
information and support.
Question 4
When transferring a resident from a bed to a wheelchair using a mechanical lift, the
CNA notices that the sling is positioned too low on the resident's back, leaving the
resident's head unsupported. The CNA should:
A. Proceed with the transfer slowly, supporting the resident's head manually during
the lift.
B. Lower the resident back to the bed, reposition the sling correctly, and then perform
the transfer.
C. Adjust the sling by pulling it upward while the resident is suspended in the air.
D. Ask the resident to hold their head upright during the transfer.
Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: A mechanical lift sling must be correctly positioned before the resident
is lifted to ensure safety and prevent injury. If the sling is improperly positioned, the
resident must be lowered and the sling repositioned before proceeding. Adjusting the
sling while the resident is suspended is unsafe and can cause falls or injury.
Question 5
A resident with a diagnosis of dementia frequently wanders into other residents'
rooms and takes their personal belongings. The CNA's most therapeutic response is
, to:
A. Firmly redirect the resident back to their own room and explain that taking others'
items is not allowed.
B. Escort the resident to a common area and provide a supervised activity to redirect
their attention.
C. Place a sign on the resident's door reminding them not to enter other rooms.
D. Ask the resident why they take other people's things and explain the consequences.
Correct Answer: B
- Explanation: Redirecting a resident with dementia to a supervised activity addresses
the underlying need for engagement without confrontation. Firm reprimands,
consequences, or questions that require reasoning abilities the resident may lack can
increase agitation and are not therapeutic. Environmental modifications (like signs)
may not be effective due to cognitive deficits.
Question 6
The CNA is assisting a resident with a meal when the resident begins to cough
forcefully and has difficulty breathing. The resident's face becomes flushed, and they
are clutching their throat. What is the CNA's immediate priority?
A. Perform the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) immediately.
B. Encourage the resident to cough more forcefully to clear the airway.
C. Call for help and wait for the nurse to arrive.
D. Slap the resident firmly on the back between the shoulder blades.
Correct Answer: A
- Explanation: The resident is showing signs of a severe airway obstruction (coughing,
difficulty breathing, clutching throat). When a person cannot speak or breathe
effectively, the Heimlich maneuver must be performed immediately. Back slaps are
recommended only for infants or when the person is conscious and can cough
effectively. Waiting for help delays life-saving intervention.
Question 7
A resident who is ambulatory with a walker tells the CNA they feel dizzy and
lightheaded when standing up from the toilet. The CNA's most appropriate action is:
A. Instruct the resident to sit back down slowly and press the call light for assistance.
B. Help the resident stand slowly and walk them back to bed while supporting their
gait.
C. Tell the resident to hold onto the grab bar and take deep breaths until the dizziness
passes.
