CNA BASIC NURSING SKILLS EXAM–COMPLETE STUDY
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GUARANTEED PASS || LATEST EXAM 2026-2027
1. A resident with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease is expressing frustration while
attempting to button their shirt during morning care. What is the most appropriate initial
action for the certified nursing assistant (CNA) to take?
A. Immediately take over and dress the resident to prevent agitation and save time
B. Remove the shirt and offer a simpler garment with Velcro closures
C. Allow the resident adequate time and offer gentle, step-by-step guidance
D. Report the behavioral episode immediately to the charge nurse before proceeding
Answer: C
This approach promotes maximum functional independence while respecting the resident's
dignity. Breaking down tasks into smaller steps reduces cognitive overload in dementia care.
2. While assisting a client who is recovering from a recent left-sided stroke with transfer
from the bed to a wheelchair, which side of the client should the CNA position the
wheelchair?
A. Parallel to the bed on the client's left side
B. Parallel to the bed on the client's right side
C. Perpendicular to the foot of the bed facing the headboard
D. At a 45-degree angle directly at the foot of the bed
Answer: B
Positioning the wheelchair on the client's stronger, unaffected right side allows the client to
pivot and bear weight on their stronger side during the transfer.
3. A client on bedrest complains of a dull ache and warmth in their right calf during the
morning bath. What is the most critical action for the CNA to perform?
A. Massage the calf firmly to stimulate circulation and relieve muscle tension
,B. Apply warm, moist compresses to the affected area immediately
C. Instruct the client to perform active range-of-motion exercises in bed
D. Report the finding immediately to the licensed nurse without massaging the leg
Answer: D
A warm, painful calf can indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Massaging the area is strictly
contraindicated because it can dislodge the thrombus, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary
embolism.
4. When measuring a resident's routine oral temperature using a digital electronic
thermometer, the CNA notes a reading of 99.8°F. How should the CNA interpret and
document this reading?
A. Record the reading as an abnormal fever requiring immediate antipyretic medication
B. Recognize this as a normal oral temperature and record it per facility policy
C. Retake the temperature rectally to confirm whether a systemic fever is present
D. Document the reading as hypothermia due to environmental exposure
Answer: B
A normal oral temperature typically ranges from 97.6°F to 99.6°F. A reading of 99.8°F is
often within normal daily fluctuation limits, though facility policies define exact thresholds.
5. A resident with dysphagia is prescribed a mechanical soft diet with nectar-thick liquids.
Which meal tray item requires intervention by the CNA before the resident eats?
A. Pureed carrots served with smooth applesauce
B. Finely ground chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes
C. Fresh garden salad with raw cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes
D. Scrambled eggs cooked soft with a cup of thickened juice
Answer: C
Raw vegetables like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes pose a high aspiration risk for individuals
with dysphagia due to their hard texture and lack of uniformity, making them unsuitable for a
mechanical soft diet.
,6. Which of the following observations made during morning hygiene should be reported
immediately to the nurse as a potential sign of physical abuse?
A. Bilateral bruising on the anterior shins consistent with bumping a walker
B. Symmetrical reddening over the sacrum in a bedbound client
C. Finger-shaped ecchymoses in various stages of healing on the upper arms
D. Dry, flaky skin on the lower extremities requiring application of lotion
Answer: C
Finger-shaped bruises in various stages of healing on vulnerable areas like the upper arms
strongly suggest physical trauma inflicted by another person, warranting mandatory
reporting.
7. A client with diabetes mellitus requests a late-night snack that is not on their prescribed
meal plan. What is the correct response by the CNA?
A. Provide the snack secretly to maintain good rapport and client satisfaction
B. Refuse the request flatly and scold the client for poor dietary compliance
C. Notify the licensed nurse or registered dietitian to check the diet order and care plan
D. Order a high-sugar snack from the cafeteria to satisfy the immediate craving
Answer: C
Dietary modifications for diabetics must be carefully managed. The CNA must consult the
licensed nurse or dietitian to see if an approved snack fits within the client's prescribed
carbohydrate limits.
8. When performing catheter care for a female resident with an indwelling urinary
catheter, in which direction should the CNA cleanse the perineal area?
A. From the back toward the front, using a circular motion over the meatus
B. From the meatus outward using a single side-to-side sweeping motion
C. From the front (pubic area) toward the back (anus) in one continuous stroke
D. Vigiously back and forth across the catheter tubing to remove dried secretions
Answer: C
, Cleansing from front to back prevents the introduction of microorganisms from the anal
region into the urinary meatus, significantly reducing the risk of catheter-associated urinary
tract infections (CAUTIs).
9. While walking in the hallway, a resident suddenly loses balance and begins to fall toward
the floor. What is the immediate, correct action for the CNA to take?
A. Attempt to catch the resident in mid-air to prevent any contact with the floor
B. Pull upward sharply on the resident's transfer belt to restore an upright posture
C. Ease the resident down to the floor by sliding them against the CNA's body
D. Let go of the resident immediately to avoid sustaining personal back injuries
Answer: C
Easing the resident to the floor protects their head and spine from severe impact, while
keeping the CNA's body close prevents severe lifting injuries.
10. A resident in a long-term care facility expresses feelings of sadness, isolation, and a loss
of interest in activities they once enjoyed. What is the best initial approach for the CNA?
A. Tell the resident to cheer up because things could be much worse
B. Ignore the comments, as sadness is an inevitable part of aging
C. Listen actively, provide empathetic support, and report the observations to the nurse
D. Strongly encourage the resident to attend every facility social event immediately
Answer: C
Active listening and empathetic support validate the resident's feelings, while reporting
potential signs of depression ensures professional mental health evaluation.
11. Which piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be removed first when
exiting an isolation room requiring contact precautions?
A. Gloves
B. Gown
C. Face shield
D. N95 respirator
GUIDE | PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS-
RATIONALES | EXAM PREP | DOWNLOAD INSTANT PDF |
GUARANTEED PASS || LATEST EXAM 2026-2027
1. A resident with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease is expressing frustration while
attempting to button their shirt during morning care. What is the most appropriate initial
action for the certified nursing assistant (CNA) to take?
A. Immediately take over and dress the resident to prevent agitation and save time
B. Remove the shirt and offer a simpler garment with Velcro closures
C. Allow the resident adequate time and offer gentle, step-by-step guidance
D. Report the behavioral episode immediately to the charge nurse before proceeding
Answer: C
This approach promotes maximum functional independence while respecting the resident's
dignity. Breaking down tasks into smaller steps reduces cognitive overload in dementia care.
2. While assisting a client who is recovering from a recent left-sided stroke with transfer
from the bed to a wheelchair, which side of the client should the CNA position the
wheelchair?
A. Parallel to the bed on the client's left side
B. Parallel to the bed on the client's right side
C. Perpendicular to the foot of the bed facing the headboard
D. At a 45-degree angle directly at the foot of the bed
Answer: B
Positioning the wheelchair on the client's stronger, unaffected right side allows the client to
pivot and bear weight on their stronger side during the transfer.
3. A client on bedrest complains of a dull ache and warmth in their right calf during the
morning bath. What is the most critical action for the CNA to perform?
A. Massage the calf firmly to stimulate circulation and relieve muscle tension
,B. Apply warm, moist compresses to the affected area immediately
C. Instruct the client to perform active range-of-motion exercises in bed
D. Report the finding immediately to the licensed nurse without massaging the leg
Answer: D
A warm, painful calf can indicate a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Massaging the area is strictly
contraindicated because it can dislodge the thrombus, leading to a life-threatening pulmonary
embolism.
4. When measuring a resident's routine oral temperature using a digital electronic
thermometer, the CNA notes a reading of 99.8°F. How should the CNA interpret and
document this reading?
A. Record the reading as an abnormal fever requiring immediate antipyretic medication
B. Recognize this as a normal oral temperature and record it per facility policy
C. Retake the temperature rectally to confirm whether a systemic fever is present
D. Document the reading as hypothermia due to environmental exposure
Answer: B
A normal oral temperature typically ranges from 97.6°F to 99.6°F. A reading of 99.8°F is
often within normal daily fluctuation limits, though facility policies define exact thresholds.
5. A resident with dysphagia is prescribed a mechanical soft diet with nectar-thick liquids.
Which meal tray item requires intervention by the CNA before the resident eats?
A. Pureed carrots served with smooth applesauce
B. Finely ground chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes
C. Fresh garden salad with raw cucumber slices and cherry tomatoes
D. Scrambled eggs cooked soft with a cup of thickened juice
Answer: C
Raw vegetables like cucumbers and cherry tomatoes pose a high aspiration risk for individuals
with dysphagia due to their hard texture and lack of uniformity, making them unsuitable for a
mechanical soft diet.
,6. Which of the following observations made during morning hygiene should be reported
immediately to the nurse as a potential sign of physical abuse?
A. Bilateral bruising on the anterior shins consistent with bumping a walker
B. Symmetrical reddening over the sacrum in a bedbound client
C. Finger-shaped ecchymoses in various stages of healing on the upper arms
D. Dry, flaky skin on the lower extremities requiring application of lotion
Answer: C
Finger-shaped bruises in various stages of healing on vulnerable areas like the upper arms
strongly suggest physical trauma inflicted by another person, warranting mandatory
reporting.
7. A client with diabetes mellitus requests a late-night snack that is not on their prescribed
meal plan. What is the correct response by the CNA?
A. Provide the snack secretly to maintain good rapport and client satisfaction
B. Refuse the request flatly and scold the client for poor dietary compliance
C. Notify the licensed nurse or registered dietitian to check the diet order and care plan
D. Order a high-sugar snack from the cafeteria to satisfy the immediate craving
Answer: C
Dietary modifications for diabetics must be carefully managed. The CNA must consult the
licensed nurse or dietitian to see if an approved snack fits within the client's prescribed
carbohydrate limits.
8. When performing catheter care for a female resident with an indwelling urinary
catheter, in which direction should the CNA cleanse the perineal area?
A. From the back toward the front, using a circular motion over the meatus
B. From the meatus outward using a single side-to-side sweeping motion
C. From the front (pubic area) toward the back (anus) in one continuous stroke
D. Vigiously back and forth across the catheter tubing to remove dried secretions
Answer: C
, Cleansing from front to back prevents the introduction of microorganisms from the anal
region into the urinary meatus, significantly reducing the risk of catheter-associated urinary
tract infections (CAUTIs).
9. While walking in the hallway, a resident suddenly loses balance and begins to fall toward
the floor. What is the immediate, correct action for the CNA to take?
A. Attempt to catch the resident in mid-air to prevent any contact with the floor
B. Pull upward sharply on the resident's transfer belt to restore an upright posture
C. Ease the resident down to the floor by sliding them against the CNA's body
D. Let go of the resident immediately to avoid sustaining personal back injuries
Answer: C
Easing the resident to the floor protects their head and spine from severe impact, while
keeping the CNA's body close prevents severe lifting injuries.
10. A resident in a long-term care facility expresses feelings of sadness, isolation, and a loss
of interest in activities they once enjoyed. What is the best initial approach for the CNA?
A. Tell the resident to cheer up because things could be much worse
B. Ignore the comments, as sadness is an inevitable part of aging
C. Listen actively, provide empathetic support, and report the observations to the nurse
D. Strongly encourage the resident to attend every facility social event immediately
Answer: C
Active listening and empathetic support validate the resident's feelings, while reporting
potential signs of depression ensures professional mental health evaluation.
11. Which piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) must be removed first when
exiting an isolation room requiring contact precautions?
A. Gloves
B. Gown
C. Face shield
D. N95 respirator
