Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the CNA State Exam written portion?
A. To assess a candidate's physical fitness for patient care.
B. To evaluate the candidate's knowledge of nursing assistant duties, resident rights,
and safety protocols.
C. To certify candidates in advanced medical procedures.
D. To test candidates' personal opinions on patient care.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To evaluate the candidate's knowledge of nursing assistant
duties, resident rights, and safety protocols.
Rationale: The CNA written exam tests the core knowledge required for entry-level
nursing assistants, focusing on safe patient care, legal responsibilities, and ethical
conduct.
Question 2: According to the CNA exam blueprint, which content area is weighted most
heavily?
A. Role of the Nurse Aide.
B. Psychosocial Care Skills.
C. Physical Care Skills.
D. Communication Skills.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Physical Care Skills.
Rationale: Physical Care Skills accounts for approximately 55% of the written exam,
making it the largest content area.
Question 3: A resident needs oxygen because of a respiratory infection. The BEST
position for the resident while in bed is:
A. Side-lying.
B. Prone.
C. Fowler's.
D. Tripod.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fowler's.
Rationale: Fowler's position (semi-sitting) allows for maximum chest expansion and
easier breathing for a resident with respiratory di iculty.
Question 4: When assisting a resident from a lying to a sitting position and letting them
dangle at the side of the bed, you should:
,A. Get a gait belt from the supply area.
B. Stand in front of the resident.
C. Pick out clothes from the closet.
D. Sit with the resident until they are ready to stand.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Stand in front of the resident.
Rationale: Standing in front provides support and allows the CNA to monitor the
resident for signs of dizziness or weakness, preventing falls.
Question 5: When transferring a resident with a one-person assist and a gait belt, you
should:
A. Grasp the gait belt with one hand above the resident's stomach.
B. Stand in front of the resident and bend at the waist.
C. Grasp the gait belt with both hands and bend at the knees.
D. Hold the gait belt with one hand while lifting under the arms.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Grasp the gait belt with both hands and bend at the knees.
Rationale: Using both hands and bending at the knees protects the CNA's back from
injury while providing a secure transfer.
Question 6: A resident who is stable but requires 24-hour nursing care is most likely to
be:
A. Readmitted to the medical-surgical floor of the hospital.
B. Released to his home with his spouse.
C. Admitted to a long-term care facility.
D. Admitted to an assisted-living center for rehabilitation.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Admitted to a long-term care facility.
Rationale: Long-term care facilities provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care for
individuals who cannot be cared for at home.
Question 7: A resident who cannot bear weight requires which type of transfer
assistance?
A. One-person assist with a gait belt.
B. Sit-to-stand device.
C. Mechanical lift.
D. A cane.
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Mechanical lift.
Rationale: Residents who cannot bear any weight require a mechanical lift for safe
transfer, often requiring two sta members to operate.
Question 8: What is the correct way to use a cane when assisting a resident with a weak
side?
A. The cane is held on the weak side.
B. The cane is held on the strong side.
C. The cane is held in front of the resident.
D. The cane is not needed.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The cane is held on the strong side.
Rationale: The cane should be held on the strong side to provide support and stability
to the weaker side.
Question 9: When measuring a radial pulse, which fingers should the CNA use?
A. Thumb and index finger.
B. Index and middle finger.
C. Thumb only.
D. Middle and ring finger only.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Index and middle finger.
Rationale: The index and middle fingers are used because the thumb has its own strong
pulse, which could be mistaken for the patient's pulse.
Question 10: A resident is eating lunch and begins coughing forcefully but can speak a
few words. What should you do?
A. Perform the Heimlich maneuver.
B. Give them a glass of water.
C. Encourage them to continue coughing and stay with them.
D. Slap them firmly on the back.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Encourage them to continue coughing and stay with them.
Rationale: Forceful coughing and the ability to speak indicate a partial airway
obstruction. Do not intervene; let them clear it themselves. Back slaps could dislodge it
deeper.
, Question 11: You walk into a room and find a resident lying on the floor. What is your
very first action?
A. Help them back into bed immediately.
B. Assess for injuries and call for help.
C. Run to get the mechanical lift.
D. Call the family to inform them.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess for injuries and call for help.
Rationale: Never move a fallen resident immediately unless they are in immediate
danger. They may have a fracture or spinal injury. Assess first, then call the nurse.
Question 12: To prevent aspiration during feeding, how should the CNA position the
resident?
A. Lying flat on their back.
B. Supine with head turned.
C. Upright at a 90-degree angle (Fowler's position).
D. Trendelenburg (feet elevated).
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Upright at a 90-degree angle (Fowler's position).
Rationale: The resident must be sitting upright to allow gravity to help food go to the
stomach rather than the lungs.
Question 13: A CNA notices a red area on a resident's sacrum that does not blanch
(turn white when pressed). This is most likely:
A. A normal aging spot.
B. A Stage 1 pressure injury.
C. An allergic reaction.
D. A bruise from a fall.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A Stage 1 pressure injury.
Rationale: Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is the hallmark of a Stage
1 pressure ulcer, which is reversible with immediate repositioning.
Question 14: How often should bed-bound residents be turned and repositioned?
A. To assess a candidate's physical fitness for patient care.
B. To evaluate the candidate's knowledge of nursing assistant duties, resident rights,
and safety protocols.
C. To certify candidates in advanced medical procedures.
D. To test candidates' personal opinions on patient care.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. To evaluate the candidate's knowledge of nursing assistant
duties, resident rights, and safety protocols.
Rationale: The CNA written exam tests the core knowledge required for entry-level
nursing assistants, focusing on safe patient care, legal responsibilities, and ethical
conduct.
Question 2: According to the CNA exam blueprint, which content area is weighted most
heavily?
A. Role of the Nurse Aide.
B. Psychosocial Care Skills.
C. Physical Care Skills.
D. Communication Skills.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Physical Care Skills.
Rationale: Physical Care Skills accounts for approximately 55% of the written exam,
making it the largest content area.
Question 3: A resident needs oxygen because of a respiratory infection. The BEST
position for the resident while in bed is:
A. Side-lying.
B. Prone.
C. Fowler's.
D. Tripod.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Fowler's.
Rationale: Fowler's position (semi-sitting) allows for maximum chest expansion and
easier breathing for a resident with respiratory di iculty.
Question 4: When assisting a resident from a lying to a sitting position and letting them
dangle at the side of the bed, you should:
,A. Get a gait belt from the supply area.
B. Stand in front of the resident.
C. Pick out clothes from the closet.
D. Sit with the resident until they are ready to stand.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Stand in front of the resident.
Rationale: Standing in front provides support and allows the CNA to monitor the
resident for signs of dizziness or weakness, preventing falls.
Question 5: When transferring a resident with a one-person assist and a gait belt, you
should:
A. Grasp the gait belt with one hand above the resident's stomach.
B. Stand in front of the resident and bend at the waist.
C. Grasp the gait belt with both hands and bend at the knees.
D. Hold the gait belt with one hand while lifting under the arms.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Grasp the gait belt with both hands and bend at the knees.
Rationale: Using both hands and bending at the knees protects the CNA's back from
injury while providing a secure transfer.
Question 6: A resident who is stable but requires 24-hour nursing care is most likely to
be:
A. Readmitted to the medical-surgical floor of the hospital.
B. Released to his home with his spouse.
C. Admitted to a long-term care facility.
D. Admitted to an assisted-living center for rehabilitation.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Admitted to a long-term care facility.
Rationale: Long-term care facilities provide round-the-clock skilled nursing care for
individuals who cannot be cared for at home.
Question 7: A resident who cannot bear weight requires which type of transfer
assistance?
A. One-person assist with a gait belt.
B. Sit-to-stand device.
C. Mechanical lift.
D. A cane.
,CORRECT ANSWER: C. Mechanical lift.
Rationale: Residents who cannot bear any weight require a mechanical lift for safe
transfer, often requiring two sta members to operate.
Question 8: What is the correct way to use a cane when assisting a resident with a weak
side?
A. The cane is held on the weak side.
B. The cane is held on the strong side.
C. The cane is held in front of the resident.
D. The cane is not needed.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. The cane is held on the strong side.
Rationale: The cane should be held on the strong side to provide support and stability
to the weaker side.
Question 9: When measuring a radial pulse, which fingers should the CNA use?
A. Thumb and index finger.
B. Index and middle finger.
C. Thumb only.
D. Middle and ring finger only.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Index and middle finger.
Rationale: The index and middle fingers are used because the thumb has its own strong
pulse, which could be mistaken for the patient's pulse.
Question 10: A resident is eating lunch and begins coughing forcefully but can speak a
few words. What should you do?
A. Perform the Heimlich maneuver.
B. Give them a glass of water.
C. Encourage them to continue coughing and stay with them.
D. Slap them firmly on the back.
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Encourage them to continue coughing and stay with them.
Rationale: Forceful coughing and the ability to speak indicate a partial airway
obstruction. Do not intervene; let them clear it themselves. Back slaps could dislodge it
deeper.
, Question 11: You walk into a room and find a resident lying on the floor. What is your
very first action?
A. Help them back into bed immediately.
B. Assess for injuries and call for help.
C. Run to get the mechanical lift.
D. Call the family to inform them.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. Assess for injuries and call for help.
Rationale: Never move a fallen resident immediately unless they are in immediate
danger. They may have a fracture or spinal injury. Assess first, then call the nurse.
Question 12: To prevent aspiration during feeding, how should the CNA position the
resident?
A. Lying flat on their back.
B. Supine with head turned.
C. Upright at a 90-degree angle (Fowler's position).
D. Trendelenburg (feet elevated).
CORRECT ANSWER: C. Upright at a 90-degree angle (Fowler's position).
Rationale: The resident must be sitting upright to allow gravity to help food go to the
stomach rather than the lungs.
Question 13: A CNA notices a red area on a resident's sacrum that does not blanch
(turn white when pressed). This is most likely:
A. A normal aging spot.
B. A Stage 1 pressure injury.
C. An allergic reaction.
D. A bruise from a fall.
CORRECT ANSWER: B. A Stage 1 pressure injury.
Rationale: Non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence is the hallmark of a Stage
1 pressure ulcer, which is reversible with immediate repositioning.
Question 14: How often should bed-bound residents be turned and repositioned?
