Wisconsin Nurse Aide
Competency Exam Practice
Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Guaranteed Pass (GRADED
A+)
Question 1: Resident with Right-Sided Weakness
A resident with right-sided weakness is being transferred from the
bed to a wheelchair. Where should the nurse aide place the
wheelchair?
A. On the resident's weak side.
B. On the resident's strong side.
C. With the back of the chair facing the bed.
D. As far from the bed as possible.
Answer: B. On the resident's strong side.
Rationale: Positioning the wheelchair on the resident's strong
side promotes safety during the transfer. It allows the resident to
, use their stronger muscles to stand and pivot, which reduces the
risk of a fall .
Question 2: Responding to Signs of a Stroke
A nurse aide notices a resident suddenly becomes confused and
has slurred speech. What should the nurse aide do FIRST?
A. Document the change at the end of the shift.
B. Offer the resident a drink of water.
C. Report the change immediately to the nurse.
D. Ask the resident what they had for breakfast.
Answer: C. Report the change immediately to the nurse.
Rationale: Sudden confusion and slurred speech are key signs of
a stroke or other serious neurological emergency . Immediate
reporting to the nurse is critical so that rapid medical assessment
and treatment can be initiated. Delays can lead to permanent
injury or death .
Question 3: Handling a Refusal of Care
A resident refuses a bath. Which response by the nurse aide is
most appropriate?
A. Tell the resident a bath is required by policy.
B. Bathe the resident anyway.
C. Respect the refusal, document it, and report it.
D. Give the resident a "sponge bath" instead.
Answer: C. Respect the refusal, document it, and report it.
Rationale: Competent residents have the right to refuse care,
including bathing. The nurse aide should respect the resident's
rights and autonomy. The aide should then report the refusal to
, the supervising nurse and document it according to facility
policy . Attempting to coerce or force the resident would be a
violation of their rights .
Question 4: Assisting a Resident with Dysphagia
A nurse aide is feeding a resident with dysphagia (difficulty
swallowing) who is on a pureed diet. The resident starts coughing
repeatedly. What should the nurse aide do?
A. Continue feeding slowly.
B. Stop feeding and assess the resident's ability to swallow.
C. Offer a drink of thin liquids to help wash down the food.
D. Encourage the resident to take larger bites to finish faster.
Answer: B. Stop feeding and assess the resident's ability to
swallow.
Rationale: Frequent coughing during meals is a sign that the
resident may be choking or having difficulty swallowing
(aspiration). The aide should immediately stop feeding, ensure the
resident is safe, and assess their ability to swallow . Thin liquids
are actually more difficult for people with dysphagia and increase
the risk of aspiration .
Question 5: Assisting a Resident with a Pressure Ulcer
A nurse aide is caring for a resident with a stage 3 pressure ulcer
on the sacrum. The wound care order includes cleaning with
normal saline and applying a hydrocolloid dressing. Which of the
following actions by the nurse aide is most appropriate?
A. Clean the wound using a circular motion from the center
outward with sterile gauze.
, B. Apply a thick layer of topical antibiotic ointment before placing
the hydrocolloid dressing.
C. Use a wound cleanser that contains alcohol to ensure thorough
disinfection.
D. Pack the wound cavity loosely with saline-moistened gauze
before applying the dressing.
Answer: A. Clean the wound using a circular motion from the
center outward with sterile gauze.
Rationale: Cleaning from center to periphery prevents
contamination of the wound bed. Hydrocolloid dressings are for
clean, non-infected wounds; topical antibiotics (B) are not
routinely indicated. Alcohol-based cleansers (C) are cytotoxic and
delay healing. Packing (D) is not required for hydrocolloid
dressings, which are occlusive and maintain a moist environment .
Question 6: Responding to a Combative Resident
What is the appropriate response if a resident becomes combative
and tries to hit the nurse aide?
A. Step back, maintain a safe distance, and call for help.
B. Show the resident that the nurse aide is in control.
C. Restrain the resident immediately.
D. Yell at the resident to stop.
Answer: A. Step back, maintain a safe distance, and call for
help.
Rationale: The nurse aide should ensure personal safety by
stepping back and calling for help. Trying to show control (B) may
escalate the situation. Restraints (C) require a physician's order.
Yelling (D) is unprofessional and may worsen the behavior .
Competency Exam Practice
Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers)
Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A |
Guaranteed Pass (GRADED
A+)
Question 1: Resident with Right-Sided Weakness
A resident with right-sided weakness is being transferred from the
bed to a wheelchair. Where should the nurse aide place the
wheelchair?
A. On the resident's weak side.
B. On the resident's strong side.
C. With the back of the chair facing the bed.
D. As far from the bed as possible.
Answer: B. On the resident's strong side.
Rationale: Positioning the wheelchair on the resident's strong
side promotes safety during the transfer. It allows the resident to
, use their stronger muscles to stand and pivot, which reduces the
risk of a fall .
Question 2: Responding to Signs of a Stroke
A nurse aide notices a resident suddenly becomes confused and
has slurred speech. What should the nurse aide do FIRST?
A. Document the change at the end of the shift.
B. Offer the resident a drink of water.
C. Report the change immediately to the nurse.
D. Ask the resident what they had for breakfast.
Answer: C. Report the change immediately to the nurse.
Rationale: Sudden confusion and slurred speech are key signs of
a stroke or other serious neurological emergency . Immediate
reporting to the nurse is critical so that rapid medical assessment
and treatment can be initiated. Delays can lead to permanent
injury or death .
Question 3: Handling a Refusal of Care
A resident refuses a bath. Which response by the nurse aide is
most appropriate?
A. Tell the resident a bath is required by policy.
B. Bathe the resident anyway.
C. Respect the refusal, document it, and report it.
D. Give the resident a "sponge bath" instead.
Answer: C. Respect the refusal, document it, and report it.
Rationale: Competent residents have the right to refuse care,
including bathing. The nurse aide should respect the resident's
rights and autonomy. The aide should then report the refusal to
, the supervising nurse and document it according to facility
policy . Attempting to coerce or force the resident would be a
violation of their rights .
Question 4: Assisting a Resident with Dysphagia
A nurse aide is feeding a resident with dysphagia (difficulty
swallowing) who is on a pureed diet. The resident starts coughing
repeatedly. What should the nurse aide do?
A. Continue feeding slowly.
B. Stop feeding and assess the resident's ability to swallow.
C. Offer a drink of thin liquids to help wash down the food.
D. Encourage the resident to take larger bites to finish faster.
Answer: B. Stop feeding and assess the resident's ability to
swallow.
Rationale: Frequent coughing during meals is a sign that the
resident may be choking or having difficulty swallowing
(aspiration). The aide should immediately stop feeding, ensure the
resident is safe, and assess their ability to swallow . Thin liquids
are actually more difficult for people with dysphagia and increase
the risk of aspiration .
Question 5: Assisting a Resident with a Pressure Ulcer
A nurse aide is caring for a resident with a stage 3 pressure ulcer
on the sacrum. The wound care order includes cleaning with
normal saline and applying a hydrocolloid dressing. Which of the
following actions by the nurse aide is most appropriate?
A. Clean the wound using a circular motion from the center
outward with sterile gauze.
, B. Apply a thick layer of topical antibiotic ointment before placing
the hydrocolloid dressing.
C. Use a wound cleanser that contains alcohol to ensure thorough
disinfection.
D. Pack the wound cavity loosely with saline-moistened gauze
before applying the dressing.
Answer: A. Clean the wound using a circular motion from the
center outward with sterile gauze.
Rationale: Cleaning from center to periphery prevents
contamination of the wound bed. Hydrocolloid dressings are for
clean, non-infected wounds; topical antibiotics (B) are not
routinely indicated. Alcohol-based cleansers (C) are cytotoxic and
delay healing. Packing (D) is not required for hydrocolloid
dressings, which are occlusive and maintain a moist environment .
Question 6: Responding to a Combative Resident
What is the appropriate response if a resident becomes combative
and tries to hit the nurse aide?
A. Step back, maintain a safe distance, and call for help.
B. Show the resident that the nurse aide is in control.
C. Restrain the resident immediately.
D. Yell at the resident to stop.
Answer: A. Step back, maintain a safe distance, and call for
help.
Rationale: The nurse aide should ensure personal safety by
stepping back and calling for help. Trying to show control (B) may
escalate the situation. Restraints (C) require a physician's order.
Yelling (D) is unprofessional and may worsen the behavior .
