CNA CHAPTER 8 EXAM | CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT | ALL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027 | VERIFIED ANSWERS
PLUS RATIONALES | GRADED Q&A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
GUIDE | VERIFIED LATEST 2027
1. A certified nursing assistant enters a resident's room to assist with morning care and
notices the resident is holding their chest and reporting sudden pressure. What is the
immediate priority action for the nursing assistant?
A. Help the resident sit up slowly and offer a glass of water to soothe potential indigestion.
B. Immediately call for emergency assistance utilizing the call light or alarm and stay with the
resident.
C. Leave the room quickly to locate the resident's designated family member for medical
history.
D. Assist the resident into a flat supine position to promote spinal alignment and relaxation.
Answer: B
Calling for emergency assistance immediately while remaining with a resident experiencing
chest pain ensures rapid clinical intervention and maintains safety during a potentially life-
threatening cardiac event.
2. A resident with advanced dementia becomes increasingly agitated during the evening
routine and attempts to wander out of the secured unit. Which approach best demonstrates
person-centered care management?
A. Apply a vest restraint immediately to prevent potential elopement and injury.
B. Redirect the resident toward a quiet activity and gently offer a familiar snack or warm
beverage.
C. Lock the resident inside their private room until evening shift change occurs.
D. Inform the resident firmly that leaving the unit is against facility policy and unacceptable.
Answer: B
Redirecting an agitated resident using familiar, calming activities addresses unmet needs and
anxiety without resorting to unnecessary physical or chemical restraints.
3. While transferring a resident from the bed to a wheelchair using a gait belt, the resident
begins to feel dizzy and starts to slide toward the floor. What should the nursing assistant
do?
A. Pull upward forcefully on the resident's arms to lift them back into an upright position.
B. Let go of the gait belt immediately to avoid losing balance alongside the falling resident.
, C. Keep a firm grip on the gait belt, pull the resident close to your body, and ease them down to
the floor safely.
D. Twist your torso quickly to catch the resident's falling upper body weight.
Answer: C
Holding the gait belt, maintaining a wide base of support, and easing the resident to the floor
protects both the resident from impact injuries and the caregiver from lifting strains.
4. A nursing assistant is measuring the oral temperature of an alert resident who has just
finished drinking a cup of hot tea. How long should the assistant wait before taking the
temperature?
A. No waiting period is required because hot liquids do not affect oral thermometer readings.
B. Wait approximately 10 to 15 minutes to allow the oral cavity temperature to stabilize.
C. Wait exactly one full hour before attempting any temperature measurement.
D. Proceed immediately using a tympanic thermometer instead without documenting the delay.
Answer: B
Hot or cold food and beverages temporarily alter oral mucous membrane temperatures,
requiring a 10 to 15 minute delay for accurate baseline readings.
5. Which of the following observations regarding a resident's indwelling urinary catheter
must be reported to the nurse immediately?
A. Urine is flowing freely into the collection bag positioned below bladder level.
B. The collection bag is half full and requires routine emptying.
C. Urine output has stopped entirely over the past three hours, and the resident reports lower
abdominal discomfort.
D. The tubing is secured loosely to the resident's upper thigh with tape.
Answer: C
An abrupt cessation of urine output combined with lower abdominal discomfort indicates a
potential urinary obstruction or kinked tubing that requires immediate clinical evaluation.
6. When performing perineal care for a female resident, the nursing assistant must wipe in
which direction to prevent cross-contamination?
A. From the anal area toward the pubic bone
B. From side to side across the labia
C. From the pubic area backward toward the anus
D. In a circular motion centered over the urinary meatus
Answer: C
,Wiping from front to back (pubic area to anus) minimizes the transfer of microorganisms from
the anal region to the urethra, reducing infection risks.
7. A resident who is on a prescribed thickened liquid diet is given a regular cup of water by
a visiting family member. What is the nursing assistant's responsibility?
A. Allow the resident to drink the water since family members know what is best.
B. Gently intervene, explain the dietary restriction, and replace the water with the appropriately
thickened fluid.
C. Report the family member to the facility administrator for a policy violation.
D. Document the water intake in the chart and say nothing to avoid conflict.
Answer: B
Intervening politely to remove unapproved thin liquids prevents dangerous aspiration risks
for residents prescribed specific consistency modifications.
8. Which of the following is an early sign of pressure injury development over a bony
prominence?
A. Intact skin with a localized area of non-blanching erythema that does not fade when pressed.
B. An open crater-like wound extending into the subcutaneous fat layer.
C. Black, leathery tissue covering the entire heel surface.
D. Full-thickness skin loss with exposed muscle and bone.
Answer: A
Non-blanching redness over a bony prominence indicates Stage 1 pressure injury formation,
signaling the need for immediate offloading and barrier protection.
9. A resident's care plan specifies that they require assistance with two staff members for
bed mobility. Only one nursing assistant is available on the unit. What should the assistant
do?
A. Attempt to move the resident quickly alone using extra pillows for support.
B. Wait to perform the repositioning until a second staff member is available to assist safely.
C. Ask an ambulatory resident in the next room to help push the bed linens.
D. Skip the scheduled repositioning session entirely for the shift.
Answer: B
Adhering strictly to safe patient handling guidelines and care plan staffing requirements
prevents caregiver injury and resident falls.
10. When documenting care in a resident's electronic medical record, which entry is most
professional and legally sound?
, A. Resident was lazy and refused to eat breakfast this morning.
B. Resident ate 25% of scrambled eggs and 60 mL of orange juice at breakfast; denied nausea.
C. Resident seems depressed today and didn't want to get out of bed.
D. Resident had a terrible morning and yelled at staff members.
Answer: B
Objective, factual documentation detailing specific food intake percentages, fluid amounts,
and direct quotes or observations protects against subjective bias and meets legal charting
standards.
11. A nursing assistant notices that a resident's right arm is swollen, warm to the touch,
and significantly more painful when moved compared to the left arm. What is the
appropriate response?
A. Massage the arm vigorously to improve local circulation and reduce swelling.
B. Apply a heating pad to the extremity immediately.
C. Promptly report the observations to the charge nurse and document the findings.
D. Encourage the resident to exercise the arm against resistance to prevent stiffness.
Answer: C
Unilateral swelling, warmth, and pain can indicate deep vein thrombosis or localized trauma,
requiring immediate nurse notification rather than unprescribed manipulation.
12. Standard Precautions established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
require healthcare workers to wear gloves during which of the following activities?
A. Feeding an alert resident who has intact skin and no infectious symptoms.
B. Measuring and recording a resident's routine blood pressure.
C. Performing mouth care or handling items soiled with body fluids.
D. Walking a stable resident down the hallway to the dining room.
Answer: C
Standard Precautions mandate glove use whenever there is potential exposure to blood, body
fluids, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes, such as during oral care.
13. A resident expresses feelings of sadness and states that life is no longer worth living
following the recent loss of a spouse. How should the nursing assistant respond?
A. Tell the resident that time heals all wounds and change the subject to something cheerful.
B. Listen attentively, validate the resident's feelings, and report the statement immediately to the
nurse.
C. Reassure the resident that many other residents feel the exact same way.
D. Advise the resident to snap out of it and focus on upcoming facility activities.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027 | VERIFIED ANSWERS
PLUS RATIONALES | GRADED Q&A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY
GUIDE | VERIFIED LATEST 2027
1. A certified nursing assistant enters a resident's room to assist with morning care and
notices the resident is holding their chest and reporting sudden pressure. What is the
immediate priority action for the nursing assistant?
A. Help the resident sit up slowly and offer a glass of water to soothe potential indigestion.
B. Immediately call for emergency assistance utilizing the call light or alarm and stay with the
resident.
C. Leave the room quickly to locate the resident's designated family member for medical
history.
D. Assist the resident into a flat supine position to promote spinal alignment and relaxation.
Answer: B
Calling for emergency assistance immediately while remaining with a resident experiencing
chest pain ensures rapid clinical intervention and maintains safety during a potentially life-
threatening cardiac event.
2. A resident with advanced dementia becomes increasingly agitated during the evening
routine and attempts to wander out of the secured unit. Which approach best demonstrates
person-centered care management?
A. Apply a vest restraint immediately to prevent potential elopement and injury.
B. Redirect the resident toward a quiet activity and gently offer a familiar snack or warm
beverage.
C. Lock the resident inside their private room until evening shift change occurs.
D. Inform the resident firmly that leaving the unit is against facility policy and unacceptable.
Answer: B
Redirecting an agitated resident using familiar, calming activities addresses unmet needs and
anxiety without resorting to unnecessary physical or chemical restraints.
3. While transferring a resident from the bed to a wheelchair using a gait belt, the resident
begins to feel dizzy and starts to slide toward the floor. What should the nursing assistant
do?
A. Pull upward forcefully on the resident's arms to lift them back into an upright position.
B. Let go of the gait belt immediately to avoid losing balance alongside the falling resident.
, C. Keep a firm grip on the gait belt, pull the resident close to your body, and ease them down to
the floor safely.
D. Twist your torso quickly to catch the resident's falling upper body weight.
Answer: C
Holding the gait belt, maintaining a wide base of support, and easing the resident to the floor
protects both the resident from impact injuries and the caregiver from lifting strains.
4. A nursing assistant is measuring the oral temperature of an alert resident who has just
finished drinking a cup of hot tea. How long should the assistant wait before taking the
temperature?
A. No waiting period is required because hot liquids do not affect oral thermometer readings.
B. Wait approximately 10 to 15 minutes to allow the oral cavity temperature to stabilize.
C. Wait exactly one full hour before attempting any temperature measurement.
D. Proceed immediately using a tympanic thermometer instead without documenting the delay.
Answer: B
Hot or cold food and beverages temporarily alter oral mucous membrane temperatures,
requiring a 10 to 15 minute delay for accurate baseline readings.
5. Which of the following observations regarding a resident's indwelling urinary catheter
must be reported to the nurse immediately?
A. Urine is flowing freely into the collection bag positioned below bladder level.
B. The collection bag is half full and requires routine emptying.
C. Urine output has stopped entirely over the past three hours, and the resident reports lower
abdominal discomfort.
D. The tubing is secured loosely to the resident's upper thigh with tape.
Answer: C
An abrupt cessation of urine output combined with lower abdominal discomfort indicates a
potential urinary obstruction or kinked tubing that requires immediate clinical evaluation.
6. When performing perineal care for a female resident, the nursing assistant must wipe in
which direction to prevent cross-contamination?
A. From the anal area toward the pubic bone
B. From side to side across the labia
C. From the pubic area backward toward the anus
D. In a circular motion centered over the urinary meatus
Answer: C
,Wiping from front to back (pubic area to anus) minimizes the transfer of microorganisms from
the anal region to the urethra, reducing infection risks.
7. A resident who is on a prescribed thickened liquid diet is given a regular cup of water by
a visiting family member. What is the nursing assistant's responsibility?
A. Allow the resident to drink the water since family members know what is best.
B. Gently intervene, explain the dietary restriction, and replace the water with the appropriately
thickened fluid.
C. Report the family member to the facility administrator for a policy violation.
D. Document the water intake in the chart and say nothing to avoid conflict.
Answer: B
Intervening politely to remove unapproved thin liquids prevents dangerous aspiration risks
for residents prescribed specific consistency modifications.
8. Which of the following is an early sign of pressure injury development over a bony
prominence?
A. Intact skin with a localized area of non-blanching erythema that does not fade when pressed.
B. An open crater-like wound extending into the subcutaneous fat layer.
C. Black, leathery tissue covering the entire heel surface.
D. Full-thickness skin loss with exposed muscle and bone.
Answer: A
Non-blanching redness over a bony prominence indicates Stage 1 pressure injury formation,
signaling the need for immediate offloading and barrier protection.
9. A resident's care plan specifies that they require assistance with two staff members for
bed mobility. Only one nursing assistant is available on the unit. What should the assistant
do?
A. Attempt to move the resident quickly alone using extra pillows for support.
B. Wait to perform the repositioning until a second staff member is available to assist safely.
C. Ask an ambulatory resident in the next room to help push the bed linens.
D. Skip the scheduled repositioning session entirely for the shift.
Answer: B
Adhering strictly to safe patient handling guidelines and care plan staffing requirements
prevents caregiver injury and resident falls.
10. When documenting care in a resident's electronic medical record, which entry is most
professional and legally sound?
, A. Resident was lazy and refused to eat breakfast this morning.
B. Resident ate 25% of scrambled eggs and 60 mL of orange juice at breakfast; denied nausea.
C. Resident seems depressed today and didn't want to get out of bed.
D. Resident had a terrible morning and yelled at staff members.
Answer: B
Objective, factual documentation detailing specific food intake percentages, fluid amounts,
and direct quotes or observations protects against subjective bias and meets legal charting
standards.
11. A nursing assistant notices that a resident's right arm is swollen, warm to the touch,
and significantly more painful when moved compared to the left arm. What is the
appropriate response?
A. Massage the arm vigorously to improve local circulation and reduce swelling.
B. Apply a heating pad to the extremity immediately.
C. Promptly report the observations to the charge nurse and document the findings.
D. Encourage the resident to exercise the arm against resistance to prevent stiffness.
Answer: C
Unilateral swelling, warmth, and pain can indicate deep vein thrombosis or localized trauma,
requiring immediate nurse notification rather than unprescribed manipulation.
12. Standard Precautions established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
require healthcare workers to wear gloves during which of the following activities?
A. Feeding an alert resident who has intact skin and no infectious symptoms.
B. Measuring and recording a resident's routine blood pressure.
C. Performing mouth care or handling items soiled with body fluids.
D. Walking a stable resident down the hallway to the dining room.
Answer: C
Standard Precautions mandate glove use whenever there is potential exposure to blood, body
fluids, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes, such as during oral care.
13. A resident expresses feelings of sadness and states that life is no longer worth living
following the recent loss of a spouse. How should the nursing assistant respond?
A. Tell the resident that time heals all wounds and change the subject to something cheerful.
B. Listen attentively, validate the resident's feelings, and report the statement immediately to the
nurse.
C. Reassure the resident that many other residents feel the exact same way.
D. Advise the resident to snap out of it and focus on upcoming facility activities.