ILLINOIS NURSING
ASSISTANT EXAM:
EXPANDED PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH
RATIONALES
Section 1: Role of the Nurse Aide and Communication
1. The nurse asks you to ambulate a resident BID during your shift. This means you
will ambulate the resident how many times?
A. Four
B. Three
C. Two
D. One
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: BID stands for "bis in die" (twice daily). BID = twice a day, TID = three times a
day, QID = four times a day .
2. A doctor gives an order for a new treatment before leaving. What should the
CNA do?
A. Document the order in the chart
B. Implement the treatment immediately
,C. Notify the nurse
D. Write the order in the nurse's notes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CNAs are not authorized to take verbal orders from physicians. All new
orders must be communicated to the licensed nurse, who is responsible for
implementation and documentation .
3. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. Patient feels tired
B. Blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg
C. Patient reports pain
D. Patient feels dizzy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable. A blood pressure reading is
objective. Patient reports of feelings are subjective data .
4. What is the purpose of a care plan?
A. Diagnose illness
B. Guide individualized patient care
C. Replace physician orders
D. Document daily activities
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The care plan guides individualized patient care based on the resident's
specific needs and conditions .
,5. Sometimes the best response for a nursing assistant is to assure the resident you
are listening. Which behavior is the best way to exhibit good listening skills?
A. Speaking about your own experiences on the topic
B. Asking questions that direct the conversation further
C. Talking to the resident while you continue to work
D. Turning in the resident's direction and responding when appropriate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Active listening involves facing the resident, maintaining eye contact, and
responding appropriately. It shows the resident you are engaged and value their
communication .
6. A resident in your care is frustrated, upset, and raising his voice in complaint.
Which is the best response?
A. Report the incident to the supervising nurse
B. Walk away to show you won't tolerate the behavior
C. Offer support and care using a comforting, calming manner
D. Ask the resident to lower his voice in courtesy to others
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best response to an upset resident is to remain calm, offer support, and
use a comforting demeanor. This helps de-escalate the situation and validates the
resident's feelings .
7. A resident who is completely deaf is being admitted. What is the most
important communication tool?
A. A laptop or pen and paper
B. A loud voice that projects over noise
C. An alarm that rings louder than usual
D. A phone system with amplifiers
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Writing is an effective communication method for residents who are
completely deaf. The CNA should face the resident, speak clearly, and use written
communication as needed .
8. Which of the following is a violation of resident rights?
A. Allowing a resident to refuse a bath
B. Opening a resident's mail without permission
C. Providing privacy during personal care
D. Knocking before entering a room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Residents have the right to privacy, including their mail and personal
communications. Opening mail without permission violates this right .
9. What does HIPAA protect?
A. Nurse schedules
B. Patient health information
C. Hospital finances
D. Employee records
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: HIPAA ensures privacy of patient health information. CNAs must only share
patient information with authorized healthcare team members .
10. A resident tells the nurse aide, "My son hits me when he visits." What is the
BEST response?
ASSISTANT EXAM:
EXPANDED PRACTICE
QUESTIONS WITH
RATIONALES
Section 1: Role of the Nurse Aide and Communication
1. The nurse asks you to ambulate a resident BID during your shift. This means you
will ambulate the resident how many times?
A. Four
B. Three
C. Two
D. One
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: BID stands for "bis in die" (twice daily). BID = twice a day, TID = three times a
day, QID = four times a day .
2. A doctor gives an order for a new treatment before leaving. What should the
CNA do?
A. Document the order in the chart
B. Implement the treatment immediately
,C. Notify the nurse
D. Write the order in the nurse's notes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: CNAs are not authorized to take verbal orders from physicians. All new
orders must be communicated to the licensed nurse, who is responsible for
implementation and documentation .
3. Which of the following is an example of objective data?
A. Patient feels tired
B. Blood pressure reading of 120/80 mmHg
C. Patient reports pain
D. Patient feels dizzy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Objective data are measurable and observable. A blood pressure reading is
objective. Patient reports of feelings are subjective data .
4. What is the purpose of a care plan?
A. Diagnose illness
B. Guide individualized patient care
C. Replace physician orders
D. Document daily activities
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The care plan guides individualized patient care based on the resident's
specific needs and conditions .
,5. Sometimes the best response for a nursing assistant is to assure the resident you
are listening. Which behavior is the best way to exhibit good listening skills?
A. Speaking about your own experiences on the topic
B. Asking questions that direct the conversation further
C. Talking to the resident while you continue to work
D. Turning in the resident's direction and responding when appropriate
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Active listening involves facing the resident, maintaining eye contact, and
responding appropriately. It shows the resident you are engaged and value their
communication .
6. A resident in your care is frustrated, upset, and raising his voice in complaint.
Which is the best response?
A. Report the incident to the supervising nurse
B. Walk away to show you won't tolerate the behavior
C. Offer support and care using a comforting, calming manner
D. Ask the resident to lower his voice in courtesy to others
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The best response to an upset resident is to remain calm, offer support, and
use a comforting demeanor. This helps de-escalate the situation and validates the
resident's feelings .
7. A resident who is completely deaf is being admitted. What is the most
important communication tool?
A. A laptop or pen and paper
B. A loud voice that projects over noise
C. An alarm that rings louder than usual
D. A phone system with amplifiers
, Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Writing is an effective communication method for residents who are
completely deaf. The CNA should face the resident, speak clearly, and use written
communication as needed .
8. Which of the following is a violation of resident rights?
A. Allowing a resident to refuse a bath
B. Opening a resident's mail without permission
C. Providing privacy during personal care
D. Knocking before entering a room
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Residents have the right to privacy, including their mail and personal
communications. Opening mail without permission violates this right .
9. What does HIPAA protect?
A. Nurse schedules
B. Patient health information
C. Hospital finances
D. Employee records
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: HIPAA ensures privacy of patient health information. CNAs must only share
patient information with authorized healthcare team members .
10. A resident tells the nurse aide, "My son hits me when he visits." What is the
BEST response?
