Advanced CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with
Answers and Explanations for Professional
Certification Exams
1. A nursing assistant is caring for a resident with right-sided weakness following a stroke.
Which action best promotes safe ambulation?
A. Support the resident primarily on the affected side
B. Encourage the resident to walk independently without assistive devices
C. Pull the resident upward by the affected arm
D. Position yourself on the resident's affected side and use a gait belt during ambulation
Explanation: Supporting the resident on the weaker side and using a gait belt promotes stability,
reduces fall risk, and prevents injury to the affected extremity.
2. A resident with dementia becomes increasingly agitated during evening hours and
attempts to leave the facility. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Apply physical restraints immediately
B. Confront the resident regarding inappropriate behavior
C. Administer sedatives without an order
D. Redirect the resident calmly and provide a structured, familiar environment
Explanation: Residents with sundowning syndrome benefit from reassurance, redirection, and
consistent routines rather than confrontation or restraints.
3. A resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reports shortness of breath while
eating. Which position should the nursing assistant encourage?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. Side-lying with head flat
, D. High Fowler's position
Explanation: High Fowler's position facilitates lung expansion and improves breathing
efficiency in residents with respiratory compromise.
4. A nursing assistant notices redness over a bedridden resident's sacrum that does not
blanch when pressure is applied. How should this finding be interpreted?
A. Stage III pressure injury
B. Deep tissue injury
C. Normal skin response
D. Stage I pressure injury
Explanation: Nonblanchable erythema over a bony prominence is characteristic of a Stage I
pressure injury and requires prompt preventive measures.
5. While transferring a resident from the bed to a wheelchair, the resident becomes weak
and starts to fall. What is the nursing assistant's best action?
A. Attempt to hold the resident upright
B. Leave the resident and seek assistance
C. Pull forcefully on the resident's arms
D. Lower the resident gently to the floor while protecting the head
Explanation: Attempting to prevent the fall completely may cause injury to both the resident and
caregiver. Controlled descent minimizes harm.
6. A resident receiving thickened liquids begins coughing during meals. Which action
should the nursing assistant take first?
A. Continue feeding more slowly
B. Lay the resident flat
C. Offer additional fluids immediately
D. Stop feeding and assess for signs of aspiration
Explanation: Coughing during meals may indicate aspiration. Feeding should be interrupted to
reduce the risk of respiratory complications.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with
Answers and Explanations for Professional
Certification Exams
1. A nursing assistant is caring for a resident with right-sided weakness following a stroke.
Which action best promotes safe ambulation?
A. Support the resident primarily on the affected side
B. Encourage the resident to walk independently without assistive devices
C. Pull the resident upward by the affected arm
D. Position yourself on the resident's affected side and use a gait belt during ambulation
Explanation: Supporting the resident on the weaker side and using a gait belt promotes stability,
reduces fall risk, and prevents injury to the affected extremity.
2. A resident with dementia becomes increasingly agitated during evening hours and
attempts to leave the facility. Which intervention is most appropriate?
A. Apply physical restraints immediately
B. Confront the resident regarding inappropriate behavior
C. Administer sedatives without an order
D. Redirect the resident calmly and provide a structured, familiar environment
Explanation: Residents with sundowning syndrome benefit from reassurance, redirection, and
consistent routines rather than confrontation or restraints.
3. A resident with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease reports shortness of breath while
eating. Which position should the nursing assistant encourage?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. Side-lying with head flat
, D. High Fowler's position
Explanation: High Fowler's position facilitates lung expansion and improves breathing
efficiency in residents with respiratory compromise.
4. A nursing assistant notices redness over a bedridden resident's sacrum that does not
blanch when pressure is applied. How should this finding be interpreted?
A. Stage III pressure injury
B. Deep tissue injury
C. Normal skin response
D. Stage I pressure injury
Explanation: Nonblanchable erythema over a bony prominence is characteristic of a Stage I
pressure injury and requires prompt preventive measures.
5. While transferring a resident from the bed to a wheelchair, the resident becomes weak
and starts to fall. What is the nursing assistant's best action?
A. Attempt to hold the resident upright
B. Leave the resident and seek assistance
C. Pull forcefully on the resident's arms
D. Lower the resident gently to the floor while protecting the head
Explanation: Attempting to prevent the fall completely may cause injury to both the resident and
caregiver. Controlled descent minimizes harm.
6. A resident receiving thickened liquids begins coughing during meals. Which action
should the nursing assistant take first?
A. Continue feeding more slowly
B. Lay the resident flat
C. Offer additional fluids immediately
D. Stop feeding and assess for signs of aspiration
Explanation: Coughing during meals may indicate aspiration. Feeding should be interrupted to
reduce the risk of respiratory complications.
