Nursing Assistant/Nurse Aide Exam 2021/2022
EXAM with Questions and Answers/Plus a
Rationale Updated 2026 A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Basic Nursing Skills
2. Safety and Emergency Procedures
3. Personal Care Skills
4. Psychosocial Needs and Mental Health
5. Resident Rights and Legal/Ethical Issues
6. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
7. Infection Control
8. Data Collection and Reporting
9. Care of the Cognitively Impaired
10. Restorative Services
1. A resident with advanced Parkinson’s disease is experiencing tremors and slow movement
during morning hygiene. How should the nursing assistant best modify their approach to promote
independence?
A. Perform all hygiene tasks for the resident to save time and prevent fatigue.
B. Allow extra time for the resident to complete tasks at their own pace and provide verbal
cues for sequencing.
, C. Instruct the resident to hold their breath while reaching for items to stabilize their trunk.
D. Use physical force to guide the resident’s hands to ensure they are cleaned thoroughly.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Providing adequate time and verbal prompting supports the resident’s autonomy and
maximizes their remaining functional abilities in line with restorative care principles. Forcing
care (D) is abusive, and performing tasks for them (A) leads to rapid functional decline, while C
is physically dangerous.
2. You are transferring a resident who is non-weight bearing on the right leg. The resident
unexpectedly begins to fall during the pivot. What is the most appropriate biomechanical
maneuver?
A. Attempt to catch the resident’s weight by pulling them toward you by the underarms.
B. Ease the resident to the floor by sliding them down your body, keeping your own back
straight and knees bent.
C. Immediately yell for help while holding the resident in an upright position until staff arrive.
D. Attempt to lift the resident back to a standing position before the fall completes.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Controlled lowering of a falling resident protects both the resident and the assistant
from traumatic injury by utilizing gravity and proper body mechanics. Option A risks
shoulder/back injury for the assistant, C is physically impossible, and D risks severe spinal
injury.
3. A resident with a history of congestive heart failure is on a fluid restriction of 1,200 mL per 24
hours. The resident consumes 4 ounces of water, 8 ounces of soup, and 240 mL of tea. What is
the total intake in mL, and should the assistant be concerned?
A. 600 mL; there is no cause for concern as they are well within the limit.
B. 600 mL; the resident has consumed half of the daily allowance and intake should be
spaced appropriately.
C. 1,200 mL; the resident has reached their limit and must be NPO for the rest of the day.
, D. 400 mL; the resident is at risk for dehydration and should be offered more fluids.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: 1 ounce equals 30 mL. Therefore, 4 oz (120 mL) + 8 oz (240 mL) + 240 mL = 600
mL. Since 600 mL is half of the 1,200 mL limit, careful monitoring for the remainder of the shift
is required.
4. You observe a resident’s skin showing a small, non-blanchable area of redness over the sacrum.
What is the priority intervention to prevent further tissue damage?
A. Apply a heating pad to increase blood flow to the area.
B. Massage the red area vigorously to stimulate circulation.
C. Implement a strict two-hour turning schedule and ensure the area is kept clean and dry.
D. Wait 24 hours to see if the redness resolves on its own before reporting it.
Answer: C
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: Non-blanchable erythema indicates a Stage 1 pressure injury. Pressure must be
relieved via positioning, and the area must be protected from moisture to prevent progression.
Massaging (B) can damage fragile tissue, and heating pads (A) can cause burns.
5. A resident diagnosed with dementia is agitated and shouting in the common area. Which action
demonstrates the use of validation therapy?
A. Correcting the resident by telling them that their statement is factually incorrect.
B. Acknowledging the resident’s underlying emotion and redirecting them to a calm, quiet
environment.
C. Administering a PRN sedative to ensure the resident remains quiet.
D. Ignoring the resident until the agitation subsides naturally.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
, Rationale: Validation therapy focuses on acknowledging the resident's feelings rather than
correcting their reality, which reduces anxiety. Option A causes further distress, C is beyond the
scope of a nursing assistant, and D fails to address the resident's distress.
6. When applying a condom catheter, what is the critical step to prevent skin complications?
A. Apply the adhesive tape tightly to ensure it does not slip off during the night.
B. Leave a small space at the tip of the catheter to allow for urine drainage.
C. Ensure the catheter is removed only once per week to maintain a seal.
D. Apply lotion to the penis to ensure the condom slides on easily.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Leaving a space at the tip prevents the collection of urine against the meatus, which
would cause skin breakdown and infection. Tape must never be too tight (A) as it restricts
circulation, and skin must be kept clean, not lubricated with lotion (D).
7. A resident who has just been informed of a terminal diagnosis is crying and states, "I just don't
understand why this is happening to me." Which response is most professional and supportive?
A. "Everything happens for a reason, you should try to be positive."
B. "I hear that you are hurting; would you like to talk about what you are feeling?"
C. "Don't worry, the doctors will take good care of you."
D. "I am sure you will feel much better after you get some rest."
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Providing a non-judgmental, active listening response validates the resident’s grief.
Options A, C, and D are dismissive cliches that invalidate the resident's authentic emotional
experience.
8. When caring for a resident with a suspected infectious diarrhea, what PPE sequence is required
for standard and contact precautions?
A. Gloves, gown, mask, and goggles upon entering the room.
EXAM with Questions and Answers/Plus a
Rationale Updated 2026 A+/Instant Download PDF
EXAM COVERAGE
1. Basic Nursing Skills
2. Safety and Emergency Procedures
3. Personal Care Skills
4. Psychosocial Needs and Mental Health
5. Resident Rights and Legal/Ethical Issues
6. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
7. Infection Control
8. Data Collection and Reporting
9. Care of the Cognitively Impaired
10. Restorative Services
1. A resident with advanced Parkinson’s disease is experiencing tremors and slow movement
during morning hygiene. How should the nursing assistant best modify their approach to promote
independence?
A. Perform all hygiene tasks for the resident to save time and prevent fatigue.
B. Allow extra time for the resident to complete tasks at their own pace and provide verbal
cues for sequencing.
, C. Instruct the resident to hold their breath while reaching for items to stabilize their trunk.
D. Use physical force to guide the resident’s hands to ensure they are cleaned thoroughly.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Providing adequate time and verbal prompting supports the resident’s autonomy and
maximizes their remaining functional abilities in line with restorative care principles. Forcing
care (D) is abusive, and performing tasks for them (A) leads to rapid functional decline, while C
is physically dangerous.
2. You are transferring a resident who is non-weight bearing on the right leg. The resident
unexpectedly begins to fall during the pivot. What is the most appropriate biomechanical
maneuver?
A. Attempt to catch the resident’s weight by pulling them toward you by the underarms.
B. Ease the resident to the floor by sliding them down your body, keeping your own back
straight and knees bent.
C. Immediately yell for help while holding the resident in an upright position until staff arrive.
D. Attempt to lift the resident back to a standing position before the fall completes.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Controlled lowering of a falling resident protects both the resident and the assistant
from traumatic injury by utilizing gravity and proper body mechanics. Option A risks
shoulder/back injury for the assistant, C is physically impossible, and D risks severe spinal
injury.
3. A resident with a history of congestive heart failure is on a fluid restriction of 1,200 mL per 24
hours. The resident consumes 4 ounces of water, 8 ounces of soup, and 240 mL of tea. What is
the total intake in mL, and should the assistant be concerned?
A. 600 mL; there is no cause for concern as they are well within the limit.
B. 600 mL; the resident has consumed half of the daily allowance and intake should be
spaced appropriately.
C. 1,200 mL; the resident has reached their limit and must be NPO for the rest of the day.
, D. 400 mL; the resident is at risk for dehydration and should be offered more fluids.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: 1 ounce equals 30 mL. Therefore, 4 oz (120 mL) + 8 oz (240 mL) + 240 mL = 600
mL. Since 600 mL is half of the 1,200 mL limit, careful monitoring for the remainder of the shift
is required.
4. You observe a resident’s skin showing a small, non-blanchable area of redness over the sacrum.
What is the priority intervention to prevent further tissue damage?
A. Apply a heating pad to increase blood flow to the area.
B. Massage the red area vigorously to stimulate circulation.
C. Implement a strict two-hour turning schedule and ensure the area is kept clean and dry.
D. Wait 24 hours to see if the redness resolves on its own before reporting it.
Answer: C
CORRECT ANSWER : C
Rationale: Non-blanchable erythema indicates a Stage 1 pressure injury. Pressure must be
relieved via positioning, and the area must be protected from moisture to prevent progression.
Massaging (B) can damage fragile tissue, and heating pads (A) can cause burns.
5. A resident diagnosed with dementia is agitated and shouting in the common area. Which action
demonstrates the use of validation therapy?
A. Correcting the resident by telling them that their statement is factually incorrect.
B. Acknowledging the resident’s underlying emotion and redirecting them to a calm, quiet
environment.
C. Administering a PRN sedative to ensure the resident remains quiet.
D. Ignoring the resident until the agitation subsides naturally.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
, Rationale: Validation therapy focuses on acknowledging the resident's feelings rather than
correcting their reality, which reduces anxiety. Option A causes further distress, C is beyond the
scope of a nursing assistant, and D fails to address the resident's distress.
6. When applying a condom catheter, what is the critical step to prevent skin complications?
A. Apply the adhesive tape tightly to ensure it does not slip off during the night.
B. Leave a small space at the tip of the catheter to allow for urine drainage.
C. Ensure the catheter is removed only once per week to maintain a seal.
D. Apply lotion to the penis to ensure the condom slides on easily.
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Leaving a space at the tip prevents the collection of urine against the meatus, which
would cause skin breakdown and infection. Tape must never be too tight (A) as it restricts
circulation, and skin must be kept clean, not lubricated with lotion (D).
7. A resident who has just been informed of a terminal diagnosis is crying and states, "I just don't
understand why this is happening to me." Which response is most professional and supportive?
A. "Everything happens for a reason, you should try to be positive."
B. "I hear that you are hurting; would you like to talk about what you are feeling?"
C. "Don't worry, the doctors will take good care of you."
D. "I am sure you will feel much better after you get some rest."
Answer: B
CORRECT ANSWER : B
Rationale: Providing a non-judgmental, active listening response validates the resident’s grief.
Options A, C, and D are dismissive cliches that invalidate the resident's authentic emotional
experience.
8. When caring for a resident with a suspected infectious diarrhea, what PPE sequence is required
for standard and contact precautions?
A. Gloves, gown, mask, and goggles upon entering the room.
