NJ CNA Written Test Exam Prep
Actual Exam (Latest Update)
Questions and Correct Answers | 100% Correct Verified Answers | Already Graded A+
Section 1: Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Q1-Q20
Q1: A CNA is giving a bed bath to a resident who has left-sided weakness following a
stroke. The resident is alert and able to assist partially. Which action by the CNA
demonstrates correct technique when washing the resident's left arm?
A. Start at the shoulder and wash downward toward the hand
B.. Start at the hand and wash upward toward the shoulder [CORRECT]
C. Wash the arm quickly to minimize discomfort
D. Skip the left arm since the resident has weakness and cannot feel it well
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct technique is to wash from distal (farthest from the heart) to proximal (closest
to the heart), which promotes venous return and circulation. Starting at the hand and moving upward
toward the shoulder follows this principle. Washing from shoulder to hand (A) is incorrect because it
does not support optimal circulation. Washing quickly (C) may cause the resident to feel rushed and
neglected, compromising dignity. Skipping the affected arm (D) is neglect and violates the resident's
right to complete personal care regardless of weakness.
Q2: Mrs. Gonzalez is a resident with dementia who becomes agitated during morning care.
She resists having her teeth brushed and pushes the CNA's hand away. What is the BEST
initial response by the CNA?
A. Hold her hands firmly and complete oral care quickly
B.. Stop the care, speak calmly, and offer a choice such as flavored toothpaste
[CORRECT]
C. Document that the resident refused oral care and move on to the next task
D. Ask the charge nurse to administer a sedative before continuing care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a resident with dementia becomes agitated, the CNA should stop, remain calm, and
use therapeutic communication techniques. Offering choices (such as flavored toothpaste) respects
the resident's autonomy and may reduce resistance. Holding hands firmly (A) constitutes improper
use of force and could be interpreted as abuse. Simply documenting refusal (C) without attempting
alternative approaches fails to provide necessary care. Requesting sedation (D) is outside the CNA's
scope of practice and is not an appropriate first response.
Q3: A CNA is assisting a resident with perineal care. Which statement by the CNA indicates
a need for further instruction regarding proper perineal care technique?
A. 'I will wash from front to back to prevent infection.'
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B. 'I will use clean gloves and change them if I need to clean the anal area.'
C.. 'I will use one washcloth for the entire perineal area to conserve supplies.'
[CORRECT]
D. 'I will dry the perineal area thoroughly to prevent skin breakdown.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Using a single washcloth for the entire perineal area can spread bacteria from the anal
area to the urethral area, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. The correct practice is to use
separate washcloths or to use a clean portion of the washcloth for different areas. Washing front to
back (A) is correct and prevents fecal contamination of the urinary tract. Using clean gloves and
changing them (B) follows standard precautions. Drying thoroughly (D) prevents moisture-related
skin breakdown.
Q4: Mr. Patel has hemiplegia affecting his right side after a cerebrovascular accident.
When assisting him with dressing, in which sequence should the CNA help him put on his
shirt?
A.. Dress the affected (right) arm first, then the unaffected arm [CORRECT]
B. Dress the unaffected (left) arm first, then thread the shirt over the affected arm
C. Pull the shirt over the head first, then insert both arms simultaneously
D. Have the resident dress independently without assistance since he has use of one arm
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When dressing a resident with hemiplegia, the CNA should dress the affected (weaker)
side first. This is because the affected limb has limited movement, and sliding the garment onto it
first is easier while the resident still has the unaffected arm free to assist. When undressing, the
sequence is reversed: remove the unaffected arm first, then the affected arm. Pulling the shirt over
the head first (C) does not account for the unilateral weakness. Having the resident dress
independently (D) is unsafe when one-sided weakness impairs balance and coordination.
Q5: A resident who is on aspiration precautions is receiving lunch. The CNA notices the
resident coughing frequently during the meal. Which action should the CNA take FIRST?
A. Offer thin liquids through a straw to make swallowing easier
B.. Stop feeding immediately, sit the resident upright, and notify the nurse
[CORRECT]
C. Continue feeding but offer smaller bites and encourage the resident to drink water
D. Place the resident in a supine position to rest before continuing the meal
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent coughing during meals is a sign of possible aspiration, which is a medical
emergency requiring immediate intervention. The CNA must stop feeding, position the resident
upright (high Fowler's position) to reduce aspiration risk, and notify the nurse immediately. Offering
thin liquids through a straw (A) increases aspiration risk because thin liquids are the most difficult to
swallow safely. Continuing feeding (C) could lead to aspiration pneumonia. Placing the resident
supine (D) significantly increases aspiration risk and is contraindicated.
Q6: When providing oral care to an unconscious resident, the CNA should position the
resident in which manner to prevent aspiration?
A. Supine position with the head turned to the left side
B.. Side-lying position with the head tilted slightly forward [CORRECT]
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C. High Fowler's position with the chin tucked down
D. Prone position with a pillow under the chest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The side-lying position (lateral position) with the head tilted slightly forward allows fluids
and secretions to drain out of the mouth by gravity, preventing aspiration into the lungs. This is the
standard safe positioning for oral care in an unconscious or semiconscious resident. Supine position
(A) allows secretions to pool in the back of the throat, increasing aspiration risk. High Fowler's (C) is
appropriate for conscious residents but not for those who cannot manage their own secretions. Prone
position (D) is not used for oral care.
Q7: A CNA is preparing to give a resident a shower. Which action demonstrates proper
safety protocol?
A. Test the water temperature with the resident's hand before the resident gets in
B. Set the water temperature to the maximum warm setting and adjust if the resident
complains
C.. Test the water temperature with the resident's elbow or wrist before the
resident gets in [CORRECT]
D. Allow the resident to test the water themselves since they know their preference
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The CNA should test water temperature with the inside of the wrist or elbow because
these areas are more sensitive to temperature than the hands. Water temperature should be between
105 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit (40-43 degrees Celsius) to prevent burns. Using the hand (A) is less
reliable for temperature assessment. Setting water to maximum (B) risks burns, especially for
residents with decreased sensation. Allowing the resident to test water (D) is unsafe for residents
with cognitive impairment or neuropathy.
Q8: A resident requests a shampoo at the bedside. The CNA gathers supplies including a
shampoo tray, pitcher, towel, and washcloth. What additional item is MOST important for
the CNA to obtain before starting?
A. Hair conditioner for the resident's dry hair
B.. A waterproof pad to protect the bed linens [CORRECT]
C. A hair dryer to style the hair afterward
D. A second pillow to elevate the resident's head
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A waterproof pad (also called an incontinence pad or bed protector) is the most critical
additional item because it prevents the bed linens and mattress from getting wet during the shampoo.
This protects the resident's environment and prevents the need for a complete bed change after the
procedure. Conditioner (A) and a hair dryer (C) are optional comfort items, not essential. A second
pillow (D) is not specifically needed for a bedside shampoo; the resident's head rests on the shampoo
tray.
Q9: Which statement by a CNA indicates an understanding of proper nail care for a
resident who has diabetes?
A. 'I will soak the feet for 30 minutes before trimming the nails to soften them.'
B.. 'I will trim the nails straight across and file the edges gently.' [CORRECT]
C. 'I will cut the nails in a curved shape to match the natural contour of the toe.'
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