COMPREHENSIVE CNA
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A CNA is caring for a resident with a diagnosis of C. difficile. Which of the following
infection control measures is most critical?
A. Using alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene
B. Washing hands with soap and water after care
C. Wearing a surgical mask within 3 feet of the resident
D. Keeping the resident’s door open for ventilation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective against C. difficile
spores; physical friction and soap and water are required to remove the spores from the
skin.
2. When assisting a resident with a weak left side to dress, which of the following is the
correct procedure?
A. Dress the left side first, then the right
,B. Dress the right side first, then the left
C. Undress the left side first, then the right
D. Dress both sides simultaneously
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: When dressing a resident with a one-sided weakness, you
always ‘dress the weak’ side first and ‘undress the strong’ side first.
3. A resident has a pulse rate of 118 beats per minute. This condition is medically known as:
A. Bradycardia
B. Eupnea
C. Hypotension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tachycardia refers to a heart rate over 100 beats per minute.
Bradycardia is under 60.
4. Which of the following is an example of an objective observation?
A. The resident says they have a headache
B. The resident expresses fear about their surgery
C. The resident claims they are feeling nauseous
, D. The resident’s skin appears cyanotic and cool
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Objective observations are measurable or visible signs (signs),
whereas subjective observations are reported by the patient (symptoms).
5. A resident is on a mechanical soft diet. Which of the following foods would be most
appropriate?
A. Steak and whole carrots
B. Ground beef and cooked squash
C. Pureed peas and thickened liquids
D. Clear broth and gelatin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Mechanical soft diets consist of foods that are physically
softened, such as ground meats and cooked vegetables, but not necessarily pureed.
6. While performing a range-of-motion (ROM) exercise, the resident complains of sudden
pain. What is the CNA’s best response?
A. Ask the resident to push through the pain
B. Stop the exercise immediately and notify the nurse
C. Complete the exercise and then report it
D. Apply a cold compress and continue slowly
CERTIFICATION EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
1. A CNA is caring for a resident with a diagnosis of C. difficile. Which of the following
infection control measures is most critical?
A. Using alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene
B. Washing hands with soap and water after care
C. Wearing a surgical mask within 3 feet of the resident
D. Keeping the resident’s door open for ventilation
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Alcohol-based hand rubs are ineffective against C. difficile
spores; physical friction and soap and water are required to remove the spores from the
skin.
2. When assisting a resident with a weak left side to dress, which of the following is the
correct procedure?
A. Dress the left side first, then the right
,B. Dress the right side first, then the left
C. Undress the left side first, then the right
D. Dress both sides simultaneously
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: When dressing a resident with a one-sided weakness, you
always ‘dress the weak’ side first and ‘undress the strong’ side first.
3. A resident has a pulse rate of 118 beats per minute. This condition is medically known as:
A. Bradycardia
B. Eupnea
C. Hypotension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Tachycardia refers to a heart rate over 100 beats per minute.
Bradycardia is under 60.
4. Which of the following is an example of an objective observation?
A. The resident says they have a headache
B. The resident expresses fear about their surgery
C. The resident claims they are feeling nauseous
, D. The resident’s skin appears cyanotic and cool
Answer: D
Conceptual Explanation: Objective observations are measurable or visible signs (signs),
whereas subjective observations are reported by the patient (symptoms).
5. A resident is on a mechanical soft diet. Which of the following foods would be most
appropriate?
A. Steak and whole carrots
B. Ground beef and cooked squash
C. Pureed peas and thickened liquids
D. Clear broth and gelatin
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Mechanical soft diets consist of foods that are physically
softened, such as ground meats and cooked vegetables, but not necessarily pureed.
6. While performing a range-of-motion (ROM) exercise, the resident complains of sudden
pain. What is the CNA’s best response?
A. Ask the resident to push through the pain
B. Stop the exercise immediately and notify the nurse
C. Complete the exercise and then report it
D. Apply a cold compress and continue slowly
