CNA COMPREHENSIVE EXAM: ALL
MODULES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nursing assistant is caring for a resident with C. diff. Which of the following is the most
effective method for hand hygiene?
A. Applying alcohol-based hand rub for 20 seconds
B. Using a germicidal wipe on the hands
C. Washing hands with soap and water
D. Rinsing hands with hot water only
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers;
physical friction with soap and running water is required to remove the spores from the
skin.
2. What is the correct order for removing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimize
contamination?
A. Gloves, Goggles, Gown, Mask
B. Mask, Gown, Gloves, Goggles
,C. Gown, Gloves, Mask, Goggles
D. Goggles, Mask, Gloves, Gown
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The correct sequence for removing PPE is gloves, followed by
goggles/face shield, gown, and finally the mask or respirator to avoid self-contamination.
3. A resident is experiencing dyspnea. In which position should the nursing assistant place the
resident to best facilitate breathing?
A. Supine
B. Sims’
C. Fowler’s
D. Prone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Fowler’s position (sitting up at 45-60 degrees) allows for
maximum chest expansion and eases breathing.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘restraint’ according to OBRA regulations?
A. A pillow placed behind the back for support
B. Side rails used to prevent a resident from voluntarily getting out of bed
C. A seatbelt that the resident can release independently
, D. A wedge cushion used to improve posture
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Any device that restricts freedom of movement or normal access
to one’s body, which the person cannot easily remove, is considered a restraint.
5. While measuring a resident’s blood pressure, the CNA notes the systolic pressure is 185
mmHg. What is the immediate next step?
A. Report the finding to the charge nurse immediately
B. Document the reading and continue with other vitals
C. Tell the resident they are having a hypertensive crisis
D. Wait 15 minutes and retake it
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A systolic reading of 185 is dangerously high (Stage 2
Hypertension/Crisis) and must be reported to the nurse immediately for assessment.
6. A resident with Alzheimer’s disease is repeatedly asking to ‘go home.’ How should the CNA
respond?
A. Tell the resident they live here now and cannot leave
B. Explain that their home was sold years ago
C. Ignore the resident until they stop asking
D. Ask the resident to tell them about their home
MODULES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
1. A nursing assistant is caring for a resident with C. diff. Which of the following is the most
effective method for hand hygiene?
A. Applying alcohol-based hand rub for 20 seconds
B. Using a germicidal wipe on the hands
C. Washing hands with soap and water
D. Rinsing hands with hot water only
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: C. difficile spores are resistant to alcohol-based sanitizers;
physical friction with soap and running water is required to remove the spores from the
skin.
2. What is the correct order for removing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to minimize
contamination?
A. Gloves, Goggles, Gown, Mask
B. Mask, Gown, Gloves, Goggles
,C. Gown, Gloves, Mask, Goggles
D. Goggles, Mask, Gloves, Gown
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: The correct sequence for removing PPE is gloves, followed by
goggles/face shield, gown, and finally the mask or respirator to avoid self-contamination.
3. A resident is experiencing dyspnea. In which position should the nursing assistant place the
resident to best facilitate breathing?
A. Supine
B. Sims’
C. Fowler’s
D. Prone
Answer: C
Conceptual Explanation: Fowler’s position (sitting up at 45-60 degrees) allows for
maximum chest expansion and eases breathing.
4. Which of the following is considered a ‘restraint’ according to OBRA regulations?
A. A pillow placed behind the back for support
B. Side rails used to prevent a resident from voluntarily getting out of bed
C. A seatbelt that the resident can release independently
, D. A wedge cushion used to improve posture
Answer: B
Conceptual Explanation: Any device that restricts freedom of movement or normal access
to one’s body, which the person cannot easily remove, is considered a restraint.
5. While measuring a resident’s blood pressure, the CNA notes the systolic pressure is 185
mmHg. What is the immediate next step?
A. Report the finding to the charge nurse immediately
B. Document the reading and continue with other vitals
C. Tell the resident they are having a hypertensive crisis
D. Wait 15 minutes and retake it
Answer: A
Conceptual Explanation: A systolic reading of 185 is dangerously high (Stage 2
Hypertension/Crisis) and must be reported to the nurse immediately for assessment.
6. A resident with Alzheimer’s disease is repeatedly asking to ‘go home.’ How should the CNA
respond?
A. Tell the resident they live here now and cannot leave
B. Explain that their home was sold years ago
C. Ignore the resident until they stop asking
D. Ask the resident to tell them about their home
