PRACTICE QUESTIONS CNA STATE EXAM 2023 QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
2026-2027 UPDATED EXAM 100% (VERIFIED ANSWERS) | A+ GRADE BRAND NEW
CHAPTER 1: BASIC NURSING ASSISTANT CARE & SAFETY
Question 1: When assisting a client in learning how to use a cane, the nurse aide stands:
A. approximately two feet directly behind the client.
B. about one foot from the client's weak side.
C. about one foot from the client's strong side.
D. slightly behind the client on the client's weak side.
ANSWER ✔: D — slightly behind the client on the client's weak side.
Explanation: For safety and effective support, the nurse aide should stand slightly behind the client on the client's weak side.
This allows the aide to quickly support the client if they lose their balance or begin to fall toward their weaker, more vulnerable
side.
CHAPTER 4: SPECIALIZED CLINICAL PROCEDURES & URINARY CARE
Question 2: When working with a client who has urinary retention, the nurse aide can expect that the client will:
A. urinate large volumes.
B. be unable to urinate.
C. urinate frequently.
D. be incontinent of urine.
ANSWER ✔: B — be unable to urinate.
Explanation: Urinary retention is the physiological inability to empty the bladder. Clients with this condition are unable to
urinate, even though the bladder is full, which can cause severe pain and predispose them to infections or renal damage. It is a
medical concern requiring prompt nursing assessment.
Practice Questions CNA State Exam 2023 - Competency Series Page 1
,PRACTICE QUESTIONS CNA STATE EXAM 2023 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS 2026-2027 EXAM
CHAPTER 3: PATIENT RIGHTS, PRIVACY, & COMMUNICATION
Question 3: Aging-related hearing changes result in older clients gradually losing their ability to hear:
A. high-pitched sounds.
B. low-pitched sounds.
C. slow sounds.
D. rapid sounds.
ANSWER ✔: A — high-pitched sounds.
Explanation: Presbycusis, the age-related gradual loss of hearing, typically results in the loss of ability to hear high-frequency
or high-pitched sounds first. Low-pitched, deep sounds are usually preserved longer. Staff should speak in clear, low-pitched
tones when communicating.
CHAPTER 1: BASIC NURSING ASSISTANT CARE & SAFETY
Question 4: The best way to safely identify your patient is by:
A. asking his name.
B. calling his name and waiting for his response.
C. checking the bed plate.
D. checking the name tag.
ANSWER ✔: D — checking the name tag.
Explanation: The most secure and reliable method to verify a patient's identity is to check their identification name tag or
wristband. Asking the patient or calling their name can lead to identification errors, especially if the patient is confused,
disoriented, or has hearing deficits.
CHAPTER 4: SPECIALIZED CLINICAL PROCEDURES & URINARY CARE
Question 5: A client is on a bowel and bladder training program and has not had a bowel movement in three days.
The nurse aide should:
A. report it to the charge nurse.
B. give the client an enema.
C. offer the client prune juice.
D. encourage the client to drink more fluids.
ANSWER ✔: A — report it to the charge nurse.
Explanation: A nurse aide must report any significant changes in bowel habits, such as absence of bowel movement for three
days, directly to the charge nurse. Prescribing treatments, enemas, or laxatives is outside the scope of practice of a nurse aide.
Practice Questions CNA State Exam 2023 - Competency Series Page 2
,PRACTICE QUESTIONS CNA STATE EXAM 2023 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS 2026-2027 EXAM
Question 6: The proper medical abbreviation for 'before meals' is:
A. p.c.
B. b.i.d.
C. a.c.
D. t.i.d.
ANSWER ✔: C — a.c.
Explanation: The abbreviation 'a.c.' stands for the Latin term 'ante cibum,' which translates to 'before meals.' 'p.c.' stands for
'post cibum' (after meals); 'b.i.d.' means 'twice a day'; and 't.i.d.' means 'three times a day.'
CHAPTER 1: BASIC NURSING ASSISTANT CARE & SAFETY
Question 7: A client diagnosed with hypertension will most likely have a history of:
A. low blood pressure.
B. high blood pressure.
C. low blood sugar.
D. high blood sugar.
ANSWER ✔: B — high blood pressure.
Explanation: Hypertension is the formal medical term for chronically high blood pressure. In contrast, hypotension refers to low
blood pressure, hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar, and hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar.
CHAPTER 2: ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADLS) & PERSONAL HYGIENE
Question 8: A patient who has difficulty chewing or swallowing will need what type of diet?
A. clear liquid
B. low residue
C. bland
D. mechanical soft
ANSWER ✔: D — mechanical soft
Explanation: A mechanical soft diet is modified in texture to include foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as ground
meats, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits. It is indicated for patients with dysphagia, poor dentition, or difficulty chewing.
Practice Questions CNA State Exam 2023 - Competency Series Page 3
, PRACTICE QUESTIONS CNA STATE EXAM 2023 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS 2026-2027 EXAM
CHAPTER 3: PATIENT RIGHTS, PRIVACY, & COMMUNICATION
Question 9: An elderly resident with Alzheimer's disease cannot find her room. How can the nurse aide help the
client feel more independent?
A. Tell her to stay in the room.
B. Have her roommate secretly watch her.
C. Place a familiar object on the client's door.
D. Write the room number on a piece of paper.
ANSWER ✔: C — Place a familiar object on the client's door.
Explanation: Placing a familiar object, photograph, or customized visual cue on the resident's door is an effective,
non-threatening orienting strategy. It utilizes long-term memory or visual recognition to promote independence, which is
superior to writing numbers that a confused patient might forget.
CHAPTER 4: SPECIALIZED CLINICAL PROCEDURES & URINARY CARE
Question 10: How often should a patient's intake and output (I&O;) records be totaled?
A. once each shift
B. twice a day
C. every four hours
D. every 12 hours
ANSWER ✔: A — once each shift
Explanation: Intake and output records are typically calculated and totaled at the end of each 8-hour or 12-hour shift. This
ensures timely tracking of fluid balance and allows the nursing staff to detect potential renal or cardiovascular issues early.
CHAPTER 5: EMERGENCY RESPONSE, INFECTION CONTROL, & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Question 11: Which of the following should the nursing assistant observe and record when admitting a client?
A. freckles
B. wrinkles
C. short nails
D. bruises
ANSWER ✔: D — bruises
Explanation: Bruises must be carefully observed, documented, and reported during admission because they represent
potential injuries, skin breakdown, or pre-admission physical abuse. Normal anatomical markers like freckles or wrinkles do not
represent acute safety or clinical concerns.
Practice Questions CNA State Exam 2023 - Competency Series Page 4
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
2026-2027 UPDATED EXAM 100% (VERIFIED ANSWERS) | A+ GRADE BRAND NEW
CHAPTER 1: BASIC NURSING ASSISTANT CARE & SAFETY
Question 1: When assisting a client in learning how to use a cane, the nurse aide stands:
A. approximately two feet directly behind the client.
B. about one foot from the client's weak side.
C. about one foot from the client's strong side.
D. slightly behind the client on the client's weak side.
ANSWER ✔: D — slightly behind the client on the client's weak side.
Explanation: For safety and effective support, the nurse aide should stand slightly behind the client on the client's weak side.
This allows the aide to quickly support the client if they lose their balance or begin to fall toward their weaker, more vulnerable
side.
CHAPTER 4: SPECIALIZED CLINICAL PROCEDURES & URINARY CARE
Question 2: When working with a client who has urinary retention, the nurse aide can expect that the client will:
A. urinate large volumes.
B. be unable to urinate.
C. urinate frequently.
D. be incontinent of urine.
ANSWER ✔: B — be unable to urinate.
Explanation: Urinary retention is the physiological inability to empty the bladder. Clients with this condition are unable to
urinate, even though the bladder is full, which can cause severe pain and predispose them to infections or renal damage. It is a
medical concern requiring prompt nursing assessment.
Practice Questions CNA State Exam 2023 - Competency Series Page 1
,PRACTICE QUESTIONS CNA STATE EXAM 2023 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS 2026-2027 EXAM
CHAPTER 3: PATIENT RIGHTS, PRIVACY, & COMMUNICATION
Question 3: Aging-related hearing changes result in older clients gradually losing their ability to hear:
A. high-pitched sounds.
B. low-pitched sounds.
C. slow sounds.
D. rapid sounds.
ANSWER ✔: A — high-pitched sounds.
Explanation: Presbycusis, the age-related gradual loss of hearing, typically results in the loss of ability to hear high-frequency
or high-pitched sounds first. Low-pitched, deep sounds are usually preserved longer. Staff should speak in clear, low-pitched
tones when communicating.
CHAPTER 1: BASIC NURSING ASSISTANT CARE & SAFETY
Question 4: The best way to safely identify your patient is by:
A. asking his name.
B. calling his name and waiting for his response.
C. checking the bed plate.
D. checking the name tag.
ANSWER ✔: D — checking the name tag.
Explanation: The most secure and reliable method to verify a patient's identity is to check their identification name tag or
wristband. Asking the patient or calling their name can lead to identification errors, especially if the patient is confused,
disoriented, or has hearing deficits.
CHAPTER 4: SPECIALIZED CLINICAL PROCEDURES & URINARY CARE
Question 5: A client is on a bowel and bladder training program and has not had a bowel movement in three days.
The nurse aide should:
A. report it to the charge nurse.
B. give the client an enema.
C. offer the client prune juice.
D. encourage the client to drink more fluids.
ANSWER ✔: A — report it to the charge nurse.
Explanation: A nurse aide must report any significant changes in bowel habits, such as absence of bowel movement for three
days, directly to the charge nurse. Prescribing treatments, enemas, or laxatives is outside the scope of practice of a nurse aide.
Practice Questions CNA State Exam 2023 - Competency Series Page 2
,PRACTICE QUESTIONS CNA STATE EXAM 2023 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS 2026-2027 EXAM
Question 6: The proper medical abbreviation for 'before meals' is:
A. p.c.
B. b.i.d.
C. a.c.
D. t.i.d.
ANSWER ✔: C — a.c.
Explanation: The abbreviation 'a.c.' stands for the Latin term 'ante cibum,' which translates to 'before meals.' 'p.c.' stands for
'post cibum' (after meals); 'b.i.d.' means 'twice a day'; and 't.i.d.' means 'three times a day.'
CHAPTER 1: BASIC NURSING ASSISTANT CARE & SAFETY
Question 7: A client diagnosed with hypertension will most likely have a history of:
A. low blood pressure.
B. high blood pressure.
C. low blood sugar.
D. high blood sugar.
ANSWER ✔: B — high blood pressure.
Explanation: Hypertension is the formal medical term for chronically high blood pressure. In contrast, hypotension refers to low
blood pressure, hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar, and hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar.
CHAPTER 2: ACTIVITIES OF DAILY LIVING (ADLS) & PERSONAL HYGIENE
Question 8: A patient who has difficulty chewing or swallowing will need what type of diet?
A. clear liquid
B. low residue
C. bland
D. mechanical soft
ANSWER ✔: D — mechanical soft
Explanation: A mechanical soft diet is modified in texture to include foods that are easy to chew and swallow, such as ground
meats, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits. It is indicated for patients with dysphagia, poor dentition, or difficulty chewing.
Practice Questions CNA State Exam 2023 - Competency Series Page 3
, PRACTICE QUESTIONS CNA STATE EXAM 2023 QUESTIONS WITH CORRECT ANSWERS 2026-2027 EXAM
CHAPTER 3: PATIENT RIGHTS, PRIVACY, & COMMUNICATION
Question 9: An elderly resident with Alzheimer's disease cannot find her room. How can the nurse aide help the
client feel more independent?
A. Tell her to stay in the room.
B. Have her roommate secretly watch her.
C. Place a familiar object on the client's door.
D. Write the room number on a piece of paper.
ANSWER ✔: C — Place a familiar object on the client's door.
Explanation: Placing a familiar object, photograph, or customized visual cue on the resident's door is an effective,
non-threatening orienting strategy. It utilizes long-term memory or visual recognition to promote independence, which is
superior to writing numbers that a confused patient might forget.
CHAPTER 4: SPECIALIZED CLINICAL PROCEDURES & URINARY CARE
Question 10: How often should a patient's intake and output (I&O;) records be totaled?
A. once each shift
B. twice a day
C. every four hours
D. every 12 hours
ANSWER ✔: A — once each shift
Explanation: Intake and output records are typically calculated and totaled at the end of each 8-hour or 12-hour shift. This
ensures timely tracking of fluid balance and allows the nursing staff to detect potential renal or cardiovascular issues early.
CHAPTER 5: EMERGENCY RESPONSE, INFECTION CONTROL, & PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Question 11: Which of the following should the nursing assistant observe and record when admitting a client?
A. freckles
B. wrinkles
C. short nails
D. bruises
ANSWER ✔: D — bruises
Explanation: Bruises must be carefully observed, documented, and reported during admission because they represent
potential injuries, skin breakdown, or pre-admission physical abuse. Normal anatomical markers like freckles or wrinkles do not
represent acute safety or clinical concerns.
Practice Questions CNA State Exam 2023 - Competency Series Page 4
