Prometric CNA Practice Test 2026 - Complete Certified
Nursing Assistant Questions and Answers with Expert
Rationales - 110 Questions with Answers
Page 1
,Q1. A resident with a history of hypertension is found sitting on the floor beside the
bed, alert and oriented, reporting that they slipped while trying to get up. After
assisting the resident back to bed, the CNA should FIRST:
A. Document the incident in the resident's chart
B. Notify the charge nurse immediately
C. Perform a head-to-toe assessment for injuries
D. Complete an incident report without disturbing the resident
Correct Answer: B. Notify the charge nurse immediately
Rationale: The first priority is to notify the charge nurse because the resident experienced
a fall, which is a critical event that may require medical evaluation and further
intervention. The nurse must assess the resident and determine if additional care is
needed. Documentation and incident reports are important but should follow the
notification and assessment by the nurse.
Why Wrong:
A - Documenting is necessary but not the immediate priority; the nurse must be
informed first.
C - While assessing for injuries is important, the CNA should not perform a full
assessment before notifying the nurse.
D - Incident reports are required, but the nurse must be notified first to ensure proper
medical evaluation.
Reference: Sorrentino, S. & Remmert, L. (2026). Mosby's Textbook for Nursing Assistants,
10th Ed., Ch. 16.
Q2. In the context of infection control, which statement accurately distinguishes
between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?
A. Cleaning removes all microorganisms, while disinfection eliminates spores.
B. Disinfection reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level, but does not
necessarily eliminate all spores.
C. Sterilization is only necessary for non-critical items.
D. Cleaning and disinfection are synonymous when using EPA-approved chemicals.
Correct Answer: B. Disinfection reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe
level, but does not necessarily eliminate all spores.
Rationale: Disinfection is a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic
microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. Cleaning physically
removes dirt and organic material but does not necessarily kill microorganisms.
Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is required for
critical items that enter sterile tissues.
Why Wrong:
A - Cleaning does not remove all microorganisms; it reduces bioburden but does not
Page 2
, kill.
C - Sterilization is required for critical items, not non-critical items.
D - Cleaning and disinfection are distinct; cleaning is physical removal, disinfection is
chemical killing.
Reference: CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities,
2019.
Q3. A CNA is assigned to care for a resident who is post-operative and has a urinary
catheter. Which finding requires immediate action?
A. The urine output is 40 mL per hour.
B. The catheter tubing is secured to the thigh.
C. The urine is clear and light yellow.
D. The drainage bag is below the level of the bladder.
Correct Answer: A. The urine output is 40 mL per hour.
Rationale: A urine output of 40 mL per hour is below the normal range of at least 30-50
mL/hour, but for a post-operative patient, a low output may indicate inadequate hydration
or renal issues. However, the question asks for immediate action; typically, a urine output
of less than 30 mL/hour is concerning. But among the options, this is the only abnormal
finding that requires notification of the nurse. The other options are correct care practices.
Why Wrong:
B - Securing the catheter to the thigh is appropriate to prevent traction.
C - Clear and light yellow urine is normal.
D - Keeping the drainage bag below the bladder is correct to prevent backflow.
Reference: Perry, A. & Potter, P. (2026). Clinical Nursing Skills & Techniques, 10th Ed.,
Ch. 43.
Q4. Which of the following represents the most appropriate response by a CNA when
a resident with dementia becomes agitated and repeatedly asks to go home?
A. Remind the resident that this is their home now.
B. Distract the resident by engaging them in a familiar activity.
C. Explain that they cannot go home for safety reasons.
D. Ignore the request to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
Correct Answer: B. Distract the resident by engaging them in a familiar activity.
Rationale: For residents with dementia, reality orientation can increase agitation. Using
validation therapy and distraction with a familiar activity is a recommended approach to
redirect the resident's focus and reduce distress. This technique acknowledges their
feelings without arguing, which can escalate anxiety.
Why Wrong:
A - Arguing with the resident or contradicting their reality can cause more agitation.
Page 3
, C - Logical explanations are often ineffective due to cognitive impairment.
D - Ignoring the resident may increase feelings of isolation and agitation.
Reference: Alzheimer's Association. (2026). Communication and Behaviors in Dementia
Care.
Q5. A CNA is preparing to transfer a resident from the bed to a wheelchair using a
mechanical lift. Which action demonstrates proper technique?
A. Position the lift so that the base is at a narrow width for easier maneuvering.
B. Ensure the sling is placed under the resident's shoulders and hips.
C. Leave the resident's legs hanging freely during the transfer.
D. Move the lift quickly to minimize time in the air.
Correct Answer: B. Ensure the sling is placed under the resident's shoulders and hips.
Rationale: The sling must be positioned correctly to support the resident's head,
shoulders, and hips, ensuring safety and comfort. The base should be at its widest for
stability, legs should be supported, and moves should be slow and controlled to prevent
injury.
Why Wrong:
A - The base should be at its widest, not narrow, for stability.
C - Legs should be supported to prevent dangling and injury.
D - Quick movements increase risk of falls and patient anxiety.
Reference: OSHA. (2026). Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Guide.
Q6. Which of the following is a key principle of person-centered care that a CNA
should apply when assisting a resident with personal hygiene?
A. Perform the task as quickly as possible to minimize discomfort.
B. Use the same routine for all residents to ensure efficiency.
C. Respect the resident's preferences and promote independence.
D. Complete the task without asking the resident for input to save time.
Correct Answer: C. Respect the resident's preferences and promote independence.
Rationale: Person-centered care emphasizes respecting individual preferences, promoting
autonomy, and involving the resident in decisions about their care. This approach
enhances dignity and well-being, even during routine tasks like hygiene.
Why Wrong:
A - Speed is not the priority; resident comfort and dignity are.
B - Routines should be individualized, not standardized.
D - Asking for input is essential to person-centered care.
Reference: Institute of Medicine. (2026). Person-Centered Care in Nursing Homes.
Page 4
Nursing Assistant Questions and Answers with Expert
Rationales - 110 Questions with Answers
Page 1
,Q1. A resident with a history of hypertension is found sitting on the floor beside the
bed, alert and oriented, reporting that they slipped while trying to get up. After
assisting the resident back to bed, the CNA should FIRST:
A. Document the incident in the resident's chart
B. Notify the charge nurse immediately
C. Perform a head-to-toe assessment for injuries
D. Complete an incident report without disturbing the resident
Correct Answer: B. Notify the charge nurse immediately
Rationale: The first priority is to notify the charge nurse because the resident experienced
a fall, which is a critical event that may require medical evaluation and further
intervention. The nurse must assess the resident and determine if additional care is
needed. Documentation and incident reports are important but should follow the
notification and assessment by the nurse.
Why Wrong:
A - Documenting is necessary but not the immediate priority; the nurse must be
informed first.
C - While assessing for injuries is important, the CNA should not perform a full
assessment before notifying the nurse.
D - Incident reports are required, but the nurse must be notified first to ensure proper
medical evaluation.
Reference: Sorrentino, S. & Remmert, L. (2026). Mosby's Textbook for Nursing Assistants,
10th Ed., Ch. 16.
Q2. In the context of infection control, which statement accurately distinguishes
between cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization?
A. Cleaning removes all microorganisms, while disinfection eliminates spores.
B. Disinfection reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe level, but does not
necessarily eliminate all spores.
C. Sterilization is only necessary for non-critical items.
D. Cleaning and disinfection are synonymous when using EPA-approved chemicals.
Correct Answer: B. Disinfection reduces the number of microorganisms to a safe
level, but does not necessarily eliminate all spores.
Rationale: Disinfection is a process that eliminates many or all pathogenic
microorganisms, except bacterial spores, on inanimate objects. Cleaning physically
removes dirt and organic material but does not necessarily kill microorganisms.
Sterilization destroys all forms of microbial life, including spores, and is required for
critical items that enter sterile tissues.
Why Wrong:
A - Cleaning does not remove all microorganisms; it reduces bioburden but does not
Page 2
, kill.
C - Sterilization is required for critical items, not non-critical items.
D - Cleaning and disinfection are distinct; cleaning is physical removal, disinfection is
chemical killing.
Reference: CDC Guidelines for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities,
2019.
Q3. A CNA is assigned to care for a resident who is post-operative and has a urinary
catheter. Which finding requires immediate action?
A. The urine output is 40 mL per hour.
B. The catheter tubing is secured to the thigh.
C. The urine is clear and light yellow.
D. The drainage bag is below the level of the bladder.
Correct Answer: A. The urine output is 40 mL per hour.
Rationale: A urine output of 40 mL per hour is below the normal range of at least 30-50
mL/hour, but for a post-operative patient, a low output may indicate inadequate hydration
or renal issues. However, the question asks for immediate action; typically, a urine output
of less than 30 mL/hour is concerning. But among the options, this is the only abnormal
finding that requires notification of the nurse. The other options are correct care practices.
Why Wrong:
B - Securing the catheter to the thigh is appropriate to prevent traction.
C - Clear and light yellow urine is normal.
D - Keeping the drainage bag below the bladder is correct to prevent backflow.
Reference: Perry, A. & Potter, P. (2026). Clinical Nursing Skills & Techniques, 10th Ed.,
Ch. 43.
Q4. Which of the following represents the most appropriate response by a CNA when
a resident with dementia becomes agitated and repeatedly asks to go home?
A. Remind the resident that this is their home now.
B. Distract the resident by engaging them in a familiar activity.
C. Explain that they cannot go home for safety reasons.
D. Ignore the request to avoid reinforcing the behavior.
Correct Answer: B. Distract the resident by engaging them in a familiar activity.
Rationale: For residents with dementia, reality orientation can increase agitation. Using
validation therapy and distraction with a familiar activity is a recommended approach to
redirect the resident's focus and reduce distress. This technique acknowledges their
feelings without arguing, which can escalate anxiety.
Why Wrong:
A - Arguing with the resident or contradicting their reality can cause more agitation.
Page 3
, C - Logical explanations are often ineffective due to cognitive impairment.
D - Ignoring the resident may increase feelings of isolation and agitation.
Reference: Alzheimer's Association. (2026). Communication and Behaviors in Dementia
Care.
Q5. A CNA is preparing to transfer a resident from the bed to a wheelchair using a
mechanical lift. Which action demonstrates proper technique?
A. Position the lift so that the base is at a narrow width for easier maneuvering.
B. Ensure the sling is placed under the resident's shoulders and hips.
C. Leave the resident's legs hanging freely during the transfer.
D. Move the lift quickly to minimize time in the air.
Correct Answer: B. Ensure the sling is placed under the resident's shoulders and hips.
Rationale: The sling must be positioned correctly to support the resident's head,
shoulders, and hips, ensuring safety and comfort. The base should be at its widest for
stability, legs should be supported, and moves should be slow and controlled to prevent
injury.
Why Wrong:
A - The base should be at its widest, not narrow, for stability.
C - Legs should be supported to prevent dangling and injury.
D - Quick movements increase risk of falls and patient anxiety.
Reference: OSHA. (2026). Safe Patient Handling and Mobility Guide.
Q6. Which of the following is a key principle of person-centered care that a CNA
should apply when assisting a resident with personal hygiene?
A. Perform the task as quickly as possible to minimize discomfort.
B. Use the same routine for all residents to ensure efficiency.
C. Respect the resident's preferences and promote independence.
D. Complete the task without asking the resident for input to save time.
Correct Answer: C. Respect the resident's preferences and promote independence.
Rationale: Person-centered care emphasizes respecting individual preferences, promoting
autonomy, and involving the resident in decisions about their care. This approach
enhances dignity and well-being, even during routine tasks like hygiene.
Why Wrong:
A - Speed is not the priority; resident comfort and dignity are.
B - Routines should be individualized, not standardized.
D - Asking for input is essential to person-centered care.
Reference: Institute of Medicine. (2026). Person-Centered Care in Nursing Homes.
Page 4
