Ohio State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) Exam – Ohio
Department of Health (ODH) – 2026/2027
DOMAIN 1: RESIDENT RIGHTS AND COMMUNICATION
Questions 1–15
1. A resident tells the nursing assistant, “I don't want to take a shower today. I'm
too tired.” What is the STNA's most appropriate response?
A. Tell the resident that the shower is required and must be done today
B. Insist that the resident must shower for infection control purposes
C. Respect the resident's right to refuse and report the refusal to the nurse
D. Ask another nursing assistant to help convince the resident
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Residents have the legal right to refuse care, including personal care
such as bathing. The STNA must honor that choice, document the refusal, and
inform the licensed nurse. Forcing or coercing a resident violates their rights
under state and federal regulations. The nursing assistant should never force care
or manipulate a resident into accepting care they have refused.
2. Which of the following is the MOST important reason for a nursing assistant to
maintain resident confidentiality?
A. It is required by facility policy
B. It protects the resident's dignity and is required by HIPAA
C. It prevents the resident from becoming angry
D. It allows the nursing assistant to share information with family members
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Resident confidentiality is protected by the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and is essential for maintaining resident
dignity and trust. Confidentiality means that personal and medical information
about residents should only be shared with those directly involved in the
,resident's care. Violating confidentiality can result in legal consequences and loss
of certification.
3. The nursing assistant enters a resident's room and finds the resident crying.
The resident states, “I miss my family. I feel so alone.” What is the MOST
appropriate response?
A. “Don't cry. You'll see them soon.”
B. “I understand. Would you like to talk about it?”
C. “You need to be strong for your family.”
D. “I'll call your family right now to come visit.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic communication involves acknowledging the resident's
feelings and offering to listen. The STNA should validate the resident's emotions
without dismissing them or making promises that cannot be kept. Active listening
and empathy are key components of effective communication in nursing
assistance.
4. A resident who is alert and oriented refuses to take their prescribed
medication. The nursing assistant should:
A. Crush the medication and hide it in applesauce
B. Tell the resident that the doctor will be angry
C. Report the refusal to the nurse immediately
D. Leave the medication on the bedside table for later
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Competent residents have the legal right to refuse medication. The
nursing assistant must never force medication or attempt to deceive the resident
into taking it. The refusal should be documented and reported to the licensed
nurse, who will determine the appropriate next steps. STNAs do not administer
medications but may assist with self-administration under nurse supervision.
,5. When communicating with a resident who has a hearing impairment, the
nursing assistant should:
A. Speak loudly and directly into the resident's ear
B. Face the resident, speak clearly, and use appropriate gestures
C. Write everything down on paper
D. Avoid communicating with the resident to prevent frustration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For residents with hearing impairments, the STNA should face the
resident directly, speak clearly at a normal volume, and use gestures or visual
cues to enhance understanding. Speaking directly into the ear can be
uncomfortable and may not improve comprehension. The goal is to facilitate
effective communication while maintaining the resident's dignity.
6. A nursing assistant observes another staff member being rough with a resident
during a transfer. What should the STNA do?
A. Ignore it because it is not their responsibility
B. Report the observation to the charge nurse immediately
C. Confront the staff member directly in front of the resident
D. Document the incident in the resident's medical record
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The STNA has a legal and ethical obligation to report any suspected
abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of residents. The charge nurse should be notified
immediately, and the incident should be reported according to facility policy and
state regulations. Confronting the staff member directly could escalate the
situation and is not the proper protocol.
7. Which of the following is an example of a resident's right?
A. The right to choose their own clothing
B. The right to refuse visitors
, C. The right to make decisions about their care
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Residents in long-term care facilities have multiple rights, including the
right to choose their own clothing, the right to refuse visitors, and the right to
make decisions about their care. These rights are protected under federal and
state regulations to ensure residents maintain autonomy and dignity. The STNA
must respect and support these rights in daily care.
8. The nursing assistant is preparing to provide care to a new resident. What is the
FIRST action the STNA should take?
A. Gather all necessary supplies
B. Explain the procedure to the resident
C. Identify the resident using at least two identifiers
D. Wash hands before entering the room
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first step in any care procedure is to correctly identify the resident
using at least two identifiers, such as the ID bracelet and verbal confirmation of
name and date of birth. This ensures the right care is provided to the right
resident and prevents errors. While hand washing and explaining the procedure
are important, identification must come first.
9. A resident's family member asks the nursing assistant for detailed information
about the resident's medical condition. What should the STNA do?
A. Provide the information since the family has a right to know
B. Tell the family member to ask the resident directly
C. Politely refer the family member to the charge nurse
D. Share only basic information about the resident's daily activities
Correct Answer: C
Department of Health (ODH) – 2026/2027
DOMAIN 1: RESIDENT RIGHTS AND COMMUNICATION
Questions 1–15
1. A resident tells the nursing assistant, “I don't want to take a shower today. I'm
too tired.” What is the STNA's most appropriate response?
A. Tell the resident that the shower is required and must be done today
B. Insist that the resident must shower for infection control purposes
C. Respect the resident's right to refuse and report the refusal to the nurse
D. Ask another nursing assistant to help convince the resident
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Residents have the legal right to refuse care, including personal care
such as bathing. The STNA must honor that choice, document the refusal, and
inform the licensed nurse. Forcing or coercing a resident violates their rights
under state and federal regulations. The nursing assistant should never force care
or manipulate a resident into accepting care they have refused.
2. Which of the following is the MOST important reason for a nursing assistant to
maintain resident confidentiality?
A. It is required by facility policy
B. It protects the resident's dignity and is required by HIPAA
C. It prevents the resident from becoming angry
D. It allows the nursing assistant to share information with family members
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Resident confidentiality is protected by the Health Insurance
Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and is essential for maintaining resident
dignity and trust. Confidentiality means that personal and medical information
about residents should only be shared with those directly involved in the
,resident's care. Violating confidentiality can result in legal consequences and loss
of certification.
3. The nursing assistant enters a resident's room and finds the resident crying.
The resident states, “I miss my family. I feel so alone.” What is the MOST
appropriate response?
A. “Don't cry. You'll see them soon.”
B. “I understand. Would you like to talk about it?”
C. “You need to be strong for your family.”
D. “I'll call your family right now to come visit.”
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Therapeutic communication involves acknowledging the resident's
feelings and offering to listen. The STNA should validate the resident's emotions
without dismissing them or making promises that cannot be kept. Active listening
and empathy are key components of effective communication in nursing
assistance.
4. A resident who is alert and oriented refuses to take their prescribed
medication. The nursing assistant should:
A. Crush the medication and hide it in applesauce
B. Tell the resident that the doctor will be angry
C. Report the refusal to the nurse immediately
D. Leave the medication on the bedside table for later
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Competent residents have the legal right to refuse medication. The
nursing assistant must never force medication or attempt to deceive the resident
into taking it. The refusal should be documented and reported to the licensed
nurse, who will determine the appropriate next steps. STNAs do not administer
medications but may assist with self-administration under nurse supervision.
,5. When communicating with a resident who has a hearing impairment, the
nursing assistant should:
A. Speak loudly and directly into the resident's ear
B. Face the resident, speak clearly, and use appropriate gestures
C. Write everything down on paper
D. Avoid communicating with the resident to prevent frustration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For residents with hearing impairments, the STNA should face the
resident directly, speak clearly at a normal volume, and use gestures or visual
cues to enhance understanding. Speaking directly into the ear can be
uncomfortable and may not improve comprehension. The goal is to facilitate
effective communication while maintaining the resident's dignity.
6. A nursing assistant observes another staff member being rough with a resident
during a transfer. What should the STNA do?
A. Ignore it because it is not their responsibility
B. Report the observation to the charge nurse immediately
C. Confront the staff member directly in front of the resident
D. Document the incident in the resident's medical record
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The STNA has a legal and ethical obligation to report any suspected
abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of residents. The charge nurse should be notified
immediately, and the incident should be reported according to facility policy and
state regulations. Confronting the staff member directly could escalate the
situation and is not the proper protocol.
7. Which of the following is an example of a resident's right?
A. The right to choose their own clothing
B. The right to refuse visitors
, C. The right to make decisions about their care
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Residents in long-term care facilities have multiple rights, including the
right to choose their own clothing, the right to refuse visitors, and the right to
make decisions about their care. These rights are protected under federal and
state regulations to ensure residents maintain autonomy and dignity. The STNA
must respect and support these rights in daily care.
8. The nursing assistant is preparing to provide care to a new resident. What is the
FIRST action the STNA should take?
A. Gather all necessary supplies
B. Explain the procedure to the resident
C. Identify the resident using at least two identifiers
D. Wash hands before entering the room
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The first step in any care procedure is to correctly identify the resident
using at least two identifiers, such as the ID bracelet and verbal confirmation of
name and date of birth. This ensures the right care is provided to the right
resident and prevents errors. While hand washing and explaining the procedure
are important, identification must come first.
9. A resident's family member asks the nursing assistant for detailed information
about the resident's medical condition. What should the STNA do?
A. Provide the information since the family has a right to know
B. Tell the family member to ask the resident directly
C. Politely refer the family member to the charge nurse
D. Share only basic information about the resident's daily activities
Correct Answer: C
