Illinois CNA state exam
questions 2024 with complete
solution
Question: A resident in a long-term care facility has a history of falling. What is the most
appropriate action a CNA can take to prevent falls?
Answer: Ensure that the resident’s environment is free of hazards. This includes
removing clutter, ensuring adequate lighting, and keeping frequently used items within
reach. Additionally, the CNA should assist the resident with ambulation if needed and
encourage the use of assistive devices as prescribed.
Explanation: Preventing falls involves creating a safe environment and assisting
residents in maintaining their mobility safely.
2. Question: During a routine check, a CNA notices that a resident has a new bruise on
their arm. What should the CNA do first?
Answer: Report the bruise to the nurse immediately.
Explanation: Noticing changes in a resident’s condition, such as unexplained bruising,
should be reported to a nurse for further assessment. It could indicate potential abuse or
a medical condition requiring attention.
3. Question: What is the proper way to take a resident’s blood pressure?
Answer: The CNA should follow these steps:
○ Have the resident sit comfortably with their feet flat on the floor and their arm
supported at heart level.
○ Place the cuff around the upper arm, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight.
○ Inflate the cuff while listening for the first heartbeat (systolic) and the last
heartbeat (diastolic) using a stethoscope.
4. Explanation: Proper positioning and technique are critical for an accurate blood
pressure reading.
4. Question: When providing personal care to a resident, what is the most important
principle to follow?
, Answer: Always respect the resident's privacy and dignity.
Explanation: Maintaining privacy and dignity is fundamental in providing personal care,
which helps build trust and a positive relationship between the CNA and the resident.
5. Question: If a resident refuses to take their medication, what should the CNA do?
Answer: The CNA should respect the resident’s decision and report it to the nurse.
Explanation: Residents have the right to refuse medication. The CNA must ensure that
the refusal is documented and communicated to the appropriate medical staff for further
action.
6. Question: What is the primary purpose of using hand hygiene in healthcare?
Answer: To prevent the spread of infection.
Explanation: Hand hygiene is crucial in healthcare settings to reduce the risk of
infections for both patients and healthcare providers.
7. Question: If a resident starts to fall, what should a CNA do first?
Answer: Attempt to lower the resident to the floor safely.
Explanation: If a resident is falling, the CNA should try to gently lower them to the floor
to prevent injury, rather than trying to catch them.
8. Question: What is the proper way to position a patient in a bed?
Answer: The patient should be positioned on their back with the head and shoulders
elevated if necessary, and with pillows for support.
Explanation: Proper positioning helps maintain comfort, prevents pressure ulcers, and
ensures that the airway is clear.
9. Question: When transferring a resident from a bed to a wheelchair, which action is most
important?
Answer: Lock the wheelchair brakes before transferring.
Explanation: Ensuring that the wheelchair is stable and secure is crucial to prevent
accidents during the transfer.
10. Question: A resident has a diagnosis of diabetes. What is a critical observation a CNA
should report?
Answer: Unusual changes in the resident's eating habits or blood sugar levels.
, Explanation: Monitoring diet and glucose levels is essential in diabetes management,
and any irregularities should be reported to the nurse.
11. Question: What should a CNA do if they notice a resident with difficulty breathing?
Answer: Notify the nurse immediately.
Explanation: Difficulty breathing can indicate a medical emergency, and it is crucial to
inform the nurse for appropriate intervention.
12. Question: Why is it important to encourage residents to participate in their own care?
Answer: It promotes independence and enhances their self-esteem.
Explanation: Encouraging participation helps residents feel empowered and valued in
their care.
13. Question: How should a CNA respond to a resident who is feeling anxious or scared?
Answer: Offer reassurance and listen to their concerns.
Explanation: Providing emotional support and understanding can help alleviate anxiety
and build trust with the resident.
14. Question: What is the correct method for measuring a resident's weight?
Answer: Ensure the resident is standing straight and still on the scale, and that the
scale is calibrated.
Explanation: Accurate weight measurement is essential for monitoring the resident's
health, particularly in assessing nutritional status.
15. Question: When should a CNA wear gloves?
Answer: When there is a risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
Explanation: Wearing gloves protects both the CNA and the resident from infections
and contamination.
16. Question: What is the best way to communicate with a resident who has hearing
impairment?
Answer: Speak clearly, face the resident, and use gestures if necessary.
Explanation: Effective communication is vital for understanding and providing care to
residents with hearing difficulties.
questions 2024 with complete
solution
Question: A resident in a long-term care facility has a history of falling. What is the most
appropriate action a CNA can take to prevent falls?
Answer: Ensure that the resident’s environment is free of hazards. This includes
removing clutter, ensuring adequate lighting, and keeping frequently used items within
reach. Additionally, the CNA should assist the resident with ambulation if needed and
encourage the use of assistive devices as prescribed.
Explanation: Preventing falls involves creating a safe environment and assisting
residents in maintaining their mobility safely.
2. Question: During a routine check, a CNA notices that a resident has a new bruise on
their arm. What should the CNA do first?
Answer: Report the bruise to the nurse immediately.
Explanation: Noticing changes in a resident’s condition, such as unexplained bruising,
should be reported to a nurse for further assessment. It could indicate potential abuse or
a medical condition requiring attention.
3. Question: What is the proper way to take a resident’s blood pressure?
Answer: The CNA should follow these steps:
○ Have the resident sit comfortably with their feet flat on the floor and their arm
supported at heart level.
○ Place the cuff around the upper arm, ensuring it’s snug but not too tight.
○ Inflate the cuff while listening for the first heartbeat (systolic) and the last
heartbeat (diastolic) using a stethoscope.
4. Explanation: Proper positioning and technique are critical for an accurate blood
pressure reading.
4. Question: When providing personal care to a resident, what is the most important
principle to follow?
, Answer: Always respect the resident's privacy and dignity.
Explanation: Maintaining privacy and dignity is fundamental in providing personal care,
which helps build trust and a positive relationship between the CNA and the resident.
5. Question: If a resident refuses to take their medication, what should the CNA do?
Answer: The CNA should respect the resident’s decision and report it to the nurse.
Explanation: Residents have the right to refuse medication. The CNA must ensure that
the refusal is documented and communicated to the appropriate medical staff for further
action.
6. Question: What is the primary purpose of using hand hygiene in healthcare?
Answer: To prevent the spread of infection.
Explanation: Hand hygiene is crucial in healthcare settings to reduce the risk of
infections for both patients and healthcare providers.
7. Question: If a resident starts to fall, what should a CNA do first?
Answer: Attempt to lower the resident to the floor safely.
Explanation: If a resident is falling, the CNA should try to gently lower them to the floor
to prevent injury, rather than trying to catch them.
8. Question: What is the proper way to position a patient in a bed?
Answer: The patient should be positioned on their back with the head and shoulders
elevated if necessary, and with pillows for support.
Explanation: Proper positioning helps maintain comfort, prevents pressure ulcers, and
ensures that the airway is clear.
9. Question: When transferring a resident from a bed to a wheelchair, which action is most
important?
Answer: Lock the wheelchair brakes before transferring.
Explanation: Ensuring that the wheelchair is stable and secure is crucial to prevent
accidents during the transfer.
10. Question: A resident has a diagnosis of diabetes. What is a critical observation a CNA
should report?
Answer: Unusual changes in the resident's eating habits or blood sugar levels.
, Explanation: Monitoring diet and glucose levels is essential in diabetes management,
and any irregularities should be reported to the nurse.
11. Question: What should a CNA do if they notice a resident with difficulty breathing?
Answer: Notify the nurse immediately.
Explanation: Difficulty breathing can indicate a medical emergency, and it is crucial to
inform the nurse for appropriate intervention.
12. Question: Why is it important to encourage residents to participate in their own care?
Answer: It promotes independence and enhances their self-esteem.
Explanation: Encouraging participation helps residents feel empowered and valued in
their care.
13. Question: How should a CNA respond to a resident who is feeling anxious or scared?
Answer: Offer reassurance and listen to their concerns.
Explanation: Providing emotional support and understanding can help alleviate anxiety
and build trust with the resident.
14. Question: What is the correct method for measuring a resident's weight?
Answer: Ensure the resident is standing straight and still on the scale, and that the
scale is calibrated.
Explanation: Accurate weight measurement is essential for monitoring the resident's
health, particularly in assessing nutritional status.
15. Question: When should a CNA wear gloves?
Answer: When there is a risk of exposure to blood or bodily fluids.
Explanation: Wearing gloves protects both the CNA and the resident from infections
and contamination.
16. Question: What is the best way to communicate with a resident who has hearing
impairment?
Answer: Speak clearly, face the resident, and use gestures if necessary.
Explanation: Effective communication is vital for understanding and providing care to
residents with hearing difficulties.
