CNA Certification (NNAAP) Exam
2025/2026 – Verified Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Rationales
Skills Testing
1. When performing a bed bath, in what order should the CNA clean the
patient’s body?
a) Arms, legs, chest, back, face, perineal area
b) Face, chest, arms, back, legs, perineal area
c) Perineal area, legs, arms, chest, back, face
d) Back, chest, face, arms, legs, perineal area
Correct Answer: b) Face, chest, arms, back, legs, perineal area
Rationale: Cleaning from the cleanest (face) to the least clean (perineal area)
prevents cross-contamination and maintains hygiene standards during a bed bath.
2. What should a CNA do first when assisting a patient with oral hygiene?
a) Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush
b) Rinse the patient’s mouth with water
c) Position the patient upright or at a 45-degree angle
d) Clean the toothbrush after use
Correct Answer: c) Position the patient upright or at a 45-degree angle
Rationale: Positioning the patient upright or at a 45-degree angle prevents
aspiration and ensures safety during oral care, which is the first step before
handling tools.
3. When measuring a patient’s radial pulse, how long should the CNA
count the beats?
a) 15 seconds and multiply by 4
b) 30 seconds and multiply by 2
c) 10 seconds and multiply by 6
d) 60 seconds
Correct Answer: b) 30 seconds and multiply by 2
Rationale: Counting for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 provides an accurate and
efficient pulse measurement per standard CNA protocols.
4. How should a CNA apply anti-embolic stockings to a patient’s legs?
a) Fold them down at the top
b) Apply them tightly to restrict blood flow
c) Roll them on smoothly without twists
d) Apply them only at night
Correct Answer: c) Roll them on smoothly without twists
Rationale: Rolling anti-embolic stockings on smoothly ensures proper
compression, promotes circulation, and prevents skin irritation or discomfort.
5. When assisting a patient with a transfer from bed to wheelchair, what is
, the first step?
a) Adjust the footrests after transfer
b) Lock the wheels of the wheelchair
c) Move the patient without assistance
d) Lower the bed to its highest position
Correct Answer: b) Lock the wheels of the wheelchair
Rationale: Locking the wheelchair wheels prevents movement during transfer,
reducing the risk of falls and ensuring patient safety.
6. What should a CNA do when measuring a patient’s weight?
a) Weigh the patient with shoes on
b) Ensure the scale is balanced before use
c) Record the weight without checking the scale
d) Weigh the patient twice and average the results
Correct Answer: b) Ensure the scale is balanced before use
Rationale: Balancing the scale ensures an accurate weight measurement, which is
critical for monitoring health and following care protocols.
7. When assisting a patient with a bedpan, what should the CNA do to
ensure comfort?
a) Place the bedpan under the patient without explanation
b) Use a cold bedpan to stimulate elimination
c) Explain the procedure and provide privacy
d) Leave the patient on the bedpan for 30 minutes
Correct Answer: c) Explain the procedure and provide privacy
Rationale: Explaining the procedure reduces anxiety, and providing privacy
respects the patient’s dignity, enhancing comfort during toileting.
8. How should a CNA perform range-of-motion exercises if the patient
reports discomfort?
a) Continue to maintain mobility
b) Stop the exercises and report to the nurse
c) Increase the range to stretch the joint
d) Apply heat to the joint before continuing
Correct Answer: b) Stop the exercises and report to the nurse
Rationale: Discomfort may indicate injury or overextension, so stopping and
reporting ensures the patient’s safety and proper evaluation.
9. When providing nail care, what should the CNA avoid for a diabetic
patient?
a) Soaking nails in warm water
b) Cleaning under the nails with a file
c) Cutting the nails
d) Filing nails straight across
Correct Answer: c) Cutting the nails
Rationale: Diabetic patients are at risk for infection and poor healing, so nail
cutting should be performed by a professional (e.g., podiatrist) to avoid
, complications.
10.What is the correct technique for cleaning a patient’s dentures?
a) Soak them in hot water to sterilize
b) Place a towel in the sink while cleaning
c) Use a hard-bristled brush for thorough cleaning
d) Store them dry in a denture cup
Correct Answer: b) Place a towel in the sink while cleaning
Rationale: A towel in the sink cushions the dentures if dropped, preventing
damage. Hot water can warp dentures, and they should be stored in water.
Safety
11.What is the first action a CNA should take if a patient begins choking?
a) Offer water to clear the obstruction
b) Check the patient’s pulse
c) Call for help immediately
d) Perform the Heimlich maneuver
Correct Answer: c) Call for help immediately
Rationale: Calling for help ensures additional support is available. The CNA
should only perform the Heimlich maneuver if trained and authorized.
12.A CNA notices a frayed electrical cord on a patient’s call light. What
should they do?
a) Tape the cord and continue using it
b) Ignore it unless it stops working
c) Replace the cord themselves
d) Report it to the maintenance department
Correct Answer: d) Report it to the maintenance department
Rationale: A frayed cord poses an electrical hazard. Reporting ensures it is
repaired by qualified personnel, maintaining safety.
13.What should a CNA do to prevent pressure ulcers in a bedridden
patient?
a) Keep the patient in one position for comfort
b) Reposition the patient every 4 hours
c) Reposition the patient every 2 hours
d) Apply talcum powder to bony areas
Correct Answer: c) Reposition the patient every 2 hours
Rationale: Repositioning every 2 hours relieves pressure on bony areas, improving
circulation and preventing pressure ulcers.
14.A patient is at risk for falls. What should the CNA do to ensure safety?
a) Leave the room dimly lit
b) Keep the bed in the highest position
c) Ensure the call light is within reach
d) Remove the patient’s non-slip socks
Correct Answer: c) Ensure the call light is within reach
2025/2026 – Verified Questions with
Correct Answers and Expert Rationales
Skills Testing
1. When performing a bed bath, in what order should the CNA clean the
patient’s body?
a) Arms, legs, chest, back, face, perineal area
b) Face, chest, arms, back, legs, perineal area
c) Perineal area, legs, arms, chest, back, face
d) Back, chest, face, arms, legs, perineal area
Correct Answer: b) Face, chest, arms, back, legs, perineal area
Rationale: Cleaning from the cleanest (face) to the least clean (perineal area)
prevents cross-contamination and maintains hygiene standards during a bed bath.
2. What should a CNA do first when assisting a patient with oral hygiene?
a) Apply toothpaste to the toothbrush
b) Rinse the patient’s mouth with water
c) Position the patient upright or at a 45-degree angle
d) Clean the toothbrush after use
Correct Answer: c) Position the patient upright or at a 45-degree angle
Rationale: Positioning the patient upright or at a 45-degree angle prevents
aspiration and ensures safety during oral care, which is the first step before
handling tools.
3. When measuring a patient’s radial pulse, how long should the CNA
count the beats?
a) 15 seconds and multiply by 4
b) 30 seconds and multiply by 2
c) 10 seconds and multiply by 6
d) 60 seconds
Correct Answer: b) 30 seconds and multiply by 2
Rationale: Counting for 30 seconds and multiplying by 2 provides an accurate and
efficient pulse measurement per standard CNA protocols.
4. How should a CNA apply anti-embolic stockings to a patient’s legs?
a) Fold them down at the top
b) Apply them tightly to restrict blood flow
c) Roll them on smoothly without twists
d) Apply them only at night
Correct Answer: c) Roll them on smoothly without twists
Rationale: Rolling anti-embolic stockings on smoothly ensures proper
compression, promotes circulation, and prevents skin irritation or discomfort.
5. When assisting a patient with a transfer from bed to wheelchair, what is
, the first step?
a) Adjust the footrests after transfer
b) Lock the wheels of the wheelchair
c) Move the patient without assistance
d) Lower the bed to its highest position
Correct Answer: b) Lock the wheels of the wheelchair
Rationale: Locking the wheelchair wheels prevents movement during transfer,
reducing the risk of falls and ensuring patient safety.
6. What should a CNA do when measuring a patient’s weight?
a) Weigh the patient with shoes on
b) Ensure the scale is balanced before use
c) Record the weight without checking the scale
d) Weigh the patient twice and average the results
Correct Answer: b) Ensure the scale is balanced before use
Rationale: Balancing the scale ensures an accurate weight measurement, which is
critical for monitoring health and following care protocols.
7. When assisting a patient with a bedpan, what should the CNA do to
ensure comfort?
a) Place the bedpan under the patient without explanation
b) Use a cold bedpan to stimulate elimination
c) Explain the procedure and provide privacy
d) Leave the patient on the bedpan for 30 minutes
Correct Answer: c) Explain the procedure and provide privacy
Rationale: Explaining the procedure reduces anxiety, and providing privacy
respects the patient’s dignity, enhancing comfort during toileting.
8. How should a CNA perform range-of-motion exercises if the patient
reports discomfort?
a) Continue to maintain mobility
b) Stop the exercises and report to the nurse
c) Increase the range to stretch the joint
d) Apply heat to the joint before continuing
Correct Answer: b) Stop the exercises and report to the nurse
Rationale: Discomfort may indicate injury or overextension, so stopping and
reporting ensures the patient’s safety and proper evaluation.
9. When providing nail care, what should the CNA avoid for a diabetic
patient?
a) Soaking nails in warm water
b) Cleaning under the nails with a file
c) Cutting the nails
d) Filing nails straight across
Correct Answer: c) Cutting the nails
Rationale: Diabetic patients are at risk for infection and poor healing, so nail
cutting should be performed by a professional (e.g., podiatrist) to avoid
, complications.
10.What is the correct technique for cleaning a patient’s dentures?
a) Soak them in hot water to sterilize
b) Place a towel in the sink while cleaning
c) Use a hard-bristled brush for thorough cleaning
d) Store them dry in a denture cup
Correct Answer: b) Place a towel in the sink while cleaning
Rationale: A towel in the sink cushions the dentures if dropped, preventing
damage. Hot water can warp dentures, and they should be stored in water.
Safety
11.What is the first action a CNA should take if a patient begins choking?
a) Offer water to clear the obstruction
b) Check the patient’s pulse
c) Call for help immediately
d) Perform the Heimlich maneuver
Correct Answer: c) Call for help immediately
Rationale: Calling for help ensures additional support is available. The CNA
should only perform the Heimlich maneuver if trained and authorized.
12.A CNA notices a frayed electrical cord on a patient’s call light. What
should they do?
a) Tape the cord and continue using it
b) Ignore it unless it stops working
c) Replace the cord themselves
d) Report it to the maintenance department
Correct Answer: d) Report it to the maintenance department
Rationale: A frayed cord poses an electrical hazard. Reporting ensures it is
repaired by qualified personnel, maintaining safety.
13.What should a CNA do to prevent pressure ulcers in a bedridden
patient?
a) Keep the patient in one position for comfort
b) Reposition the patient every 4 hours
c) Reposition the patient every 2 hours
d) Apply talcum powder to bony areas
Correct Answer: c) Reposition the patient every 2 hours
Rationale: Repositioning every 2 hours relieves pressure on bony areas, improving
circulation and preventing pressure ulcers.
14.A patient is at risk for falls. What should the CNA do to ensure safety?
a) Leave the room dimly lit
b) Keep the bed in the highest position
c) Ensure the call light is within reach
d) Remove the patient’s non-slip socks
Correct Answer: c) Ensure the call light is within reach
