STNA State Tested Nursing Assistant Study Guide Exam 3 (2026/2027)
UPDATE
1. Which of the following is the most important way to prevent the spread of
infection?
A. Proper handwashing with soap and water
B. Using hand sanitizer only
C. Wearing gloves at all times
D. Keeping all residents in isolation
Answer: A
Rationale: Handwashing is the single most effective method to prevent the spread of
pathogens in a healthcare setting.
2. A resident is in the ‘stages of grief’ and says, ‘If I can just live to see my
grandson graduate, I will be happy.’ Which stage is this?
A. Denial
B. Anger
C. Bargaining
D. Acceptance
Answer: C
Rationale: Bargaining involves trying to make a deal with a higher power or circumstances
to postpone the inevitable.
,3. What is the normal range for an adult’s pulse rate?
A. 40-60 beats per minute
B. 100-120 beats per minute
C. 60-100 beats per minute
D. 70-110 beats per minute
Answer: C
Rationale: The standard normal range for a resting adult heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per
minute.
4. When a resident is on NPO status, it means:
A. Nothing by mouth
B. Only clear liquids
C. Normal protein only
D. New prescription ordered
Answer: A
Rationale: NPO stands for the Latin ‘nil per os,’ meaning nothing by mouth, including
water and medications unless specified.
5. Which of the following is a sign of a localized infection?
A. High fever
B. Whole body aches
C. Redness and swelling at a specific site
D. Chills and sweating
Answer: C
Rationale: Localized infections stay in one spot, showing signs like redness, heat, pain, and
swelling at that specific location.
, 6. What is the first thing an STNA should do when discovering a fire?
A. Extinguish the fire
B. Pull the alarm
C. Close all doors
D. Rescue the resident
Answer: D
Rationale: According to the RACE acronym, ‘R’ stands for Rescue anyone in immediate
danger.
7. In the PASS acronym for fire extinguishers, what does the ‘A’ stand for?
A. Always pull
B. Alert the nurse
C. Apply pressure
D. Aim at the base of the fire
Answer: D
Rationale: PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. You must aim at the base of the
flames.
8. Which medical term describes a blood pressure reading of 150/95?
A. Hypotension
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypertension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertension is the clinical term for high blood pressure (generally above
130/80 or 140/90).
UPDATE
1. Which of the following is the most important way to prevent the spread of
infection?
A. Proper handwashing with soap and water
B. Using hand sanitizer only
C. Wearing gloves at all times
D. Keeping all residents in isolation
Answer: A
Rationale: Handwashing is the single most effective method to prevent the spread of
pathogens in a healthcare setting.
2. A resident is in the ‘stages of grief’ and says, ‘If I can just live to see my
grandson graduate, I will be happy.’ Which stage is this?
A. Denial
B. Anger
C. Bargaining
D. Acceptance
Answer: C
Rationale: Bargaining involves trying to make a deal with a higher power or circumstances
to postpone the inevitable.
,3. What is the normal range for an adult’s pulse rate?
A. 40-60 beats per minute
B. 100-120 beats per minute
C. 60-100 beats per minute
D. 70-110 beats per minute
Answer: C
Rationale: The standard normal range for a resting adult heart rate is 60 to 100 beats per
minute.
4. When a resident is on NPO status, it means:
A. Nothing by mouth
B. Only clear liquids
C. Normal protein only
D. New prescription ordered
Answer: A
Rationale: NPO stands for the Latin ‘nil per os,’ meaning nothing by mouth, including
water and medications unless specified.
5. Which of the following is a sign of a localized infection?
A. High fever
B. Whole body aches
C. Redness and swelling at a specific site
D. Chills and sweating
Answer: C
Rationale: Localized infections stay in one spot, showing signs like redness, heat, pain, and
swelling at that specific location.
, 6. What is the first thing an STNA should do when discovering a fire?
A. Extinguish the fire
B. Pull the alarm
C. Close all doors
D. Rescue the resident
Answer: D
Rationale: According to the RACE acronym, ‘R’ stands for Rescue anyone in immediate
danger.
7. In the PASS acronym for fire extinguishers, what does the ‘A’ stand for?
A. Always pull
B. Alert the nurse
C. Apply pressure
D. Aim at the base of the fire
Answer: D
Rationale: PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. You must aim at the base of the
flames.
8. Which medical term describes a blood pressure reading of 150/95?
A. Hypotension
B. Hyperglycemia
C. Hypertension
D. Tachycardia
Answer: C
Rationale: Hypertension is the clinical term for high blood pressure (generally above
130/80 or 140/90).
