CNA CERTIFICATION EXAMS – PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS (VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains:
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Personal Care Skills
- Mental Health and Social Service Needs
- Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents
- Basic Restorative Services
- Residents' Rights
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Safety and Emergency Procedures
- Infection Control
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities*
Introduction:
This comprehensive assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) and state-s
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A resident with localized bedsores on the coccyx needs to be repositioned. To minimize shear and friction on the skin while moving the
resident up in bed, the nurse aide should:
A. Ask the resident to pull on the side rails while sliding them upward
,B. Use a friction-reducing draw sheet with the assistance of a coworker
C. Lift the resident under the arms independently to ensure quick positioning
D. Logroll the resident from side to side until they reach the top of the bed
🟢 B. Use a friction-reducing draw sheet with the assistance of a coworker
🔴 RATIONALE: Using a draw sheet or lift sheet with at least two caregivers lifts the resident's weight off the bed linens, preventing friction
and shearing forces that damage fragile skin layers. Dragging a resident or lifting them solo under the arms can cause skin tears and
musculoskeletal injuries to both the resident and staff.
Question 2
While performing perineal care for an uncircumcised male resident, which action is mandatory for infection control and skin integrity?
A. Retract the foreskin, cleanse the glans, and leave the foreskin retracted to air dry
B. Cleanse only the outside of the scrotum and shaft without altering the foreskin
C. Retract the foreskin, cleanse the glans, and gently return the foreskin to its natural position
D. Wash the area from the scrotum upward toward the penis using a circular motion
🟢 C. Retract the foreskin, cleanse the glans, and gently return the foreskin to its natural position
🔴 RATIONALE: The foreskin must be retracted to remove smegma and bacteria that accumulate underneath. However, it must always be
replaced over the glans penis immediately after cleaning to prevent paraphimosis, a serious condition where the retracted foreskin constricts
blood flow to the head of the penis.
Question 3
A nurse aide enters a room and finds a resident sobbing because their favorite radio is broken. Which response demonstrates appropriate
therapeutic communication?
A. Don't cry over a radio, we can ask your family to buy you a better one
B. You shouldn't let small things upset you when you are recovering so well
C. I see that you are very upset about your radio. Would you like to talk about it?
D. Let me take that away so you don't have to look at it anymore
🟢 C. I see that you are very upset about your radio. Would you like to talk about it?
🔴 RATIONALE: This response validates the resident's feelings through active observation and opens a supportive channel for
communication without minimizing their distress, which preserves dignity and builds rapport.
Question 4
What is the primary clinical purpose of an elastic turning sheet or draw sheet placed across the middle of a resident's mattress?
A. To absorb urinary incontinence and protect the bottom fitted sheet
B. To hold the mattress pad firmly in place so it does not bunch up
C. To assist caregivers in repositioning the resident without pulling on the anatomy
D. To keep the resident's legs properly abducted during side-lying rest
🟢 C. To assist caregivers in repositioning the resident without pulling on the anatomy
🔴 RATIONALE: Draw sheets are mechanical aids designed to facilitate safe weight distribution and lifting during repositioning, reducing the
risk of friction-induced skin damage to the resident and ergonomic strain on the healthcare worker.
, Question 5
A nurse aide notes a resident's respiratory rate is 26 breaths per minute with shallow chest expansions. The proper medical term for this
finding is:
A. Bradypnea
B. Eupnea
C. Tachypnea
D. Apnea
🟢 C. Tachypnea
🔴 RATIONALE: Tachypnea refers to an abnormally rapid rate of breathing, typically greater than 20 breaths per minute in adults. Bradypnea
is a slow rate (under 12), eupnea is normal breathing, and apnea is the temporary cessation of breathing.
Question 6
When collecting a 24-hour urine specimen from a resident, what step must the nurse aide take regarding the very first voiding at the start of
the collection period?
A. Include it in the collection container and refrigerate it immediately
B. Discard the first voiding but record the exact time it occurred to mark the start
C. Test the first voiding for glucose and ketones before adding it to the jug
D. Mix the first voiding with a chemical preservative before adding subsequent samples
🟢 B. Discard the first voiding but record the exact time it occurred to mark the start
🔴 RATIONALE: A 24-hour urine collection must begin with an empty bladder. The first voiding is discarded because it represents urine
produced before the collection period started. All subsequent urine over the next 24 hours must be saved.
Question 7
A resident with advanced dementia accuses a nurse aide of stealing their missing wedding ring. What is the most constructive initial action for
the aide?
A. Argue firmly with the resident and show them your empty pockets to prove innocence
B. Tell the resident that making false accusations can limit their privileges
C. Comfort the resident and gently offer to help them look through their nightstand drawers
D. Ignore the statement completely and walk out to report the incident to security
🟢 C. Comfort the resident and gently offer to help them look through their nightstand drawers
🔴 RATIONALE: Residents with dementia frequently misplace items and experience paranoia. Validating their distress and helping them
search maintains a calm, supportive environment, whereas arguing accelerates agitation.
Question 8
Which of the following describes the correct procedure for measuring a resident's height who is confined to bed and unable to stand?
A. Measure from the top of the head to the tip of the toes using a straight wooden yardstick
B. Disregard height measurements since accurate readings require an upright balance scale
C. Mark the sheet at the top of the head and flat at the heels, then measure between the marks
D. Add the lengths of the upper torso, thighs, and lower legs measured individually
Q&A | INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF.
Core Domains:
- Basic Nursing Skills
- Personal Care Skills
- Mental Health and Social Service Needs
- Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents
- Basic Restorative Services
- Residents' Rights
- Communication and Interpersonal Skills
- Safety and Emergency Procedures
- Infection Control
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities*
Introduction:
This comprehensive assessment is designed to prepare candidates for the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) and state-s
SECTION ONE: QUESTIONS 1–100
Question 1
A resident with localized bedsores on the coccyx needs to be repositioned. To minimize shear and friction on the skin while moving the
resident up in bed, the nurse aide should:
A. Ask the resident to pull on the side rails while sliding them upward
,B. Use a friction-reducing draw sheet with the assistance of a coworker
C. Lift the resident under the arms independently to ensure quick positioning
D. Logroll the resident from side to side until they reach the top of the bed
🟢 B. Use a friction-reducing draw sheet with the assistance of a coworker
🔴 RATIONALE: Using a draw sheet or lift sheet with at least two caregivers lifts the resident's weight off the bed linens, preventing friction
and shearing forces that damage fragile skin layers. Dragging a resident or lifting them solo under the arms can cause skin tears and
musculoskeletal injuries to both the resident and staff.
Question 2
While performing perineal care for an uncircumcised male resident, which action is mandatory for infection control and skin integrity?
A. Retract the foreskin, cleanse the glans, and leave the foreskin retracted to air dry
B. Cleanse only the outside of the scrotum and shaft without altering the foreskin
C. Retract the foreskin, cleanse the glans, and gently return the foreskin to its natural position
D. Wash the area from the scrotum upward toward the penis using a circular motion
🟢 C. Retract the foreskin, cleanse the glans, and gently return the foreskin to its natural position
🔴 RATIONALE: The foreskin must be retracted to remove smegma and bacteria that accumulate underneath. However, it must always be
replaced over the glans penis immediately after cleaning to prevent paraphimosis, a serious condition where the retracted foreskin constricts
blood flow to the head of the penis.
Question 3
A nurse aide enters a room and finds a resident sobbing because their favorite radio is broken. Which response demonstrates appropriate
therapeutic communication?
A. Don't cry over a radio, we can ask your family to buy you a better one
B. You shouldn't let small things upset you when you are recovering so well
C. I see that you are very upset about your radio. Would you like to talk about it?
D. Let me take that away so you don't have to look at it anymore
🟢 C. I see that you are very upset about your radio. Would you like to talk about it?
🔴 RATIONALE: This response validates the resident's feelings through active observation and opens a supportive channel for
communication without minimizing their distress, which preserves dignity and builds rapport.
Question 4
What is the primary clinical purpose of an elastic turning sheet or draw sheet placed across the middle of a resident's mattress?
A. To absorb urinary incontinence and protect the bottom fitted sheet
B. To hold the mattress pad firmly in place so it does not bunch up
C. To assist caregivers in repositioning the resident without pulling on the anatomy
D. To keep the resident's legs properly abducted during side-lying rest
🟢 C. To assist caregivers in repositioning the resident without pulling on the anatomy
🔴 RATIONALE: Draw sheets are mechanical aids designed to facilitate safe weight distribution and lifting during repositioning, reducing the
risk of friction-induced skin damage to the resident and ergonomic strain on the healthcare worker.
, Question 5
A nurse aide notes a resident's respiratory rate is 26 breaths per minute with shallow chest expansions. The proper medical term for this
finding is:
A. Bradypnea
B. Eupnea
C. Tachypnea
D. Apnea
🟢 C. Tachypnea
🔴 RATIONALE: Tachypnea refers to an abnormally rapid rate of breathing, typically greater than 20 breaths per minute in adults. Bradypnea
is a slow rate (under 12), eupnea is normal breathing, and apnea is the temporary cessation of breathing.
Question 6
When collecting a 24-hour urine specimen from a resident, what step must the nurse aide take regarding the very first voiding at the start of
the collection period?
A. Include it in the collection container and refrigerate it immediately
B. Discard the first voiding but record the exact time it occurred to mark the start
C. Test the first voiding for glucose and ketones before adding it to the jug
D. Mix the first voiding with a chemical preservative before adding subsequent samples
🟢 B. Discard the first voiding but record the exact time it occurred to mark the start
🔴 RATIONALE: A 24-hour urine collection must begin with an empty bladder. The first voiding is discarded because it represents urine
produced before the collection period started. All subsequent urine over the next 24 hours must be saved.
Question 7
A resident with advanced dementia accuses a nurse aide of stealing their missing wedding ring. What is the most constructive initial action for
the aide?
A. Argue firmly with the resident and show them your empty pockets to prove innocence
B. Tell the resident that making false accusations can limit their privileges
C. Comfort the resident and gently offer to help them look through their nightstand drawers
D. Ignore the statement completely and walk out to report the incident to security
🟢 C. Comfort the resident and gently offer to help them look through their nightstand drawers
🔴 RATIONALE: Residents with dementia frequently misplace items and experience paranoia. Validating their distress and helping them
search maintains a calm, supportive environment, whereas arguing accelerates agitation.
Question 8
Which of the following describes the correct procedure for measuring a resident's height who is confined to bed and unable to stand?
A. Measure from the top of the head to the tip of the toes using a straight wooden yardstick
B. Disregard height measurements since accurate readings require an upright balance scale
C. Mark the sheet at the top of the head and flat at the heels, then measure between the marks
D. Add the lengths of the upper torso, thighs, and lower legs measured individually
