MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS & VERIFIED
ANSWERS | CNA EXAM PREP
CNA PRACTICE TEST 2026/2027 – UPDATED MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS &
VERIFIED ANSWERS
• This comprehensive practice test features 200 updated multiple-choice questions
aligned with current CNA certification standards and verified answers to ensure
exam readiness.
• Use this material to review core competencies across all CNA examination
domains, reinforcing knowledge through repeated practice with detailed rationales
for each correct answer.
QUESTION 1
A Certified Nursing Assistant is preparing to assist a patient with a bed bath.
What is the primary purpose of performing personal hygiene care for
patients?
A) To make the patient feel comfortable and to observe for any skin abnormalities
B) To reduce the patient's daily activities and promote bed rest
C) To eliminate the need for family members to visit the patient
D) To provide entertainment for the patient during hospital stay
E) To decrease the workload of nursing staff members
CORRECT ANSWER: A) To make the patient feel comfortable and to observe for
any skin abnormalities
Rationale: Personal hygiene care promotes comfort, dignity, and cleanliness while
allowing the nursing assistant to assess the patient's skin condition, identifying any
redness, breakdown, or other abnormalities that should be reported to the nurse.
This is a fundamental responsibility of a CNA during bathing procedures.
QUESTION 2
,When taking an oral temperature using a digital thermometer, where should
the probe be placed?
A) Under the armpit for 5-10 minutes
B) Under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket for 1 minute
C) In the ear canal pointing toward the tympanum
D) On the surface of the skin over the temporal artery
E) In the rectum for 2-3 minutes
CORRECT ANSWER: B) Under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket for
1 minute
Rationale: The posterior sublingual pocket (under the tongue) is the correct
placement for an oral temperature reading. The sublingual artery runs through this
area, providing accurate temperature measurement. The digital thermometer
should remain in place until it beeps, usually within 1 minute.
QUESTION 3
A patient's axillary temperature is 37.2°C (99°F). How should the CNA
interpret this reading?
A) This is a dangerously high fever requiring immediate intervention
B) This is a normal body temperature or within normal range
C) This indicates hypothermia and requires warming measures
D) This temperature is too low and suggests the patient is septic
E) This reading is inaccurate and should be retaken immediately
CORRECT ANSWER: B) This is a normal body temperature or within normal
range
Rationale: Normal body temperature for adults ranges from approximately 36.5°C
to 37.5°C (97.7°F to 99.5°F). An axillary temperature of 37.2°C is within the normal
range and does not require intervention beyond routine monitoring.
,QUESTION 4
When assisting a patient with activities of daily living (ADL), what is the
primary goal of the CNA?
A) To perform all activities for the patient to save time
B) To promote patient independence to the maximum extent possible
C) To ensure the patient remains in bed at all times
D) To eliminate the need for family involvement in patient care
E) To reduce nursing staff workload by taking over all patient care tasks
CORRECT ANSWER: B) To promote patient independence to the maximum
extent possible
Rationale: A fundamental principle of patient care is to encourage and support
independence in performing ADLs. CNAs should assist only to the extent needed,
allowing patients to maintain their dignity and functional abilities. Encouraging self-
care promotes better outcomes and maintains patient autonomy.
QUESTION 5
A CNA is assisting a patient with toileting. The patient is confused and
incontinent. What is the most appropriate action?
A) Restrict fluids to reduce incidents of incontinence
B) Keep the patient in bed to prevent accidents
C) Implement a toileting schedule and maintain a positive, nonjudgmental attitude
D) Scold the patient for having accidents to encourage bladder control
E) Place the patient in restraints to prevent wandering
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Implement a toileting schedule and maintain a positive,
nonjudgmental attitude
, Rationale: For confused or incontinent patients, establishing a regular toileting
schedule (often called prompted voiding) is effective. Maintaining a positive,
accepting attitude preserves the patient's dignity and reduces embarrassment.
Punitive approaches are ineffective and harmful to the therapeutic relationship.
QUESTION 6
When moving a patient up in bed using proper body mechanics, what should
the CNA do?
A) Bend at the waist and use arm strength to lift the patient
B) Use the bed's side rails for leverage while lifting
C) Position feet apart, bend knees, and use leg muscles; keep the load close to the
body
D) Ask the patient to pull themselves up without assistance
E) Use a twisting motion with the spine for better control
CORRECT ANSWER: C) Position feet apart, bend knees, and use leg muscles;
keep the load close to the body
Rationale: Proper body mechanics requires the caregiver to position feet shoulder-
width apart for balance, bend at the knees (not the waist) to use stronger leg
muscles, and keep the patient close to the body to reduce strain. This technique
prevents injury to both the caregiver and patient.
QUESTION 7
Which of the following is a sign of skin breakdown that the CNA should report
to the nurse immediately?
A) Slight redness that blanches when pressure is released
B) A small area of non-blanching redness with possible blistering
C) Normal variation in skin tone across different body areas