CNA Practice Test

Becoming a licensed CNA, or Certified Nursing Assistant is a great career in the growing medical field. CNA’s work closely with patients and help with basic care such as feeding, bathing, grooming, and emotional support. They also check vital signs & provide patient information to nurses. Try our CNA practice test to get an idea of the types of information you will need to know.

CNA Test Questions

Congratulations - you have completed . You scored %%SCORE%% out of %%TOTAL%%. Your performance has been rated as %%RATING%%
Your answers are highlighted below.
Question 1
You are taking care of Mr. Wilkins, a COPD client who is on oxygen therapy. Knowledge about oxygen flow rates is important in order to provide efficient and safe nursing care to patients requiring oxygen therapy. Which of the following signifies a true understanding of oxygen flow rates?

A
You can check on the flow rate that the patient is receiving.
B
The flow rate is measured in milliliters (ml).
C
The flow rate is the amount of oxygen given in 1 minute.
D
The flow rate is the same for all persons.
Question 1 Explanation: 
The nurse assistant should monitor the flow rate that is ordered by the physician. Tell the nurse at once if it is too high or too low. Some states and agencies let nursing assistants adjust flow rates. Know your agency’s policy. Flow rate is the amount of oxygen given. It is measured in liters per minute (L/min). The nurse or respiratory therapist sets the flow rate.
Question 2
You are assisting the nurse in collecting a urine specimen from a client who has been catheterized. When the urine begins to flow through the catheter, you will help

A
inflate the catheter balloon with sterile water.
B
place the catheter tip into the specimen container.
C
connect the catheter into the drainage tubing.
D
place the catheter tip into the urine collection receptacle.
Question 2 Explanation: 
Catheterization is performed by a licensed nurse upon the order of the physician. In this particular scenario, the client is catheterized for the purpose of urine specimen collection. If the nurse assistant is asked to assist the nurse in this procedure, make sure that a sterile specimen container is available for the urine to be collected. The other options are incorrect because these are steps in inserting an indwelling catheter.
Question 3
Mrs. Sanchez, age 66, is experiencing sensory and perceptual problems that affect her right visual field (right homonymous hemianopia) because of stroke. When placing a meal tray in front of Mrs. Sanchez, the nurse assistant should

A
place all the food on the right side of the tray.
B
before leaving the room, remind the client to look all over the tray.
C
place food and utensils within the client’s left visual field.
D
stay with the client & periodically draw her attention to the food on the right side of the tray to prevent unilateral neglect.
Question 3 Explanation: 
The client has blindness in the same visual field of both eyes. The safety of the client is the priority of care. Appropriate measures to manage this problem are:

Approach the client from the unaffected side.

Place the client’s personal objects within the visual field.

Encourage the client to turn the head to scan the complete range of vision; otherwise, he or she does not see half of the visual field.

Encourage independence in activities of daily living to promote self-esteem.
Question 4
Mrs. Brown has chronic gouty arthritis. The diet appropriate for Mrs. Brown would include:

A
Aged cheese, broiled chicken, and pasta
B
Low fat milk, green salad, citrus fruits
C
Mackerel, meat extracts, anchovies
D
Sweetbreads, steak with gravy, scallops
Question 4 Explanation: 
Gout is a systemic disease in which urate crystals deposit in joints and other body tissues. The diet appropriate for clients having gouty arthritis is low-purine diet. Avoid foods such as organ meats, wines, aged cheese, mackerel, sardines, scallops, sweetbreads, gravies, meat extracts, and anchovies. Encourage a high fluid intake to prevent stone formation.
Question 5
The most appropriate time for the nurse assistant to obtain a sputum specimen is:

A
Early in the morning.
B
After the client eats a light breakfast.
C
After aerosol therapy.
D
After back tapping and back massage.
Question 5 Explanation: 
The best time to collect a sputum specimen is in the morning, right after the client awakens. Make sure that a sterile container is available to collect the specimen. The client may be instructed not to eat or rinse mouth upon rising until the specimen is obtained. If the client has eaten recently, have him rinse out his mouth. Ask the client to take three consecutive deep breaths. On the third breath, ask him to exhale deeply and cough. The client should be able to bring up sputum from within the lungs. Explain to him that saliva is not adequate for this test.
Question 6
A new nurse assistant is on an orientation tour with the supervisor. A client approaches her and says, "I don't belong here. Please try to get me out." The nurse assistant’s best response would be:

A
"What would you do if you were out of the hospital?"
B
"I am a new staff member, and I'm on a tour. I'll come back and talk with you later."
C
"I think you should talk to the head nurse about that."
D
"I can't do anything about that."
Question 6 Explanation: 
The client in this scenario is disturbed and restless. By informing the client your true identity and role in the workplace, this will present reality orientation. Furthermore, offering to come back later and talk with the client can provide a sense of importance and relief from the anxiety that he is experiencing as of the moment. It is important to address the present emotions of the client and not delay nor neglect him. Trying to know the motives of the client when discharged is not the priority at this time.
Question 7
Mrs. Saunders, 69 years old, was diagnosed with colon cancer. Upon the request of her daughters, the information was withheld to her. When her daughters left, the client asks you a question about her diagnosis. What will be your response to this situation?

A
“I’m sorry, I don’t know.”
B
“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. You look fine to me.”
C
“I don’t have any information as of the moment, but I’ll find out for you.”
D
“You need to ask your doctor about that, not me.”
Question 7 Explanation: 
The nursing assistant may spend more time with the client than any member of the health care team. Often, you are the only person a client will see all day. If this situation arise, it is best not to lie with the client. Do not tell him you do not know when you should be aware of the information. If you lie, the client may find out and never trust you again. It is no shame to say you do not have the information readily at hand. But if you say you do not know, you close the conversation. Tell the client you will find her an answer. Then call and talk to your supervisor. Plan an answer with her. When you promise to find an answer for a client, do it. Do not go back on your word.
Question 8
You are resigning from your work as a nursing assistant. What is the most appropriate action for you to take?

A
Call the agency and inform the employer that you will not be reporting for work the next day.
B
Call the agency and submit a resignation letter afterwards.
C
Find somebody to replace you and recommend him/her to the Human Resource Department.
D
Write a resignation letter indicating your reason for leaving, last date you will work, and gratitude to the employer for the opportunity to work in the agency.
Question 8 Explanation: 
Whatever the reason for resigning, you need to tell your employer. Do not leave a job without notice. The most appropriate way of doing this is to write a resignation letter indicating your reason for leaving, last date you will work, and gratitude to the employer for the opportunity to work in the agency.
Question 9
A client in the long term facility tells the nurse assistant “I am too depressed to talk to you, leave me alone” Which of the following responses by the nurse assistant is most therapeutic?

A
"I’ll be back in an hour."
B
"Why are you so depressed?"
C
"I’ll sit with you for a moment."
D
"Call me when you feel like talking to me."
Question 9 Explanation: 
Do not heed to the demand of the client that he does not want you around. Depressed clients often have thoughts of dying or committing suicide. It is best to assess the client this time for any suicidal ideations. Use silence and active listening when interacting with the client. Be comfortable sitting with the client in silence. Let the client know you are available to converse, but do not require the client to talk.
Question 10
Julie, a Nursing Assistant student, is studying for an examination on caring for clients with mental health disorders. She reviewed that defense mechanisms are used to:

A
Blame others.
B
Make excuses for behavior.
C
Return to an earlier time.
D
Block unpleasant feelings.
Question 10 Explanation: 
Defense mechanism are unconscious reactions that block unpleasant or threatening feelings. Some use of defense mechanisms is normal. With mental health problems, they are used poorly.
Question 11
A client in the day room is having a panic attack. The nursing assistant should:

A
Tell the client to take deep breaths.
B
Have the client talk about the panic attack.
C
Encourage the client to verbalize feelings.
D
Ask the client about the cause of the panic attack.
Question 11 Explanation: 
During a panic attack, the nursing assistant should remain with the client and direct what is said to ward changing the bodily response, such as taking deep breaths. During an attack, the client is unable to talk about anxious situations (Choice B) and isn’t able to address feelings, especially uncomfortable feelings and frustrations (Choice C). While having a panic attack, the client is also unable to focus on anything other than the symptoms, so the client won’t be able to discuss the cause of the attack (Choice D).
Question 12
The stages of grieving identified by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross are:

A
Numbness, anger, resolution, and reorganization.
B
Denial, anger, identification, depression, and acceptance.
C
Anger, loneliness, depression, and resolution.
D
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.
Question 12 Explanation: 
The exact order of Kubler-Ross’ stages of grieving are as follows:
  1. Denial: Client refuses to believe that loss is happening. Is unready to deal with practical problems. May assume artificial cheerfulness.
  2. Anger: Client or family may direct anger at a nurse or hospital about matters that normally would not bother them.
  3. Bargaining: Seeks to bargain to avoid loss. May express feeling of guilt or fear of punishment for past sins, real or imagined.
  4. Depression: Grieves over what has happened and what cannot be. May talk freely or may withdraw.
  5. Acceptance: Comes to terms with loss. May have decreased interest in surroundings.
Question 13
Situation: Mrs. Montgomery, an 85-year-old client with Alzheimer’s disease, developed a serious complication of pneumonia with a very poor prognosis. One night while doing your rounds, Judy asks for you to stay and talk in the middle of the night. Which is correct?

A
Tell Mrs. Montgomery that she needs to sleep.
B
Call Mrs. Montgomery’s family to stay with her.
C
Call a pastor to talk with Mrs. Montgomery.
D
Sit on the chair next to Mrs. Montgomery’s bed and converse with her.
Question 13 Explanation: 
Dying people may want to talk about their fears and worries. Often they need to talk during the night where things are quiet, with few distractions, and there is more time to think. Being there and listening help meet the client’s psychological and social needs.
Question 14
Situation: Mrs. Montgomery, an 85-year-old client with Alzheimer’s disease, developed a serious complication of pneumonia and is now attached to a respirator. Knowing that for a comatose client, hearing is the last sense to be lost. As Mrs. Montgomery’s nurse assistant all through her stay in the hospice, what should you do?

A
Tell her family that probably she can’t hear them.
B
Talk loudly so that Judy can hear you.
C
Tell her family who are in the room not to talk.
D
Speak softly then hold her hands gently.
Question 14 Explanation: 
Hearing is one of the last functions lost. Always assume that the person can hear. Speak in a normal voice. Provide reassurance and touch the client by holding her hands gently. This is one way of allowing the client to feel that you are with her.
Question 15
The nursing assistant assigned to obtain vital signs for a group of residents omits taking the vital signs of one of the residents. When the nurse inquires as to the resident’s missing vital signs, the nurse assistant admits forgetting the resident. This is an example of which of the following?

A
Accountability
B
Flexibility
C
Dependability
D
Respectability
Question 15 Explanation: 
This is an example of accountability, even when admitting that you did not properly carry out your duties. Flexibility is your ability to adapt to the situation. Dependability is a basic expectation set by your employer, and the nursing assistant demonstrates this by his or her commitment to the job and to the residents. Responsibility is the ability to fulfill duties and expectations in your role as a nursing assistant.
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect. Get Results
There are 15 questions to complete.
List
Return
Shaded items are complete.
12345
678910
1112131415
End
Return

 

CNA Test Prep:

CNA Test:

In order to become a CNA you need to have a high school diploma or a GED and you will need to complete a 6-12 week certification program. The exact format of your CNA test will depend on the state that you are becoming licensed in. Many states follow the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination standards.

With the NNAAP exam the candidate can choose to take either a written or an oral exam.  The written exam has 70 multiple choice questions. The oral exam has 60 multiple choice questions and 10 reading comprehension questions. Our free CNA practice exam will give you a good idea of what the CNA test questions are like. The content on the exam covers physical care skills, psychosocial care skills, and the role of the nurse aide.