This 25-question CNA practice test covers the category Activities of Daily Living. The questions are designed to test your understanding of assisting with bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting, feeding, oral care, bed making, skin care, safe mobility and positioning, and the use of assistive devices, while promoting independence and choice, respecting preferences, following infection control, and documenting clearly with resident safety, dignity, privacy, and the care plan at the center.
Each question reflects common scenarios and topics you may encounter on the actual Certified Nursing Assistant exam in 2025, giving you the chance to assess your understanding of the Activities of Daily Living category. All our questions and rationales have been reviewed by an experienced registered nurse (RN).
If you would like to practice questions from other exam categories, please try our comprehensive and free CNA practice test.
1. Question
How should a resident be instructed to move when ambulating with a standard walker?
- Pick the walker up, move it forward a short distance, then step into it.
- Push the walker several feet forward, then walk to catch up with it.
- Keep two feet inside the walker frame at all times.
- Slide the walker along the floor, shuffling their feet behind it.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
A standard walker (one without wheels) must be lifted, set down, and then stepped into. Pushing it too far or sliding it is unstable and increases the risk of falls.
2. Question
When performing nail care on a resident, the CNA should never:
- Soak the resident’s fingernails in warm water.
- Use a file to smooth any rough edges.
- Use scissors or clippers if the resident is diabetic.
- Apply lotion to the hands after finishing.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Residents with diabetes often have poor circulation and decreased sensation. A small cut from clippers or scissors can lead to a serious infection. CNAs should only file the nails of a diabetic resident, or a nurse/podiatrist should perform the care.
3. Question
When cleaning a resident’s dentures, the CNA should:
- Use boiling water to ensure they are properly sanitized.
- Line the sink with a washcloth or fill it with water before cleaning.
- Store the clean dentures in a dry cup on the bedside table.
- Hold them tightly in one hand over the open sink basin.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Dentures are expensive and fragile. Lining the sink or filling it with water provides a cushion to prevent them from breaking if they are accidentally dropped. Boiling water can warp the dentures.
4. Question
How should the CNA position a standard bedpan for a resident?
- Place the narrow end tucked under the buttocks.
- Place the narrow end towards the back.
- Place the wide, rounded end under the thighs.
- Place the wide, rounded end under the buttocks.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
The standard bedpan is placed so the wider, contoured seat is under the resident’s buttocks for support, with the narrower end facing their feet. A fracture pan is placed with the flat handle facing the feet.
5. Question
A resident has requested to use the toilet. While transferring the resident, the gait belt should be placed:
- Loosely around the resident’s chest.
- Underneath the resident’s clothing for maximum grip.
- Over the resident’s clothing, around their waist.
- Around the resident’s hips, below the waist.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
The gait belt is a safety device placed around the resident’s waist (over their clothing) to provide a secure grip, maintain balance, and help prevent falls during transfers or ambulation.
6. Question
A resident who is visually impaired needs assistance with their meal. What is the best technique for the CNA to use?
- Feed the resident the entire meal to ensure they eat everything.
- Describe the food on the plate using the face of a clock.
- Mix all the food together so it is easier for the resident to scoop.
- Give the resident only finger foods.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Using the “clock-face” method (e.g., “Your chicken is at 9 o’clock, and your potatoes are at 6 o’clock”) promotes independence and dignity, allowing the resident to feed themselves.
7. Question
When assisting a resident with a hearing aid, what is an important first step before inserting it?
- Clean the resident’s ear canal with a cotton-tipped applicator.
- Ensure the hearing aid is turned on and the battery is working.
- Place the hearing aid in the ear and then turn it on.
- Ask the resident to shout to test their hearing level.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Checking that the battery is functional and the device is on before insertion prevents the resident from thinking it is broken. Inserting it while off and then turning it on can cause a loud, uncomfortable squeal (feedback).
8. Question
A resident with diabetes has dry skin on their feet. What action is inappropriate for the CNA to perform?
- Massage lotion between the resident’s toes.
- Report the dry skin to the nurse.
- Put on a new pair of cotton socks.
- Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet only.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Applying lotion between the toes of a diabetic resident is inappropriate because the excess moisture can promote fungal growth, which can lead to skin breakdown and serious infection.
9. Question
How should the CNA wash a resident’s eyes during a bed bath?
- Use a washcloth with a small amount of soap.
- Wipe from the outer corner of the eye toward the inner corner.
- Ask the resident to close their eyes tightly while you rinse them with water.
- Use a different part of the washcloth for each eye, wiping from the inner to outer corner.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Wiping from the inner to the outer corner prevents moving debris or drainage toward the tear duct. Using a separate, clean area of the washcloth for each eye prevents cross-contamination. Soap should never be used on the eyes.
10. Question
A resident is on a toileting schedule. The schedule requires the CNA to assist with toileting every 2 hours. The resident has not used their call light. What should the CNA do?
- Go to the resident as scheduled and offer to assist them to the bathroom.
- Wait for the resident to use the call light to promote independence.
- Remind the resident from the doorway to use their call light if they need to go.
- Ask the resident to use a bedpan instead to save time.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
A toileting schedule is a proactive intervention to prevent incontinence and falls. The CNA must follow the care plan and offer assistance at the scheduled time, even if the resident has not requested it.
11. Question
A resident is on a dysphagia diet and requires “honey-thick” liquids. The CNA sees a family member give the resident a glass of water. What is the CNA’s immediate action?
- Report the family member to the administrator.
- Intervene immediately, explaining to the family that the water could cause aspiration.
- Wait until the family member leaves and then report the incident to the nurse.
- Take the water and privately add a thickening packet to it.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Thin liquids can cause a resident with dysphagia to aspirate. The CNA’s first duty is to ensure resident safety, which requires polite but immediate intervention and education for the family.
12. Question
When assisting a male resident who is uncircumcised with perineal care, the CNA should:
- Cleanse the genital area from back to front (anus to penis).
- Avoid cleaning the scrotum as it is too sensitive.
- Retract the foreskin, cleanse, and return it to its natural position.
- Leave the foreskin retracted after cleaning to allow the area to dry.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
It is critical to return the foreskin to its normal position after cleaning to prevent swelling (paraphimosis) and circulation problems. The penis should be cleaned in a circular motion from the tip downward.
13. Question
When providing care for a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter, where must the drainage bag be kept?
- On the over-the-bed table, level with the bladder.
- Tucked under the resident’s leg for privacy.
- Attached to the bed frame, below the level of the bladder.
- Attached to the side rail, so it moves up and down with the resident.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
The bag must be kept below the bladder to allow gravity drainage and prevent urine from flowing back into the bladder, which causes infection. It must be attached to the bed frame (a non-movable part), not the side rail.
14. Question
A resident who is very weak needs to be moved up in bed. To prevent skin shearing, the CNA should:
- Pull the resident up using their arms and shoulders.
- Ask the resident to bend their knees and push with their feet.
- Lower the head of the bed flat and pull the top sheet to move the resident.
- Use a draw sheet or lift pad with the assistance of a coworker.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Shearing occurs when skin is dragged across a surface, causing damage. Lifting the resident with a draw sheet (with two staff members) eliminates this friction and protects the resident’s skin.
15. Question
A resident is taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner). What type of razor must the CNA use when assisting with shaving?
- A new disposable blade razor.
- The resident’s personal blade razor.
- An electric razor.
- A straight razor.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Residents on blood thinners are at high risk for excessive bleeding. An electric razor is required because it minimizes the risk of nicks and cuts compared to a blade razor.
16. Question
A resident has finished their lunch. Which of the following items should the CNA document as fluid intake?
- Mashed potatoes and gravy.
- Applesauce and pudding.
- Chicken broth and gelatin (Jell-O).
- Green beans and a dinner roll.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Fluid intake includes all liquids the resident drinks plus any foods that are liquid at room temperature. Both soup and gelatin count as liquids for I&O (Intake & Output) documentation.
17. Question
A resident uses a cane for ambulation due to left-sided weakness. The CNA should instruct the resident to hold the cane:
- On their left (weak) side.
- On their right (strong) side.
- With both hands.
- Whichever side feels more comfortable to the resident.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
The cane should be held on the strong side to provide a wide base of support and allow the resident to offload weight from their weak side. The cane moves forward with the weak leg.
18. Question
A resident is ready to get out of bed after sleeping. Before ambulating, what is the most important safety action to prevent dizziness and falls?
- Have the resident take several deep breaths.
- Give the resident a drink of water.
- Check the resident’s blood pressure.
- Have the resident dangle on the edge of the bed for a few minutes.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
This is to prevent orthostatic (postural) hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when moving from lying down to sitting or standing. Dangling allows the body to adjust to the change in position, reducing dizziness and the risk of falls.
19. Question
When providing perineal care for a female resident, the CNA must wipe:
- From the urethra toward the rectum (front to back).
- From the rectum toward the urethra (back to front).
- In a circular motion.
- With a dry towel first, then a wet washcloth.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Cleaning from front to back (cleanest area to dirtiest area) prevents fecal bacteria from being introduced into the urethra, which is a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
20. Question
A resident is NPO (nothing by mouth) due to a risk for aspiration. The CNA should perform which of the following related to oral hygiene:
- Avoid oral care since the resident is not eating.
- Use a small amount of toothpaste and water to brush.
- Use mouthwash swabs or a toothette moistened with water.
- Offer the resident a small cup of water to swish and spit.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Residents who are NPO still produce saliva and can develop dryness, a bad taste, and bacterial buildup in the mouth. Because they are NPO due to the risk for aspiration, they cannot have liquids. Moistened swabs are used to clean the mouth without introducing liquid that could be swallowed and aspirated.
21. Question
When assisting a male resident to use a urinal in bed, the CNA should:
- Ask the resident to stand at the bedside.
- Leave the resident flat on their back.
- Reposition the resident onto their side.
- Offer the urinal and call light and provide privacy.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
The CNA’s role is to provide the urinal within reach, ensure privacy (close the curtain or door), make sure the call light is available, and return to empty it. If the resident is very weak, the CNA may need to assist with positioning the urinal.
22. Question
A resident wears elastic anti-embolism stockings (TED hose). When should the CNA typically apply them?
- At bedtime, just before the resident goes to sleep.
- In the morning, before the resident gets out of bed.
- After the resident has been up and walking for 30 minutes.
- Right after the resident finishes their shower.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Anti-embolism stockings are easiest to apply and most effective if they are put on before the resident starts their day, as this is when there is the least amount of swelling (edema) in the legs.
23. Question
How should a CNA ensure privacy when giving a resident a complete bed bath?
- Cover the resident with a bath blanket, exposing only the body part being washed.
- Keep the room door open in case assistance is needed.
- Ask the resident’s roommate to turn and face the wall.
- Work quickly by exposing the resident’s entire body at once.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
A bath blanket is used to maintain dignity and warmth. Only the area being actively washed (e.g., one arm, the chest) is exposed at a time. The room door and privacy curtain should also be closed.
24. Question
A resident is on a bladder retraining program. The CNA’s role is to:
- Insert an indwelling catheter to monitor output accurately.
- Restrict the resident’s fluid intake to prevent accidents.
- Ensure the resident is taken to the bathroom at scheduled times.
- Tell the resident to hold their urine as long as possible.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Bladder retraining involves following a strict, scheduled toileting plan to help the resident regain bladder control. The CNA’s role is to follow the schedule and accurately document continent and incontinent episodes.
25. Question
A resident has not had a bowel movement in three days. This condition is called:
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
- Incontinence.
- Enema.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Constipation is defined as the infrequent or difficult passage of stool. CNAs must monitor and report residents’ bowel habits, as constipation can lead to serious complications like impaction.