CNA exam preparation

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CNA Activities of Daily Living Practice Test

Practice activities of daily living with 25 free CNA questions on personal care, meals, toileting, mobility, and supporting resident independence.

  • 100% Free. No Email Required
  • 25 questions focused on activities of daily living
  • Answer and explanation after every question
Start Practice Test Review All 25 Questions
CNA in teal scrubs brushing the hair of an elderly woman seated in a chair.
Question count
25 Questions
Focus
Daily Living
Format
Multiple Choice

About This Activities of Daily Living Practice Test

Review bathing, grooming, oral care, meals and fluid intake, toileting, and safe mobility. The questions also cover assistive devices, catheter care, positioning, privacy, and helping residents remain as independent as possible.

Make every question count

Understand the reason behind each answer.

Choose your answer before reading the explanation. Note the situations you find difficult, review the reasoning, and return to those questions in your next study session. You can also work through the complete question bank at your own pace.

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Will this help me prepare for my state’s CNA exam?

Use this focused test to review activities of daily living as part of your CNA preparation. It does not cover the entire exam. Pair it with our full CNA practice test, your provider’s current candidate handbook, and hands-on skills practice.

Select the state where you plan to test to find your exam provider, testing guidance, and official resources.

Browse all states

Alabama

Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP); Prometric through approved facilities

Credentia offers Alabama nurse aide testing. Prometric is also approved to administer the CNA exam in nursing homes or qualified facilities. Confirm your testing route with your program or facility and review that provider's candidate handbook.

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Arizona

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Arkansas

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

California

Exam provider: Credentia; D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster; Regional Testing Center

CDPH lists Credentia, Headmaster and the Regional Testing Center as approved CNA testing vendors. Use CDPH's complete vendor list for official contacts and scheduling links, and review your chosen vendor's current instructions.

Provider information verified: .

District of Columbia

Exam provider: Credentia and Headmaster both publish DC testing pages

Needs confirmation: The reviewed provider pages overlap. The applicable provider and any transition arrangements have not been confirmed.

Ask your training program or DC nurse aide program which provider is accepting your application before paying exam fees.

Provider verification pending. Sources checked: .

Idaho

Exam provider: Prometric (written/knowledge examination)

Use Prometric's Idaho bulletin for the knowledge exam. Confirm skills evaluation arrangements with your training program; the linked Prometric page identifies its service as the written/knowledge examination.

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Illinois

Exam provider: Southern Illinois University Carbondale / Illinois Nurse Aide Testing

Use the Illinois Nurse Aide Testing site to identify your eligibility route and access the INACE examination process. Follow the instructions for your training or recertification route.

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Iowa

Exam provider: Headmaster or Credentia (knowledge); community colleges or Health Tech Associates (skills)

Take Headmaster's knowledge exam at an Iowa community college or remotely; Headmaster handles registration, payment and records. Credentia also offers remote knowledge testing. Arrange skills testing separately with a community college or Health Tech Associates; college skills testing is managed by the college, not Headmaster or Credentia.

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Kansas

Exam provider: Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), through listed test sites

Use KDADS' nurse aide exam test-site list and application materials. Ask your program which listed site will administer your state examination.

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Kentucky

Exam provider: Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), using Headmaster/TMU

Use the Kentucky SRNA testing procedures and study guide linked from the testing page. Contact KCTCS for your testing arrangements.

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Maine

Exam provider: Testing provider not confirmed

Needs confirmation: The reviewed state sources explain competency testing but do not identify a single statewide exam vendor.

Maine describes a written or oral examination plus a skills demonstration. Contact your approved training program or the Maine CNA Registry for current test arrangements.

Provider verification pending. Sources checked: .

Maryland

Exam provider: Credentia; Headmaster (additional CNA-I testing vendor)

The Maryland Board of Nursing confirms that Headmaster is fully operational as an additional CNA-I testing vendor alongside Credentia, serving approved CNA-I training programs. Coordinate testing with your program and follow your selected vendor's instructions.

Provider information verified: .

Massachusetts

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Michigan

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Minnesota

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Mississippi

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Missouri

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Montana

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Nevada

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

New Mexico

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

North Dakota

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Ohio

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Oklahoma

Exam provider: Prometric; Oklahoma CareerTech Health Certification Project; Headmaster for LTC/HHA deeming

Oklahoma testing routes vary by aide category. Use the state registry guidance and confirm the appropriate written and skills testing route with your training program before applying.

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Oregon

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

South Dakota

Exam provider: Headmaster (knowledge examination)

Headmaster's South Dakota service is listed as nurse aide knowledge testing. Ask your approved training program about the required skills evaluation and how to arrange each component.

Provider information verified: .

Utah

Exam provider: Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR), through its testing sites

UNAR works with independent testing sites. Check the site instructions for knowledge and skills appointments; most scheduling is through TMU after training and payment.

Provider information verified: .

Washington

Exam provider: Approved Washington programs or WABON-scheduled sites (skills); Credentia (written/oral)

Graduates of approved Washington programs: get a Credentia Candidate ID, then arrange skills testing with your program if it offers testing, or through WABON's scheduling process. After passing skills, register with Credentia for the written or oral exam.

Provider information verified: .

Wisconsin

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

Wyoming

Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster

Use the current state candidate handbook to prepare for knowledge and skills testing. Follow the application and scheduling instructions on the official testing page.

Provider information verified: .

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Free CNA Practice Tests by Topic

Keep building your CNA knowledge with a different topic. Each of these free practice tests includes 25 questions.

25 CNA Activities of Daily Living Practice Questions with Answers

Review all 25 questions at your own pace. Each question includes an answer and explanation to help you understand the reasoning.

Try each question before opening “Answer & Explanation.” Use the explanations to review the daily care decisions you found most challenging.

1. How should a resident be instructed to move when ambulating with a standard walker?

  1. Pick the walker up, move it forward a short distance, then step into it.
  2. Push the walker several feet forward, then walk to catch up with it.
  3. Keep two feet inside the walker frame at all times.
  4. Slide the walker along the floor, shuffling their feet behind it.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. When performing nail care on a resident, the CNA should never:

  1. Soak the resident’s fingernails in warm water.
  2. Use a file to smooth any rough edges.
  3. Use scissors or clippers if the resident is diabetic.
  4. Apply lotion to the hands after finishing.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. When cleaning a resident’s dentures, the CNA should:

  1. Use boiling water to ensure they are properly sanitized.
  2. Line the sink with a washcloth or fill it with water before cleaning.
  3. Store the clean dentures in a dry cup on the bedside table.
  4. Hold them tightly in one hand over the open sink basin.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. How should the CNA position a standard bedpan for a resident?

  1. Place the narrow end tucked under the buttocks.
  2. Place the narrow end towards the back.
  3. Place the wide, rounded end under the thighs.
  4. Place the wide, rounded end under the buttocks.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. A resident has requested to use the toilet. While transferring the resident, the gait belt should be placed:

  1. Loosely around the resident’s chest.
  2. Underneath the resident’s clothing for maximum grip.
  3. Over the resident’s clothing, around their waist.
  4. Around the resident’s hips, below the waist.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. A resident who is visually impaired needs assistance with their meal. What is the best technique for the CNA to use?

  1. Feed the resident the entire meal to ensure they eat everything.
  2. Describe the food on the plate using the face of a clock.
  3. Mix all the food together so it is easier for the resident to scoop.
  4. Give the resident only finger foods.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. When helping a resident insert a hearing aid, which action should the CNA take?

  1. Turn it on before insertion so that any whistling confirms it is working.
  2. Insert it loosely in the ear to prevent a plugged-ear sensation.
  3. Follow the device’s insertion and activation instructions, then check fit and sound comfort.
  4. Insert it and increase the volume until background sounds are clearly audible.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: C

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for inserting and activating the hearing aid, then check fit and sound comfort. Whistling may result from poor fit or sound leakage, rather than from turning the device on after insertion.

8. A resident with diabetes has dry skin on their feet. What action is inappropriate for the CNA to perform?

  1. Massage lotion between the resident’s toes.
  2. Report the dry skin to the nurse.
  3. Put on a new pair of cotton socks.
  4. Apply lotion to the tops and bottoms of the feet only.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. How should the CNA wash a resident’s eyes during a bed bath?

  1. Use a washcloth with a small amount of soap.
  2. Wipe from the outer corner of the eye toward the inner corner.
  3. Ask the resident to close their eyes tightly while you rinse them with water.
  4. Use a different part of the washcloth for each eye, wiping from the inner to outer corner.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. 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?

  1. Go to the resident as scheduled and offer to assist them to the bathroom.
  2. Wait for the resident to use the call light to promote independence.
  3. Remind the resident from the doorway to use their call light if they need to go.
  4. Ask the resident to use a bedpan instead to save time.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. 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?

  1. Report the family member to the administrator.
  2. Intervene immediately, explaining to the family that the water could cause aspiration.
  3. Wait until the family member leaves and then report the incident to the nurse.
  4. Take the water and privately add a thickening packet to it.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. When assisting a male resident who is uncircumcised with perineal care, the CNA should:

  1. Cleanse the genital area from back to front (anus to penis).
  2. Avoid cleaning the scrotum as it is too sensitive.
  3. Retract the foreskin, cleanse, and return it to its natural position.
  4. Leave the foreskin retracted after cleaning to allow the area to dry.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. When providing care for a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter, where must the drainage bag be kept?

  1. On the over-the-bed table, level with the bladder.
  2. Tucked under the resident’s leg for privacy.
  3. Attached to the bed frame, below the level of the bladder.
  4. Attached to the side rail, so it moves up and down with the resident.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. A resident is too weak to help move themselves up in bed. Which action best reduces friction and shear during repositioning?

  1. Raise the head of the bed and pull the resident upward using the top sheet.
  2. Move the resident upward in several short pulls using the disposable incontinence pad.
  3. Use a standard draw sheet with one coworker, since two staff can reposition any resident.
  4. Use the repositioning equipment and trained assistance specified in the resident’s care plan.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: D

Use the repositioning equipment and trained assistance specified in the care plan. Friction is skin rubbing against a surface; shear occurs when skin and underlying tissues move relative to each other. Avoid dragging the resident.

15. A resident is taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner). What type of razor must the CNA use when assisting with shaving?

  1. A new disposable blade razor.
  2. The resident’s personal blade razor.
  3. An electric razor.
  4. A straight razor.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. A resident has finished their lunch. Which of the following items should the CNA document as fluid intake?

  1. Mashed potatoes and gravy.
  2. Applesauce and pudding.
  3. Chicken broth and gelatin (Jell-O).
  4. Green beans and a dinner roll.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. A resident uses a cane for ambulation due to left-sided weakness. The CNA should instruct the resident to hold the cane:

  1. On their left (weak) side.
  2. On their right (strong) side.
  3. With both hands.
  4. Whichever side feels more comfortable to the resident.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. 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?

  1. Have the resident take several deep breaths.
  2. Give the resident a drink of water.
  3. Check the resident’s blood pressure.
  4. Have the resident dangle on the edge of the bed for a few minutes.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. When providing perineal care for a female resident, the CNA must wipe:

  1. From the urethra toward the rectum (front to back).
  2. From the rectum toward the urethra (back to front).
  3. In a circular motion.
  4. With a dry towel first, then a wet washcloth.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. A resident with natural teeth is NPO because of swallowing difficulties and cannot reliably spit out liquids. How should the CNA provide oral care?

  1. Clean the gums and tongue with damp gauze, postponing toothbrushing until oral intake resumes.
  2. Brush with a soft toothbrush, then give a small sip of water to rinse.
  3. Brush with a soft toothbrush and minimal moisture, using suction if directed in the oral-care plan.
  4. Clean all tooth surfaces with moistened mouth swabs, replacing toothbrushing while the resident is NPO.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: C

NPO residents still need toothbrushing to remove plaque. Follow the oral-care plan for positioning, minimal moisture, and suction when directed and trained. Moistened swabs can help relieve dryness but do not replace brushing.

21. When assisting a male resident to use a urinal in bed, the CNA should:

  1. Ask the resident to stand at the bedside.
  2. Leave the resident flat on their back.
  3. Reposition the resident onto their side.
  4. Offer the urinal and call light and provide privacy.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. A resident’s prescribed anti-embolism stockings have been removed for morning hygiene. The resident remains in bed. When should the CNA generally reapply them?

  1. After the resident has transferred to a chair and settled into a comfortable position.
  2. After cleaning, drying, and checking the skin, before the resident gets up, following the prescribed schedule.
  3. After breakfast, allowing the legs to remain uncovered for an hour following morning hygiene.
  4. After the resident’s first walk, once the CNA has checked whether leg swelling has developed.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: B

Reapply stockings after hygiene and skin checks, before the resident gets up, following the prescribed schedule. They may be prescribed day and night. Keep them smooth without wrinkles or rolled tops, and report skin problems or discomfort.

23. How should a CNA ensure privacy when giving a resident a complete bed bath?

  1. Cover the resident with a bath blanket, exposing only the body part being washed.
  2. Keep the room door open in case assistance is needed.
  3. Ask the resident’s roommate to turn and face the wall.
  4. Work quickly by exposing the resident’s entire body at once.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. A resident is on a bladder retraining program. The CNA’s role is to:

  1. Insert an indwelling catheter to monitor output accurately.
  2. Restrict the resident’s fluid intake to prevent accidents.
  3. Ensure the resident is taken to the bathroom at scheduled times.
  4. Tell the resident to hold their urine as long as possible.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: 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. A resident who normally has a bowel movement every day has not had one for three days and reports straining and hard stools. What should the CNA do?

  1. Report the change and symptoms to the nurse and document the observations according to facility policy.
  2. Offer permitted fluids and activity, reporting the symptoms only if these measures do not help.
  3. Document the findings on the routine bowel record and wait for the nurse to review it.
  4. Record fecal impaction because three days without a bowel movement and hard stools confirm this condition.
Answer & Explanation

Correct answer: A

A change from the resident’s usual bowel pattern, with hard stools and straining, may indicate constipation. The CNA should report and document these findings. Three days without a bowel movement alone does not establish a diagnosis.

Back to Question Bank

Frequently Asked Questions

What daily living skills does this practice test cover?

The 25 questions cover personal hygiene, meals and fluids, toileting, and safe mobility, plus hearing aids, catheter care, and prescribed stockings. Focus on three recurring decisions: what the resident can do independently, what the care plan requires, and what needs reporting to the nurse.

How can a CNA support independence while protecting privacy?

Help with the parts the resident needs assistance with, while allowing them to do what they safely can. For example, describing a meal using clock-face positions can support independent eating. During bathing, keep the resident covered except for the area being washed; during toileting, provide privacy and keep the call light accessible.

Try meal assistance and bathing privacy.

Should every resident follow the same toileting or care schedule?

No—follow the resident’s current care plan. The two-hour toileting interval in question 10 applies to that scenario, not every resident. Likewise, prescribed stockings follow an individual wearing schedule, and hearing aids have device-specific instructions. Avoid answers that replace those instructions with a universal rule.

What counts as fluid intake?

Count liquids and foods that become liquid at room temperature. In this test, broth and gelatin both count. This is separate from liquid consistency: a food or drink counting as fluid does not mean it is permitted under a resident’s swallowing plan.

Compare recording intake with following prescribed liquid consistency.

Does an NPO resident still need toothbrushing?

Yes. NPO means nothing by mouth; it does not mean no oral care. For a resident with natural teeth who cannot reliably spit, follow the oral-care plan for a soft toothbrush, minimal moisture, positioning, and suction when directed and trained. Swabs may relieve dryness but do not replace brushing.

Review question 20. Reference: CDC oral-care guidance.

Is a draw sheet and a second staff member always enough to reposition a resident?

No. Use the equipment and trained assistance specified in the care plan. Two staff members are not automatically enough for every resident. Avoid dragging: friction is skin rubbing against a surface, while shear occurs when skin and underlying tissue move relative to each other.

Review question 14. Reference: OSHA safe resident handling guidance.

What should a CNA report about a change in bowel habits?

Report and document changes from the resident’s usual pattern and the symptoms you observe or they describe, such as hard stools and straining. Do not wait for a routine record review or document a diagnosis you cannot establish. Three days without a bowel movement alone does not confirm fecal impaction.

Apply this in question 25.

Will this test prepare me for the hands-on skills evaluation?

It helps you understand care decisions, but you still need supervised practice performing the complete skills. Use your provider’s current skills checklist alongside our CNA skills test guide. To review other knowledge areas, take our full CNA practice test.

NurseTogether’s CNA prep materials, including CNA Pass and free practice tests, are independent educational resources and are not affiliated with or endorsed by NCSBN, Credentia, Headmaster, Prometric, or any official testing agency. Provider and exam names are used for identification only.