CNA Basic Nursing Skills Practice Test: 25 Questions

Maegan Wagner, BSN, RN, CCM Avatar
Questions reviewed by
Maegan Wagner, BSN, RN, CCM

This 25-question CNA practice test covers the category Basic Nursing Skills. The questions are designed to test your understanding of safe care, accurate measuring, attentive reporting, and clear documentation while keeping 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 Basic Nursing Skills 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

When measuring a resident’s blood pressure, where should the CNA place the diaphragm of the stethoscope?

  1. Over the radial artery at the wrist.
  2. Over the carotid artery in the neck.
  3. Over the brachial artery at the inner elbow.
  4. Over the resident’s clothing to save time.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

The brachial artery, located in the antecubital space (inner elbow), is the site used to auscultate (listen to) the blood pressure accurately.

2. Question

A CNA is taking a resident’s oral temperature with a digital thermometer. The resident has just finished drinking a glass of iced water. What is the CNA’s best action?

  1. Wait 15-20 minutes and then take the oral temperature.
  2. Ask the resident to hold the thermometer under their armpit (axillary) instead.
  3. Proceed with taking the temperature immediately.
  4. Report to the nurse that the temperature cannot be taken.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Recent hot or cold liquids will alter the temperature of the resident’s mouth, leading to an inaccurate reading. The CNA should wait 15-20 minutes for the mouth temperature to return to baseline.

3. Question

When making an occupied bed, what is the most important step for resident safety?

  1. Tuck the top sheets in tightly at the foot of the bed.
  2. Ensure the side rail on the side the CNA is working on is down.
  3. Keep the bed in the highest position throughout the procedure.
  4. Raise the side rail on the far side of the bed before rolling the resident.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

Raising the side rail on the unattended side prevents the resident from accidentally rolling out of bed while the CNA is working on the opposite side.

4. Question

When is it most appropriate for a CNA to be asked to take an apical pulse?

  1. When the resident has a cast on their arm.
  2. When the resident’s radial pulse is irregular or difficult to feel.
  3. When the resident complains of a headache.
  4. Before the resident eats a meal.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

An apical pulse (taken at the apex of the heart) is more accurate than a radial pulse. It is used when the radial pulse is weak, irregular, or thready, or if the resident is on certain heart medications.

5. Question

To help prevent pressure ulcers on a resident’s heels and ankles, what is the best device for a CNA to use?

  1. A firm pillow placed under the knees.
  2. Anti-embolism stockings.
  3. A footboard.
  4. Heel protectors or a pillow under the calves.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

Heel protectors (cushioned or inflated boots) or placing a pillow under the calves allows the heels to “float” off the bed, relieving pressure.

6. Question

When providing perineal care for a female resident, the CNA must:

  1. Cleanse from front to back (urethra to anus).
  2. Cleanse from back to front (anus to urethra).
  3. Use cold water to prevent skin irritation.
  4. Use the same part of the washcloth for the entire procedure.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Cleaning from front to back (urethra toward the anus) prevents introducing microorganisms from the anal area into the urethra, which can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs).

7. Question

A resident has a urinary catheter drainage bag. The CNA should ensure the bag is:

  1. Hung below the level of the bladder.
  2. Emptied only once every 24 hours.
  3. Tucked into the bed covers to hide it from view.
  4. Kept above the level of the bladder.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

The drainage bag must always be kept below the bladder level. This facilitates drainage and prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder, which could cause an infection.

8. Question

When must a CNA wear gloves while providing care?

  1. When brushing a resident’s hair.
  2. When taking a resident’s blood pressure.
  3. When assisting with oral hygiene (mouth care).
  4. When ambulating a resident in the hallway.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

Standard precautions require wearing gloves whenever the CNA might come into contact with mucous membranes (such as the mouth), broken skin, or bodily fluids (such as saliva or blood).

9. Question

The nurse asks the CNA to collect a stool sample. To obtain an accurate specimen, the CNA should:

  1. Collect the specimen from the toilet water after the resident has a bowel movement.
  2. Make sure the stool sample is mixed with urine.
  3. Collect the entire bowel movement in a biohazard bag.
  4. Use a tongue depressor to obtain a small amount of stool from the bedpan.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

Stool samples must be free from contamination by urine or toilet water. Using a tongue depressor (or specimen “hat”) to transfer a small, appropriate amount (1-2 tablespoons) to the sterile cup is the correct procedure.

10. Question

When applying anti-embolism stockings (TED hose) to a resident, the CNA should ensure that:

  1. The stockings are applied while the resident is standing.
  2. The stockings are smooth and free of wrinkles.
  3. The stockings are removed only to shower.
  4. The stocking material covers the resident’s toes.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Wrinkles or twists in the stocking can bunch up and create pressure points, restricting blood flow rather than promoting it. This defeats the purpose of the stockings and can harm the resident. Stockings should be worn during the day and removed at night.

11. Question

A resident suddenly complains of chest pain and shortness of breath. The CNA’s first and most important action is to:

  1. Offer the resident a glass of water.
  2. Ask the resident what they ate for breakfast.
  3. Activate the call light or call for the nurse immediately.
  4. Apply oxygen.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

Chest pain and shortness of breath are signs of a potential medical emergency, such as a heart attack. The CNA’s primary role is to observe, report, and call for licensed medical staff immediately.

12. Question

When preparing to transfer a resident using a mechanical (Hoyer) lift, the CNA must perform which action first?

  1. Lock the wheels of the lift.
  2. Check that the sling is the correct size and in good condition.
  3. Position the resident on the sling.
  4. Spread the legs of the lift base to ensure stability.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Before any part of the transfer begins, the CNA must ensure the equipment is safe. Inspecting the sling for tears, fraying, or incorrect size is a critical first step to prevent equipment failure and resident injury.

13. Question

A resident is lying in the supine (on their back) position. The CNA wants to move them up in bed using a draw sheet. To use proper body mechanics, the CNA should:

  1. Place their feet wide and shift their weight from the back foot to the front foot.
  2. Keep their knees locked and pull using their back muscles.
  3. Twist at the waist while pulling the resident up.
  4. Ask the resident to hold their breath during the move.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Proper body mechanics protects the CNA from injury. This involves using a wide base of support (feet apart) and using the large leg muscles to shift weight, rather than twisting or pulling with the back.

14. Question

The nurse asks the CNA to collect a midstream (clean-catch) urine sample. The CNA should:

  1. Ask the resident to urinate into the toilet and then into the cup.
  2. Use the urine from the resident’s catheter bag.
  3. Collect the sample immediately upon waking.
  4. Have the resident begin urinating, stop, and then void into the sterile cup.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

A clean-catch sample requires the perineal area to be cleaned first. The resident then starts to urinate (flushing the urethra), stops, and then urinates into the sterile container. This minimizes contamination from skin bacteria.

15. Question

How should a CNA care for a resident’s dentures?

  1. Store them in a dry cup on the bedside table.
  2. Line the sink with a washcloth before cleaning them.
  3. Use hot water and bleach to disinfect them.
  4. Brush them vigorously with toothpaste.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Dentures are fragile and expensive. Lining the sink with a washcloth or paper towel provides a soft surface in case they are accidentally dropped during cleaning. They should be cleaned with cool water and denture cleaner.

16. Question

The CNA enters a room and finds a resident lying on the floor. What is the CNA’s first action?

  1. Help the resident into a sitting position.
  2. Assess the resident for immediate danger or injury and call for help.
  3. Go to the nurses’ station to report the fall.
  4. Ask the resident how they fell.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

The CNA’s first priority is the resident’s safety. They must quickly assess the resident’s condition (consciousness, breathing, obvious injury) and call for a nurse before attempting to move the resident, as moving them could worsen a potential injury.

17. Question

When preparing to shave a male resident who is taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication, what should the CNA use?

  1. An electric razor.
  2. The resident’s personal straight razor.
  3. A disposable safety razor.
  4. Lukewarm water and no shaving cream.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Residents on anticoagulants are at a high risk for bleeding. An electric razor minimizes the risk of nicks or cuts to the skin, which could cause significant bleeding. A disposable razor should not be used.

18. Question

What is the correct medical term for a pulse taken at the wrist?

  1. Apical pulse.
  2. Brachial pulse.
  3. Carotid pulse.
  4. Radial pulse.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

The radial artery is located on the thumb side of the wrist and is the most common and convenient site for measuring a resident’s pulse rate.

19. Question

A resident is on “Droplet Precautions” for influenza. What PPE must the CNA wear when entering the resident’s room to provide care?

  1. An N95 respirator and gloves.
  2. A surgical mask and gown.
  3. A surgical mask if working within 3-6 feet of the resident.
  4. Gloves only.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

Droplet Precautions are for germs spread by large droplets (sneezing, coughing). A surgical mask is required to protect the CNA’s nose and mouth when working in close proximity (typically 3-6 feet).

20. Question

What is the most important step for the CNA to take to get an accurate weight on an ambulatory resident?

  1. Ensure the scale is balanced or set to zero before the resident steps on it.
  2. Allow the resident to hold onto the wall for balance.
  3. Weigh the resident at the end of the day, just before bedtime.
  4. Have the resident wear their shoes and robe for privacy.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

If the scale is not calibrated to zero before use, the measurement will be inaccurate. Clothing, time of day, and holding onto things will also affect the weight, but starting with a zeroed scale is the most critical step for accuracy.

21. Question

When changing a resident’s soiled bed linens, the CNA should:

  1. Shake the linens out to remove any crumbs.
  2. Roll the soiled linens away from the body and place them in a soiled linen hamper.
  3. Place the soiled linens on the floor until they finish making the bed.
  4. Wear a gown when carrying the soiled linens to the hamper.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Rolling soiled linens inward (away from the CNA) contains microorganisms. Placing them directly into the designated hamper (never on the floor) prevents the spread of infection.

22. Question

A resident has an ostomy bag (colostomy). When providing care, the CNA should:

  1. Change the bag once a week.
  2. Report to the nurse if the stoma (opening) appears pale or blue.
  3. Wash the stoma vigorously with antiseptic soap.
  4. Secure the new bag so it is completely airtight.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

A healthy stoma should be pink or red and moist. A pale, dusky, or blue stoma indicates poor blood supply, which is a medical emergency that must be reported to the nurse immediately.

23. Question

A resident’s care plan states they are “NPO.” What does this mean for the CNA?

  1. The resident should be ambulated twice per shift.
  2. The resident must have thickened liquids only.
  3. The resident can have nothing by mouth (no food or drink).
  4. The resident needs assistance with feeding.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

NPO is the medical abbreviation for the Latin nil per os, which translates to “nothing by mouth.” The CNA must ensure the resident does not consume any food, drink, or ice chips unless otherwise specified.

24. Question

Which of the following is considered a normal systolic blood pressure reading for an adult?

  1. 80 mmHg
  2. 60 mmHg
  3. 190 mmHg
  4. 118 mmHg
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

A normal systolic (the top number) blood pressure measurement for an adult is typically less than 120 mmHg. 118 mmHg falls within this healthy range. 80 and 60 are too low (hypotensive), and 190 is severely high (hypertensive).

25. Question

After a resident has died, the CNA is often responsible for post-mortem care. What is the primary goal of this care?

  1. To prepare the resident’s body for viewing by the family.
  2. To determine the resident’s cause of death.
  3. To gather the resident’s belongings for the family.
  4. To contact the funeral home.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Post-mortem care involves gently bathing the body, placing a clean gown, and positioning the body naturally. This is done to show respect for the deceased and to provide a comforting and dignified final viewing for the family.