This 25-question CNA practice test covers the category Client Rights. The questions are designed to test your understanding of resident autonomy, dignity, privacy, informed consent, confidentiality, and protection from abuse or neglect while upholding the resident’s voice, safety, and legal rights.
Each question reflects common scenarios and ethical situations you may encounter on the actual Certified Nursing Assistant exam in 2025, giving you the chance to assess how well you understand Client Rights in real-world context. 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
A resident asks the CNA to see their medical chart. What is the most appropriate action by the CNA?
- Give the chart to the resident, as it is their right.
- Tell the resident, “Only doctors are allowed to look at charts.”
- Tell the resident “No,” as this information is confidential.
- Report the resident’s request to the nurse.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Residents have the right to access their medical records, but the facility has a policy for this process. The CNA should refer the request to the nurse, who will facilitate it.
2. Question
A resident receives a letter in the mail. The resident has poor eyesight and asks the CNA to help. What is the most appropriate action?
- Open the letter and read it to the resident in the dayroom.
- Assist the resident once they are in a private area.
- Tell the resident to wait for their family to read it to them.
- Return the letter to the mailroom, as residents cannot receive mail.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Residents have a right to private communication, including mail. The CNA should offer assistance in a manner that protects the resident’s confidentiality.
3. Question
A CNA posts a photo of themselves with a resident on their personal social media page, but the resident’s name is not used. This action is:
- A violation of the resident’s right to privacy and confidentiality.
- Acceptable if the resident’s family “likes” the photo.
- Allowed as long as the resident’s face is not fully visible.
- A good way to promote the facility’s activities.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Posting any photo or information about a resident on social media without explicit, written consent is a major HIPAA violation and a breach of privacy.
4. Question
A resident who is alert and oriented wants to wear a plaid shirt and striped pants. What should the CNA do?
- Respect the resident’s choice and help them get dressed.
- Tell the resident the clothes do not match and pick a new outfit.
- Ask the resident’s family to bring in better clothing.
- Offer the resident two other outfits to choose from.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Residents have the right to make personal choices, including what they wear, as long as it is safe and clean. This respects their individuality and right to self-determination.
5. Question
A resident has dementia and repeatedly tries to wander off the unit. The CNA closes the resident’s door and places a chair in front of it to prevent them from leaving. This is an example of:
- Standard precautions.
- A chemical restraint.
- Involuntary seclusion.
- Negligence.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Involuntary seclusion is the separation or confinement of a resident against their will or the will of their legal representative and is illegal except in emergency situations.
6. Question
The CNA overhears a family member shouting at a resident and calling them names. This is an example of:
- Verbal abuse.
- Intimidation.
- Harassment.
- Slander.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Verbal abuse is a type of psychological or emotional abuse that uses name-calling, degrading remarks, yelling, threatening, and more to hurt or control someone.
7. Question
A resident’s family member, who is the power of attorney, asks the CNA to get the credit card from the resident’s wallet so they can pay some bills. What is the CNA’s best action?
- Show the family member where the resident keeps their wallet.
- State that you cannot touch the resident’s belongings without their permission.
- Tell the resident what the family member asked and let them decide.
- Ask if the bills are related to the resident’s care.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
This is a sign of potential financial exploitation. The CNA’s role is to protect the resident and their belongings and report any suspicious or inappropriate requests to the nurse.
8. Question
A CNA observes another staff member being rough with a resident during a transfer. What is the CNA’s immediate legal responsibility?
- Ask the resident what happened after the staff member leaves.
- Call the family so they can take action.
- Confront the staff member and tell them to apologize.
- Report the observation to the charge nurse.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
All healthcare workers are mandated reporters. Witnessing potential abuse must be reported immediately to the nurse in charge so it can be investigated and the resident can be protected.
9. Question
A resident tells the CNA, “I want to file a formal complaint about the food.” What is the CNA’s best response?
- “I’m sorry you feel that way. The food is the best they can do.”
- “I will get you the grievance form and let the nurse know you have a concern.”
- “Complaining won’t change anything. What else can I get you to eat?”
- “If you don’t like the food, you can bring your own.”
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Residents have the right to voice grievances without fear of retaliation. The CNA’s role is to facilitate this right by providing the proper forms and notifying the supervisor.
10. Question
Which of the following is an example of a chemical restraint?
- A medication given to manage a resident’s anxiety disorder.
- A medication given to induce sleep.
- A medication given to manage unsafe behavior.
- A medication given to manage pain after surgery.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
A chemical restraint is a medication used to manage or control a person’s behavior or movement, such as when a resident is combative and is a danger to themselves or others. Chemical restraints are considered a last resort when other measures, such as de-escalation, are ineffective.
11. Question
A resident has a “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) order. This means:
- The resident should not be given food or water.
- The CNA should not answer the resident’s call light.
- If the resident’s heart stops or they stop breathing, CPR will not be started.
- The CNA should not obtain the resident’s vital signs.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
A DNR order is a medical order that states a resident does not want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the event of cardiac or respiratory arrest. It does not affect any other aspect of their care.
12. Question
A resident has a large, visible “Ombudsman” poster in their room. The purpose of this poster is to:
- Show the resident’s political affiliation.
- Decorate the room.
- Share the resident’s occupation with staff.
- Provide the contact information for a resident advocate.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Facilities are required to post the name, number, and purpose of the state ombudsman, who is an impartial advocate for residents, to ensure all residents know how to contact them.
13. Question
While helping a resident dress, the CNA notices severe, unexplained bruising on the resident’s arms. The CNA must:
- Ask the resident’s roommate what happened.
- Cover the bruising with bandages.
- Take photos of the bruising with their personal phone.
- Immediately report the bruising to the charge nurse.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Unexplained bruising is a potential sign of physical abuse or a serious medical condition. It must be reported to the nurse immediately for assessment and investigation.
14. Question
A resident is having a private phone call. The CNA needs to enter the room to empty the trash. The CNA should:
- Enter the room, empty the trash quickly, and leave.
- Put headphones in so they can’t hear the conversation.
- Come back in a few minutes when the resident is off the phone.
- Knock and ask the resident to hang up so care can be completed.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Residents have the right to private telephone conversations. Unless there is an emergency, the CNA should wait and return later to avoid infringing on that privacy.
15. Question
Two residents are married and live in the same facility. Staff should:
- Offer a shared room, if available and medically feasible.
- Assign them to rooms on separate wings to prevent disruption.
- Provide them alone time in public areas only.
- Ensure each resident has their own private room.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
The Resident’s Bill of Rights protects the right of married couples to live together (share a room) if they both consent and it is medically appropriate.
16. Question
A resident has lab work completed and is positive for a urinary tract infection. The resident’s daughter visits later and asks if their lab results are completed and what they showed. What response by the CNA is correct?
- “Your mother has a UTI, and they started antibiotics.”
- “I’ll have the nurse meet you in the room to discuss the results.”
- “You will have to ask your mother if she wants to share those results.”
- “I’ll print out a copy of the results so you can read them yourself.”
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
It is not within the CNA’s scope of practice to provide the results of medical tests. The CNA should direct these questions to the nurse, who will verify who is authorized to have access to the resident’s medical information.
17. Question
A resident wants to attend a new religious service in the facility’s chapel. The CNA should:
- Tell the resident it is not part of their usual routine.
- Check the activity schedule and help the resident get to the service.
- Tell the resident they can only go if they are of that specific faith.
- Have another resident take them who is of the same religion.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Residents have the right to participate in religious activities of their choice. The CNA should facilitate this by providing information and assistance.
18. Question
Which of the following is a violation of the resident’s right to manage their own finances?
- The facility billing the resident for services.
- The resident placing their money in the facility’s safe.
- A resident’s family paying for their room and board.
- A CNA signing a resident’s check without their knowledge.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
This action is theft and financial exploitation. Residents have the right to manage their finances and make their own spending decisions. The CNA should never take advantage of this.
19. Question
A resident with dementia is in the dining room and begins to shout. The CNA should respond by:
- Moving the resident to an empty room.
- Telling the resident they must calm down to get dessert.
- Ignoring the resident’s behavior.
- Attempting to distract or redirect the resident.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
The CNA should attempt to de-escalate the situation by remaining calm, attempting to identify the trigger, validating their feelings, and using distraction or redirection. Moving the resident to a confined area without their consent is a form of involuntary seclusion.
20. Question
A resident with a strong accent speaks in a language the CNA does not understand. The CNA should:
- Obtain interpreter services.
- Transfer care to another CNA who speaks the language.
- Avoid talking to the resident.
- Pretend to understand the resident and smile politely.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
When a language barrier prevents clear communication, the CNA must utilize resources, such as an interpreter, to communicate and complete their care responsibilities.
21. Question
A resident tells the CNA, “I’m very worried about my upcoming surgery.” The CNA is busy and replies, “Oh, you’ll be fine,” and quickly leaves the room. This response fails to respect the resident’s right to:
- Informed consent.
- Non-discrimination.
- Respect and dignity.
- A safe environment.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
The resident has a right to express their feelings and concerns. The CNA’s dismissive response failed to acknowledge the resident’s anxiety and did not treat them with dignity.
22. Question
A resident asks for privacy with their spouse, who is visiting. The CNA should:
- Tell them it’s not allowed for safety reasons.
- Leave the door open but close the privacy curtain.
- Respect the resident’s wishes and close the door to their room.
- Stand outside the door to make sure no one enters.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Residents have the right to privacy in their room with whomever they choose. The CNA should honor the request for privacy.
23. Question
A competent resident refuses to be weighed. The CNA’s best response is:
- “Fine, we will wait and do it later today.”
- “If you don’t let me weigh you, you can’t have breakfast.”
- “Don’t worry. I won’t tell you what the scale says.”
- “I’ll respect your choice and notify the nurse.”
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Alert and oriented residents have the right to refuse any care or procedure, including being weighed. The CNA must respect this refusal, document it, and report it to the nurse.
24. Question
A resident tells the CNA they want to vote in the upcoming presidential election. The CNA should:
- Inform the nurse so the facility can help the resident obtain an absentee ballot.
- Tell the resident that living in a facility makes them ineligible to vote.
- Tell the resident they must ask their family to handle it.
- Provide the resident with information for transportation so they can arrange a ride.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Residents do not lose their right to vote. The facility is required to help residents exercise their rights as citizens, which includes facilitating the process to vote.
25. Question
A resident has a right to be free from “battery.” This means staff cannot:
- Talk about the resident in the hallway.
- Touch the resident without their permission.
- Use mean or threatening language.
- Withhold medical care.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Battery is the unlawful, intentional touching of another person without their consent. Performing a procedure on a resident who has refused it is an example of battery.