CNA Infection Control Practice Test
Practice infection control with 25 free CNA questions on hand hygiene, PPE, precautions, and preventing the spread of infection.
- 100% Free. No Email Required
- 25 questions focused on infection control
- Answer and explanation after every question
- Question count
- 25 Questions
- Focus
- Infection Control
- Format
- Multiple Choice
About This Infection Control Practice Test
Review hand hygiene, Standard and transmission-based precautions, PPE, cleaning and disinfection, linen and waste handling, and safe resident care. The questions also cover sharps safety, exposure response, and reporting possible signs of infection.
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.
Will this help me prepare for my state’s CNA exam?
Use this focused test to review infection control 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.
- Credentia: candidate handbook and registration (opens in a new tab)
- Prometric: Alabama nursing-home and qualified-facility testing (opens in a new tab)
Provider information verified: .
Alaska
Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP)
Read the state-specific candidate handbook and confirm your eligibility before applying. Use the official state testing page for registration and current exam instructions.
Provider information verified: .
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.
- Credentia: California testing (opens in a new tab)
- Headmaster: California testing (opens in a new tab)
- CDPH: complete approved CNA testing vendor list (opens in a new tab)
Provider information verified: .
Colorado
Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP)
Read the state-specific candidate handbook and confirm your eligibility before applying. Use the official state testing page for registration and current exam instructions.
Provider information verified: .
Connecticut
Exam provider: Prometric
Review the state candidate information bulletin before applying. Check the current eligibility, identification and clinical skills instructions on the official exam page.
Provider information verified: .
Delaware
Exam provider: Prometric
Review the state candidate information bulletin before applying. Check the current eligibility, identification and clinical skills instructions on the official exam page.
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.
- Credentia: DC nurse aide testing (opens in a new tab)
- Headmaster: DC nurse aide testing (opens in a new tab)
Provider verification pending. Sources checked: .
Florida
Exam provider: Prometric
Review the state candidate information bulletin before applying. Check the current eligibility, identification and clinical skills instructions on the official exam page.
Provider information verified: .
Georgia
Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP)
Read the state-specific candidate handbook and confirm your eligibility before applying. Use the official state testing page for registration and current exam instructions.
Provider information verified: .
Hawaii
Exam provider: Prometric
Review the state candidate information bulletin before applying. Check the current eligibility, identification and clinical skills instructions on the official exam page.
Provider information verified: .
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.
Provider information verified: .
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.
Provider information verified: .
Indiana
Exam provider: Ivy Tech Community College
Indiana directs candidates to Ivy Tech for competency testing. Review the state certification instructions and follow the linked Ivy Tech process for written and skills examinations.
Provider information verified: .
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.
- Headmaster: Iowa knowledge testing (opens in a new tab)
- Credentia: Iowa testing (opens in a new tab)
- Iowa DIAL: knowledge and skills testing options (opens in a new tab)
Provider information verified: .
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.
Provider information verified: .
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.
Provider information verified: .
Louisiana
Exam provider: Prometric
Review the state candidate information bulletin before applying. Check the current eligibility, identification and clinical skills instructions on the official exam page.
Provider information verified: .
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.
- Maine DHHS: CNA competency test definition (opens in a new tab)
- Maine DHHS: CNA Registry (opens in a new tab)
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.
- Credentia: Maryland testing (opens in a new tab)
- Headmaster: Maryland testing (opens in a new tab)
- Maryland Board of Nursing: CNA-I testing updates (opens in a new tab)
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: .
Nebraska
Exam provider: Nebraska-approved testing entities; Nebraska Health Care Learning Center offers testing
Nebraska requires approved written/oral and clinical/skills examinations. Confirm eligibility and scheduling directly with your testing entity; use DHHS instructions for your route.
- Nebraska DHHS: nurse aide requirements (opens in a new tab)
- Nebraska Health Care Learning Center: testing information (opens in a new tab)
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 Hampshire
Exam provider: Excel Testing
Review Excel's New Hampshire candidate guide and registration requirements for the nursing assistant competency exam. Testing and the Board of Nursing licensing application are separate steps.
- Excel Testing: New Hampshire candidate information (opens in a new tab)
- Excel Testing: New Hampshire registration (opens in a new tab)
Provider information verified: .
New Jersey
Exam provider: D&S Diversified Technologies / Headmaster (skills); PSI (written)
Arrange skills testing through Headmaster and written testing through PSI. Contact the respective provider for scheduling, payment and results, and follow New Jersey's certification instructions.
- New Jersey Department of Health: certification instructions (opens in a new tab)
- Headmaster: New Jersey skills testing (opens in a new tab)
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: .
New York
Exam provider: Prometric
Review the state candidate information bulletin before applying. Check the current eligibility, identification and clinical skills instructions on the official exam page.
Provider information verified: .
North Carolina
Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP)
Read the state-specific candidate handbook and confirm your eligibility before applying. Use the official state testing page for registration and current exam instructions.
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.
- Oklahoma State Department of Health: nurse aide registry (opens in a new tab)
- Prometric: Oklahoma nurse aide exam (opens in a new tab)
- Oklahoma CareerTech: nurse aide examinations (opens in a new tab)
- Headmaster: LTC/HHA deeming testing (opens in a new tab)
Provider information verified: .
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: .
Pennsylvania
Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP)
Read the state-specific candidate handbook and confirm your eligibility before applying. Use the official state testing page for registration and current exam instructions.
Provider information verified: .
Rhode Island
Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP)
Read the state-specific candidate handbook and confirm your eligibility before applying. Use the official state testing page for registration and current exam instructions.
Provider information verified: .
South Carolina
Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP)
Read the state-specific candidate handbook and confirm your eligibility before applying. Use the official state testing page for registration and current exam instructions.
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: .
Tennessee
Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP)
Read the state-specific candidate handbook and confirm your eligibility before applying. Use the official state testing page for registration and current exam instructions.
Provider information verified: .
Texas
Exam provider: Prometric
Follow the Texas TULIP application process. After your training information and application are approved, follow Prometric's instructions for scheduling and paying for the exam.
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: .
Vermont
Exam provider: Excel Testing
Use the Vermont Board of Nursing's Licensed Nursing Assistant section for the Excel Testing link and LNA application instructions.
Provider information verified: .
Virginia
Exam provider: Credentia (NNAAP)
Read the state-specific candidate handbook and confirm your eligibility before applying. Use the official state testing page for registration and current exam instructions.
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.
- Credentia: candidate handbook and registration (opens in a new tab)
- Washington Board of Nursing: separate skills and written/oral testing (opens in a new tab)
Provider information verified: .
West Virginia
Exam provider: Professional HealthCare Development (PHD)
West Virginia identifies PHD as its nurse aide exam vendor. Follow the state vendor page to contact PHD for test scheduling.
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: .
Topics covered
These 25 questions focus on infection control. Use our full CNA practice test and related topic tests to review other areas.
Timing & requirements
Question counts, time limits, and passing requirements vary by state and provider. Check your candidate handbook.
Knowledge & skills
Practice questions prepare you for the knowledge test. You’ll also need hands-on skills practice.
CNA skills test guideFree CNA Practice Tests by Topic
Keep building your CNA knowledge with a different topic. Each of these free practice tests includes 25 questions.
Activities of Daily Living
Bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, eating, and safe mobility.
Basic Nursing Skills
Vital signs, bedside care, and basic procedures.
Restorative Skills
Range of motion, safe ambulation, and independence.
Emotional & Mental Health Needs
Behavior changes, emotional support, and dementia care.
Spiritual & Cultural Needs
Cultural preferences, spiritual practices, and respectful care.
Communication
Active listening, clear reporting, and documentation.
Client Rights
Privacy, dignity, personal choices, and autonomy.
Legal & Ethical Behavior
Scope of practice, abuse prevention, and reporting concerns.
Member of the Health Care Team
Teamwork, care plans, time management, and safe care.
25 CNA Infection Control 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 infection control decisions you found most challenging.
1. A CNA finishes emptying a resident’s urinary drainage bag and is then asked to help the resident eat. What should the CNA do before handling the meal tray?
- Keep the same gloves on and begin feeding the resident
- Remove the gloves and perform hand hygiene
- Wipe the gloves with a disinfectant wipe
- Place a second pair of gloves over the first pair
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B
Gloves used for contact with urine or drainage equipment must be removed, and hand hygiene must be performed before beginning a clean task such as assisting with eating.
2. While providing incontinent care, a CNA gets stool on a hand. Which hand hygiene method is most appropriate?
- Wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer and rub until dry
- Wipe off the visible stool, then use alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Rinse the hands with water only, then dry them
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is appropriate for many routine-care situations, but hands that are visibly soiled must be washed with soap and water.
3. A CNA is providing incontinent care. While wearing contaminated gloves, the CNA realizes that another clean brief is needed. What should the CNA do?
- Remove the gloves, obtain a clean brief, perform hand hygiene, and put on clean gloves to continue care
- Perform hand hygiene, obtain a clean brief while still wearing the contaminated gloves, and change gloves afterward
- Remove the gloves, perform hand hygiene, obtain a clean brief without contaminating supplies, and put on clean gloves as needed
- Ask another aide for a clean brief, receive it while wearing contaminated gloves, and then put it near the resident
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C
Removing contaminated gloves, performing hand hygiene before touching clean supplies, and using clean gloves as needed prevents cross-contamination.
4. A CNA has washed and rinsed both hands at a sink with hand-operated faucet handles. Which action best prevents recontamination when finishing handwashing?
- Turn off the faucet with a bare hand, then dry both hands with a paper towel
- Dry both hands with a paper towel, then turn off the faucet with a bare hand
- Rinse the faucet handles with water, then turn off the faucet with a bare hand
- Dry both hands with a paper towel, then use a paper towel to turn off the faucet
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D
Faucet handles may be contaminated. After drying the hands, use a paper towel as a barrier when turning off a hand-operated faucet to avoid recontaminating clean hands.
5. A CNA uses alcohol-based hand sanitizer after taking a resident’s pulse. Which technique is correct?
- Rinse the sanitizer off immediately with water
- Rub all hand surfaces until the hands are dry
- Wipe the sanitizer off with a paper towel after five seconds
- Apply sanitizer only to the palms
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B
Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should cover all surfaces of the hands and be rubbed until dry.
6. When should a CNA use Standard Precautions?
- During care of every resident
- Only when a resident has a fever
- Only when an isolation sign is posted
- Only when blood is visible
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A
Standard Precautions apply to all residents because infection status is not always known.
7. A resident is coughing and producing secretions during mouth care. Splashes to the CNA’s face and clothing are anticipated. Which PPE combination provides the appropriate protection?
- Gloves, a gown, and a medical mask
- Gloves, a medical mask, and protective goggles
- Gloves, a gown, a medical mask, and protective goggles
- Gloves, a gown, and protective goggles
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C
Gloves protect the hands, a gown protects skin and clothing, and a medical mask with protective goggles protects the nose, mouth, and eyes. Each is needed for the anticipated exposures in this scenario.
8. A resident is on Contact Precautions. The door sign directs staff to wear a gown and gloves on room entry. What should the CNA do?
- Enter without PPE if no body fluids are visible
- Wear a mask instead of a gown and gloves
- Put on the gown but carry the gloves in a pocket
- Put on the gown and gloves before entering as directed
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D
The CNA must follow the posted Contact Precautions and facility instructions before entering the room.
9. A CNA is assigned to a resident on Droplet Precautions. What should the CNA do before entering the room to provide care?
- Put on the required medical or procedure mask as directed by the precaution sign
- Wear a gown and gloves only because droplets spread mainly by touch
- Wear an N95 respirator because Droplet Precautions always require one
- Enter without a mask unless the resident is actively coughing
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A
Droplet Precautions require the indicated medical or procedure mask; the CNA should follow the posted precaution instructions.
10. A resident with suspected tuberculosis is on Airborne Precautions. The CNA does not have the required properly fitted respiratory protection. What should the CNA do?
- Wear a regular surgical mask and provide the care
- Put on a gown and gloves, then enter without a respirator
- Do not enter for routine care; notify the nurse so appropriately protected staff can provide it
- Enter without respiratory protection because the care will take less than a minute
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C
Routine care should not be provided in an Airborne Precautions room without the required properly fitted respiratory protection; the nurse or supervisor must arrange safe care.
11. A CNA is removing used PPE after resident care. Which action best prevents self-contamination?
- Remove the PPE without touching outer surfaces, discard it properly, and continue care without performing hand hygiene
- Remove the PPE without touching outer surfaces, keep it from skin and clothing, discard it properly, and perform hand hygiene
- Remove the PPE carefully, but allow the contaminated outside of the gown to brush against the uniform before discarding it
- Perform hand hygiene before removal, remove and discard the PPE carefully, but do not perform hand hygiene afterward
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B
Used PPE should be kept away from skin and clothing, handled without touching contaminated surfaces, discarded properly, and followed by hand hygiene.
12. Which action helps prevent self-contamination when a CNA removes a used mask?
- Grasp the mask by its front edge and pull it away from the face
- Lower the mask under the chin before loosening the ties
- Hold the front of the mask with one hand while loosening it with the other
- Handle the mask by its ties or ear loops without touching the front
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D
The front of a used mask may be contaminated, so the CNA removes it using the ties or ear loops and performs hand hygiene afterward.
13. After cleaning an overbed table, a CNA applies an approved disinfectant. The product label requires the surface to remain wet for three minutes. Which action is correct?
- Keep the surface wet for the full three minutes, following the product instructions
- Wipe the surface dry after application, then wait three minutes before using the table
- Let the surface dry early, then count the remaining time toward the three minutes
- Rinse the surface immediately after application, then let it dry for three minutes
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A
Disinfectants need the wet contact time specified on the label to work as intended. Wiping, rinsing, or allowing the surface to dry too soon interrupts that contact time. Follow the product instructions for application and any reapplication needed.
14. A CNA removes heavily soiled bed linens from a resident’s bed. How should the CNA handle them?
- Shake them to remove loose material before bagging
- Roll them inward, hold them away from the uniform, and place them in the proper bag at the point of use
- Place them on the floor until the bed is remade
- Carry them uncovered against the uniform to the laundry area
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B
Soiled linens should be handled as little as possible, not shaken, kept away from clothing, and bagged according to facility policy where they are used.
15. After incontinent care, a CNA has a used disposable brief and a soiled reusable washcloth. How should the CNA handle these items?
- Place both the brief and the washcloth in the designated soiled-linen container
- Place both the brief and the washcloth in the designated waste receptacle
- Place the brief in the designated waste receptacle and the washcloth in the soiled-linen container
- Place the brief in the soiled-linen container and the washcloth in the waste receptacle
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C
Disposable contaminated items go in the designated waste receptacle according to facility procedure, while reusable cloth items go in the soiled-linen container.
16. A CNA notices a small blood spill on the floor near a resident’s bed. What should the CNA do?
- Keep others away, absorb the blood with paper towels, and then put on the required PPE
- Put on appropriate PPE, remove the visible blood, and leave disinfection until the next scheduled cleaning
- Put on appropriate PPE, apply disinfectant over the blood, and then remove the spill without further cleaning
- Keep others away, put on appropriate PPE, and follow the approved procedure for cleaning and disinfecting
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D
Standard Precautions require preventing exposure, using appropriate PPE, and following the facility’s approved procedure for a blood spill.
17. A resident frequently touches the call button, bed rail, and overbed table. Which action best helps reduce the spread of microorganisms?
- Clean and disinfect these items when visibly soiled, skipping scheduled cleaning when they appear clean
- Clean and disinfect these items on the facility’s schedule and promptly when they become visibly soiled
- Clean and disinfect these items at shift end, leaving visible soil until all resident care is finished
- Clean these items with detergent on schedule, reserving disinfection for when the resident has a diagnosed infection
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B
Frequently touched resident-care surfaces can transfer microorganisms and should be cleaned and disinfected according to procedure, especially when visibly soiled.
18. A CNA uses a reusable blood pressure cuff for one resident and then needs it for another resident. What should the CNA do first?
- Clean and disinfect it as directed by facility policy and the manufacturer’s instructions
- Clean it only if blood, drainage, or other soil is visible
- Use it for all assigned residents, then clean it once at the end of the shift
- Use it on the next resident without cleaning because it contacted intact skin
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A
Shared reusable equipment must be cleaned and disinfected between residents according to approved instructions.
19. A CNA notices an uncapped used needle on a bedside tray. What should the CNA do?
- Put on gloves, pick up the needle by its hub, and carry it to a sharps container
- Put on gloves, replace the cap over the needle, and notify the nurse about the finding
- Wrap the needle in a paper towel, leave it on the tray, and notify the nurse
- Keep others away from the needle, leave it untouched, and notify the nurse immediately for safe removal
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D
The CNA should not recap or manipulate a used sharp; preventing contact and notifying the nurse allows it to be managed safely according to procedure.
20. Blood splashes into a CNA’s eyes while the CNA assists with resident care. What should the CNA do first?
- Report the exposure to the nurse before flushing the eyes
- Finish the current care task before flushing the eyes and reporting the exposure
- Flush the eyes immediately with water or at an eyewash station, then promptly report and follow facility procedure
- Wipe the eyes with a clean wet cloth, then report the exposure and follow facility procedure
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C
After blood splashes into the eyes, immediate flushing comes first, followed by prompt reporting and the facility’s exposure procedure.
21. Which action by a CNA helps prevent a catheter-associated urinary tract infection?
- Keep the drainage bag below the bladder, off the floor, and the tubing free of kinks
- Disconnect the tubing each time the resident is repositioned
- Rest the drainage bag on the resident’s bed
- Raise the drainage bag above the bladder during transfers
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A
Keeping a closed system with unobstructed downward drainage and the bag below bladder level helps prevent backflow and contamination.
22. While giving perineal care to a female resident, which technique best limits the transfer of organisms to the urinary tract?
- Wipe from the anus toward the urinary opening
- Wipe from front to back, using a clean area of the cloth for each stroke
- Use the same area of the cloth for every stroke
- Clean the anal area before the urinary area
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: B
Cleaning from front to back and from cleaner to more contaminated areas reduces movement of organisms toward the urinary opening.
23. A resident with infectious diarrhea needs a bedside commode. Which action is most appropriate?
- Assign the commode to this resident, and clean and disinfect it only when the diarrhea stops
- Assign the commode to this resident, and rinse it with water after each use to remove soil
- Share the commode with another resident who has diarrhea, and clean and disinfect it after both finish
- Assign the commode to this resident when available, and clean and disinfect it after use as directed
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D
Dedicated equipment and proper cleaning and disinfection after use reduce contact transmission from contaminated surfaces.
24. A resident coughs into bare hands and then reaches for the call button. What should the CNA do?
- Clean the call button but take no action regarding the resident’s hands
- Assist the resident with hand hygiene but leave the contaminated call button as it is
- Offer tissues, assist the resident with hand hygiene, and clean the contaminated high-touch surface according to policy
- Provide a medical mask but take no action regarding the contaminated hands or surface
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C
Respiratory hygiene includes containing coughs, cleaning hands, and addressing contaminated high-touch surfaces.
25. During routine care, a CNA sees new redness and foul-smelling drainage around a resident’s wound dressing. What should the CNA do?
- Report the finding promptly to the nurse and avoid disturbing the dressing unless directed
- Remove the dressing and apply an antibiotic ointment
- Wait several days to see whether the drainage stops
- Cover the area with a washcloth and continue care
Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A
New redness and foul-smelling drainage may indicate infection. The CNA should observe and report promptly rather than assess, treat, or change the dressing without direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What infection control topics should I focus on for CNA practice?
For this question set, focus on preventing germs from moving between residents, staff, equipment, and clean supplies. Review hand hygiene, glove changes, PPE, posted precautions, cleaning and disinfection, linen and waste handling, and safe catheter and personal care.
Also recognize situations that need prompt reporting, such as a used needle left on a tray or new drainage around a wound dressing. Use your current candidate handbook to check the scope of your own exam.
How do I choose the best answer when two infection control options seem correct?
Look for the detail that changes the safest action: what is contaminated, what the CNA will touch next, and whether the question asks what to do first. Compare the entire sequence, not just one correct step.
For example, removing dirty gloves and getting a clean brief sounds reasonable, but it misses hand hygiene before touching clean supplies. The better sequence is to remove the gloves, clean the hands, obtain the brief without contaminating supplies, and put on clean gloves as needed. Try question 3.
When should I choose soap and water instead of hand sanitizer?
Visible soil is a key clue. Hands with stool, blood, or other visible soil need soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is preferred for most routine clinical care when hands are not visibly soiled; rub it over all hand surfaces until dry.
Soap and water is also indicated before eating and after using the restroom. Follow outbreak instructions: CDC encourages soap-and-water handwashing after caring for someone with known or suspected C. difficile during an outbreak. Compare this with question 2.
Reference: CDC hand hygiene guidance.
Do I need to change gloves between tasks for the same resident?
Yes, when moving from a contaminated task or body site to a clean one. Caring for the same resident does not make contaminated gloves safe for handling food or clean supplies. Remove them, perform hand hygiene, and use a fresh pair if the next task requires gloves.
For example, do not use gloves worn while emptying a urinary drainage bag to handle a meal tray. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene. Review question 1.
How do Standard, Contact, Droplet, and Airborne Precautions differ?
Standard Precautions apply to every resident. PPE depends on the anticipated exposure, even when no infection has been diagnosed. Contact, Droplet, and Airborne Precautions add protection for particular routes of transmission.
- Contact: follow the posted gown-and-glove instructions and prevent equipment from carrying germs to another resident.
- Droplet: put on the required medical or procedure mask before entry.
- Airborne: use the required respiratory protection, such as a fit-tested N95 or higher-level respirator. A surgical mask is not a substitute.
Always follow the room sign and facility instructions. Additional splash protection may be needed for the task. For example, a mask alone leaves the eyes unprotected during splashing mouth care. Try the PPE scenario in question 7.
References: CDC Standard Precautions and Transmission-Based Precautions.
Why is wiping a surface not always enough to disinfect it?
Removing visible soil and disinfecting are different steps. Follow the approved product instructions, including any required precleaning and the wet contact time. A surface that looks clean is not necessarily ready for use.
If the label says to keep a surface wet for three minutes, wiping it dry immediately does not meet that instruction. Similarly, a shared blood pressure cuff needs cleaning and disinfection between residents according to facility and manufacturer instructions. Review question 13 and question 18.
Reference: CDC core infection prevention practices.
Which unsafe shortcuts should I watch for in infection control answers?
Watch for choices that save time by spreading contamination or skipping a protective step. Examples in this question bank include:
- Touching clean supplies while wearing contaminated gloves.
- Removing a used mask by grabbing its front.
- Shaking soiled linen or holding it against the uniform.
- Sharing equipment without the required cleaning and disinfection.
- Recapping or handling a used needle instead of keeping others away and notifying the nurse.
Ask yourself, “Where could germs or contaminated material go next?” Then choose the action that prevents that exposure while staying within the CNA’s role. Review mask removal, linen handling, and sharps safety.