Free CNA Practice Test: 51 Essential Questions

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

This 51-question practice test is designed to help you prepare for the CNA certification exam. The questions are structured to cover all essential topics, including activities of daily living, basic nursing and restorative skills, communication, client rights, legal and ethical behavior, spiritual and cultural needs, and emotional and mental health needs.

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 and identify areas where you might be able to improve. All questions and rationales have been reviewed by an experienced registered nurse (RN).

Jump to Exam Category

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

1. Question

A patient with a weak right arm needs help with putting on a shirt. What’s the right approach?

  1. Put the shirt on the left arm first, then the right arm.
  2. Put the shirt on the right arm first, then the left arm.
  3. Put both arms in at the same time.
  4. It doesn’t matter which arm goes in first.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

The recommend approach is to dress the weaker side first. This helps prevent injury and makes the task easier and less painful for the resident.

2. Question

What is the most important safety precaution when a CNA is feeding a resident?

  1. Raising the head of the bed to at least 45°.
  2. Placing a napkin on the resident’s lap.
  3. Checking the resident’s temperature before and after the meal.
  4. Making sure the resident has their feet flat on the floor.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Elevating the head of the bed upright reduces choking and aspiration risk (food or liquid entering the lungs).

3. Question

A CNA is assisting a resident with a transfer from the bed to a wheelchair. Where should the CNA position the wheelchair?

  1. On the resident’s weaker side.
  2. On the resident’s stronger side.
  3. At the foot of the bed.
  4. On the opposite side of the bed.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Positioning the wheelchair on the resident’s stronger side lets them use their strength to assist with the transfer, making the transfer easier and safer.

4. Question

What is the best way to lower the risk of aspiration when performing oral care on an unconscious resident?

  1. Place the resident on their back with their head tilted slightly forward.
  2. Use a large amount of water to rinse their mouth thoroughly.
  3. Position the resident on their side with their head turned to the side.
  4. Use a hard toothbrush to clean their teeth and gums.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

Positioning the resident on their side with their head turned allows any fluid to drain out of the mouth, reducing aspiration risk.

5. Question

The term “ADLs” stands for what?

  1. Active Daily Living.
  2. Activities of Daily Living.
  3. Assisted Daily Living.
  4. Approved Daily Living.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) refer to basic self-care tasks that people do every day, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and toileting. They are a central focus of CNA care.

6. Question

When helping a resident put on non-slip socks, where should the tread be?

  1. On top of the foot.
  2. On the bottom of the foot.
  3. On the sides of the foot.
  4. On the heel only.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

The non-slip tread must contact the floor to reduce slip risk. It is designed to provide traction and prevent slipping when the resident is standing or ambulating.

7. Question

When preparing bath water for a resident, the proper temperature range is approximately:

  1. 100–105°F (38–40.5°C)
  2. 90–95°F (32–35°C)
  3. 115–120°F (46–48°C)
  4. As hot as the resident can tolerate.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Bath water should be warm enough to be comfortable but not so hot as to cause burns, especially in residents with decreased sensation. The appropriate temperature is generally 100-105 degrees F. Always follow facility policy and test the water before helping the resident.

8. Question

When undressing a resident who has a weak right arm, which side should the CNA undress first?

  1. The left arm first.
  2. The right arm first.
  3. Both arms at the same time.
  4. It depends on the type of clothing.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Undress the strong side first (here, the left arm) to avoid pulling or straining the weak side (the right arm).

Basic Nursing Skills

9. Question

When counting a resident’s breaths, what is the best practice to ensure an accurate count?

  1. Tell the resident you are counting their breaths.
  2. Use a timer and count for 30 seconds, then multiply by 2.
  3. Count the breaths while holding their wrist.
  4. Count the breaths while the resident is sleeping.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

To get the most accurate results, count respirations immediately after taking the pulse, while still holding the resident’s wrist, which helps prevent the resident from changing their breathing pattern. Count for a full 60 seconds, especially if the pattern is irregular.

10. Question

A resident who is lying on their side with a pillow placed between the knees. What do you call this position?

  1. Supine position
  2. Prone position
  3. Lateral position
  4. Fowler’s position
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

A person lying on their side is in the lateral position. Placing a pillow between the knees helps with aligning the spine and prevents pressure on the knees and ankles.

11. Question

How often should an immobile, bed-bound resident be repositioned to help prevent pressure ulcers?

  1. Every 4 hours.
  2. Every 8 hours.
  3. Every 12 hours.
  4. At least every 2 hours.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

Repositioning a resident at least every two hours is standard protocol to relieve pressure on bony areas and improve blood circulation, which helps to prevent the pressure ulcers.

12. Question

What is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection?

  1. Proper hand hygiene.
  2. Wearing a mask.
  3. Using sterile gloves.
  4. Isolating the patient.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and other health organizations recommend proper handwashing as the most effective measure to the spread of germs in healthcare settings.

13. Question

When caring for a resident with Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), which hand-hygiene method should the CNA use?

  1. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  2. Handwashing with soap and water.
  3. Wearing gloves at all times.
  4. Wiping hands with a wet cloth.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against the spores of C. difficile. Soap-and-water handwashing is required to mechanically remove the spores.

14. Question

When a CNA is preparing to enter a contact-precautions room, what is the correct order for donning (putting on) PPE?

  1. Gloves, gown, mask.
  2. Mask, gown, gloves.
  3. Gown, gloves, mask.
  4. Gown, mask, gloves.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

The standard order for donning PPE is to put on the gown first to protect clothing, then the mask, and finally the gloves so they overlap the gown cuffs.

15. Question

A resident is a known fall risk. What is the best action the CNA can take to ensure their safety?

  1. Apply soft restraints to the resident.
  2. Keep the call light within the resident’s reach.
  3. Keep the lights in the room on at all times.
  4. Remove the resident’s shoes and socks.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Keeping the call light within reach allows the resident to ask for help when needed, making it less likely that they will attempt to get up on their own and fall.

16. Question

When a fire alarm sounds, what is the CNA’s first priority?

  1. Call 911.
  2. Extinguish the fire.
  3. Gather all important documents.
  4. Get the residents to a safe location.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

The priority in a fire is to ensure the safety of the residents. The acronym RACE (Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish) outlines this order, with Rescue being the first step.

17. Question

A CNA notices a small red area on a resident’s lower back. What should the CNA do first?

  1. Rub the area to improve circulation.
  2. Apply a bandage to the area.
  3. Tell the resident to avoid lying on their back.
  4. Immediately report the finding to the nurse.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

The red area could be the first sign of a pressure ulcer. The CNA should report their observation to the nurse immediately so it can be assessed and a plan for preventive measures can be implemented. Rubbing the area could cause further damage.

Restorative Skills

18. Question

What is the primary goal of restorative care?

  1. To help the resident regain or maintain their highest level of independence.
  2. To make the resident dependent on the staff.
  3. To keep the resident in their room all day.
  4. To prevent the resident from exercising.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Restorative care focuses on helping residents regain or maintain independence and function after an illness, injury, or surgery.

19. Question

While assisting a resident with ambulation, where should the CNA stand?

  1. Directly in front of the resident.
  2. Slightly behind and to the side of the resident, using a gait belt.
  3. Directly behind the resident, holding their clothing.
  4. Several steps away, encouraging them to walk faster.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

For safe ambulation, the CNA should walk slightly behind and to one side, holding the gait belt, to be in the optimal position to support balance and prevent a forward or sideways fall.

20. Question

For a resident on restorative bladder training, what is the main purpose of the call light?

  1. To keep a record of how often they need to void.
  2. To allow the resident to promptly request assistance when they need to go to the bathroom.
  3. To notify the staff when they have finished the toileting activities.
  4. To help the resident perform perineal care.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Bladder training often uses scheduled toileting, but the call light is essential so the resident can request help immediately when feeling the urge, which is essential for the success of the training program.

21. Question

When the CNA assists moving a resident’s joint through its full range of motion without the resident’s help, what is this action called?

  1. Passive Range of Motion (PROM)
  2. Active Range of Motion (AROM)
  3. Passive Ambulation (PA)
  4. Active Assisted Range of Motion (AAROM)
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

PROM is performed by the CNA when the resident cannot actively move the joint themselves. The CNA moves the joint through its full range to help it maintain mobility and prevent stiffness or contractures.

22. Question

When a CNA encourages a resident to do a task they can manage, such as brushing their teeth, this mainly promotes:

  1. Denial of assistance.
  2. Learned helplessness.
  3. Independence and self-esteem.
  4. Staff shortcuts.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

The goal of restorative care is to have the resident do as much as they safely can to maintain or regain independence, which supports self-esteem and functional recovery.

Communication

23. Question

What is the best way to communicate with a resident who has a hearing impairment?

  1. Speak loudly and quickly.
  2. Stand behind the resident so they can hear you better.
  3. Face the resident and speak slowly and clearly.
  4. Use hand gestures without speaking.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

Facing the resident and speaking slowly and clearly allows them to read your lips and see your facial expressions, which helps them understand you better.

24. Question

What does aphasia mean?

  1. Inability to move a part of the body.
  2. A condition that causes confusion.
  3. Inability to speak or understand language.
  4. A medical term for low blood pressure.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

Aphasia is a language disorder affecting communication, and may include difficulty speaking, understanding, reading, and writing.

25. Question

When documenting a resident’s fluid intake, which unit of measurement should the CNA use?

  1. Liters (L)
  2. Fluid ounces (fl oz)
  3. Cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (mL).
  4. Teaspoons (tsp)
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

Standard medical documentation for fluid intake and output uses metric units, typically cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (mL), where 1 cc equals 1 mL. This ensures accuracy and consistency across different care teams.

26. Question

What is the best way for a CNA to verify that a resident understands a procedure before it is performed?

  1. Ask the resident if they have any questions.
  2. Have the resident confirm that they understand.
  3. Just start the procedure and explain as it is performed.
  4. Ask the resident to repeat the instructions back in their own words.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

The “teach-back” method helps with comprehension because the resident has to verbalize the instructions in their own words, rather than just answering yes or no.

Client Rights

27. Question

What is the CNA’s primary responsibility regarding residents’ rights?

  1. To protect and promote the resident’s rights.
  2. To decide what is best for the resident.
  3. To limit the resident’s choices for their own good.
  4. To report all resident complaints to the administrator only.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

CNAs are legally and ethically obligated to advocate for their residents by protecting and promoting their residents rights at all times.

28. Question

What is the primary role of the long-term care ombudsman?

  1. Provide medical treatment to residents.
  2. Administer medications.
  3. Advocate for the rights of residents.
  4. Supervise CNAs.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

An ombudsman is a third-party advocate who works to protect the rights of residents in long-term care facilities and address any concerns or complaints they might have.

29. Question

If a competent resident refuses a bath, what should the CNA do?

  1. Force the resident to take a bath anyway.
  2. Threaten to call the resident’s family.
  3. Tell the resident they can’t have lunch until they agree to bathe.
  4. Respect the refusal, notify the nurse, and document it.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

A competent resident has the right to refuse treatment and personal care. The CNA should respect the refusal, document it and report it to the nurse.

30. Question

Before beginning any procedure on a resident, what must the CNA do?

  1. Check the resident’s blood pressure.
  2. Put on a mask.
  3. Ask a coworker to assist.
  4. Explain the procedure and get the resident’s consent.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

Obtaining verbal permission, or consent, is a fundamental resident right. Performing care without consent can constitute battery. If the resident refuses, respect the refusal and report it to the nurse.

31. Question

Which statement best reflects the resident’s right to privacy?

  1. The CNA must close the privacy curtain, but leaving the room door open is fine.
  2. The CNA should only give care when the resident is alone.
  3. The resident has the right to privacy during care and in personal affairs (e.g., phone calls, mail).
  4. The door to the resident’s room should be kept closed at all times.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

The right to privacy includes privacy during care (e.g., knocking, closing door/curtain as appropriate) and privacy in personal communications and affairs (mail, phone calls, and confidential records).

32. Question

A resident is upset and demands to see the facility administrator immediately. What is the CNA’s best action?

  1. Attempt to solve the problem directly or notify the nurse.
  2. Tell the resident to calm down and wait until tomorrow.
  3. Threaten to restrain the resident if they don’t stop shouting.
  4. Ignore the resident because it’s not a CNA concern.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Residents have the right to voice complaints without reprisal. The CNA should listen, try to resolve simple immediate issues, and follow the chain of command so the resident’s request to speak with appropriate authority is addressed.

Legal and Ethical Behavior

33. Question

A visitor asks a CNA for information about the resident’s medical condition. What is the most appropriate response?

  1. Provide them with the information as they are likely family.
  2. Tell them you can’t share health information without the resident’s permission.
  3. Tell them the resident’s condition is a secret.
  4. Give them a copy of the resident’s medical chart.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Providing protected health information (PHI) without the resident’s permission is a violation of HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). The CNA would need to verify the visitor’s identity and ensure they are an approved person to receive PHI.

34. Question

When a CNA is charting, which practice is considered legal and ethical?

  1. Documenting the care immediately after it was provided.
  2. Writing in pencil so mistakes can be erased.
  3. Charting for a coworker who forgot to.
  4. Using personal abbreviations to save time.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Documenting immediately ensures the record is accurately reflecting the care that was actually provided. It also reduces the risk of omissions and memory errors.

35. Question

A CNA overhears a coworker gossiping in the hallway about a resident’s medical condition and recent test results. This is a violation of what?

  1. Loyalty.
  2. HIPAA.
  3. Standard precautions.
  4. The chain of command.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Sharing a resident’s personal or identifiable health information with anyone who does not need to know is a direct violation of HIPAA, which protects the privacy of patient information.

36. Question

A CNA intentionally withholds food and water from a resident as punishment. This is an example of what?

  1. Passive neglect.
  2. Battery.
  3. Physical abuse.
  4. Active neglect.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

Active neglect is the intentional failure to provide necessary care, which is considered abuse. Physical abuse involves physical harm, while passive neglect is non-intentional. Withholding food is an intentional act. This must be reported immediately per facility policy and law.

37. Question

A CNA is asked to perform a task that is outside their scope of practice. What should the CNA do?

  1. Perform the task anyway to be helpful.
  2. Ask a coworker to perform the task for them.
  3. Refuse the task and report the request to a supervisor.
  4. Offer to do another task instead.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

CNAs must know and stay within their scope of practice. Doing a task the CNA is not trained to do is illegal and could harm the resident. The CNA must decline and inform a supervisor.

38. Question

What is the purpose of a resident’s care plan?

  1. To outline the exact needs and goals for the resident’s care.
  2. To give the CNA a list of tasks for the day.
  3. To provide a schedule for family visits.
  4. To list the resident’s favorite foods.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

A resident’s care plan is a document that guides the care team on the specific needs and health goals and specifies any interventions that are required to meet those.

39. Question

Leaving a confused resident who is a known fall risk unattended in the bathroom is best described as:

  1. Assault.
  2. False imprisonment.
  3. Negligence.
  4. Defamation.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

Negligence is failing to provide the level of care that a reasonable professional would provide, thereby creating a foreseeable risk of harm. Leaving a vulnerable resident in an unsafe situation meets this definition.

40. Question

In a healthcare setting, battery is defined as:

  1. Threatening a resident with harm.
  2. Unlawful restraint of a resident.
  3. Causing financial harm to a resident.
  4. Intentionally touching a resident without their consent.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

Battery is intentional, non-consensual physical contact, even if it does not cause injury. Threatening harm would be considered assault.

Spiritual and Cultural Needs

41. Question

A resident requests to pray five times daily and to face Mecca during prayer. What is the best action for the CNA?

  1. Tell the resident they can only pray during scheduled activity time.
  2. Help the resident find a private, safe space and assist with locating the direction of Mecca.
  3. Ask the resident to wait until the CNA’s shift is over.
  4. Tell the resident that religious practices cannot be accommodated for everyone.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

The CNA’s role is to respect and accommodate the resident’s religious practices, as long as they do not conflict with immediate medical care.

42. Question

A resident has limited English proficiency (LEP), and the CNA cannot obtain necessary information. What is the CNA’s first action?

  1. Contact the facility’s qualified interpreter service (in-person/phone/video)
  2. Ask a family member to interpret.
  3. Speak more loudly and slowly.
  4. Use gestures or a picture board to complete the assessment.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

A qualified interpreter ensures accurate, confidential communication for safety, consent, and care planning.

43. Question

A Jewish resident refuses a lunch tray because it contains pork. What is the best action for the CNA?

  1. Explain that the pork is part of the facility’s standard menu.
  2. Tell the resident that pork is a part of their prescribed diet.
  3. Offer to swap the pork item for another resident’s food.
  4. Notify the nurse or kitchen staff to request a kosher-compliant alternative.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

Religious dietary laws (like avoiding pork, keeping kosher, or fasting) must always be respected and accommodated. The CNA should coordinate with the nurse and kitchen to provide an appropriate alternative consistent with the resident’s religious needs.

44. Question

A resident with a terminal illness tearfully tells the CNA they are afraid of dying. What is the best response for the CNA?

  1. Changing the subject to something cheerful.
  2. Offer a hug and say not to worry because the doctors will help.
  3. Listen, acknowledge the feelings, offer comfort, and report the emotional distress to the nurse.
  4. Share or lecture about personal religious beliefs.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

CNAs should provide emotional support by listening without judgment, validating feelings, and offering appropriate comfort, then report the spiritual/emotional distress to the nurse, who can involve social work or other support.

45. Question

When caring for a resident who, for cultural reasons, prefers minimal direct eye contact, what is the CNA’s best approach?

  1. Insist on direct eye contact to show you’re listening.
  2. Avoid all eye contact and focus only on the task.
  3. Ask the resident why they won’t look at you.
  4. Adjust their communication style to the resident’s preference.
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

Cultural competence requires CNAs to respect and adapt to differences in residents’ communication and behavior, such as modesty, touching, or eye contact.

46. Question

A resident’s family brings an herbal remedy from home and asks the CNA to give it to the resident. What should the CNA do first?

  1. Administer the remedy because it is natural.
  2. Tell the family it is not allowed and throw it away.
  3. Immediately report the family’s request to the nurse.
  4. Ask the family to keep it secret from the nurse.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

CNAs are not permitted to administer any medication or substance (including OTC or herbal remedies) without a provider order and nurse oversight. The CNA should report the request to the nurse, who can assess safety, potential interactions, and facility policy.

Emotional and Mental Health Needs

47. Question

A resident with Alzheimer’s disease becomes increasingly agitated and paces in the late afternoon/evening on most days. What is this pattern called?

  1. Sundowning.
  2. Delusion.
  3. Catastrophic reaction.
  4. Hoarding.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

Sundowning is a common Alzheimer’s-related phenomenon in which confusion, restlessness, and agitation worsen in the late afternoon and evening.

48. Question

When a resident is experiencing a catastrophic reaction (an overreaction to a minor event), what should the CNA do first?

  1. Yell at the resident to calm down.
  2. Leave the resident alone until they calm down.
  3. Stay calm, use a reassuring tone, and guide the resident away from the trigger to a quieter, safe area.
  4. Restrain the resident immediately for their safety.
Show Rationale

Correct: C.

The key to managing a catastrophic reaction is to remain calm and reduce or remove the trigger, by guiding the resident to a quieter environment and offering reassurance. This way the resident can regain control.

49. Question

A resident has become withdrawn, speaks rarely and avoids eye contact. What is the CNA’s best response?

  1. Offer gentle encouragement (e.g., short check-ins, simple choices) and report the behavior to the nurse.
  2. Force the resident to join in on an activity.
  3. Leave the resident alone and respect their silence.
  4. Only talk to the resident when absolutely necessary for care.
Show Rationale

Correct: A.

The CNA should gently encourage interaction while respecting boundaries of the resident. Notable withdrawal or mood changes should be reported to the nurse for assessment and follow-up.

50. Question

A resident begins expressing a paranoid delusion (e.g., “My food is poisoned”). How should the CNA respond?

  1. “We would never poison your food.”
  2. “Everyone else is eating, so it must be fine.”
  3. “I’ll tell staff to only bring you packaged food.”
  4. “That must make you feel scared. Would you like me to bring you something else?”
Show Rationale

Correct: D.

CNAs should not argue with or validate a delusion. Instead, acknowledge the resident’s feelings (e.g., fear) and offer a practical alternative or distraction. Afterward, report the behavior to the nurse for assessment and follow-up.

51. Question

A resident who recently had a stroke looks at their nonfunctional right arm, says “I can’t use it anymore,” and begins to cry. This is most likely an example of:

  1. Denial (the first stage of grief).
  2. Depression or grief related to loss of function.
  3. Anger (the second stage of grief).
  4. Sundowning.
Show Rationale

Correct: B.

Grief is a natural process following any major loss, including the loss of function or independence after a stroke. Crying due to this loss indicates depression or sadness related to that loss and not denial or sundowning.