This 25-question CNA practice test covers the category Restorative Skills. The questions are designed to test your ability to help residents maintain or regain their highest level of independence with everyday activities. You’ll be assessed on safe use of assistive devices, proper body mechanics, range-of-motion exercises, mobility, positioning, and strategies to prevent complications from immobility or decline in functioning.
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 Restorative 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
A CNA is ambulating a resident with a gait belt when the resident suddenly becomes dizzy, and their knees begin to buckle. What is the CNA’s best action?
- Gently lower the resident to the floor, using the gait belt and protecting their head.
- Firmly hold the resident up to prevent the fall at all costs.
- Let go of the resident and step back to avoid being pulled down.
- Yell for someone to bring a wheelchair immediately.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
The safest action is a “controlled fall.” By grasping the gait belt and using proper body mechanics, the CNA can guide the resident safely to the floor, protecting their head and preventing injury from an uncontrolled impact.
2. Question
A resident has a new below-the-knee prosthesis (artificial leg). Which of the following findings should the CNA report to the nurse?
- The resident only wears the prosthesis for 30 minutes at a time.
- Redness or breakdown of the residual limb after wearing the prosthesis.
- The resident is still using a wheelchair to go to the bathroom.
- The resident takes the prosthesis off when lying in bed.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
The skin on the residual limb is very sensitive and at high risk for pressure injuries and breakdown from the prosthesis. If the CNA observes redness that doesn’t fade or any signs of open areas or breakdown, this must be reported to the nurse immediately.
3. Question
A resident with severe arthritis has difficulty holding a standard fork and spoon. Which adaptive device would be most helpful for this resident during meals?
- A bib with a catch pocket.
- A straw for all liquids.
- Straps to secure the utensils to the hands.
- Utensils with built-up handles.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Built-up handles provide a larger gripping surface, making it easier for residents with poor dexterity, weakness, or stiffness to hold utensils and feed themselves.
4. Question
A resident is learning to use a “dressing stick” to put on their pants. What is the CNA’s role during this activity?
- Give the resident three attempts to do it themselves before stepping in to assist.
- Stand by to provide encouragement and give cues or assistance as needed.
- Tell the nurse the resident needs assistance from physical therapy.
- Leave the room to give the resident privacy so they don’t feel pressured.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
The CNA’s restorative role is to encourage independence, provide supervision for safety purposes, and offer minimal assistance, allowing the resident to complete as much of the task as possible without rushing them.
5. Question
While performing passive range of motion (PROM) on a resident’s knee, the resident grimaces and says, “That hurts!” What should the CNA do first?
- Tell the resident this is normal and that movement will improve the pain.
- Continue the exercise but more gently.
- Stop the exercise immediately and report the resident’s pain to the nurse.
- Apply a hot pack to the knee and then try the exercise again later.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
While some discomfort may be expected depending on the client’s health status and level of functionality, pain is a sign that something is wrong. Continuing the exercise could cause injury. The CNA must stop and report the pain to the nurse for assessment.
6. Question
A resident is bed-bound and at high risk for developing contractures. Which restorative action is most important to help prevent this?
- Massaging the resident’s legs with lotion twice a day.
- Keeping the resident covered with warm blankets.
- Positioning the head of the bed at a 45-degree angle.
- Performing passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercises as scheduled.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Contractures are the permanent shortening and stiffening of a muscle or joint. They are prevented by regularly moving the joints through their full range of motion (PROM for a bed-bound or immobile resident).
7. Question
A resident is on a new bowel training program. Which action by the CNA is most likely part of this program?
- Giving the resident an enema every morning.
- Restricting the resident’s fluid intake to prevent accidents.
- Assisting the resident to the toilet after each meal.
- Telling the resident to hold their stool until bedtime.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Bowel training programs use routine and the body’s natural gastrocolic reflex (which is strongest after eating) to establish a regular, predictable time for bowel movements.
8. Question
Which device is specifically used to prevent foot drop (plantar flexion contracture) in a resident who is confined to bed?
- A bed cradle.
- A footboard.
- A hand roll.
- An abduction pillow.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
A footboard at the end of the bed keeps the foot in a neutral position (dorsiflexion), preventing the calf muscles from tightening and the foot from dropping (plantar flexion).
9. Question
When the CNA asks a resident to raise their arm out from the side of their body, this is an example of which type of joint movement?
- Extension.
- Flexion.
- Adduction.
- Abduction.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Abduction is the movement of a limb away from the midline (or central axis) of the body. Adduction is the opposite movement, or bringing a limb toward the midline.
10. Question
The nurse asks the CNA to have a resident perform “active range of motion” (AROM) exercises. This means the CNA should:
- Attach weights to the resident’s arms and legs.
- Move the resident’s joints for them while they relax.
- Instruct the resident to move their own joints through the exercises.
- Have the resident run on a treadmill.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Active range of motion (AROM) means the resident is “active” and performs the exercises independently, without physical assistance from the CNA or a device.
11. Question
The CNA confirms the standard walker is safe to use when the handgrips are at what level?
- When the resident has a slight (15-30 degree) bend in the elbows.
- At the resident’s chest level.
- As high as the resident can comfortably reach.
- Low enough so the resident’s posture is slightly hunched over.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Correct walker height is crucial for balance and proper posture. The handgrips should be level with the resident’s hips/wrists when standing straight, allowing a slight, comfortable bend at the elbow.
12. Question
A resident has poor finger dexterity that makes getting dressed difficult. Which adaptive device would be most important to provide?
- A reacher/grabber.
- A button hook.
- A sock aid.
- A long-handled shoehorn.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
A button hook is a device with a small hook on one end and a built-up handle on the other, specifically designed to pull buttons through buttonholes. This type of adaptive device would be most helpful for the resident with poor finger dexterity.
13. Question
A resident is progressing very slowly in their restorative dining program and is becoming frustrated. What is the best approach for the CNA?
- Take the fork from the resident and feed them quickly so they get plenty of nutrients.
- Have the resident eat alone without distractions so they can focus.
- Be patient, stay positive, and offer encouragement for small successes.
- Speak with the kitchen staff and ask them to prepare the resident’s favorite foods.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Restorative dining focuses on helping residents improve or maintain skills such as self-feeding. The CNA should remain supportive, patient, and positive. Rushing the resident or being negative undermines their independence and dignity.
14. Question
A resident has weakness on one side and keeps pushing food off the plate while trying to eat. Which adaptive device would be most helpful?
- A smaller spoon.
- Swivel spoons.
- A non-slip mat.
- A plate guard.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
A plate guard (or scooper dish) provides a raised edge that allows the resident to use their utensil to push food against it and onto the spoon or fork, preventing it from being pushed off the plate.
15. Question
What is the primary purpose of placing a hand roll or cone in a resident’s hand?
- To have the resident squeeze it for strengthening the grip.
- To keep the hand warm.
- To prevent the resident from pulling at medical equipment.
- To prevent flexion contractures of the fingers.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
A hand roll or cone keeps the fingers and thumb in a functional, slightly open position. This prevents the hand from closing into a tight, non-functional fist (flexion contracture), which can be permanent.
16. Question
A resident is learning to walk with a quad cane. The CNA knows the resident is using it correctly when they:
- Place all four points of the cane on the floor before taking a step.
- Lean all of their body weight onto the cane.
- Swing the cane in the air as they walk.
- Hold the cane on the side of the weaker leg.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
A quad cane’s purpose is to provide a wide, stable base of support. For it to be effective, all four points must be flat on the ground before the resident bears weight or steps. It should be held in the hand on the opposite side of the weaker leg.
17. Question
A resident is recovering from shoulder surgery. They can move their arm partially on their own but need the CNA’s help to complete the full range of motion. This is called:
- Active assistive range of motion (AAROM).
- Partial range of motion (PROM).
- Resistive range of motion (RROM).
- Active range of motion (AROM).
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Active assistive range of motion (AAROM) is when the resident participates in the exercise to the best of their ability, and the caregiver or equipment “assists” them in completing the full movement.
18. Question
The CNA is instructed to help the resident perform “adduction” exercises. This involves which movement?
- Bending the knee.
- Squeezing the legs together.
- Lifting the leg away from the body.
- Bringing the knee to the chest.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Adduction is the movement of a limb toward (or adding to) the midline of the body. It is the opposite of abduction.
19. Question
A resident is nervous about transferring from the bed to the wheelchair for the first time after an illness. What is the CNA’s best restorative approach?
- Use a mechanical lift to make it faster, even if the resident can bear weight.
- Place a foam mat on the floor next to the bed to prevent injuries in case the resident falls.
- Ask another CNA to help lift the resident into the chair, bypassing the resident’s effort.
- Explain each step clearly before and during the transfer, providing encouragement.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Clear instructions and reassurance reduce anxiety, promote safety, and allow the resident to be an active participant in their own care.
20. Question
Which of the following is a potential complication of immobility that restorative care aims to prevent?
- Incontinence.
- Blood clots in the legs.
- Joint hypermobility.
- Increased muscle mass.
Show Rationale
Correct: B
Immobility causes blood to pool in the legs (venous stasis), which significantly increases the risk of blood clot formation. Restorative care, such as ambulation and leg exercises, helps prevent this.
21. Question
A resident is instructed to use an incentive spirometer. The CNA should instruct the resident to:
- Exhale fully, then inhale slowly and deeply.
- Blow out as fast and long as possible.
- Breathe normally into the device.
- Cough into the mouthpiece.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
An incentive spirometer is a device used to help strengthen the lungs after surgery or illness. The goal is to encourage the resident to exhale, then breathe in deeply to expand the lungs and prevent pneumonia.
22. Question
A resident has difficulty bending over due to hip stiffness. Which device would increase the resident’s independence?
- A dressing stick.
- A pair of loose-fitting slippers.
- A sock aid.
- A zipper pull.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
A sock aid is a device that holds the sock open. The resident can slide their foot into it using long straps to pull the sock on, all without having to bend down to their feet, offering increased independence with dressing.
23. Question
A resident’s care plan includes “prompted voiding.” How does the CNA carry out this restorative program?
- By telling the resident to hold their urine for as long as possible.
- By checking the resident’s brief every two hours and changing it if wet.
- By asking the resident if they need to use the toilet at scheduled intervals.
- By helping the resident to the toilet and making them sit until they go.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Prompted voiding is a behavioral technique. The CNA “prompts” the resident by asking if they are wet or dry or if they need to void. This trains the resident to be aware of their needs and builds a predictable pattern.
24. Question
How does promoting independence through restorative care activities positively affect a resident?
- It ensures the resident no longer needs assistance from staff.
- It improves the resident’s self-esteem and sense of control.
- It helps the resident learn to depend on devices to prevent falls and injuries.
- It ensures the resident can live alone safely.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
Being able to perform one’s own care (like dressing, eating, or walking) provides a sense of purpose, dignity, and control over one’s life. This directly improves self-esteem and emotional well-being.
25. Question
A resident uses a cane and needs to go up a short flight of stairs. What is the correct instruction for the CNA to give?
- “Lead with your strong leg, then your cane and weak leg.”
- “Lead with your weak leg, then your strong leg and cane.”
- “Lead with your cane, then bring the weak leg up first.”
- “Hold my arm, and I will pull you up.”
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Remember, “Up with the good (strong leg), down with the bad (weak leg).” Going up, the resident first moves their strong leg to lift their body weight, then the cane, and finally the weak leg.