This 25-question CNA practice test covers the category Spiritual and Cultural Needs. The questions are designed to test your ability to provide respectful, person-centered care that honors each resident’s beliefs, traditions, values, and preferences. You’ll be assessed on recognizing and supporting spiritual practices, respecting cultural differences, avoiding bias and stereotyping, and adapting care to meet individual needs while maintaining safety and dignity.
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 Spiritual and Cultural Needs 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 resident is actively dying. They tell the CNA in a weak voice, “I need to see a priest for Last Rites.” What should the CNA do immediately?
- Call the resident’s family and ask them to find a priest.
- Tell the resident not to worry because everything will be okay.
- Report the resident’s urgent request to the charge nurse.
- Recognize the resident is confused and sit and pray with them.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
This is an urgent spiritual need, which is a resident’s right. The CNA’s priority is to report this immediately to the nurse, who will then contact the facility’s social worker or spiritual care coordinator to fulfill the request.
2. Question
A female resident from a culture that values extreme modesty is very upset when a male CNA is assigned to give her a bath. What is the CNA’s most appropriate response?
- “I am a professional, and I have been trained to do this.”
- “I will report your concern to the charge nurse and see if a female CNA is available.”
- “I will provide a modified bed bath then and keep your private areas covered.”
- “Your family will have to come in and bathe you then.”
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
This is a cultural and personal right to modesty. The CNA should not be defensive but should validate the resident’s feelings and report the request to the nurse, who will try to make a reasonable accommodation.
3. Question
A resident who is a Muslim is observing Ramadan, which requires fasting from sunrise to sunset. When the CNA brings the lunch tray, the resident refuses it. What is the CNA’s best action?
- Reassure the resident that it’s okay to eat something so they don’t get faint.
- Report to the nurse that the resident is non-compliant with meals.
- Leave the tray in the room and hope the resident eats it later.
- Remove the tray to respect the resident’s religious practice, and notify the nurse.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
The resident is refusing the meal for a known religious reason, not due to lack of appetite. The CNA must respect this, notify the nurse, and ensure the dietary team is aware so a meal can be provided after sunset.
4. Question
A resident from a stoic culture has just had surgery. They grimace and guard their incision but repeatedly tell the CNA, “I am fine, I do not need anything.” What is the CNA’s best action?
- Respect the resident’s words and do nothing.
- Document that the resident reports no pain and leave the room.
- Report the non-verbal signs of pain to the nurse.
- Tell the resident, “You are not fine; you are in pain.”
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
Some cultures view expressing pain as a weakness. The CNA must be a good observer, recognize the non-verbal signs of pain, and report these objective findings to the nurse for assessment.
5. Question
A resident tells the CNA, “I am an atheist. I am very tired of people asking me to go to the chapel.” How can the CNA best advocate for this resident?
- By informing the care team and activity director of the resident’s preference.
- By telling the resident to ignore them.
- By placing a large sign on the resident’s door to remind staff that they are atheist.
- By encouraging the resident to go anyway, as it will give them something to do.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Respecting spiritual needs also means respecting a resident’s lack of religious affiliation. The CNA should advocate for the resident by communicating their wishes to the rest of the team.
6. Question
A resident who is a Sikh man wears a turban as part of his faith. When preparing the resident for a shower, the CNA should:
- Cover the turban in a waterproof bag, as it cannot be removed.
- Tell the resident he must remove the turban.
- Try to give the resident a shower without getting the turban wet.
- Ask the resident respectfully how he would like his turban to be handled.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
A turban is an article of faith and should be treated with respect. The CNA should never touch or remove it without permission and should ask the resident for guidance.
7. Question
A resident from a “high-contact” culture (e.g., from Latin America or the Middle East) touches the CNA’s arm when speaking. This surprises, but doesn’t upset the CNA. The CNA should:
- Report the resident to the nurse in case the incident is misconstrued.
- Pull their arm away and tell the resident, “Touching is inappropriate.”
- Recognize this as a normal cultural form of communication.
- Keep their distance from the resident to avoid further interactions.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
In many cultures, touching the arm during conversation is a normal sign of engagement and warmth. The CNA should recognize this as a cultural difference and not overreact.
8. Question
A resident is a devout Catholic and is holding rosary beads. During morning care, the CNA needs the resident to use their hands. What should the CNA do?
- Ask the resident if the CNA can place them on the bedside table.
- Take the rosary beads and put them in the nightstand drawer so they don’t get lost.
- Move the resident’s hands, ignoring the beads.
- Tell the resident to put the beads away until care is finished.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Religious items like rosary beads can be a great source of comfort. The CNA must show respect by acknowledging the item and asking the resident for permission and direction before moving it.
9. Question
A resident has a small shrine with religious statues on their nightstand. While the CNA is feeding the resident, they accidentally knock over a statue. What should the CNA do?
- Ask the resident if the statues can be moved to another location.
- Pick up the statue quickly and pretend it didn’t happen.
- Tell the resident the facility is not responsible for personal items.
- Pick up the statue, inspect it for damage, and apologize to the resident.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
This shows accountability and respect. The CNA must acknowledge the incident and apologize, especially since the item has significant spiritual value.
10. Question
A resident’s brother, who is the spokesperson for the family, makes all the decisions for the resident. The resident, though quiet, seems to agree. The CNA should:
- Tell the resident they must speak for themselves.
- Report the family to the ombudsman for “controlling” the resident.
- Understand this may be a cultural dynamic and continue to provide care.
- Ignore the brother and only listen to the resident.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
In many collectivist cultures, the family (often the eldest son or spouse) makes decisions as a unit. As long as the resident does not seem distressed or in disagreement, this is likely a cultural norm.
11. Question
A resident of the Baha’i faith is terminally ill. The family is in the room and asks the CNA to help them turn the resident’s bed to face the Qiblih (in Akká, Israel). What should the CNA do?
- Tell the family this is not allowed per facility policy.
- Assist the family in repositioning the bed as requested.
- Ask the family to wait until the nurse is present.
- Tell the family that this is superstitious and not necessary.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
This is a Baha’i practice for the dying. The CNA’s role is to accommodate this spiritual need, as long as it can be done safely.
12. Question
A new resident and their family are very loud and expressive when they talk. The CNA interprets this as “fighting.” This is an example of:
- A language barrier.
- A cultural stereotype.
- Cultural appropriation.
- A resident’s right.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
The CNA is applying their own cultural norms (where loudness may equal anger) to another culture (where it may be a normal, expressive way of speaking). This is stereotyping.
13. Question
The CNA is assisting a Muslim resident with getting dressed. The resident asks for their Hijab, which the CNA understands is:
- A headscarf that is used to convey modesty.
- A loose robe to signify that they are a married woman.
- A tunic with bright colors to display their heritage.
- A long skirt associated with their religion.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
A Hijab is a headscarf that covers the head (hair), neck, and shoulders, but leaves the face visible. It is often worn in public by Muslim women to convey modesty, protect them from unwanted attention, and signify religious devotion.
14. Question
A resident who is a Jehovah’s Witness is scheduled for surgery. The CNA knows this resident will likely:
- Refuse to be seen by a female doctor.
- Refuse any pain medication.
- Refuse to follow the NPO directions.
- Refuse to accept any blood transfusions.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
A key belief of the Jehovah’s Witness faith is the refusal to accept transfusions of whole blood or its primary components.
15. Question
A resident is in “spiritual distress,” meaning they are questioning their faith or feel abandoned by God. What is the CNA’s most supportive action?
- Change the subject to something cheerful.
- Tell the resident, “You just need to pray more.”
- Listen quietly and ask if they would like to speak with the chaplain.
- Tell the resident about the CNA’s own religious beliefs.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
The CNA’s role is not to be a spiritual advisor but to be a supportive listener and facilitate access to appropriate spiritual support, such as the chaplain or spiritual leader of their choice.
16. Question
A resident’s family asks for privacy as they meditate and perform a Reiki session on the resident. What is the CNA’s best action?
- Put a Do Not Disturb sign on the door.
- Tell the family they are only allowed 30 minutes alone.
- Alert the nurse so they can intervene.
- Inform the family that Reiki can only be done by licensed staff.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Reiki is a non-invasive healing technique in which a practitioner places their hands on or above a person’s body to direct energy. The CNA should respect the request for privacy and put a sign on the door to prevent interruptions.
17. Question
A resident’s family brings in a bag of “medicinal herbs” that are used for healing in their culture. The CNA should:
- Tell the family you will take them to make tea, but then throw them away.
- Ask about the herbs to show interest and respect.
- Supervise the use of the herbs to make sure the resident is safe.
- Inform the nurse what the family has brought in.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
Medicinal herbs are used for various reasons and are often harmless, but there is a risk for interactions with the resident’s prescribed medications. Any over-the-counter or supplemental medicine must be approved by the physician and administered by the nurse. The CNA should inform the nurse who can intervene.
18. Question
A resident explains that their culture views “time” as flexible and events as more important than schedules. This means the resident may:
- Be rigid and non-compliant.
- Be late for appointments or activities.
- Have dementia.
- Be very easy to care for.
Show Rationale
Correct: B.
This describes a “polychronic” or “event-oriented” view of time, common in many cultures. For them, focusing on people, relationships, and flexibility is more important than schedules and deadlines.
19. Question
A resident is ill, and the family has been at the bedside for 24 hours straight. The CNA should:
- Complain to the nurse that the family is in the way.
- Tell the family that visiting hours are over and they must leave.
- Recognize the family’s presence as a sign of love and support.
- Ask the resident if they want their family to leave.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
In many cultures, family is the primary support system, and it is normal for them to remain present at all times. The CNA should work around the family, ensuring safety, rather than forcing them out.
20. Question
A resident is a Seventh-day Adventist. The CNA should expect that the resident might:
- Request a vegetarian diet and avoid caffeine.
- Ask to pray five times a day.
- Request to participate in walking meditations.
- Refuse to bathe on Saturdays.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
Many Seventh-day Adventists follow a vegetarian diet and avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine as part of their health-conscious faith.
21. Question
A resident who is Hindu is dying. The family may request:
- To have a priest anoint the resident.
- To have the resident’s bed face Mecca.
- To avoid the use of pain medications.
- To place a sacred thread around the resident’s wrist or neck.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
This is a common end-of-life ritual in Hinduism, along with chanting or placing holy water in the resident’s mouth. The CNA should be respectful of these practices.
22. Question
A resident from a specific culture will not make eye contact with the CNA. The CNA should interpret this as:
- A sign of vision loss.
- A sign that the resident is depressed.
- A cultural sign of respect.
- A sign of cognitive impairment.
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
In many Asian, Middle Eastern, and Native American cultures, direct eye contact can be seen as disrespectful or aggressive. Averting the gaze is a sign of respect.
23. Question
A resident asks the CNA to pray for them. The CNA does not share the same beliefs. What is the most appropriate response?
- “I don’t believe in prayer, so I can’t.”
- “Whatever you’re going through will get better.”
- “I will be thinking of you.”
- “You should ask your family to do that.”
Show Rationale
Correct: C.
This response is respectful, kind, and professional. It acknowledges the resident’s request (“thinking of you”) without forcing the CNA to act against their own beliefs.
24. Question
A resident who is visually impaired asks the CNA to read a passage from their holy book. The CNA is comfortable doing this. The CNA should:
- Read the passage clearly and respectfully.
- Read the passage and then tell the resident what it means.
- Read the passage, but tell the resident the CNA’s religion is different.
- Find an audio version of the book to play for the resident.
Show Rationale
Correct: A.
If the CNA is comfortable, this is an act of comfort and respect. The CNA’s role is simply to read the text as requested, not to interpret it or interject their own beliefs.
25. Question
A resident asks for a shrine to be set up in their room with candles. How should the CNA respond?
- By obtaining a set of matches.
- By helping the resident set up outside.
- By explaining that it is against the rules.
- By offering battery-operated candles.
Show Rationale
Correct: D.
This solution respects the resident’s spiritual desire while also maintaining the safety of all residents.