CNA Practice Exam

Practice Exam for the actual CNA Knowledge Exam.

1. The charge nurse asks the nurse aide to place a client in the Fowler's Position after the client eats breakfast. How should the aide position the client.

a. Lying with the head of the bed elevated at a 45-60 degree angle.
b. Lying on the side with the knee and thigh drawn upward toward the chest.
c. Lying flat on her side.
d. Lying flat on her abdomen.

Lying with the head of the bed elevated at a 45-60 degree angle.

2. How many stages of death were identified by Dr. Elizabeth Kübler -Ross?

a. Four.
b. Five.
c. Eight.
d. Two.

Five.

3. A cane should be used on...

a. Affected side.
b. Unaffected side.
c. Either side, depending on how the client feels.
d. Weak side one day and the strong side next.

Unaffected side.

4. All of the following factors contribute to lack of appetite EXCEPT:

a. Decreased activity.
b. Bad dentures.
c. Increased exercise.
d. Decreased saliva.

Increased exercise.

5. Atrophy is...

a. Contracture.
b. Orthotic.
c. Muscle wasting.
d. Fracture.

Muscle wasting.

6. The nurse aide, a member of the healthcare team, can participate in many aspects of the nursing process, EXCEPT for:

a. Collecting data.
b. Planning the care.
c. Making observations.
d. Carrying out selected interventions.

Planning the care.

7. When using crutches, the client's weight must rest on the...

a. Armpit.
b. Knees.
c. Hand rests.
d. Shoulders.

Hand rests.

8. How often should a client be repositioned if he cannot move himself?

a. Every hour.
b. Every 2 hours.
c. Every 3 hours.
d. Every 4 hours.

Every 2 hours.

9. A client who had a CVA is going through a self-care/grooming program. The main goal of this program is for the client to...

a. Be discharged sooner.
b. Gain independence.
c. Learn to accept the disability.
d. Improve his body image.

Gain independence.

10. The goal of bladder training is to...

a. Gain voluntary control of urination.
b. Stop using a catheter.
c. Prevent skin problems caused by incontinence.
d. Prevent UTIs from indwelling catheters.

Gain voluntary control of urination.

11. A resident sometimes chokes while eating. The nursing assistant should...

a. Instruct his roommate to watch him eat.
b. Feed him to prevent problems.
c. Use the Heimlich maneuver between bites.
d. Observe him while he eats.

Observe him while he eats.

12. If a client complains of a burning, tingling area on her skin, the aide should first...

a. Rub the area well with lotion.
b. Report the complaint to the licensed nurse.
c. Keep an eye on the area for a few days.
d. Use cornstarch on the area.

Report the complaint to the licensed nurse.

13. When changing a pillowcase, a nurse aide should not hold the pillow under his chin because this would...

a. Tear the pillowcase.
b. Drop the pillowcase.
c. Dampen the pillowcase.
d. Spread bacteria.

Spread bacteria.

14. A non-sterile dressing is one that is...

a. Wet.
b. Dry.
c. Clean.
d. New.

Clean.

15. When asked to clean a resident's eye, the nurse aid should...

a. Clean it from the outer corner to the inner corner.
b. Clean it with hydrogen peroxide.
c. Use a clean surface of the cloth each time he wipes.
d. Clean the eye with exudates first.

Use a clean surface of the cloth each time he wipes.

16. One nurse aide is assigned vital signs, while another is assigned bathing. This is an example of which type of nursing?

a. Primary.
b. Patient-centered.
c. Team.
d. Modular.

Modular.

17. Gloves must be worn when...

a. Providing peri-care.
b. Making beds.
c. Washing a resident's hair.
d. Feeding a patient.

Providing peri-care.

18. While the nurse aide was caring for client for 4 hours, the client asked to be taken to the bathroom every 15 minutes. The nurse aide's best action is...

a. Leaving the client on a padded bedpan.
b. Placing the client in a bed with a waterproof underpay.
c. Giving the client some time to rest.
d. Discussing this with the charge nurse.

Discussing this with the charge nurse.

19. An elderly resident becomes confused and begins to wander. The nurse aide should...

a. Restrain her to prevent injuries.
b. Orient her to time and place.
c. Tell her family about the behavior.
d. Report her behavior to the charge nurse.

Report her behavior to the charge nurse.

20. The Hoyer lift us used for all of the following purposes EXCEPT:

a. Preventing injuries to healthcare workers.
b. Supporting ambulatory clients.
c. Moving clients who are heavy.
d. Moving clients who are weak.

Supporting ambulatory clients.

21. When performing active ROM exercises for a resident, the nurse aide should...

a. Move the joints until the resident feels pain.
b. Keep the body exposed to prevent overheating.
c. Have the client do as much as she can.
d. Minimize proper body mechanics.

Have the client do as much as she can.

22. Using a broad base of support means...

a. Keeping the feet comfortably apart.
b. Keeping knees locked in place.
c. Holding objects away from the body.
d. Holding the feet and hands as from the body as possible.

Keeping the feet comfortably apart.

23. If a client is in traction, the nursing assistant should NOT:

a. Give a complete bed bath.
b. Monitor affected skin color.
c. Change the position of the weights.
d. Monitor all possible distal pulses.

Change the position of the weights.

24. When the nurse aide is moving the client up in bed, the pillow goes...

a. On the chair, out of the way.
b. At the foot of the bed, out of the way.
c. At the head of the bed, to protect the head.
d. Anywhere the client wants it.

At the head of the bed, to protect the head.

25. Dangling a client's leg over the side of the bed is done to...

a. Make sure she is able to sit up first.
b. Give her time to put on her shoes.
c. Prevent decubitus ulcers.
d. Prevent orthostatic hypotension.

Prevent orthostatic hypotension.

26. Walking with a client is safest if done with a...

a. Transfer belt.
b. Wheelchair a few steps behind him.
c. Hoyer lift.
d. Nurse or doctor ready for emergencies.

Transfer belt.

27. When having a client sit up and dangle his legs before walking, the nurse aide should observe for all of the following EXCEPT:

a. Cheerfulness.
b. Sudden paleness.
c. Excessive sweating.
d. Increased respirations.

Cheerfulness.

28. When the nurse aide is transferring a client from the bed to the wheelchair, she should always...

a. Unlock the brakes of the wheelchair.
b. Lock the brakes on the the wheelchair first.
c. Use a Hoyer lift.
d. Put socks on the client first.

Lock the brakes on the the wheelchair first.

29. Before any transfer, the nurse aide should do all of the following EXCEPT:

a. Have the nurse's approval.
b. Know the proper procedure.
c. Use a transfer if needed.
d. Check with the client's physician.

Check with the client's physician.

30. The pulse located in the wrist is called...

a. Carotid pulse.
b. Apical pulse.
c. Femoral pulse.
d. Radial pulse.

Radial pulse.

31. A patient is scheduled for an ECG. This stands for...

a. Electroencephalogram
b. Electrocardiogram
c. Electroconvulsive therapy
d. Electromyogram

Electrocardiogram

32. Which of the following sets of vital signs should be reported immediately?

a. T-98.2 P-122 R-20 BP-84/40
b. T-99.0 P-72 R-16 BP-134/82
c. T-98.8 P-66 R-14 BP-100-62
d. T-98.6 P-90 R-18 BP-120-70

T-98.2 P-122 R-20 BP-84/40

The pulse indicates Tachycardia and the BP is abnormally low. These vital signs need to be reported immediately.

33. A piece of linen that is placed beneath the client from the shoulders to thighs is called...

a. An underpad.
b. A spread.
c. A drawsheet.
d. A sheet.

A drawsheet.

34. Which bed making procedure is used when the client remains in the bed?

a. Occupied bed-making procedure.
b. Unoccupied bed-making procedure.
c. Circle bed-making procedure.
d. Procedure using only fitted sheets.

Occupied bed-making procedure.

35. Which complication may happen if a post-op client does not take in adequate fluid?

a. Constipation.
b. Blood clots.
c. Infection.
d. Foot drop.

Constipation.

Constipation is a common post-op complication from the effects of anesthesia. Not taking in adequate fluids will increase the risk of this complication.

36. Which type of client is most likely to have problems as a result of poor nail care?

a. A cancer client.
b. A diabetic client.
c. A stroke client.
d. A developmentally disabled client.

A diabetic client.

Poor nail care can lead to infection in the diabetic client.

37. When performing mouth care for a client with right-sided weakness, the nurse aide should...

a. Pay special attention to the left side of her mouth.
b. Let her do as much of it as she can.
c. Do the mouth care for her.
d. Tell her to do it herself.

Let her do as much of it as she can.

Encourage as much independence as possible.

38. A trochanter roll is used to...

a. Keep the arm straight.
b. Keep the patient on the side.
c. Keep the hip in alignment.
d. Keep the leg flexed.

Keep the hip in alignment.

The trochanter roll prevents external hip rotation.

39. A resident with a paralyzed left arm may be able to feed herself if she uses a(n)...

a. Plate guard.
b. Arm brace.
c. Sling.
d. Bib.

Plate guard.

A plate guard enables the client to better get the food off the plate with one hand.

40. Which statement about residents with development disabilities is generally correct?

a. They should be treated like children.
b. They cannot walk or talk.
c. They learn at a slower pace.
d. They are suspicious of new people.

They learn at a slower pace.

In many developmentally disabled clients, learning is slower than normal, but it still occurs and should be encouraged.

41. A diabetic client has had her leg amputated. Her need for sexuality will...

a. Be more important for a while.
b. Be less important for a while.
c. Disappear forever.
d. Be unaffected.

Be less important for a while.

The diabetic patient needs time to accept the amputation and realize that it does not need to affect sexuality.

42. Clients with Alzheimer's disease may show which of the following symptoms?

a. High fever accompanied by chills.
b. Clear memory of the recent and distant past.
c. Chest pains and difficulty breathing.
d. Physical and mental decline.

Physical and mental decline.

43. If a client is upset and is yelling, the nurse aide should respond by...

a. Saying sternly, "Quiet down!"
b. Offering to call her doctor.
c. Shutting her door for privacy.
d. Calmly sitting down with the client and listening.

Calmly sitting down with the client and listening.

44. A common sign of depression is...

a. Attending activities daily.
b. Laughing and smiling.
c. Decreased appetite.
d. Socializing with friends.

Decreased appetite.

45. A client who has just been told she is dying asks the nurse aide to help her make a list of things she wants to do before she dies. The nurse aide should...

a. Tell her to wait for her family to help her.
b. Tell her the list is not necessary.
c. Help her make the list.
d. Tell her not to worry because she has plenty of time.

Help her make the list.

The nurse aide does not know when the patient may die.

46. To assist a client with his psychological needs, the nurse aide should...

a. Be a good listener and show empathy.
b. Assure the client that everything will be okay.
c. Maintain the client's confidentiality.
d. Encourage the client to talk to his roommate.

Be a good listener and show empathy.

Listening and empathy form the foundation for developing a sense of trust with clients, and trust is critical to their psychological well-being.

47. A Catholic client refuses to eat meat on Fridays. Her lunch one Friday consists of a roast beef sandwich and a salad. The nurse aide should first...

a. Tell the client to eat only the salad.
b. Offer to get her a meatless lunch.
c. Ask family members to bring in something else.
d. Request that a priest come and speak with her.

Offer to get her a meatless lunch.

The nurse aide should make every effort to respect the client's religious needs.

48. A nurse aide enters a room and finds a patient having intercourse with his wife. What should the nurse aide do?

a. Ask him to stop.
b. Step out of the room quietly and close the door.
c. Report it to the charge nurse.
d. Discuss it with another nurse aide.

Step out of the room quietly and close the door.

49. A young, permanently handicapped resident tends to be very quiet and act as if nothing matters. The nurse aide can best show respect for her by...

a. Including her in the plan of care.
b. Serving her dinner first.
c. Calling her by her first name.
d. Doing the client's care for her.

Including her in the plan of care.

Including the client in her plan of care helps the client maintain dignity and feel a sense of independence.

50. An example of using body language while communicating is...

a. Using gestures and facial expressions.
b. Writing the message on paper.
c. Sharing your feelings and concerns.
d. Offering your advice and opinions.

Using gestures and facial expressions.

51. A nurse aide smiles and nods her head while sitting with a client. This type of nonverbal communication best demonstrates...

a. Encouragement for the client to continue talking.
b. Displeasure at having to listen to the client.
c. Agreement with everything that the client says.
d. Lack of available work for the nurse aide.

Encouragement for the client to continue talking.

Head nodding and smiling while someone is speaking to you demonstrates interest.

52. Barrier to effective communication include...

a. Reflection.
b. Clarification.
c. Assuming.
d. Listening.

Assuming.

Making assumptions can lead to conflict and confusion.

53. A client's best friend asks the nurse aide what is wrong with the client. The nurse aide's best response is...

a. "I'm sorry, I'm not allowed to discuss him with you."
b. "You really should ask the charge nurse for that information."
c. "I'll tell you, but keep it confidential."
d. "I'm really not sure what is wrong with him."

"You really should ask the charge nurse for that information."

Confidentiality is important, and the charge nurse can explain that to visitors.

54. A client who is alert and oriented refuses his bath. The best response from the nurse aide is...

a. "You must take a bath every day, even if you don't want to."
b. "I doubt your roommate would appreciate the smell."
c. "Can you tell why you don't feel like bathing today?"
d. "Is there something wrong with taking a bath?"

"Can you tell why you don't feel like bathing today?"

Asking the question will help determine if there are any underlying physical or psychological reasons why the client chooses not to bathe.

55. An example of false imprisonment is...

a. Using restraints without a doctors order or the client's consent.
b. Closing the door to the client's room.
c. Treating the client differently because of his religious belief.
d. Refusing to answer a call light that rings frequently.

Using restraints without a doctors order or the client's consent.

56. Another nurse aide is not providing adequate care for the residents. The nurse aide who notices this should...

a. Keep a list of activities not performed.
b. Tell all the other staff members.
c. Complete the inadequate care himself.
d. Report this to the charge nurse immediately.

Report this to the charge nurse immediately.

57. A nurse aide notes a bright red rash on a client. This type of observation is termed...

a. Subjective.
b. Objective.
c. Primary.
d. Secondary.

Objective.

Objective information is what the nurse sees, hears, smells, and feels.

Subjective observation comes from what the client tells you.

A former union leader was the victim of an industrial accident and is now a resident. To maintain the resident's dignity, the nurse aide may suggest that the client...

a. Read industrial magazines.
b. Serve on the resident council.
c. Watch business-oriented movies.
d. Relax and play bingo.

Serve on the resident council.

Since the resident is a former leader, the resident may feel better if feeling useful and involved.

59. A client's daughter wants to help with her mother's care. The nurse aide should...

a. Allow her to do whatever care she wants to do.
b. Tell her she cannot perform any care for her mother.
c. Let her do the bathing and dressing only.
d. Have her do whatever the nurse agrees to.

Have her do whatever the nurse agrees to.

The nurse will evaluate the client's condition and the daughter's abilities, then decide what the daughter can safely do for her mother.

60. It is important to remember that a client in the last stage of a terminal illness should...

a. Be left alone to grieve.
b. Be offered care to meet her physical and emotional needs.
c. Be cared for only by relatives and close friends.
d. Not be offered any choices about her care.

Be offered care to meet her physical and emotional needs.

61. Allowing clients to dress in their personal clothing...

a. Decreases clothing costs.
b. Improves client well-being.
c. Makes it easier to dress clients.
d. Enhances infection control.

Improves client well-being.

62. A young, postoperative client has his door closed, and the nurse aide needs to check his vital signs. The nurse aide should...

a. Knock on the door and wait for the client to respond.
b. Assume he does not want to be disturbed and leave him alone.
c. Immediately open the door and walk in.
d. Knock and enter without need for a response.

Knock on the door and wait for the client to respond.

63. A restraint may be used on a resident for...

a. Discipline.
b. Staff convenience.
c. Roommate request.
d. Safety.

Safety.

Restraints should be used only when a resident's safety is involved.

64. A client insists on wearing a striped blouse and plaid pants. The nurse aide should...

a. Help her choose a more appropriate outfit.
b. Tell her that she will look uncoordinated.
c. Respect her clothing choice.
d. Select an outfit for her.

Respect her clothing choice.

As long it is a safe choice, allow the client to make personal choices.

65. Failure to perform service for which a person is trained is called...

a. Discrimination.
b. Malpractice.
c. Defamation.
d. False imprisonment.

Malpractice.

66. After assisting a client to the bedside commode, the nurse aide should...

a. Leave the curtain open so she can see the client.
b. Provide privacy with the curtain pulled.
c. Make the client's bed while she is sitting on the commode.
d. Tell the client that she can use the commode only once a shift.

Provide privacy with the curtain pulled.

As long as the client is safe, provide privacy while the client is on the commode.

67. A healthcare team includes all of the following EXCEPT:

a. Nurse aides.
b. Registered nurses.
c. Receptionists.
d. Physical therapists.

Receptionists.

68. In order to keep their jobs, nurse aides will need to follow institutional guidelines that may include all of the following EXCEPT:

a. Reporting to work on time.
b. Following a dress code.
c. Reporting to the charge nurse.
d. Performing tasks without training.

Performing tasks without training.

69. Staff who are supervised by an RN are...

a. Administration.
b. Physicians.
c. Assistive personnel.
d. Residents.

Assistive personnel.

LPNs/LVNs and CNAs are assistive personnel.

70. During a job interview, the nurse aide should never...

a. Ask about possibilities for advancement.
b. Make negative comments about former supervisors.
c. Ask about job responsibilities.
d. Talk about his own strengths and weaknesses.

Make negative comments about former supervisors.