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Quizzes > Health & Medicine > Human Anatomy & Medicine

Free CNA Practice Quiz: Basic Nursing Care for Nurse Aides

When bathing a resident, a nurse aide should observe key steps - are you ready to test your skills?

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for CNA practice quiz on basic nursing care on sky blue background

Ready to boost your knowledge of basic nursing care provided by the nurse aide? This free CNA quiz focuses on the basics of patient bathing and positioning, helping you learn when bathing a resident a nurse aide should observe changes in condition and tackle nurse aide patient care questions. Use our interactive CNA practice quiz and CNA practice test to simulate real-world scenarios in the style of CNA practice exam 5 Learning Express. Ideal for anyone gearing up for a certified nursing assistant practice test, this engaging quiz challenges, motivates, and builds your confidence. Ready to see how you score? Take the quiz now!

What is the first step in proper handwashing technique?
Apply hand lotion
Lather with soap immediately
Turn on the water and wet your hands
Dry with a towel
The first step is to wet your hands under running water before applying soap, which helps create a good lather and remove debris. Proper handwashing is essential to prevent the spread of infection. Always follow the sequence: wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry. CDC Handwashing Guide
Which personal protective equipment is required when handling a patient's soiled linens?
Mask
Gown
Gloves
Face shield
Gloves protect you from direct contact with potentially infectious materials in soiled linens. A gown would be used if there's a risk of splashing, but gloves are the minimum requirement. Masks and face shields are for respiratory or splash precautions. CDC PPE Guidelines
A resident asks you to repeat your name and role. What should you do?
Tell them to pay attention
Walk away
Politely repeat your name and role
Ignore and continue
Repeating your name and role respects the resident's right to know who is providing care and maintains trust and clear communication. Ignoring or walking away violates professional boundaries. NCSBN Communication Tips
What is the normal resting heart rate for an adult?
40 - 60 beats per minute
60 - 100 beats per minute
120 - 140 beats per minute
100 - 120 beats per minute
A normal adult resting heart rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute. Rates below or above may indicate bradycardia or tachycardia and require reporting. American Heart Association
When making an occupied bed, what is the first action you should take?
Explain the procedure to the resident
Raise the bed rail on the far side
Fold linens on the bed
Remove all linens at once
Always explain procedures before starting to reduce anxiety and obtain consent. Removing all linens at once could distress the resident. Bed rails are used for safety but only after explanation and preparation. NY Health Bed Making Guide
What body alignment should you use when transferring a resident to prevent injury?
Twist at the waist
Lock your knees and lift
Keep your back straight and bend at the knees
Bend forward at the waist
Using proper body mechanics - keeping your back straight and bending at the knees - protects your spine and reduces risk of injury. Twisting or locking knees increases risk of muscle strain or back injury. OSHA Ergonomics
Which observation should you immediately report to the nurse?
Resident watching TV
Resident eating breakfast
Clean linens on bed
Skin that is pale and cool
Pale, cool skin may indicate poor circulation or shock and requires prompt nursing assessment. Routine activities like eating or watching TV do not need immediate reporting. NCBI Skin Assessment
What is the correct angle to place a resident's arm when taking a blood pressure?
Raised above shoulder level
Flat on the bed
Hanging by their side
At heart level, supported
Positioning the arm at heart level ensures accurate blood pressure readings by matching hydrostatic pressure. If it's too low or high, readings will be falsely high or low. ASUM BP Positioning
When assisting with denture care, which tool is essential?
A soft-bristled denture brush
Metal nail file
Scouring pad
Toothpick
A soft-bristled denture brush cleans without scratching or damaging dentures. Metal or abrasive tools can cause damage and harbor bacteria. ADA Denture Care
Which position is best for a resident who is having difficulty breathing?
Fowler's position
Supine position
Trendelenburg position
Prone position
Fowler's position, with the head of the bed elevated 45 - 60 degrees, facilitates easier breathing and lung expansion. Supine, prone, and Trendelenburg positions do not support respiration. NCBI Fowler's Position
How often should you check on a resident in restraints according to most facility policies?
Every 15 minutes
Every 4 hours
Every shift
Every hour
Most policies require checking restrained residents every 15 minutes to ensure safety and circulation are adequate and to prevent injury. Longer intervals can lead to harm and violate regulations. CMS Restraint Guidelines
What temperature range is safest for a resident's shower water?
85°F - 90°F (29°C - 32°C)
110°F - 115°F (43°C - 46°C)
100°F - 105°F (38°C - 40°C)
120°F - 125°F (49°C - 52°C)
Water between 100°F and 105°F is warm enough to be comfortable without risking burns. Cooler water may be uncomfortable, and hotter water increases burn risk, especially in older or impaired residents. Phccweb Hot Water Safety
Which sign indicates proper mouth care in an unconscious resident?
White patches everywhere
Moist, pink mucous membranes
Bleeding gums
Dry, cracked lips
Moist, pink mucous membranes indicate good hydration and oral hygiene. Dryness, cracking, white patches (thrush), or bleeding can signal problems needing nurse evaluation. NCBI Oral Care
When feeding a resident who has dysphagia, you should:
Encourage rapid eating
Offer small bites and thickened liquids
Serve large portions quickly
Use a straw for all liquids
Small bites and thickened liquids reduce the risk of aspiration in residents with swallowing difficulties. Straws and rapid feeding increase choking risk. Portions should be manageable and paced. ASHA Dysphagia Guidelines
What is the correct sequence when removing gloves to avoid contamination?
Grasp outside of one glove, peel off, slide fingers under the other glove, peel off
Remove one glove, wash hands, remove the other
Peel both off together
Cut gloves off with scissors
Peeling one glove off by grasping its outside and sliding off, then sliding fingers under the cuff of the remaining glove, prevents contamination. Washing between glove removal isn't necessary and could spread contaminants. CDC Glove Use
When positioning a resident on their side, which pressure point is most at risk and requires a pillow for support?
Heels
Occiput
Elbow
Trochanter of the hip
The trochanter bears weight when side-lying and needs cushioning to prevent pressure ulcers. Elbows, heels, and occiput are also risk points but are typically supported in other positions. NPIAP Pressure Ulcer Prevention
Which of these vital sign changes is an early sign of infection in a resident?
Decreased respiratory rate
Bradycardia
Hypotension
Elevated temperature
An elevated temperature is often the first indicator of infection, prompting further assessment. Respiratory rate and blood pressure changes can also occur but typically after fever onset. CDC Infection Signs
A resident with dementia becomes agitated during care. What is the best immediate action?
Ignore and continue
Restrain the resident
Leave the room abruptly
Speak calmly and explain each step
Calm communication and clear explanation reduce anxiety and help the resident understand what's happening. Restraints or abrupt departure increase agitation and violate care standards. Alzheimer's Association Guidelines
When measuring intake and output, which item counts toward output?
Diarrhea on the bedpan
Spilled water
Urine in the graduate
Sputum in tissue
None of the above
Both urine and diarrhea are measurable outputs. Spills aren't recorded, and sputum in tissue is difficult to measure accurately. Accurate recording is crucial for fluid balance. NCBI Intake and Output
Which sign suggests orthostatic hypotension in a resident?
Clear lung sounds
Increased appetite
Warm, dry skin
Dizziness upon standing
Dizziness or lightheadedness when moving to an upright position indicates orthostatic hypotension. It results from blood pooling in the legs and needs prompt intervention to prevent falls. Mayo Clinic
During passive range of motion exercises, you should stop if the resident:
Remains silent
Requests more motion
Smiles
Complains of pain
Pain signals potential injury; stop and report to the nurse. Pleasure, silence, or requests for more motion generally indicate tolerance but always communicate. ASHA Rehabilitation
What is the proper position for a resident receiving tube feeding to reduce aspiration risk?
Trendelenburg
Head of bed elevated at least 30 degrees
Supine
Flat on left side
Elevating the head reduces reflux and aspiration during tube feeding. Supine or Trendelenburg positions increase aspiration risk. ASPEN Guidelines
Which observation suggests a developing stage I pressure ulcer?
Skin tears
Open wound
Blister formation
Non-blanchable redness
Stage I pressure ulcers present with intact skin and non-blanchable redness over a bony prominence. Open wounds or blisters indicate more advanced stages. NPIAP Pressure Ulcer Stages
When assisting a resident with a weak side after a stroke, where should you stand?
On the strong side
Directly behind
In front of the resident
On the weak side slightly behind
Standing on the weak side slightly behind provides support and protects from falls. Directly behind or on the strong side doesn't allow proper support for the weaker side. Stroke Rehab Tips
A resident is confused and refuses care. What is the best approach?
Leave without trying
Tell them they have no choice
Force the care quickly
Explain each step and gain consent
Explaining and obtaining consent respects resident rights and may reduce confusion. Forceful or dismissive actions violate ethical care standards. ANA Code of Ethics
Which technique best prevents aspiration when giving oral medication?
Give medication with head tilted back
Mix all pills in applesauce
Have the resident sit upright
Administer while lying flat
Upright positioning uses gravity to aid swallowing and prevent aspiration. Head tilt back or lying flat increases choking risk. Applesauce mixing may be appropriate but doesn't replace posture. ISMP Aspiration Prevention
When documenting a wound, what is essential to include?
Size, color, and drainage
Room temperature
Resident's last meal
Favorite TV show
Wound documentation must detail size, color, odor, and type/amount of drainage to monitor healing. Irrelevant personal details do not aid clinical assessment. Nursing Center Wound Documentation
How often should you reposition a bedridden resident to prevent pressure ulcers?
Only when they complain
Every six hours
Once per shift
Every two hours
Repositioning every two hours relieves pressure and improves circulation, preventing pressure ulcers. Longer intervals increase ulcer risk. NPIAP Prevention
A resident on a low-sodium diet should avoid which food?
Canned soup
Plain rice
Steamed vegetables
Fresh apples
Canned soups are typically high in sodium and unsuitable for low-sodium diets. Fresh fruits, steamed vegetables, and plain rice are naturally low in sodium. AHA Low-Sodium Diet
Which method is appropriate to clean an area contaminated with Clostridioides difficile?
Use bleach-based disinfectant
Hydrogen peroxide spray
Alcohol-based hand rub
Plain soap and water
Bleach-based disinfectants kill C. difficile spores effectively. Alcohol-based products do not kill spores, and plain soap/water only removes dirt. CDC C. difficile Guidance
During a transfer with a gait belt, where is the safest position for the aide's feet?
Feet crossed
Close together
Wide stance but knees locked
Shoulder-width apart with one foot slightly forward
A shoulder-width stance with one foot forward provides balance and leverage while bending at the knees. Locked knees or crossing feet reduce stability and increase risk of injury. OSHA Body Mechanics
A resident's serum glucose reads 60 mg/dL. Which sign would you expect?
Polyuria
Weight gain
Bradycardia
Sweating and trembling
A glucose level of 60 mg/dL is low and may cause hypoglycemic symptoms like sweating, trembling, and confusion. Polyuria and weight gain are hyperglycemia findings. ADA Hypoglycemia
Which is the best technique for catheter care?
Use the same cloth for all areas
Clean toward the meatus
Clean the tubing only
Clean from the meatus outward
Cleaning from the urethral meatus outward prevents dragging contaminants toward the insertion site. Using the same cloth or cleaning tubing only neglects infection control. CDC Catheter Guidelines
How should you respond if a resident starts to fall during transfer?
Let them fall without intervention
Ease them to the floor while protecting their head
Yell for help but do nothing else
Try to lift them up immediately
Easing a resident to the floor prevents injury and protects the head. Attempting to lift mid-fall or ignoring them increases risk of harm. NCOA Fall Prevention
Which sign indicates proper use of a mechanical lift?
Resident is centered on the sling with straps secure
Resident's arms hanging outside sling
Legs are unsupported
Sling is loose under the shoulders
Centering and securing straps ensure safe lifting and weight distribution. Loose sling or unsupported legs can cause slipping or injury. OSHA Lift Safety
When documenting a resident's pain level, you should:
Estimate based on facial expression
Use only numerical values
Use the resident's own words and standardized scale
Record 'no pain' unless complained
Documenting pain uses the resident's description and a standardized scale for objective tracking. Estimation or ignoring reports undermines accurate care. AHRQ Pain Management
A resident has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube. Before feeding, you should:
Elevate bed flat
Check tube placement and residual
Flush with large bolus of water
Clamp the tube
Verifying placement and residual volume prevents aspiration and ensures proper feeding. Flushing requires measured water, and bed should be elevated. Clamping prematurely can block the tube. ASPEN Clinical Resources
Which lab value should you report immediately when caring for a resident with heart failure?
Chloride 102 mEq/L
Magnesium 1.9 mEq/L
Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
Sodium 140 mEq/L
A potassium of 2.8 mEq/L is dangerously low and can cause arrhythmias. Normal sodium, chloride, and magnesium levels are less acute. Heart Failure Lab Values
When providing perineal care for a female resident, you should wash:
From back to front
From front to back
Side to side
Randomly
Washing front to back prevents introduction of bacteria from the anal area to the urethra, reducing UTI risk. Back to front or random methods increase contamination. NCBI Hygiene Standards
For a resident with unilateral weakness, the cane should be held on which side?
Strong side
Either side
Weak side
In front of both feet
Holding the cane on the strong side allows the cane and affected leg to move together, improving balance. On the weak side offers no stable support. Physio-Pedia Discuss
Which situation requires you to don a gown and glove before entering a resident's room?
Delivering meal tray
Caring for a resident on contact precautions
Administering oral medication
Assisting with ambulation
Contact precautions for residents with infections like MRSA or C. difficile require gown and gloves to prevent spread. Routine meal delivery or medication does not. CDC Isolation Precautions
A resident's nasogastric (NG) tube becomes dislodged. What should you do first?
Flush the NG tube
Report to the nurse immediately
Document and continue feeding
Try to reinsert the tube
Dislodged NG tubes require nurse or physician assessment before any action. Reinsertion or feeding without verification risks aspiration or trauma. Nursing Center NG Tube Management
Which electrolyte imbalance is most critical to monitor in a resident receiving diuretic therapy?
Phosphate levels
Magnesium levels
Potassium levels
Calcium levels
Diuretics often cause potassium loss leading to hypokalemia, which can cause cardiac arrhythmias. Calcium and magnesium are also important but less acutely affected. Merck Manual
A resident's fecal impaction is suspected. What is the CNA's appropriate role?
Administer an enema
Increase fiber and ambulation only
Report symptoms to the nurse for assessment
Manually remove impaction
Only nurses or licensed personnel assess and treat fecal impactions. CNAs must report findings like abdominal distention or pain. Enemas and manual removal are beyond CNA scope. ANA Scope of Practice
Which complication is most urgent when caring for a resident post-hip replacement?
Increased appetite
Signs of deep vein thrombosis
Mild incision redness
Slight muscle soreness
DVT signs like calf swelling and pain post-op indicate a life-threatening risk of pulmonary embolism and require immediate reporting. Mild redness or soreness is expected. NHLBI DVT Information
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Core Nursing Aide Responsibilities -

    Learn the fundamental tasks and safety measures involved in basic nursing care provided by the nurse aide.

  2. Identify Key Safety and Infection Control Protocols -

    Recognize vital steps and best practices to prevent infection and ensure resident safety during daily care.

  3. Apply Proper Bathing Techniques -

    Master protocols for when bathing a resident a nurse aide should observe vital cues to ensure comfort, dignity, and safety.

  4. Demonstrate Correct Patient Positioning -

    Learn step-by-step procedures to position residents safely, reducing the risk of pressure injuries and discomfort.

  5. Analyze CNA Practice Exam Scenarios -

    Work through nurse aide patient care questions from a CNA practice exam 5 Learning Express to assess your knowledge and test readiness.

  6. Evaluate Performance and Identify Growth Areas -

    Use quiz results from the certified nursing assistant practice test to pinpoint strengths and areas for improvement in basic nursing care.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Patient Positioning & Pressure Injury Prevention -

    Proper patient positioning is a cornerstone of basic nursing care provided by the nurse aide, reducing the risk of pressure injuries by redistributing weight every two hours (NIH). Use the FLIPS mnemonic (Fowler, Lateral, In supine, Prone, Side-lying) to recall common positions. Always support joints with pillows and check skin for redness at pressure points.

  2. Bathing Techniques & Skin Inspection -

    When bathing a resident a nurse aide should observe vital cues such as skin color, temperature, and dryness to ensure safety and comfort (CDC). Perform a head-to-toe inspection for rashes or pressure areas, using gentle strokes from clean to dirty areas. Encourage resident participation and use warm water to maintain dignity and warmth.

  3. Infection Control & Hand Hygiene -

    Adhering to CDC's "Five Moments for Hand Hygiene" ensures effective infection control during all patient care activities, including certified nursing assistant practice test scenarios (CDC). Remember the W.A.S.H mnemonic: Wet hands, Apply soap, Scrub for 20 seconds, Rinse thoroughly, and Hang to dry. Always don appropriate PPE and follow facility protocols for isolation precautions.

  4. Communication & Documentation Skills -

    Clear communication using SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) is vital for accurate nurse aide patient care questions and shift hand-offs (Joint Commission). Document vital signs, changes in condition, and patient responses promptly and legibly. Practice concise reporting during your CNA practice exam 5 Learning Express sessions to build confidence.

  5. Fall Prevention & Safety Measures -

    Implementing safety measures such as locking bed wheels, ensuring call light access, and leaving side rails up are key elements of basic nursing care provided by the nurse aide (OSHA). Use the ABCs: Assess environment, Balance support, Call light within reach. Regularly check for clutter and adjust bed height to prevent falls.

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