CNA Communication Practice Test with Answers

Question 1

A CNA disagrees with a nurse's instructions. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Ask the nurse to clarify and explain concerns respectfully. C is correct. Professional communication involves respectfully seeking clarification and expressing concerns. The nurse may have information the CNA lacks, or there may be a misunderstanding. Incorrect: A. Refusal without discussion is unprofessional and could compromise resident care. B. Following instructions that are believed to be wrong without discussion could harm the resident. D. CNAs work under the supervision of licensed nurses and should not act independently.

Question 2

A resident tells the CNA that they feel sad and "want to give up." What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Listen to the concerns, then report to the nurse immediately. C is correct. Active listening recognizes the resident's feelings. The resident said they want to give up, which is a sign of depression and possible suicidal ideation. This must be reported to the nurse immediately. Incorrect: A. Telling the resident to have positive thoughts dismisses the resident's feelings and could have dangerous consequences. B. Violates confidentiality and HIPAA regulations. D. Calling the family may be a good idea later, but the resident needs an assessment immediately so appropriate care can be started.

Question 3

The CNA is caring for a Hispanic resident who speaks limited English. The CNA is attempting daily care, but the resident does not seem to understand. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Notify the nurse and request an interpreter. B is correct. The nurse should be notified, and an interpreter should be requested. Once it can be verified that the resident has had all procedures and activities explained in their native language, an interpreter will not be necessary every day. Incorrect: A. Speaking louder doesn't help with language barriers. C. Violates the resident's right to informed care and dignity. D. By law, translators must be officially certified. Anyone who is not certified cannot translate.

Question 4

A CNA is caring for a resident who has hearing loss. Which action should the CNA use to communicate with the resident?

Accepted Answer

Speak facing the resident. A is correct. Facing the resident lets them read your lips and see your facial expressions. Incorrect: B. Talk in a normal tone of voice; do not raise your voice. C. While reducing background noise is helpful, facing the resident is the most important communication technique. D. Hand gestures are helpful but secondary to facing the resident directly.

Question 5

You are assisting a resident with dressing. A family member complains about the way you are assisting him. Which response is appropriate in this situation?

Accepted Answer

"I understand your concerns. Let me get the nurse so we can discuss this.". B is correct. Acknowledging the family's concern is professional and includes the nurse for conflict resolution. Incorrect: A. Unprofessional and rude, which will most likely make the situation worse. C. The resident has the right to have his family in the room as long as there is no danger of violence. D. The family has not asked the CNA to leave; the CNA's priority is caring for the resident.

Question 6

The CNA is charting the resident's complaint of pain. Which statement demonstrates appropriate communication?

Accepted Answer

"Resident states, 'my back hurts' and is grimacing.". D is correct. Use objective documentation using the resident's own words and observations without judgment. Incorrect: A, B, and C are subjective, judgmental comments. They dismiss the resident's needs and are unprofessional.

Question 7

You are speaking with the resident when her daughter comes in the room, complaining that her mother has not had a bath in 3 days. You know that the resident has been offered a bath every day but has refused. What should you say to the resident's daughter?

Accepted Answer

"Your mom has been offered a bath every day, but she has declined. It is her right to refuse, but I will continue to encourage her to bathe daily.". A is correct. This answer is respectful and assures the patient's daughter that her mother is being asked if she wants to take a shower, but that it is the patient who does not want to shower. It assures the patient's daughter that the patient's needs are being addressed. Incorrect: B. It is necessary to explain to the daughter that the patient cannot be forced into taking a shower by anyone, including family. C and D are the CNA's opinions, not based on fact, and are unprofessional.

Question 8

The CNA is caring for a resident who is on isolation precautions. The resident is very upset and asks, "Why won't anyone touch me without gloves?" How should the CNA respond?

Accepted Answer

"They help stop the spread of infection, which protects both of us.". C is correct. Use an honest, simple explanation that addresses the resident's concern without making them feel they have done something wrong. Incorrect: A. Makes the resident feel like a source of contamination; lacks sensitivity. B. This dismisses the resident's concerns and does not explain anything. D. Ignoring does not address the resident's concerns.

Question 9

You have been assigned a resident whom you have never met before. What is the proper way to introduce yourself and address the resident?

Accepted Answer

Knock on the door, introduce yourself, and ask her what name she would like to be called. B is correct. It is important to be courteous to the resident. Knock before entering the room. Even if her name is on the chart, the resident may prefer to be called another name. It is always important to introduce yourself as well. This helps build trust with your residents. Incorrect: A. Does not include knocking or asking preferred name. C. Does not include introducing yourself or knocking. D. Does not include knocking or asking preferred name.

Question 10

A CNA notices a resident is grimacing and holding their abdomen, but states "I'm fine" when asked. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Report what you observed to the nurse. B is correct. Grimacing and holding the abdomen (called guarding) are non-verbal signs of pain. The CNA must report their observations to the nurse so they can assess the resident. Incorrect: A. Ignores the resident's signs of pain, causing a delay in their care. C. CNAs cannot administer medications. D. Unprofessional and disrespectful of the resident.

Question 11

You have a resident who says her family never visits her. The resident begins to cry. What should you say to the resident?

Accepted Answer

Sit facing the resident and quietly listen as she talks about her feelings. A is correct. Active communication techniques include sitting face-to-face and quietly listening. This confirms to the resident that you care about her feelings. Incorrect: B. Dismisses the resident's feelings. C. It is not your role to suggest a therapist. D. Blaming the resident is unprofessional and will only make her feel worse.

Question 12

A resident with dementia, whose parents have both died many years ago, repeatedly asks, "Where is my mother?" What is the CNA's best response?

Accepted Answer

"Let's talk about your mother. What was she like?". B is correct. Uses validation therapy and therapeutic communication. Acknowledging the resident's feelings and redirecting to pleasant memories shows respect and reduces anxiety. Incorrect: A. Forcing reality can be distressing for dementia patients and may cause emotional pain. C. Lying to the resident is unprofessional; this statement is also cruel and can cause the resident emotional pain. D. This is dismissive and does not address the resident's concern.

Question 13

The nurse asked you to take a resident some orange juice. When you get to the kitchen, you can't remember whether the nurse said orange juice or apple juice; you choose apple juice. The nurse becomes upset when she sees you give the resident apple juice and asks, "Can't you do anything right?!" How should you respond?

Accepted Answer

"I apologize, I forgot what kind of juice you asked me to bring. Next time, I will write it down.". A is correct. Acknowledge that you brought the wrong juice. Tell her you will prevent the mistake next time by writing it down. Incorrect: B, C, and D. Laughing, telling the nurse to do it herself, or assuming she had a bad day are all inappropriate; you must be accountable for your actions.

Question 14

The CNA is caring for a resident who is blind. How can the CNA communicate correctly with the resident?

Accepted Answer

Introduce yourself, sit facing the resident, and speak clearly. D is correct. Introducing yourself, facing the resident, and speaking clearly are correct ways to talk to someone who is blind. This is respectful and the best way for a blind person to hear you. Incorrect: A. Lights will not help, and talking loudly will only agitate the resident. B. Personal space may be an issue, but facing the resident and speaking clearly are more important. You can adjust your space based on the resident's choice. C. Interpreters are for persons who speak another language or a person who is deaf and needs sign language. If written communication is needed, there are tools available to assist the blind.

Question 15

A resident begins telling you a long story while you are completing your morning care tasks. You still have several other residents to assist. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Tell the resident you want to hear the rest of their story, as soon as you finish caring for the other residents. C is correct. Telling the resident you want to hear the rest of their story as soon as you finish caring for the other residents is respectful but also explains your need to continue your work. Incorrect: A and B avoid talking to the resident, which dismisses their feelings. D. Staying to listen can cause issues for other residents. You are not completing your duties.

Question 16

The CNA needs to explain to a resident with mild cognitive impairment how to use the new call light system. Which action should the CNA use?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrate it using simple, short steps. C is correct. Helps provide visual cues and manageable verbal chunks to assist the resident's memory limitations. Incorrect: A. Telling the resident to use the call light without adequate instruction may cause the resident a lot of anxiety. B. Medical terminology may be too complicated for the resident. D. Not explaining prevents the resident's right to informed care and dignity.

Question 17

The CNA notices that a resident who was alert earlier in the shift is now unusually drowsy and difficult to wake up. Which response should the CNA use to communicate the observations to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

"I was just in the room with Mr. Lee. He is more drowsy than usual and difficult to wake.". C is correct. Uses clear, objective, professional communication and reports specific observations. Incorrect: A. It is urgent but provides no details. B. Should give a more neutral report; also, the CNA cannot assess that the resident might be dying. Just tell the nurse what is observed. D. Any sudden change in a resident needs to be reported to the nurse immediately.

Question 18

The resident's son is concerned that the resident is not receiving proper care at the facility where you work. What is your response to the resident's son?

Accepted Answer

Listen silently and offer support to the son. Explain to him that he is welcome to speak to the administrator. B is correct. Listening and telling him to speak to the administration shows concern and respect for the resident's son. Incorrect: A. The CNA should never talk negatively about the facility; it is unprofessional. C. You should not argue with the son; advise him to talk to the administration. D. Security is not necessary; the son is not being a threat.

Question 19

The nurse asks you to complete a task, but you completed it earlier. What is the most professional way to communicate this to the nurse?

Accepted Answer

"I completed that task earlier, but I can double-check if you'd like.". D is correct. Telling the nurse you have completed the task but are willing to recheck is a respectful response. It also shows your willingness to be part of the team and not cause unnecessary conflict. Incorrect: A and B are both disrespectful and could start a conflict. C. Ignoring the request could cause a problem for the residents if, for some reason, the task was not completed. It is also unprofessional; acknowledging the nurse demonstrates your professional behavior.

Question 20

The CNA is going to perform a full bed change for a resident. How should the CNA explain what she will be doing?

Accepted Answer

Knock, walk in, introduce yourself, explain that you are there for a full bed change, perform bed change, ask if there is anything else you can do or get for the resident before you go. B is correct. Only answer B has all the steps. It is always courteous to knock before entering, introduce yourself, explain why you're there, and follow up with "Is there anything else I can get you or do for you before I leave?" This may cut down on answering call lights if the resident already has everything that they need. Incorrect: A. Does not include knocking. C. Does not include introducing yourself or explaining. D. Does not include knocking or introducing yourself.

CNA Communication Practice Test with Answers

Test Details

This Communication Practice Test Is Built for Real CNA Judgment

Michele J. McCarthy

Molly W.

Wanna Try Unlimited?

Want More Questions Like This?

More CNA Practice Tests

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test 2

CNA Practice Test 3

CNA Practice Test 3

Activities of Daily Living

Activities of Daily Living

Basic Nursing Skills

View Full Library

Common Questions We Always Get

What communication topics show up most on the CNA exam?

What is the difference between objective and subjective data?

How should I talk to a resident with a hearing impairment?

What is the first thing I should do if a resident becomes angry?

What is the biggest “trap” in communication questions?

How do I communicate with a resident who has aphasia?

How do I stop getting tricked by “two correct answers”?

Can I use this on my phone?

Is the premium trial required?