CNA Personal Care Practice Test with Answers

Question 1

The nursing assistant is caring for a resident who has left-sided weakness following a stroke. When assisting this resident to put on a shirt, which technique should be used?

Accepted Answer

Put the left arm in first, as it is the weaker side. B (Correct): When dressing a resident with one-sided weakness, the affected (weaker) side is dressed first and undressed last. This technique is more comfortable for the resident and reduces the risk of injury. Incorrect: A. Beginning with the stronger side makes it more difficult to maneuver the garment over the affected limb and may cause discomfort. C. The nursing assistant should provide the appropriate level of assistance to ensure the resident's safety and comfort. D. Putting both arms in simultaneously does not follow safe dressing technique and is not practical for a resident with one-sided weakness.

Question 2

While providing personal care to a resident with diabetes, the nursing assistant notices that the resident's toenails appear long and jagged. What is the appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Report the observation to the nurse. C (Correct): Residents with diabetes have impaired circulation and are at increased risk for infection and slow wound healing. Nail trimming for diabetic residents is not within the scope of practice of the nursing assistant and should be reported to the nurse for referral to a podiatrist or licensed professional. Incorrect: A. Trimming toenails of diabetic residents is not within the CNA's scope of practice due to the risk of injury and infection. B. Filing may seem safer but could cause cracks in the skin. D. Soaking and trimming should only be done by a podiatrist.

Question 3

The nursing assistant is giving a resident a bed bath when a family member enters the room without knocking. The resident is partially unclothed and is now exposed. What should the nursing assistant do?

Accepted Answer

Ask the family member to step out or step behind the curtain to maintain the resident's privacy. B (Correct): Maintaining the resident's privacy and dignity is a fundamental right. The nursing assistant should politely ask the family member to step out or step behind the curtain before continuing care. Incorrect: A. Allowing the family member to remain without the resident's explicit consent violates the resident's right to privacy. C. Stopping and leaving the room would leave the resident uncovered and in an unsafe situation. D. Notifying the charge nurse is not necessary for this routine situation; the nursing assistant can address it directly.

Question 4

A resident removes their dentures at bedtime. Which of the following represents the correct method of storing dentures overnight?

Accepted Answer

In a labeled denture cup filled with water or denture solution. C (Correct): Dentures should be stored in a labeled denture cup filled with water or denture solution to prevent them from drying out or warping. Labeling prevents loss or mix-ups with other residents' dentures. Incorrect: A. A dry container will cause dentures to dry out and warp, affecting fit and comfort. B. A paper towel provides no moisture and the dentures could be accidentally discarded. D. Storing dentures in a clothing pocket poses a significant risk of loss or damage.

Question 5

How often should oral care be provided to residents in a long-term care setting?

Accepted Answer

At least twice daily and after meals. C (Correct): Oral care should be provided at least twice daily and after meals to maintain oral health, prevent infection, and promote resident comfort. Regular oral hygiene reduces the risk of aspiration pneumonia and dental problems. Incorrect: A. Once daily at bedtime is not sufficient to remove food particles after each meal or maintain oral health. B. Weekly oral care is far too infrequent and would place the resident at significant risk for oral health complications. D. Waiting only for the resident's request may result in missed oral hygiene, particularly for residents who have difficulty communicating.

Question 6

The nursing assistant is applying lotion to a resident's skin following a bath. Which area should lotion NOT be applied?

Accepted Answer

Between the toes. B (Correct): Lotion should not be applied between the toes, as trapped moisture in this area promotes fungal growth and skin breakdown. Incorrect: A. Elbows and knees are areas prone to dryness and benefit from moisturizer. C. Lower legs and feet are appropriate areas for lotion to prevent dry skin. D. The back and shoulders are common areas for skin care and are appropriate for lotion application.

Question 7

The nursing assistant is providing a back rub to a resident following a bath. What is the clinical importance of a back rub?

Accepted Answer

To stimulate circulation and provide an opportunity to assess skin integrity. C (Correct): Back rubs serve the dual purpose of stimulating circulation to the skin and providing the nursing assistant with an opportunity to assess for redness, skin breakdown, or early pressure injuries. Incorrect: A. While a back rub may be relaxing, promoting sleep is not its primary clinical purpose. B. Warming the resident is a secondary effect, not the primary nursing purpose of the procedure. D. A back rub is not a treatment for arthritis pain, and residents with arthritis may require a modified technique to avoid discomfort.

Question 8

The nursing assistant is combing the hair of a resident with long, tangled hair. Which technique should be used to prevent discomfort?

Accepted Answer

Begin combing from the ends and work toward the scalp in small sections. B (Correct): When combing tangled hair, the nursing assistant should begin at the ends and work toward the scalp in small sections. This technique detangles the hair gradually and minimizes discomfort and breakage. Incorrect: A. Starting at the scalp and pulling through tangles causes pain and hair breakage. C. A fine-tooth comb pulled through tangled hair in one motion causes significant discomfort and damage. D. Wetting the hair and applying baby oil will make the tangled hair worse.

Question 9

The nursing assistant is preparing a foot soak for a resident with diabetes. What is the most important step before placing the resident's feet in the water?

Accepted Answer

Check the water temperature with a thermometer or the inside of the wrist. D (Correct): Before placing any resident's feet in water, the nursing assistant must verify the water temperature using a thermometer or the inside of the wrist. This is important for residents with diabetes or decreased sensation who may not be able to detect if the water is too hot. Incorrect: A. Epsom salt may be ordered, but temperature verification is the primary safety step. B. Asking the resident is not sufficient, as residents with neuropathy may not accurately feel water temperature. C. Water should be warm and comfortable, not as hot as possible; hot water can cause burns in residents with compromised sensation.

Question 10

The nursing assistant is providing eye care to a resident. Dried secretions are noted at the inner corner of the resident's right eye. Which technique should be used to cleanse the eye?

Accepted Answer

Use a moistened cloth and wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner. B (Correct): The eye should be cleansed with a moistened cloth, wiping from the inner corner (near the nose) to the outer corner. This moves secretions away from the tear duct and prevents contamination. Incorrect: A. Wiping from the outer corner to the inner corner moves secretions toward the tear duct, increasing the risk of infection. C. The same cloth section should never be used for both eyes; a separate section or new cloth must be used for each eye to prevent cross-contamination. D. Dried eye secretions are a routine finding that the nursing assistant can address; nurse notification is not necessary unless there is redness, swelling, or discharge.

Question 11

A resident is incontinent of urine and has been cleaned and changed. How should the nursing assistant determine when to check this resident again?

Accepted Answer

Follow the care plan and check the resident on a regular scheduled basis. B (Correct): Incontinent residents should be checked and cared for on a regular, scheduled basis as outlined in the care plan, regardless of whether they request assistance. Frequent checks prevent prolonged skin exposure to moisture and the development of pressure injuries. Incorrect: A. Relying only on the resident's request may result in prolonged moisture exposure, particularly for residents who cannot communicate their needs. C. Waiting until the end of the shift represents neglect and places the resident at significant risk for skin breakdown and infection. D. A skin rash is a sign that care has already been delayed too long; prevention requires regular checks.

Question 12

The nursing assistant is preparing to provide perineal care to a female resident. Which position should the resident be placed in?

Accepted Answer

Supine with knees bent and legs slightly separated. B (Correct): The dorsal recumbent position—supine with knees bent and legs slightly separated—provides optimal access for female perineal care while maintaining comfort and minimizing unnecessary exposure. Incorrect: A. The prone position does not provide access to the perineal area. C. The left lateral position may be used for other procedures but does not provide optimal access for female perineal care. D. High Fowler's is a nearly upright seated position and is not appropriate for perineal care.

Question 13

The nursing assistant is shaving a male resident using a safety razor. Which technique should be used to minimize skin irritation?

Accepted Answer

Shave in the direction of hair growth. A (Correct): Shaving in the direction of hair growth reduces the risk of skin irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. The skin should be softened with warm water and shaving cream or soap before the procedure. Incorrect: B. Shaving against the direction of hair growth may produce a closer shave but significantly increases the risk of skin irritation and cuts. C. Dry shaving without proper skin preparation increases friction and the risk of skin injury. D. The order of shaving different areas is less clinically significant than maintaining the correct directional technique throughout.

Question 14

While assisting a resident with a bath, the nursing assistant notices a new area of redness over the resident's coccyx. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Note the location and appearance of the redness, complete the bath, and report the finding to the charge nurse. B (Correct): The nursing assistant should note the location and appearance of the reddened area, complete the bath to maintain the resident's hygiene, and report the observation promptly to the charge nurse. Redness over a bony prominence may indicate a Stage 1 pressure injury and requires nursing assessment. Incorrect: A. Applying lotion without reporting delays necessary intervention; the nurse must be notified so the care plan can be adjusted. C. The nursing assistant should not document a clinical finding independently without first notifying the nurse. D. Stopping the bath abruptly is not necessary; the resident's hygiene needs should be met, and the report to the nurse should follow.

Question 15

The nursing assistant is providing oral care to a resident who is unconscious. Which of the following is most important to prevent aspiration?

Accepted Answer

Turn the resident's head to the side and use a suction device if available. B (Correct): For unconscious residents, the head should be turned to the side to allow fluids to drain out of the mouth rather than into the airway. A suction device should be used if available to remove secretions and further reduce the risk of aspiration. Incorrect: A. A full-size toothbrush may be too large for safe use in an unconscious resident; a small foam swab is typically preferred. C. Using a full cup of water for rinsing poses a significant aspiration risk in an unconscious resident. D. The flat supine position places the unconscious resident at the highest risk for aspiration; lateral or side-lying positioning is required.

Question 16

The nursing assistant is assisting a resident with a bath and notices the care plan includes passive range of motion exercises. When is the most appropriate time to perform these exercises?

Accepted Answer

During the bath, while the limbs are already being moved. C (Correct): Passive range of motion exercises can be incorporated naturally during bathing, as the nursing assistant is already moving the resident's limbs to clean them. Performing them during the bath is efficient and less disruptive to the resident's routine. Incorrect: A. Performing range of motion as a completely separate activity is acceptable but less efficient when limbs are already being handled during care. B. After the bath the resident is dressed and repositioned; performing range of motion at this point requires additional disruption. D. Passive range of motion exercises are within the scope of practice of the nursing assistant when included in the care plan; a physical therapist may order them but the CNA can perform them.

Question 17

A resident tells the nursing assistant that their hearing aid sounds very quiet and is not working properly. What is the most appropriate first action?

Accepted Answer

Check whether the hearing aid needs a battery. B (Correct): When a hearing aid is not functioning properly, the first step is to check and replace the battery, as a weak or dead battery is the most common reason for reduced performance. This is a simple corrective action the nursing assistant can take before escalating. Incorrect: A. Sending the hearing aid for repair is premature before checking the battery. C. Notifying the nurse is not necessary until the simple corrective action of checking the battery has been attempted. D. Setting the volume to maximum may cause feedback, discomfort, or further damage and does not address the underlying cause if a dead battery is the issue.

Question 18

The nursing assistant is assisting a resident who has an intravenous line in the left arm to put on a hospital gown. How should the nursing assistant put the hospital gown on the resident?

Accepted Answer

Thread the IV tubing through the gown sleeve, beginning with the affected left arm. B (Correct): When dressing a resident with an IV line, the gown should be threaded over the IV tubing, starting with the affected arm (the side with the IV). This prevents tension on the IV line. When removing the gown, the unaffected arm is undressed first. Incorrect: A. Beginning with the unaffected arm requires pulling the gown over the IV line at the end, which risks dislodging the IV. C. The nursing assistant should never disconnect or remove IV tubing; this is outside the scope of CNA practice. D. Cutting a gown sleeve is not an appropriate technique and is unnecessary when the proper threading method is used.

Question 19

The nursing assistant is providing nail care for a resident. Which technique should the nursing assistant use for safe fingernail care?

Accepted Answer

File the nails following the natural curve of the finger. B (Correct): Fingernails should be filed following the natural curve of the finger using an emery board. Filing is safer than cutting and less likely to cause jagged edges or injury. Incorrect: A. Scissors can create jagged edges and increase the risk of injury; an emery board or nail file is the preferred tool for fingernails. C. A 30-minute hot water soak is excessive and poses a burn risk; a brief warm soak may soften nails but is not required for routine nail care. D. Leaving rough edges increases the risk of skin tears and snagging on clothing or linens; the nail should be smooth after care is complete.

Question 20

The nursing assistant is caring for a resident who states that she prefers to bathe in the evening and likes her hair worn in a braid. What should the nursing assistant do?

Accepted Answer

Document the resident's preferences and tell the charge nurse so the care plan can be updated. B (Correct): Residents have the right to make decisions about their own care, including timing and personal preferences. The nursing assistant should honor the resident's preferences as much as possible and communicate them to the charge nurse so the care plan can be updated to reflect individualized needs. Incorrect: A. Rigidly following the schedule without considering the resident's preference disregards the resident's right to individualized care. C. Partially accommodating the preference while ignoring the bath-time request is inconsistent; the full preference should be communicated through the proper channel. D. Skipping personal care entirely is not appropriate and could compromise the resident's health and hygiene.

CNA Personal Care Practice Test with Answers

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This Personal Care Practice Test Is Built for Real CNA Judgment

Michele J. McCarthy

Kailey R.

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Common Questions We Always Get

What personal care topics show up most on the CNA exam?

Which side do I dress first for a resident with a weak arm?

What is the most important rule during perineal care?

How do I provide oral care for an unconscious resident?

What is the biggest “trap” in personal care questions?

Why is foot care so critical for diabetic residents?

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

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