Safety Needs CNA Practice Test 3 with Answers

Question 1

When considering the safety of the residents in their care, the CNA knows that the most common cause of injury in a long-term care facility is:

Accepted Answer

Falls. A (correct): Between 20 and 40% of injuries in long-term care facilities are caused by falls. Caregivers should be vigilant in assisting unsteady patients, especially during transfers and ambulation. B, C, D (incorrect): Burns, choking, and violence do occur in long-term care settings, but none approaches the frequency and injury burden of falls. Fall prevention is one of the most critical safety priorities in resident care.

Question 2

RACE is an acronym used to help caregivers remember what to do in case of a fire. What does R.A.C.E. stand for?

Accepted Answer

Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish. C (correct): The correct steps to take in case of a fire are: 1) Rescue anyone in immediate danger, 2) Activate the fire alarm, 3) Contain the fire by closing doors or removing flammable objects near the fire, 4) Extinguish the fire using a fire extinguisher if it is safe to do so. A, B, D (incorrect): These are common variations that mix up the correct terms. 'Run' and 'Escape' do not reflect the priority of rescuing residents first. 'Remove' and 'Control' do not accurately describe the correct actions in the RACE protocol.

Question 3

PASS is an acronym used to help caregivers remember how to use a fire extinguisher. What does P.A.S.S. stand for?

Accepted Answer

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. D (correct): When using a fire extinguisher, the correct sequence is: 1) Pull the pin to unlock the extinguisher, 2) Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, 3) Squeeze the trigger to release the extinguishing agent, 4) Sweep the spray back and forth across the base of the fire. A, B, C (incorrect): These options contain incorrect terms that do not reflect the proper technique for operating a fire extinguisher. 'Alarm,' 'Sweet,' 'Push,' and 'Activate' are not part of the PASS method.

Question 4

A disoriented and unstable resident tries to get out of bed without assistance. The CNA should:

Accepted Answer

Stay with the resident and call for help. A (correct): An unstable patient should have assistance with ambulation and transferring. The CNA should remain with the resident to ensure safety and call for additional help. B (incorrect): Shouting at a resident is never appropriate and may increase agitation and the risk of a fall. C (incorrect): Attempting to catch a falling resident is a high risk for injury to both the resident and the caregiver and does not prevent the unsafe situation. D (incorrect): Restraints should be used as an absolute last resort and can only be applied with a physician's order. Applying restraints without an order is a serious violation.

Question 5

The CNA needs to transport a patient with an oxygen tank. Before moving with the patient, they should:

Accepted Answer

Place the oxygen tank in an oxygen cylinder cart for safe transport. C (correct): Oxygen tanks can be extremely dangerous if they are dropped or the valve is damaged. They should always be placed in a carrier designed specifically for the safe transportation of oxygen tanks. A (incorrect): Long oxygen tubing is a tripping hazard for the patient, the CNA, and others in the hallway. B (incorrect): Residents should never carry oxygen tanks. The weight and risk of dropping the cylinder makes this unsafe for both the resident and those nearby. D (incorrect): Patients can be safely transported while on oxygen when the proper equipment, such as an oxygen cylinder cart, is used.

Question 6

The CNA has just completed cares for a resident on bedrest. Before leaving the room, they should ensure that:

Accepted Answer

The bed is in the lowest position, the call light is in reach of the resident, and the bed wheels are locked. A (correct): The bed should always be placed in the lowest position and the wheels locked to prevent injury from an accidental fall. The call light must always be left within reach so the resident can summon help. B (incorrect): Residents should use their call light to contact staff, not personal cell phones, which may not always be available, charged, or within reach. C (incorrect): Lying flat is not always appropriate and depends on the resident's condition. Additionally, a full glass of water is not a safety measure that substitutes for proper bed positioning. D (incorrect): Leaving the door open could violate the resident's right to privacy. Other caregivers monitoring through an open door is not a substitute for proper safety measures.

Question 7

While helping a resident clean up their area, the CNA notices a frayed electrical cord in the room. What is the best action for the CNA to take?

Accepted Answer

Remove the cord and report the incident. C (correct): Frayed electrical cords are a significant fire and electrocution hazard and should be removed from use immediately. The incident should be reported so that the cord can be properly repaired or replaced. A (incorrect): The function or importance of what the cord is plugged into does not reduce the hazard it poses. A frayed cord must be removed regardless of what it powers. B (incorrect): Taping over exposed wires is not a safe or acceptable repair method and does not address the underlying fire and shock hazard. D (incorrect): Simply reminding the resident to be careful does not remove the hazard and leaves other residents and staff at risk.

Question 8

During a meal, a resident accidentally knocks a pitcher of water onto the floor. What is the next step the CNA should take?

Accepted Answer

Clean up the spill or report it immediately. A (correct): Liquid spills create a fall risk for both caregivers and residents and must be addressed immediately, either by the CNA or by reporting it so someone else can clean it right away. B (incorrect): Reminding the resident to be more careful does not address the immediate fall hazard on the floor. C (incorrect): Continuing to assist the resident while leaving a wet floor unattended puts everyone in the area at risk of a fall. D (incorrect): Placing napkins over liquid does not adequately address the fall risk. The spill must be properly cleaned up, not just covered.

Question 9

A resident recovering from a fall would like to ambulate to the activity hall and can safely travel with the help of a caregiver using a gait belt. The CNA knows that the proper placement of a gait belt is:

Accepted Answer

Around the waist, with two fingers able to slide underneath the belt. B (correct): Gait belts should be placed around the waist of the resident, snug enough to provide support but not so tight that they cause discomfort or restrict breathing. Two fingers should be able to slide comfortably underneath the belt. A (incorrect): Placing a gait belt around the chest can restrict breathing and cause injury. C (incorrect): Placing the gait belt under the armpits can cause injury to the resident's shoulders and underarms, especially during a fall or transfer. D (incorrect): The resident does not hold the gait belt. It is worn on the resident's body and held by the caregiver to provide guidance and support.

Question 10

While ambulating with a patient, the patient begins to fall to the floor. What is the best action taken by the CNA?

Accepted Answer

Help the patient slide to the floor while protecting their head. C (correct): Trying to prevent a fall that is already in progress can cause serious injury to the caregiver and may make the patient's fall worse. The best response is to soften the fall by guiding the patient to the floor in a controlled manner while protecting their head from impact. A (incorrect): Attempting to hold a falling patient upright places extreme stress on the caregiver's back and joints and often results in both the patient and the caregiver falling. B (incorrect): Moving away and abandoning the patient to fall without any support can result in serious injury to the patient, particularly a head injury. D (incorrect): Catching a patient under the arms may cause shoulder or joint injury to both the patient and the caregiver and does not safely control the fall.

Question 11

During an activity, a resident suddenly reports feeling chest pain. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

Notify the nurse. D (correct): Sudden chest pain is a potential sign of a heart attack, which is a medical emergency. The nurse must be notified immediately so that emergency protocols can be initiated. A (incorrect): The CNA cannot administer any medications, including pain relievers. Giving medication without authorization is outside the CNA scope of practice. B (incorrect): Applying an ice pack does not address the emergency nature of sudden chest pain and delays appropriate medical response. C (incorrect): Having the resident lie flat can actually worsen chest pain in some cardiac conditions. Positioning decisions should be made by the nurse.

Question 12

The resident is eating breakfast when suddenly they grab their throat and lean forward. They look like they are trying to cough but no sound is coming out. What should the CNA do next?

Accepted Answer

Begin abdominal thrusts and shout for help. A (correct): This resident is displaying the universal signs of a complete airway obstruction — clutching the throat, leaning forward, and a silent cough, meaning no air is moving. This is a life-threatening emergency. Abdominal thrusts (the Heimlich maneuver) should be initiated immediately while shouting for help. B (incorrect): Encouraging a resident to cough is appropriate for a partial obstruction where air is still moving. A silent cough means air is not passing and the situation requires immediate intervention, not encouragement. C (incorrect): Offering water to a choking resident can worsen the obstruction and is never appropriate. D (incorrect): Asking the resident what is wrong wastes critical time. The signs of complete choking are visible and require immediate action, not verbal assessment.

Question 13

The CNA witnesses a resident fall to the floor. The resident appears to be having a seizure. What should the CNA do first?

Accepted Answer

Protect the resident's head, shout for help, and turn the resident onto their side if possible. A (correct): A seizure is a medical emergency that requires an immediate, hands-on response to protect the resident from injury. The priority is to protect the resident's head, call for help, and turn them onto their side to keep the airway clear. B (incorrect): While the nurse must be notified, protecting the resident from injury takes priority. Shouting for help while staying with the resident accomplishes both. C (incorrect): Documentation is important but occurs after the emergency has been addressed and the resident is safe. D (incorrect): A resident who is actively seizing must never be moved or restrained. Attempting to help them get up could cause injury.

Question 14

The CNA smells smoke but does not see fire or hear an alarm. What is the best response?

Accepted Answer

Activate the fire alarm and begin evacuating the building. B (correct): Any suspicion of a fire must be treated as an emergency. The smell of smoke is a potential indicator of fire, and immediate action — activating the alarm and beginning evacuation — must be taken without delay. A (incorrect): Ignoring the smell of smoke is never appropriate. Even a faint smell of smoke could indicate a fire in another area of the building. C (incorrect): Reporting to a supervisor causes a delay in the emergency response. Activating the alarm is the immediate priority. D (incorrect): Pausing to confirm the smell with another staff member wastes critical time. All suspected fires must be treated as real until proven otherwise.

Question 15

Which of the following does NOT increase the risk of falling?

Accepted Answer

A clean and tidy living space. C (correct): Keeping a living space clean and free of clutter reduces fall risk by removing obstacles from walking paths. A (incorrect): Long extension cords crossing walking areas are a significant tripping hazard and should be removed or secured. B (incorrect): Loose rugs, especially those without non-slip backing, are a common tripping and slipping hazard for elderly residents. D (incorrect): Wet floors create a serious slipping hazard and are a leading cause of falls in healthcare and residential settings.

Question 16

A CNA discovers that a dependent resident has been left alone on the commode. What should they do first?

Accepted Answer

Assist the resident and get them safely back to their bed or chair. B (correct): Resident safety is always the first priority. A dependent resident left alone on the commode is at significant risk of falling. The CNA must ensure their safety immediately before taking any other action. A (incorrect): While the nurse should be informed, ensuring the resident's immediate physical safety comes first. C (incorrect): Finding the CNA who left the resident is only appropriate after the resident's safety and care needs have been fully addressed. D (incorrect): Leaving the resident alone perpetuates the unsafe situation. Dependent residents must never be left unattended on the commode.

Question 17

The resident needs assistance to transfer from the bed into their wheelchair. The best way for the CNA to complete the transfer is:

Accepted Answer

Lock the wheelchair and bed wheels, lift the patient by bending from the knees, and pivot with the feet from the bed to the chair. A (correct): Wheels of all chairs and beds must be locked before any transfer to prevent movement. The CNA should bend from the knees rather than the waist to protect their back, and pivot the feet to reposition rather than twisting at the torso. B (incorrect): While lowering the bed is correct, bear hugging a patient and moving quickly is unsafe. It removes the patient's ability to assist, increases the risk of dropping the patient, and is likely to cause back injury to the caregiver. C (incorrect): Asking a resident to grab the wheelchair and scoot themselves is unsafe. The resident cannot safely support their own weight in this way, and wheelchairs are not designed to be used as transfer handles. D (incorrect): Lifting a patient by holding their arms and legs is unsafe and can cause joint injuries. If a patient requires a full lift, an approved mechanical lifting device should be used.

Question 18

A resident who wears oxygen tells the CNA they would like to go outside to smoke. Which is the best response by the CNA?

Accepted Answer

'I will take you outside, remove your oxygen, and you can smoke there.'. C (correct): Residents have the right to smoke if they choose to. However, oxygen is highly flammable and must never be worn near an open flame or while smoking. The correct approach is to support the resident's right to smoke while ensuring their safety by removing the oxygen. A (incorrect): Telling a resident they are not allowed to smoke violates their rights. Residents retain the right to make personal choices, including smoking. B (incorrect): While smoking is harmful to health, lecturing the resident about the dangers is disrespectful of their autonomy and does not address the immediate safety concern with the oxygen. D (incorrect): Increasing oxygen flow near an open flame would create an extremely dangerous fire hazard. Oxygen must be removed before the resident smokes.

Question 19

Which of the following patients requires immediate CPR?

Accepted Answer

A patient who is not breathing and does not have a pulse. A (correct): CPR is indicated when a patient has no pulse and is not breathing. The purpose of CPR is to manually maintain circulation and oxygenation until advanced help arrives. B (incorrect): This patient is unresponsive but is breathing normally. CPR is not indicated when a patient has a pulse and is breathing. This patient requires immediate assessment and monitoring. C (incorrect): Post-ictal confusion after a seizure is common and expected. The patient should be kept safe and the nurse notified, but CPR is not indicated. D (incorrect): Chest pain is a serious symptom requiring immediate notification of the nurse, but CPR is not performed on a conscious patient who is breathing.

Question 20

The CNA enters the resident's room and sees them lying on the floor. The resident states 'I fell but I am OK.' What should the CNA do next?

Accepted Answer

Look for obvious injuries and call the nurse. D (correct): After any fall, the resident must be assessed by a nurse before they are moved. The CNA can look for obvious signs of injury, such as visible wounds or deformity, but must not move the resident until the nurse has completed an assessment. A (incorrect): A neurological assessment is a clinical evaluation that is outside the scope of practice of a CNA. B (incorrect): Helping the resident up before they have been assessed by the nurse could cause further injury, particularly if there is a fracture, spinal injury, or head trauma. C (incorrect): Instructing the resident to change position before they are assessed could worsen an existing injury.

Safety Needs CNA Practice Test 3 with Answers

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Jessica Cutler

Michele J. McCarthy

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Common Questions About Safety on the CNA Exam

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