Imagine walking onto a nursing unit for your first shift. You aren’t starting an IV or adjusting a medication dosage. Your immediate mission? Helping Mrs. Smith wash her face, ensuring Mr. Jones eats his breakfast without choking, and assisting Mrs. Lee to the bathroom. These are the Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)—the fundamental tasks that define human dignity and physical well-being.

On the CNA exam, ADLs aren’t just “basic care”; they are the single most important domain of your daily work and a massive portion of your test. This topic isn’t just about memorizing steps; it’s about understanding the intersection of safety, infection control, and compassion.

In this definitive study guide, we will break down every aspect of ADLs, from the specific order of a bed bath to the safety protocols of feeding a resident with dysphagia. We will clear up common misconceptions, give you the memory aids you need, and ensure you walk into the exam room ready to tackle any scenario.

💡 Quick Stat: ADLs account for approximately 23% of your total exam score. Mastering this section alone can secure nearly a quarter of the points you need to pass.

More Practice Tests

Understanding Activities of Daily Living: Your Exam Blueprint

Activities of Daily Living encompass the physical tasks of self-care that nursing assistants perform for or assist residents with. This domain covers the mechanics of care—hygiene, dressing, eating—blended with the psychosocial principles of dignity, independence, and privacy. Because CNAs provide the vast majority of this hands-on care, the exam writers place a heavy emphasis on your ability to perform these tasks safely and correctly.

Where This Topic Fits in Your Exam

pie showData title ADLs on the CNA Exam
"Activities of Daily Living" : 23
"Other Exam Topics" : 77

This chart illustrates that nearly one-fourth of your exam success hinges on this topic alone. You cannot pass by simply “being nice”; you must know the clinical procedures.

What You Need to Know Within ADLs

flowchart TD
    MAIN["🎯 Activities of Daily Living<br/><small>(23% of Exam)</small>"]

    MAIN --> ST1["📌 Hygiene & Grooming<br/><small>High Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST2["📌 Nutrition & Hydration<br/><small>High Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST3["📌 Elimination/Toileting<br/><small>High Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST4["📋 Dressing/Undressing<br/><small>Medium Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST5["📋 Mobility & Ambulation<br/><small>Medium Frequency</small>"]
    MAIN --> ST6["📄 Vitals & Measurements<br/><small>Medium Frequency</small>"]

    style MAIN fill:#1976D2,color:#fff,stroke:#1565C0
    style ST1 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#4CAF50
    style ST2 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#4CAF50
    style ST3 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#4CAF50
    style ST4 fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#FF9800
    style ST5 fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#FF9800
    style ST6 fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#FF9800

As you can see, Hygiene, Nutrition, and Elimination are your “High Frequency” areas. These appear most often in both written questions and clinical skills evaluations. If you are short on study time, prioritize these green nodes first.

📋 Study Strategy: Focus heavily on the “Clean to Dirty” rule in hygiene and Aspiration Prevention in nutrition. These two concepts alone answer dozens of potential exam questions.

High-Yield Cheat Sheet: ADLs at a Glance

Before we dive deep, here is a bird’s-eye view of the 5 pillars of ADLs you need to master.

The 5 Pillars of ADLs

mindmap
  root((ADLs))
    Hygiene
      Bathing (Bed/Partial/Tub)
      Perineal Care
      Oral Care
      Nail/Hair Care
    Nutrition
      Feeding Assistance
      Fluid Intake (I&O)
      Dysphagia Diets
      Positioning
    Elimination
      Bedpans/Fracture Pans
      Toileting
      Catheter Care
      Measuring Output
    Dressing
      Weak Side Rule
      Adaptive Clothing
      Choice of Attire
    Mobility
      Ambulation
      Transferring
      Range of Motion (ROM)
      Positioning

Pillar Summary

• Hygiene & Personal Care: Focus on infection control. Always wash from the cleanest area (face) to the dirtiest (perineum). Water temperature must be checked with your wrist or elbow.
• Nutrition & Hydration: Focus on safety. Residents must sit upright (90 degrees) for meals and for 30-60 minutes afterward. Watch for “pocketing” food in the cheeks.
• Elimination & Toileting: Focus on dignity and skin integrity. Use proper perineal care techniques (front to back) to prevent UTIs. Measure output accurately for I&O records.
• Dressing & Grooming: Focus on promoting independence. When a resident has weakness on one side, dress the weak side first.
• Mobility & Rest/Comfort: Focus on body mechanics. Use a gait belt for transfers, encourage Range of Motion exercises, and ensure a quiet environment for sleep.

How ADLs Connect to Other Exam Topics

ADLs do not exist in a vacuum. They are the primary intersection of safety, communication, and infection control. Understanding these connections helps you answer “integrated” questions that ask, “What observation is most important to report?”

flowchart TD
    subgraph CORE["Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)"]
        A["Hygiene Care"]
        B["Feeding Assistance"]
        C["Toileting"]
    end

    subgraph RELATED["Connected Topics"]
        D["Infection Control"]
        E["Safety & Emergency"]
        F["Legal & Ethics"]
    end

    A -->|"Prevents spread of<br/>bacteria (Clean to Dirty)"| D
    B -->|"Prevents aspiration<br/>& choking"| E
    C -->|"Protects resident<br/>privacy rights"| F

    style CORE fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976D2
    style RELATED fill:#f5f5f5,stroke:#757575

Why These Connections Matter

• Hygiene + Infection Control: When you bathe a resident, you aren’t just cleaning them; you are performing infection control. The “Clean to Dirty” rule is purely about preventing pathogens from entering the urethra or wounds.
• Nutrition + Safety: Feeding is one of the most dangerous times for a resident if done incorrectly. Understanding the mechanics of swallowing connects directly to choking emergencies.
• Toileting + Legal/Ethics: Toileting involves private body parts. How you handle privacy (knocking, draping) is a direct test of Resident Rights.

🎯 Exam Strategy: If a question asks for the “primary reason” for a specific ADL step (like perineal care), the answer is often Infection Control or Safety, not just “cleanliness.”

What to Prioritize: High-Yield vs. Supporting Details

Not all ADL concepts are created equal. Use this matrix to focus your study time on high-impact areas.

quadrantChart title Study Priority Matrix for ADLs
x-axis "Low Complexity" --> "High Complexity"
y-axis "Low Yield" --> "High Yield"
quadrant-1 "Master These"
quadrant-2 "Know Well"
quadrant-3 "Basic Awareness"
quadrant-4 "Review If Time"
"Clean to Dirty Rule": [0.2, 0.9]
"Feeding Position": [0.15, 0.95]
"Weak Side Dressing": [0.25, 0.85]
"Dysphagia Precautions": [0.4, 0.8]
"Water Temp Check": [0.1, 0.9]
"I&O Measurement": [0.5, 0.7]
"Complete Bed Bath": [0.6, 0.4]
"Back Rub": [0.7, 0.3]

Priority Table

Strategic Insight: If you are short on time, ignore the “Good to Know” and “Awareness” rows. You can pass the exam easily even if you don’t know the exact steps of a back rub, but you will fail if you don’t know the Clean to Dirty rule.

Essential Knowledge: ADL Deep Dive

Pillar 1: Hygiene & Personal Care

Hygiene is about more than soap and water; it is about protecting skin integrity (preventing breakdown) and maintaining dignity.

Key Concepts:

• Bathing Types: A Complete Bed Bath is for residents who are totally dependent. A Partial Bath (face, hands, underarms, perineum) is often sufficient for daily care and better for dry skin. A Tub/Shower Bath is for residents who can sit up and transfer.
• Temperature Safety: Elderly skin is thin and burns easily. ALWAYS check water temperature with your wrist or elbow, not your hand. The safe range is 100°F–105°F.
• Oral Care: This is critical for preventing pneumonia. For unconscious residents, place them on their side to prevent aspiration. Handle dentures over a basin of water (so they don’t break if dropped).

Exam Focus:

• The order of washing: Face → Eyes → Ears → Neck → Arms → Hands → Chest → Abdomen → Legs → Feet → Back → Perineum (Last).
• Perineal care requires separate wipes or a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke.
• Observation: You must observe the skin for redness or breakdown during every bath.

💡 Memory Tip: Remember the washing order with: “First Eat Every Nice Apple, Clean Back After Lunch, Perineum Last.”
(Face, Eyes, Ears, Neck, Arms, Abdomen, Chest/Back, Legs, Perineum).

Pillar 2: Nutrition & Hydration

Feeding a resident is a high-responsibility task. If you make a mistake here, the resident can choke or develop aspiration pneumonia.

Key Concepts:

• Positioning: The resident must be sitting upright (High Fowler’s, at least 90 degrees). They must remain upright for 30–60 minutes after eating to prevent reflux.
• Dysphagia: This is difficulty swallowing. These residents often have thickened liquids (Nectar, Honey, Pudding thickness) to slow the flow and prevent aspiration.
• Fluid Intake (I&O): You must record all fluids. Remember that ice cream, gelatin (Jello), and soup count as liquid. (Ice is measured at half volume: 100ml ice = 50ml water).

Exam Focus:

• “Pocketing”: Always check the cheeks for food stored by the resident before offering the next bite.
• Communication: Do not rush the resident. Conversation should be minimal to focus on swallowing, but encouraging.
• Choking: If a resident coughs, stop feeding immediately. If they cannot breathe or speak, activate emergency response.

💡 Memory Tip: Remember the categories of ADLs with the acronym DEATH:
Dressing
Eating
Ambulating
Toileting
Hygiene

Pillar 3: Elimination & Toileting

This pillar is about dignity and preventing infection. It is also a primary source of data for the nurse (changes in stool/urine).

Key Concepts:

• Perineal Care:
  • Females: Wipe from front to back (urethra to anus) to prevent UTIs.
  • Males: Wipe from the tip of the penis down/around.
• Bedpans vs. Fracture Pans: A standard bedpan has a rounded rim. A Fracture Pan has a flat rim and is smaller; it is designed for residents with casts or hip fractures who cannot lift their hips high. The flat rim goes toward the buttocks.
• Catheter Care: Keep the bag below the level of the bladder (never on the bed) to prevent backflow of urine.

Exam Focus:

• Providing privacy is non-negotiable.
• Measuring output accurately.
• Observing stool (color, consistency, blood) and urine (cloudiness, odor).

Pillar 4: Dressing & Grooming

The goal of dressing is not just to cover the resident, but to promote function and self-esteem.

Key Concepts:

• The Weak Side Rule: For residents who have had a stroke or weakness (hemiplegia) on one side:
  • Dressing ON: Put the weak arm in the sleeve first.
  • Taking OFF: Take the strong arm out of the sleeve first.
  • Why? Because the weak arm cannot help you maneuver the clothing.
• Adaptive Equipment: Use button hooks or zipper pulls if the resident has trouble with fine motor skills.
• Choices: Always let the resident choose what to wear if possible.

Exam Focus:

• Promoting independence: Encourage the resident to do as much as they can, even if it takes longer.
• Fasteners: Fasten clothing in the front, not the back (unless it’s a specific medical garment), to allow the resident to see and adjust.

💡 Memory Tip: Visualize: “In with the Weak, Out with the Strong.”

Pillar 5: Mobility & Rest/Comfort

Mobility prevents contractures (shortening of muscles), pressure ulcers, and pneumonia.

Key Concepts:

• Body Mechanics: Always bend at the knees and hips, keep your back straight, and use the weight of your body to move residents. Use a Gait Belt for ambulation support.
• Range of Motion (ROM): Move joints through their full movement (flexion and extension) at least twice a day. Never force a joint; stop if you feel resistance.
• Sleep: Reduce noise and light during rest periods. Do not wake a resident for routine care unless medically necessary.

Exam Focus:

• Correct use of a gait belt (snug, over clothing, not over breasts/bones).
• Alignment of the body (preventing foot drop with footboard).

Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Even the best students can fall into these traps. Here is how to avoid them.

⚠️ Pitfall #1: The “Do It For Them” Trap
❌ THE TRAP: You brush the resident’s teeth or wash their face completely because it’s faster than letting them do it.
✅ THE REALITY: The CNA’s goal is to promote independence. “Learned helplessness” sets in if you do everything for them.
💡 QUICK FIX: Remember the phrase: “Do with, not for.” Only assist the parts they physically cannot do.

⚠️ Pitfall #2: Water Temperature Hand Check
❌ THE TRAP: Checking bath water with your hand because it feels comfortable to you.
✅ THE REALITY: Your hands are used to hot water and are calloused. Elderly skin burns easily. You must use the sensitive skin of your wrist or elbow.
💡 QUICK FIX: “Check at the wrist, or they will be blistered.”

⚠️ Pitfall #3: Forgetting Privacy
❌ THE TRAP: Starting a bath or peri-care without closing the curtain or draping the resident immediately.
✅ THE REALITY: Loss of dignity causes depression and agitation. Privacy is a legal right.
💡 QUICK FIX: “Cover before you uncover.” Lock the door and pull the curtain before you begin.

⚠️ Pitfall #4: Laying Flat After Eating
❌ THE TRAP: Laying the resident down (Supine) immediately after they finish eating to “let them rest.”
✅ THE REALITY: This causes aspiration (food/liquid entering the lungs). They must stay upright.
💡 QUICK FIX: “If they just ate, keep them at 90 degrees for at least 30 minutes.”

⚠️ Pitfall #5: Shaving Against the Grain
❌ THE TRAP: Shaving upward against hair growth for a “closer” shave.
✅ THE REALITY: This causes razor burn, irritation, and ingrown hairs. Always shave in the direction of hair growth.
💡 QUICK FIX: “Follow the path the hair grows.”

⚠️ Pitfall #6: Ignoring “Pocketing”
❌ THE TRAP: Seeing an empty mouth and offering the next bite without checking the cheeks.
✅ THE REALITY: Residents with dementia or stroke often “pocket” food in the cheeks, which can lead to choking later.
💡 QUICK FIX: “Check the cheek pockets before the next spoonful.”

🎯 Remember: The exam tests safety and rights, not just speed. Taking an extra second to check temp or cover the resident is the “right” answer.

How This Topic Is Tested: Question Patterns

Recognizing the type of question helps you find the answer faster.

📋 Pattern #1: The “Least Restrictive” Dilemma
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: A scenario describes a resident who can perform parts of an ADL but is slow or weak. You must choose the option that maximizes independence.
EXAMPLE STEM: “A resident has weakness on their right side but can use their left hand. Which action should the CNA take during dressing?”
SIGNAL WORDS: “Most independent” • “Encourage” • “Self-care” • “Assist only”
YOUR STRATEGY:

1. Identify what the resident can do.
2. Eliminate options where the CNA does everything.
3. Select the option where the CNA sets up the task or assists the weak side only.
   ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Choosing the fastest option (doing it for them) instead of the safest/most empowering one.

📋 Pattern #2: The Infection Control Sequence
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: A question asking for the correct order of steps during hygiene, specifically washing, rinsing, or wiping.
EXAMPLE STEM: “When providing perineal care to a female resident, what is the correct sequence of actions?”
SIGNAL WORDS: “Order” • “Sequence” • “Next” • “First” • “Last”
YOUR STRATEGY:

1. Look for “Front to Back” or “Clean to Dirty.”
2. Ensure handwashing/gloving is at the start and end.
3. Verify drying occurs before lotion or clothing.
   ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Choosing “Wipe with soap, then rinse with water” but forgetting that you must change the washcloth/wipe between strokes.

📋 Pattern #3: The “Who Gets Served First” Triage
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: A scenario presents multiple residents needing ADL assistance simultaneously. You must prioritize based on urgency.
EXAMPLE STEM: “You have just received the shift report. Which resident should you assist with breakfast first?”
SIGNAL WORDS: “First” • “Priority” • “Most urgent”
YOUR STRATEGY:

1. Assess safety: Is someone choking? Is someone in immediate pain?
2. Assess stability: Stable vs. Unstable.
3. Rule out the stable ones. A diabetic with low blood sugar needs food now.
   ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Going in room order (1, 2, 3) instead of medical priority.

📋 Pattern #4: The Cultural/Psychosocial Conflict
WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: A resident refuses care due to cultural beliefs or confusion.
EXAMPLE STEM: “A resident refuses to shower because they believe it will make them sick. What is the CNA’s best response?”
SIGNAL WORDS: “Refuses” • “Believes” • “States” • “Insists”
YOUR STRATEGY:

1. Never force.
2. Report to the nurse.
3. Try to compromise (e.g., bed bath instead of shower).
4. Respect the belief.
   ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Explaining why they are “wrong” or trying to force compliance for hygiene’s sake.

🎯 Pattern Recognition Tip: If the question describes a resident “refusing,” the answer is almost always Do not force and Document/Report.

Key Terms You Must Know

Vocabulary questions are common. Don’t lose points on definitions.

Red Flag Answers: What’s Almost Always Wrong

Use this table to eliminate obviously wrong answers quickly.

Myth-Busters: Common Misconceptions

❌ Myth #1: “You must give a complete bed bath every day.”
✅ THE TRUTH: Daily complete baths can dry out elderly skin. Often, a “partial bath” (face, hands, underarms, perineum) is sufficient and better for skin integrity.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Choosing “Complete bath” over “Partial bath” in a scenario where skin integrity is a concern.

❌ Myth #2: “If a resident is weak, you should do everything for them to save time.”
✅ THE TRUTH: This causes “learned helplessness.” Rehabilitation principles require encouraging self-care to maintain muscle function and morale.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Failing questions that ask for the “best approach to promote independence.”

❌ Myth #3: “Oral care isn’t critical for unconscious residents.”
✅ THE TRUTH: Unconscious residents are at higher risk for oral bacteria buildup and pneumonia because they cannot swallow or cough effectively.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Neglecting oral care steps in priority questions.

❌ Myth #4: “Water temperature is safe if it feels warm to your hand.”
✅ THE TRUTH: Hands are desensitized compared to the thin skin of the elderly. The elbow/wrist method is the standard of care.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Missing safety questions regarding temperature checks.

❌ Myth #5: “You should wake residents up at night to change their brief.”
✅ THE TRUTH: Sleep is crucial for health. Unless the brief is heavily soiled or the resident is wet/uncomfortable, routine nighttime checks should be done without waking the resident fully.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Failing questions about restorative care and sleep hygiene.

❌ Myth #6: “Using powder prevents skin breakdown.”
✅ THE TRUTH: Powder can clump and actually cause skin irritation or harbor bacteria. Creams and lotions that moisturize are preferred.
📝 EXAM IMPACT: Selecting powder over moisturizer in skin care questions.

💡 Bottom Line: Trust the textbook protocols over “common sense” habits you use at home. Elderly care requires a higher standard of safety.

Apply Your Knowledge: Practice Scenarios

Scenario #1: The Morning Rush
Situation: You have three residents ready for breakfast. Mr. A is stable and watching TV. Mr. B is a diabetic who just woke up with a blood sugar of 65 (low). Mrs. C is asking for her bedpan.
Think About:

• Who is in immediate danger?
• Who can wait 15 minutes?
  Key Principle: Medical stability trumps routine. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia) is a medical emergency.
  See Application: Assist Mr. B with eating first to raise his blood sugar. Help Mrs. C with the bedpan next. Assist Mr. A last.

Scenario #2: The Weak Side
Situation: You are helping Mrs. Garcia put on a button-down shirt. She had a stroke and has left-sided weakness. She is confused.
Think About:

• Which arm goes in the sleeve first?
• How do you communicate with her confusion?
  Key Principle: In with the Weak, Out with the Strong.
  See Application: Gently guide her weak (left) arm into the sleeve first. Then put her strong (right) arm in. Use short, simple commands.

Scenario #3: The Refusal
Situation: Mr. Jones refuses his bath today. He says, “I don’t need one, I had one yesterday!”
Think About:

• Can you force him?
• What is your next step?
  Key Principle: Residents have the right to refuse.
  See Application: Do not force him. Find out why he is refusing (fear of cold? tired?). Try to negotiate (a washcloth bath instead of a shower). If he still refuses, document it and notify the nurse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What if a resident refuses to take a bath?

A: Do not force the resident. Find out why (fear of cold, modesty, fatigue). Try to compromise (e.g., bed bath instead of shower, or a sponge bath later). Document the refusal and notify the nurse. Residents have the right to refuse care.

Q: How do I measure fluid intake (I&O) correctly?

A: Measure the container before the resident drinks. Subtract what is left from the starting amount. Record the amount consumed, not what was served. Remember that ice cream, jello, and soup count as fluid (ice counts as 50% of its volume).

Q: Why do we check water temperature with the elbow?

A: The elbow/wrist is more sensitive to heat than your hands, which are used to hot water. Elderly skin is thinner and burns easily. The safe range is generally 100-105°F.

Q: What is the correct order for washing a female resident’s perineal area?

A: Always front to back. Use separate wipes or a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke. Pat dry thoroughly. This prevents bringing bacteria from the anus to the urethra (causing UTIs).

Q: What do I do if a resident starts choking while eating?

A: Stop feeding immediately. If they can cough or breathe, encourage them to cough. If they cannot breathe, cough, or speak, activate the emergency response (call for help) immediately. Do not leave the resident alone.

Q: Can I cut a diabetic resident’s toenails?

A: Generally, NO. Diabetics have poor circulation and nerve damage (neuropathy); accidental cuts can lead to serious infection or ulcers. This is usually a podiatrist’s task. CNAs may file or clean, but usually not cut.

Q: How do I handle a resident with “Dementia” who refuses to change clothes?

A: Don’t argue. Use distraction or “therapeutic fibbing” (e.g., “Look, this shirt is dirty, let’s put on this clean one”). Give choices (Red shirt or Blue shirt?) to give them a sense of control. Try again later if agitation persists.

Recommended Study Approach for ADLs

This topic requires a mix of memorization and empathy. Follow this 4-phase plan (estimated 5-6 hours total).

Phase 1: Build Foundation (1.5 Hours)

Focus Areas: Infection Control Basics, Hygiene Hierarchy.
Activities:

• Master the “Clean to Dirty” order. Say it out loud: “Face, Eyes, Ears, Neck, Hands, Perineum.”
• Learn the Water Temperature rule (Wrist check).
• Memorize the DEATH acronym for ADL categories.

Phase 2: Deepen Understanding (1.5 Hours)

Focus Areas: Nutrition Safety, Elimination.
Activities:

• Study Dysphagia diets (Nectar vs. Honey vs. Pudding).
• Practice calculating Intake & Output (including ice).
• Learn the difference between a Bedpan and Fracture Pan.

Phase 3: Apply & Test (1.5 Hours)

Focus Areas: Dressing logic, Mobility, Patterns.
Activities:

• Practice the Weak Side Rule: Put your weak arm in your shirt sleeve first to feel the mechanics.
• Review Question Patterns (Least restrictive, Triage).
• Take practice quizzes specifically on ADLs.

Phase 4: Review & Reinforce (1 Hour)

Focus Areas: Pitfalls, Myths, Red Flags.
Activities:

• Review the Pitfalls section. Ask yourself which ones you are most likely to fall for.
• Re-read the Myth-Busters.
• Final self-assessment.

✅ You’re Ready When You Can:

• [ ] Explain “Clean to Dirty” in your sleep.
• [ ] Identify which arm goes in the shirt first for a stroke patient (Weak).
• [ ] Explain why a resident must sit up for 30 minutes after eating.
• [ ] Know exactly where to place a fracture pan (Flat rim toward buttocks).
• [ ] State the three steps for handling a refusal (Don’t force, Ask why, Report).

🎯 Study Tip: When in doubt on the exam, choose the answer that promotes the most Independence, Safety, and Privacy.

Skills Test Connection

The written ADL knowledge connects directly to the Clinical Skills Exam. Here is how to integrate your study:

Integration Advice: When practicing the physical skill (like handwashing), ask yourself, “What infection control question might they ask about this?” Connecting the doing to the knowing cements the concept.

Wrapping Up: Your ADL Action Plan

You now have a comprehensive blueprint for mastering Activities of Daily Living. Remember that ADLs are the heart of nursing assistant work—these tasks determine the quality of life for your residents.

Prioritize the high-yield concepts: Clean to Dirty, Water Safety, Weak Side Dressing, and Upright Feeding. Avoid the traps of rushing or taking over tasks the resident can do themselves.

Your next step is to take practice quizzes to apply these patterns. Trust your training, respect resident rights, and you will ace this section of the exam.

🌟 Final Thought: You are not just performing tasks; you are preserving human dignity, one washcloth and meal at a time. Good luck

More Practice Tests

CNA Practice Test
Basic Nursing Skills
Basic Restorative Skills
Personal Care Skills
Activities of Daily Living (you are here)

Infection Control
Safety & Emergency Procedures
Communication Skills
Member of a Healthcare Team
Emotional & Mental Health Needs

Priorities and Priority Setting
Data Collection and Reporting
Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents
End of Life Care
Patient Rights