This is our 3rd CNA basic nursing skills practice test. CNA practice test is a great way for individuals who are interested in becoming CNAs to test their knowledge and see what areas they need to study more. The practice test consists of 60 questions that cover topics such as vital signs, infection control, and patient care. The questions are based on the official CNA certification test.
This is a timed quiz. You will be given 60 seconds per question. Are you ready?
Out of the options below, which one is a key part of care when bathing a patient?
The patient's self-esteem and autonomy will be raised if they are allowed to participate in his or her care. Note that it is not correct practice to clean the perineal area before the face, or to use cool water rather than comfortably warm water.
A patient with an ileostomy evacuates feces through the
The lowest part of the small intestine is the ileum. An ileostomy is an opening in the abdomen that is made during surgery. The end of the ileum is placed outside the body and connected to a bag that collects the waste of the intestine. It is usually on the lower right side of the body.
For persons who have difficulty talking because of disorders such as a stroke or physical defects, people providing treatment for them are
A speech therapist can assist in improving problems from strokes, physical defects, and swallowing disorders when a customer is unable to speak clearly or has trouble forming words. Speech therapists who are qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat customers work with both adults and children.
Why are indwelling catheters secured or taped to a patient’s leg?
If the catheter is secured to the patient’s leg, this could prevent any kind of trauma to the patient, should the catheter accidentally be pulled. A catheter is already fixed in the patient’s bladder with a balloon, so it cannot easily be dislodged. If the catheter is secured to the patient’s leg, any kind of trauma to the patient could be prevented, should the catheter accidentally be pulled.
Of the following options, which one should be reported immediately?
A low blood pressure (hypotension) is less than 90/60. Only one of the numbers has to be lower to be considered hypotension. Several clients probably have a normal blood pressure in the low range, but if there is a sudden drop from usual, report it to the nurse at once.
In the process to assess a patient’s radial pulse, there are many steps. Which of the following steps is a correct?
When your patient's pulse is irregular, you should re-count it for sixty seconds and then record it in the patient’s file. The rest of the options are improper procedure in attaining a patient’s radial pulse.
Patient who have just had a cold drink need to be taken a temperature orally. How long after the cold drink should the nursing assistant take the patient's temperature?
Within ten to twenty minutes, a patient’s oral cavity would more than likely return to their normal body temperature.
Insulin, a hormone, regulates
Diabetes is a disease that results when the pancreas does not make enough insulin to decrease or monitor the amount of sugar in the blood. It is a must for clients with diabetes to check their blood sugar levels every day. They demand medication, which can involve insulin injections, in order to stay still healthy.
What could you do to help make sure adequate circulation to prevent skin breakdown?
Supervising the client’s skin for any signs of breakdown is one of the primary responsibilities of a nurse aide. During baths, dressing, or position changes, inspect the skin for redness, pallor, warmth, or bruising. Reposition at least every two hours, protecting areas that rub together, and the bony prominences as well. Massages to the back and buttocks can promote circulation. Range-of-motion exercises are also helpful. Always report any signs of breakdown to the nurse.
What do signs and symptoms of shock probably include?
Signs of shock involve low blood pressure (hypotension), a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), a weak pulse, and pale skin which can be damp or clammy. The customer may also be breathing rapidly (hyperventilation). The customer may also be confused or not alert. Shock is an emergency situation, requiring rapid treatment.
A nursing assistant takes care of a patient. Out of the four following skin care practices, which one is correct?
Reporting any red pressure spots on the patient to the supervising nurse is the nursing assistant's responsibility. Any prescription ointments to the patient may not been administered by the nursing assistant. A second staff member is not required for perineal care. The use of talcum powder is not recommended.
What kind of fire can be put out with water?
Fire extinguishers are classified by the materials they can snuff out. Think “ABC.” Paper, wood, textiles, and some plastics use class A fire extinguishers. Flammable liquids, such as oil or gasoline use class B. Electrical fires use class C extinguishers. All fire extinguishers have labels on them to identify which kind of fire they can be used for.
What is the best way to do if you discover a resident smoking in his room?
The resident must stop smoking right away and he must be made aware that you will not allow this kind of behaviour to continue. He may also need a gentle reminder of the hazards and policies. The other options are not the correct methods of dealing with this kind of situation at one.
Out of the four following symptoms, a sign of bowel obstruction may be
The most specific sign of a bowel obstruction is the watery leakage of stool around a blockage, also known as fecal impaction.
Which of the following is not used when dealing with contractures?
Contractures deal with the degeneration and stiffening of the joints. Bandaging, which is used for prevention and treatment, is not a method. The other options are all possible ways of preventing contractures from happening or for loosening joints after contraction has occurred.
What is the safest way to confirm a resident’s identity?
Accurate identification of a patient is always done by checking the patient’s ID bracelet or tag. This is a universal standard of practice in every facility and health care setting. It makes sure that the patient receives the correct treatment and care every time.
Where should the nurse aid place the signaling device for a client is paralyzed on the right side?
Clients who have had a stroke often have one-sided weakness or paralysis. They may not be able to utilize that side of their body, or may not even be aware of the affected side. This is called “one-side neglect.” Rehabilitation services will aid the patient in recovering as well as possible, but as the client’s caregiver, you can encourage the patient to utilize the unaffected side by placing the signaling device where the patient can reach it to call for assistance.
In the Nursing Care Plan you note it is written; “O2 per N/C @3L, Orthopnea pos. as needed”. As a CNA, you know what does this mean?
This nursing care plan means that the customer is receiving oxygen at a constant rate of 3 liters per minute, using a nasal cannula. The CNA can help the customer sit in a Fowler’s (upright) position if the customer has trouble with breathing. The CNA should become familiar with list of approved abbreviations in their facility, for reading care plans and for doing documentation.
What should the nurse aid do when caring for a customer who uses a protective device (restraint)?
Staff must strictly follow the protocols to maintain the client’s safety when a physician orders a restraint for a client. The nurse aide should become familiar with the policies regarding restraints. The policy will state the defined times to monitor the client, directions for reporting on the client’s status, as well as directions for documenting all observations.
Mrs. Shumway has an order for I&O. You have picked up her breakfast and note she drank half of a 6oz. glass of juice, 4oz. of milk, and 8oz. of coffee, how much should you document?
The question is about HALF of a 6oz. glass. 15 oz. = 450 cc. When converting ounces (oz.) to cubic centimeters (cremember that 1 oz. = 30 cc. Although an ounce is slightly more, the amounts are considered to be equal by doctors and pharmacists. Also, 1 cc = 1 ml.
Which of the following could be considered neglectful while helping a patient with bathing?
Patient who is left alone while showering or bathing is at risk of slipping and falling. Leaving the resident alone is considered neglect. All the other options above show proper care for the resident and for his/her rights.
Where should the nurse aide’s fingertips be placed on the client’s when taking a client’s radial pulse?
A radial pulse is found at the client’s wrist. To locate it, place your index and middle fingers on the hollow area below the thumb. Light pressure are applied to feel the pulse. Count each beat for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 to get the pulse rate. If the client has an irregular heartbeat, count for 60 seconds. Record the pulse rate in the client’s chart.
Out of the four following actions, which one should you use when caring for a patient with a condom catheter?
The condom catheter must be removed at least once a day in order to be able to examine the patient’s skin underneath it. Never pull the catheter onto the penis, always roll it on. Too much lubrication can lead to the catheter becoming dislodged and a drainage bag should never be attached to any movable part of the patient’s wheelchair or bed as well.
Which of the following best describes stage four of a decubitus ulcer?
The damage to the joints, bones or tendons is considered as a sign of stage four. Stage one is redness, Stage two would be redness as well as an open sore, and stage three will show signs of blackened skin or a crater-like appearance.
Which of the following is not the nurse aid's responsibility for fire prevention measures?
The nurse aide may not take away clients and visitors cigarettes or matches while smoking by them may not be appropriate. However, the nurse aide can certainly mark these actions to the charge nurse. The nurse aide should also be familiar with policies regarding smoking or smoking areas, to inform smokers if there are designated places. All staff must be aware of fire extinguisher locations and what to do in the event of a fire. Notifying the nurse or maintenance department of any damaged electrical wiring or sockets, as well as faulty electrical equipment can prevent a fire.
When lifting a patient into bed, which of the following examples describes using the correct body mechanics for an NA?
The best way to avoid any injury is keeping your knees flexed and using your leg muscles to lift the patient. The other options are not considered to be using body mechanics and could very well increase the likelihood for injury.
Out of the following four options, which is an example of a pulse rate that must be reported to the nurse?
Any pulse rate outside the range of 60 to 100 should be reported immediately to the nurse in order to ensure the patient’s safety.
The number of tips of a quad-cane base is
To support the customer while walking, a quad-cane has four tips to provide a broad base. The customer holds the cane on the strong or unaffected side. To walk, place the cane about an arm’s length away, with all four tips touching the ground at the same time. Step forward with the weak leg, using the cane for stability.
All of the following options are the nursing assistant' duties, except
Administering a patient's medications beyond the scope of practice of nursing assistants; therefore they may not do so. Only RNs, LPNs, and other licensees may administer a patient’s medication.
All of the following options are signs of impending death, except
Impending death will more likely cause a decrease in appetite rather than an increase. The other options are all common signs of a human body shutting down.
What is the purpose of physical restraints?
Physical restraints are devices or equipment that prevent normal movement. Examples are arm or leg restraints, hand mitts, or vests. Utilizing restraints is against the law unless necessary to treat a client’s medical symptoms, or if there is a risk of harming self or others. Restraints are not used for punishment, convenience, or a method of control. Either a physician’s order or the client’s consent is required before a restraint can be applied.
A warm or cold application is ordered by:
It is significant to remember that only a doctor can order a treatment, test, or medication for a client. This involves simple treatments, such as hot and cold compresses. A nurse aide can be fired or lose certification for initiating treatments.
What is the opening of the colostomy to the outside of the body called?
A stoma is an artificial opening in the body, done during surgery. For a customer with a colostomy, the surgeon brings the end of the colon through the abdomen and creates a mouthlike opening that will drain waste into a bag. A stoma can also be done for the bladder and for the ileum (the lowest part of the small intestine).
The best way of keeping a skilled nursing facility from having an unpleasant odor is:
All staff in a skilled nursing facility are in charge of maintaining a pleasant environment. Any source of odor must be dealt with immediately. Bedpans and commodes should be emptied and cleaned as soon as the customer finishes. All linens should be changed per the facility’s policies and as needed. Soiled linens should be transferred to the laundry facilities as soon as possible. Housekeeping can clean the common areas, dining room, and customer rooms to prevent odors from food or incontinent episodes.
Which of the following four options is not a way to prevent pressure sores?
It is unnecessary to give the patients extra blankets in helping them to prevent pressure sores. The other three options will help prevent them.
The best way to decrease a swelling is
The best method to reduce swelling is cold packs. Heat compressions are more commonly used for back pain. Dry bandage pressure is mostly used to stop bleeding and moist bandages are used on burns.
A patient who uses the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) has
In order to help people who have food or an object caught in their upper airway, the Heimlich maneuver (abdominal thrusts) is used. When a customer appears to be choking, the nurse aide must act quickly to clear the airway. Call for help. To perform abdominal thrusts, stand behind the customer. Make a fist with your dominant hand. Place this fist just above the customer’s navel. Wrap your other hand firmly around the fist. Pull inward and upward, pressing into the customer’s abdomen with quick and forceful upward thrusts, as if you are trying to lift the customer off his or her feet from this position. Continue the abdominal thrusts in quick succession until the object is expelled.
What is important for a nursing assistant to do when she is helping her patient with a partial bath?
For any procedure that you conduct, one of the most important actions that you need to provide to your patient is privacy. Lukewarm water will not keep the patient warm enough, using a towel to cover your patient will not provide them with enough privacy and the patient’s feet are always washed last.
On what side should the resident lie for an enema?
The function of left Sim’s position is rectal examinations and administering enemas. The customer lies on the left side, with the right knee and hip bent. It is also called the lateral recumbent or semiprone side position.
You are assigned a task that is in your job description by the RN. Which statement is FALSE?
The RN must make sure that you understand how to do the task and that it’s beneficial to the patient while they assign or delegate tasks that are in your job description. Several non-RN tasks may be beyond the scope of your CNA practice. If so, inform the RN.
Of the following procedures, which one should be used for washing the perineum of a patient who has a catheter to minimize the spread of bacteria or further infection and contamination.
Washing from the meatus out is the correct washing practice as it avoids further spreading of contamination. Peroxide is not a cleanser so should not be used to wash a patient. The other two options are cleaning in the opposite direction that they should be in.
A ‘decubitus ulcer’ is also regularly known as
Despite the fact that the terms Pressure sore and Decubitus Ulcer are interchangeable, the term sore is actually a more accurate term to use.
What should the nurse aid do to lift an object using good body mechanics?
Maintaining proper spinal position with lifting is very important. When using the back muscles, bending at the waist, twisting, or trying to lift when the load is too heavy, the low back is at risk of injury. Common injuries associated with lifting are strains, sprains and herniated discs. For heavy loads, always find another person to help.
What should the nurse aid do when helping a patient who is heavy reposition, and the nurse aide is not sure she can move the client alone?
Because the risk for falls or injuries, for both client and nurse aide, increases with heavy loads, clients or objects which are heavy should never be moved or lifted by one person. Ask for assistance before attempting to pull or roll a heavy patient. Utilize good body mechanics by using your leg muscles to avoid back injury.
Mrs. Johnson is an 83-year-old female patient who suffers from the late effects of a CVA having {L} sided hemiplegia. What is this?
A customer with left-sided hemiplegia has paralysis on the left side of the body. The paralysis can be partial or total. It takes place on the opposite side of the CVA (stroke) or brain disorder. Mrs. Sparks had a CVA on the right side of her brain, resulting in left-sided paralysis.
What is the recommended position for giving an enema?
The left Sim’s position is used for rectal examinations and administering enemas. The customer lies on the left side, with the right knee and hip bent. It is also called the lateral recumbent or semiprone side position.
To convert four ounces of juice to milliliters (ml), the nurse aide should multiply
When converting milliliters (ml) to ounces (oz) remember that 30 ml = 1 ounce. Although an ounce is slightly more, the amounts are considered to be equal by doctors and pharmacists.
The nursing assistant suspects that a patient in the facility is being abused because of various unexplained bruises, refusal to answer most questions, and refusal of ADLs. Which of the following actions should the nursing assistant do next?
When abuse or even suspected abuse appears in a nursing facility, it must be reported immediately to the nursing assistant's supervisor. The level of intervention that the abuse of a patient requires beyond the scope of a nursing assistant practice. If you wait or if you only report bruising, you may be preventing or delaying a patient from receiving the necessary help.
NPO means
NPO is a common medical term that means the customer can not eat or drink anything, including water or ice chips. A doctor orders a patient to be NPO for situations such as before surgery or certain lab work. If a customer is ill or has a gastrointestinal condition, the doctor may write an order to be NPO until the cause is known. The nurse aide can provide mouth care for a customer who is NPO. Placing a “NPO” sign over the customer’s bed will remind all staff members not to give the customer anything to eat or drink.
After a patient is given insulin in the morning, he is pale and sweaty and appears confused two hours later. It would be helpful to discover whether the patient:
Diabetic customers have a strict schedule regarding insulin injections and eating. Eating causes blood sugar to rise, and the insulin helps move it into the cells. Without food, the blood sugar drops quickly, causing a serious situation. Immediate treatment is necessary. Quickly check the customer’s blood sugar and mark it to the nurse. The customer will need to eat 15 grams of glucose or a simple carbohydrate, such as 1/2 cup orange juice or a Tablespoon of sugar. In order for the meals to be served shortly after receiving insulin, the nurse aide should be aware of which customers are diabetic.
Of the options below, which one is not considererd to be a way to restrain a client?
A restraint may be either physical or chemical. The purpose of it is to protect the client from harming himself or others. Only a physician may order a restraint, and guidelines are strict. Although a pain medication may assist in calming a client or relieving behavior associated with severe pain, it is not in the restraint category.
Out of the four following statements, which one is correct about Alzheimer's patients?
It is absolutely imperative that an Alzheimer's patient maintain a routine. And a decrease in appetite and hallucinations are often common. It is important to frequently re-orient the patient.
What should you do with a clean bed linen placed in a client’s room but not in use?
It is no longer considered to be clean when linen has been in a client’s room. Each client’s room are able to have pathogens or sources of possible infection that could be spread by objects from that room. Even if opened supplies or items with sterile packaging that has been opened are not used, they should also be discarded.
The term Dyspnea, refers to difficulty with which of the following?
Dyspnea is a term that is used when a resident has difficulty breathing.
Which of the following is the medical term for Hypertention?
High blood pressure is the medical term for hypertension. The other options are incorrect.
You wear gloves and a gown each time you take care of a patient who has an MRSA infection. Where should you dispose of your gown and gloves when you need to care for your next patient?
The likelihood of spreading the infection to staff and other residents will be reduced when you remove your gloves and gown in the room of the resident with the infection.
Out of the four following options, the best description of MRSA is:
MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. It is very resistant to most antibiotic treatments.
Of the options below, which one best helps reduce pressure on the bony prominences?
A bedridden customer can quickly develop pressure sores if allowed to remain in one position. Repositioning the patient at least every two hours to prevent the skin from breaking down. Utilize pillows to support the customer and to relieve places where skin can rub, such as between the legs or at the tailbone. Always keep the skin clean and dry. Although a sheepskin on the bed or wheelchair provides extra padding, it does not replace repositioning. Observe the skin for reddened areas and mark them to the nurse. Special beds and flotation mattresses are helpful in preventing pressure sores.
What should the nurse aid do with a patient has a diagnosis of psoriasis?
Auto-immune diseases are never contagious. They happen when the body’s defense (immune) system attacks its own healthy tissue by mistake. Besides psoriasis, other examples of an auto-immune disease are lupus, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. customer care is the same as for any other customer without an auto-immune disease.
The utmost concern in any facility is preventing the spread of infection. What is the best way for a nursing assistant to help in stopping the spread of infection?
The most effective method to prevent infection is frequent hand washing. The other options are supportive methods.
