Free CNA Safety & Emergency Procedures Practice Test 2026

    More Safety and Emergency Procedures Practice Tests

    Test NameNumber of Questions
    CNA Safety and Emergency Procedures Practice Test – Part 125
    CNA Safety and Emergency Procedures Practice Test – Part 225

    Imagine this: You are walking down the hall of a long-term care facility when you suddenly smell smoke. Or, you are in the dining room, and a resident across from you clutches their throat and stops breathing. In these moments, there is no time to flip through a textbook. You have to act instantly.

    Safety & Emergency Procedures is the backbone of the CNA exam. It covers the critical protocols you must follow to maintain a safe environment for yourself and your residents, and the immediate actions required during medical or facility-wide emergencies. This domain isn’t just about passing a test—it’s about saving lives and preventing injuries.

    Because this domain makes up about 15-20% of your exam, missing these questions is a primary reason students fail. But don’t worry. We have broken down everything you need to know into a clear, actionable plan to help you master this high-priority topic.

    💡 Quick Stat: You can expect approximately 9 to 14 questions on Safety & Emergency Procedures on a standard 70-question exam. Mastering this section alone can be the difference between passing and failing.


    Understanding Safety & Emergency Procedures: Your Exam Blueprint

    Before we dive into the specifics, let’s look at where this topic fits into the grand scheme of the CNA exam. This isn’t just a small chapter; it is a major pillar of your daily responsibilities as a Nursing Assistant.

    Where This Topic Fits in Your Exam

    pie showData title Safety & Emergency Procedures on the CNA Exam
    "Safety & Emergency" : 18
    "Other Exam Topics" : 82

    What This Means for You:
    That 18% slice represents nearly one-fifth of your total score. In the world of standardized testing, that is a massive chunk. Since many of these questions involve “pass/fail” scenarios (like what to do first in a fire), getting them right is non-negotiable. You cannot rely on guessing here; you need to know the protocols cold.

    What You Need to Know Within Safety & Emergency

    flowchart TD
        MAIN["🎯 Safety & Emergency<br/>(18% of Exam)"]
    
        MAIN --> ST1["📌 Fire Safety<br/><small>High Frequency</small>"]
        MAIN --> ST2["📌 Choking & Airway<br/><small>High Frequency</small>"]
        MAIN --> ST3["📌 Falls & Restraints<br/><small>High Frequency</small>"]
        MAIN --> ST4["📋 Body Mechanics<br/><small>Medium Frequency</small>"]
        MAIN --> ST5["📋 Disaster Protocols<br/><small>Medium Frequency</small>"]
        MAIN --> ST6["📄 Workplace Safety<br/><small>Low Frequency</small>"]
    
        style MAIN fill:#1976D2,color:#fff,stroke:#1565C0,stroke-width:3px
        style ST1 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#4CAF50,stroke-width:2px
        style ST2 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#4CAF50,stroke-width:2px
        style ST3 fill:#c8e6c9,stroke:#4CAF50,stroke-width:2px
        style ST4 fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#FF9800,stroke-width:2px
        style ST5 fill:#fff3e0,stroke:#FF9800,stroke-width:2px
        style ST6 fill:#f5f5f5,stroke:#9e9e9e,stroke-width:1px

    Key Interpretation:
    Look closely at the High Frequency nodes. Fire Safety, Choking, and Falls/Restraints are your “Big Three.” If you are short on study time, prioritize these above all else. The medium and low frequency topics are important, but questions about RACE or the Heimlich maneuver are almost guaranteed to appear.

    📋 Study Strategy: Focus 70% of your energy on the green nodes (High Frequency). If you know RACE, PASS, and Heimlich perfectly, you have already secured half the points for this section.


    High-Yield Cheat Sheet: Safety & Emergency at a Glance

    Here is your visual roadmap. This mindmap connects the critical concepts you need to memorize.

    mindmap
      root((Safety & Emergency))
        Fire & Disaster
          R.A.C.E. Protocol
          P.A.S.S. Extinguisher
          Evacuation Types
        Airway Emergencies
          Choking Signs
          Heimlich Maneuver
          CPR Transition
        Falls & Restraints
          Least Restraint Policy
          2-Hour Release Rule
          Fall Prevention
        Body Mechanics
          Base of Support
          Gait Belt Usage
          Lift with Legs
        Reporting
          Incident Reports
          Facts Only
          No Opinions

    Quick Reference Summary

    1. Fire & Disaster Response
    This pillar is about the hierarchy of actions. In an emergency, you must follow a specific order: R.A.C.E. (Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish). You also need to know how to use an extinguisher using P.A.S.S. Remember, your safety comes first—never try to be a hero.

    2. Airway Emergencies (Choking)
    Recognizing the difference between coughing and choking is vital. If a resident can cough or speak, encourage them. If they cannot (the universal distress signal), you must perform the Heimlich maneuver immediately. Never perform a blind finger sweep.

    3. Fall Prevention & Restraints
    Falls are a major risk in facilities. You must know how to prevent them (low bed height, call lights) and the strict laws regarding restraints. Restraints require a doctor’s order and must be released every 2 hours for range of motion and circulation.

    4. Safe Body Mechanics
    Protecting your back is essential. Always use a wide base of support, bend your knees, and keep the load close to your body. Use a gait belt for transfers to ensure the safety of both you and the resident.

    5. Incident Reporting
    When something goes wrong, you document it. Incident reports are for facts only—what you saw, heard, or did. They are legal documents, so never include opinions or admit fault, and never reference the incident report in the resident’s medical chart.


    How Safety & Emergency Connects to Other Exam Topics

    Safety isn’t an island; it touches almost every other part of the CNA exam. Understanding these connections helps you answer “integrated” questions that test multiple concepts at once.

    flowchart TD
        subgraph CORE["Safety & Emergency"]
            A["Restraint Use"]
            B["Spills/Blood"]
            C["Fall Response"]
        end
    
        subgraph RELATED["Connected Topics"]
            D["Residents Rights"]
            E["Infection Control"]
            F["Basic Nursing Skills"]
        end
    
        A -->|"Freedom from restraint"| D
        B -->|"Biohazard cleanup"| E
        C -->|"Vitals check post-fall"| F
    
        style CORE fill:#e3f2fd,stroke:#1976D2
        style RELATED fill:#f5f5f5,stroke:#757575

    Why These Connections Matter

    • Restraints & Rights: You cannot discuss restraints without discussing Resident Rights. A resident has the right to be free from restraints unless absolutely necessary for their safety. Exams love to test the intersection of safety protocols and legal rights.
    • Infection Control & Safety: If a resident falls and cuts their head, you have a safety emergency and an infection control risk (blood). You must know how to handle the blood spill using Standard Precautions while managing the fall.
    • Basic Skills & Safety: Taking vitals is a Basic Skill, but knowing when to take vitals (e.g., immediately after a fall) is a Safety procedure.

    📋 Exam Strategy: If a question seems to be about two different topics (like a fall and vitals), prioritize the Life Safety aspect first (check for injuries), then move to the procedural aspect (vitals).


    What to Prioritize: High-Yield vs. Supporting Details

    You have limited study time. You need to focus on the concepts that give you the most points. This matrix shows you exactly where to put your energy.

    Study Priority Matrix

    quadrantChart
        title Study Priority Matrix
        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"
        "R.A.C.E. Protocol": [0.25, 0.85]
        "Restraint Release (2 Hrs)": [0.35, 0.90]
        "Choking vs. Coughing": [0.20, 0.95]
        "Heimlich Maneuver": [0.40, 0.90]
        "Fall Prevention Basics": [0.15, 0.80]
        "Body Mechanics": [0.50, 0.60]
        "Fire Extinguisher Classes": [0.70, 0.50]
        "Specific Disaster Plans": [0.80, 0.30]

    Priority Table

    PriorityConceptsStudy Approach
    🔴 Must KnowR.A.C.E. & P.A.S.S., Choking signs, Heimlich steps, Restraint release (every 2 hours), Fall prevention (bed height, call lights), “Do not move” rule for falls.Master completely. These will definitely be on the test.
    🟡 Should KnowBody mechanics (base of support), Gait belt use, Friction vs. Shear, Incident reporting rules, Seizure precautions.Understand well. These appear frequently but are less tricky.
    🟢 Good to KnowFire extinguisher classes (A, B, C), Hazardous waste symbols, Internal vs. External disasters.Review basics. Good for 1-2 extra points.
    AwarenessOSHA history, Specific chemical formulas, Bomb threat receiving details.Skim if time permits. Rarely tested.

    🧠 Strategic Insight: If you are struggling to memorize everything, drop the “Awareness” topics. If you know exactly what to do in a fire and exactly how to handle a choking resident, you are in a very strong position to pass.


    Essential Knowledge: Safety & Emergency Deep Dive

    Now, let’s get into the details. Here are the core content pillars you need to master.

    Pillar 1: Fire Safety & Disaster Response

    Fire safety is arguably the most procedural part of the CNA exam. You must follow the hierarchy of actions without hesitation.

    Key Concepts:

    • R.A.C.E. Protocol: This is the golden rule of fire response.
      • Rescue: Remove anyone in immediate danger. Do this first!
      • Alarm: Activate the alarm or call 911.
      • Contain: Close doors and windows to stop the fire from spreading.
      • Extinguish: Attempt to put out the fire only if it is small and safe to do so.
    • P.A.S.S. Protocol: How to use an extinguisher.
      • Pull the pin.
      • Aim at the base of the fire.
      • Squeeze the handle.
      • Sweep side to side.
    • Evacuation: Horizontal evacuation (moving residents to another smoke zone via the hallway) is done before vertical evacuation (down stairs). Never use an elevator during a fire.

    Exam Focus:

    • Know what to do with oxygen during a fire (Turn it off if safe/possible).
    • Never use water on a grease fire or electrical fire.

    Comparison Title: Fire Extinguisher Classes (A, B, C)

    ClassFuel SourceWater Safe?Memory Trick
    Class ATrash, Wood, PaperYesA for Ash (Wood)
    Class BLiquids (Gas, Oil, Grease)NoB for Barrel (Liquid)
    Class CElectrical (Appliances, Outlets)NoC for Current (Electricity)

    💡 Memory Tip: R.A.C.E. gets you out of the room alive. P.A.S.S. helps you fight the fire if you must.


    Pillar 2: Airway Emergencies (Choking)

    Choking is a life-or-death situation where seconds count. The exam will test your ability to distinguish between a resident who is handling it and one who needs immediate help.

    Key Concepts:

    • Universal Distress Signal: Clutching the throat with both hands.
    • Coughing vs. Choking:
      • Coughing: Resident is making noise, breathing, or speaking. Their airway is partially blocked. Do nothing but encourage them.
      • Choking: Resident cannot speak, breathe, or cough. Their airway is fully blocked. Act immediately.
    • Heimlich Maneuver: Stand behind the resident. Place your fist thumb-side in against the abdomen, above the navel but below the rib cage. Grasp the fist with your other hand and perform quick, upward thrusts.

    Exam Focus:

    • Blind Finger Sweep: NEVER do this. You can push the object further down.
    • If they pass out: Lower them to the floor gently, call for help/CPR immediately, and check the mouth (only if you can see the object).

    💡 Memory Tip: “If they can cough, let them go. If they cannot, make them blow.” (Cough = watch, Choke = Heimlich).


    Pillar 3: Fall Prevention & Restraint Use

    Falls are the #1 cause of injury in nursing homes, and restraints are a heavily regulated “last resort.”

    Key Concepts:

    • Least Restraint Policy: Restraints should only be used as a last resort to protect the resident from harm, not for staff convenience.
    • What is a Restraint? Any device (physical like a vest belt, or environmental like side rails up all the way) that restricts a resident’s freedom of movement.
    • Restraint Release Schedule: Restraints must be released every 2 hours to check circulation, skin integrity, and to perform Range of Motion (ROM) exercises. They must also be released for toileting and fluids.
    • Fall Prevention: Keep beds in the lowest position, keep call lights within reach, ensure non-skid footwear, and keep pathways clear of clutter.

    Exam Focus:

    • Side Rails: Using all four side rails up is considered a restraint (entrapment risk).
    • Fall Response: If a resident falls, DO NOT MOVE THEM until you have assessed for injuries (unless there is immediate danger like a fire).

    💡 Memory Tip: “2 Hours = 2 Checks.” Check circulation and check movement (ROM).


    Pillar 4: Safe Body Mechanics

    Protecting your back is part of protecting your ability to work. Poor body mechanics lead to career-ending injuries.

    Key Concepts:

    • Base of Support: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. One foot slightly forward.
    • Use Your Legs: Bend at the knees and hips, not at the waist. Keep your back straight.
    • Keep it Close: Hold the resident or object close to your body to maintain your center of gravity.
    • Gait Belt: A safety device used during transfers. It provides a secure handle and prevents the resident from falling. It should be placed snugly over clothing, with enough room to slide your flat hand underneath.

    Exam Focus:

    • Asking the resident to help (if able) by counting “1-2-3” or pushing up improves safety and dignity.
    • Never lift a resident solely by under their arms (shoulder injury risk) or by their hands.

    Comparison Title: Friction vs. Shear

    FeatureFrictionShear
    DescriptionSkin rubbing against a surface.Skin stays in place while bones slide.
    ResultAbrasion (surface scrape/blister).Deep tissue damage/tearing.
    PreventionLift, don’t drag; use lifting sheets.Keep head of bed low (<30 deg); use lift devices.
    Memory TrickRubbing (skin on sheet).Sliding (bone moves, skin stays).

    Pillar 5: Incident Reporting & Documentation

    When something goes wrong, the paperwork starts. This is a legal process, not a creative writing exercise.

    Key Concepts:

    • Incident Report: A factual report of an unusual event (fall, medication error, injury). It is used for quality assurance and legal protection.
    • Fact-Based: Write only what you saw, heard, or did. No opinions (“He was drunk”) and no blame (“I forgot”).
    • Documentation Rule: Document the event in the resident’s medical record (narrative notes), but do not reference the incident report in the chart. The medical record is permanent; the incident report is administrative.

    Exam Focus:

    • Who completes the report? The CNA involved or the person who witnessed it.
    • Never erase or “white out” errors in a medical record; use a single line and write “error.”

    💡 Memory Tip: “Just the facts, Jack.” Who, what, where, when. No “why” (speculation) or “how it felt.”


    Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

    Even well-prepared students get tricked by these common traps. Learn them now so you don’t fall for them later.

    ⚠️ Pitfall #1: The “Hero” Complex
    THE TRAP: Thinking you must extinguish every fire or stay in a dangerous room to save a resident, even if the fire is large.
    THE REALITY: Your safety is priority #1. If the fire is large, you evacuate and close the door. You do not play firefighter.
    💡 QUICK FIX: Remember: “A dead CNA cannot save anyone.”

    ⚠️ Pitfall #2: Confusing Coughing with Choking
    THE TRAP: Seeing a resident coughing after eating and immediately performing the Heimlich maneuver.
    THE REALITY: If a resident is coughing forcefully or speaking, their airway is partially open. The cough is clearing the obstruction. Intervening can dislodge the object into the full airway.
    💡 QUICK FIX: “If they can cough, let them go. If they cannot, make them blow.”

    ⚠️ Pitfall #3: Improper Restraint Timing
    THE TRAP: Thinking restraints can be left on for a whole shift or only released when the resident asks.
    THE REALITY: Restraints must be released every 2 hours (at minimum) for range of motion, circulation check, toileting, and offering fluids.
    💡 QUICK FIX: “2 Hours = 2 Checks (Move & Look).”

    ⚠️ Pitfall #4: Moving an Injured Resident
    THE TRAP: Moving a resident immediately after a fall to get them back into bed or comfortable.
    THE REALITY: Never move a resident who has fallen until you have assessed them for injuries, particularly head/neck/spine, unless they are in immediate danger (e.g., fire).
    💡 QUICK FIX: “Don’t move them til you prove them (safe).”

    ⚠️ Pitfall #5: Documenting Opinion in Incident Reports
    THE TRAP: Writing “Resident was clumsy” or “I forgot to put up the rail” in an incident report.
    THE REALITY: Incident reports must be factual and objective. They are legal documents. Admitting fault creates liability.
    💡 QUICK FIX: “Just the facts, Jack: Who, what, where, when.”

    🎯 Remember: The exam writers are looking for safe, legal, and professional responses. Avoid emotional or impulsive answers.


    How This Topic Is Tested: Question Patterns

    Recognizing the type of question is half the battle. Here are the patterns you will see in the Safety domain.

    📋 Pattern #1: The “Priority” Question
    WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: A scenario describes a chaotic situation (e.g., a fire alarm, a falling resident, a spilled tray). You are asked to identify the first action.
    EXAMPLE STEM:
    “You enter a room and see a resident choking, clutching their throat, unable to speak, and the nurse call light is blinking at the desk. What is your FIRST action?”
    SIGNAL WORDS: First • Priority • Best • Immediately • Most important
    YOUR STRATEGY:

    1. Assess for immediate life threat (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
    2. Eliminate answers that delay life-saving intervention (like calling the nurse first).
    3. Take direct action if within scope (Heimlich).
      ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Choosing “Call the nurse” because it feels respectful. In a choking scenario, you don’t have time to call anyone else.

    📋 Pattern #2: The “Restraint Definition” Trap
    WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: A question lists various devices or actions and asks which one requires a physician’s order or specific documentation.
    EXAMPLE STEM:
    “Which of the following is considered a restraint and requires a physician’s order?”
    SIGNAL WORDS: Restraint • Physician’s order • Device • Restrict movement
    YOUR STRATEGY:

    1. Look for items that restrict freedom (Side rails, Lap trays, Mitts, Geri-chairs).
    2. Dismiss items that assist (Bed rails used for assist only, Walker, Gait belt).
    3. Remember: If it prevents them from getting up/out, it’s a restraint.
      ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Selecting “Gait belt” thinking it’s restrictive, or missing “Lap tray” as a restraint.

    📋 Pattern #3: The Scenario-Based Hazard Identification
    WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE: You are given a description of a room or a scene and asked to identify the safety violation.
    EXAMPLE STEM:
    “You are bringing a resident into their room. Which of the following environmental hazards poses the greatest risk of a fall?”
    SIGNAL WORDS: Hazard • Risk • Safety • Unsafe • Violation
    YOUR STRATEGY:

    1. Scan the options for obvious fall risks (Wet floors, clutter, poor lighting).
    2. Check for fire risks (Oxygen near flammables, overloaded outlets).
    3. Select the one with the highest potential for immediate injury.
      ⚠️ TRAP TO AVOID: Choosing a minor hazard (like a messy bedside table) over a major one (like a wet floor or raised bed height).

    🎯 Pattern Recognition Tip: In Safety questions, the answer that protects the resident from immediate physical harm is almost always the correct one.


    Key Terms You Must Know

    Vocabulary questions often hinge on specific definitions. Don’t mix these up!

    TermDefinitionExam Tip
    RACERescue, Alarm, Confine, ExtinguishThe standard order of fire response; confusing the order is a common exam trap.
    Heimlich ManeuverAbdominal thrusts to clear airwayCritical life-saving skill within CNA scope.
    RestraintAny device/physical method that restricts freedom of movement.Legal implications and safety risks. Students don’t realize side rails or lap trays count.
    AspirationInhalation of food/liquid into lungs.Major safety risk, especially for dysphagia patients. Confusing with choking (choking is blockage, aspiration is passage into lung).
    Body MechanicsUsing the body efficiently to prevent injury.Tested via scenarios of lifting/moving.
    Sentinel EventUnexpected occurrence involving death or serious injury.Reporting requirements. Thinking minor falls are sentinel events (they aren’t always).
    Range of Motion (ROM)Movement of joints to prevent stiffness.Required during restraint checks.
    HazardAny source of potential damage or harm.Safety rounds and environmental safety.
    PathogenMicroorganism that causes disease.Infection control safety.
    ContusionBruise; a type of blunt force injury.Documentation of injuries after falls.
    MSDS/SDSMaterial Safety Data Sheet – Info sheet on chemical handling.Right-to-know safety protocols.

    Red Flag Answers: What’s Almost Always Wrong

    When in doubt, eliminate the “Red Flag” answers. These are choices that violate safety, rights, or scope of practice.

    🚩 Red FlagExampleWhy It’s Wrong
    Unnecessary Movement“Lift the resident up immediately”Moving an injured fall victim can paralyze them (spinal injury).
    Heroism“Try to put out the fire alone”CNAs do not fight major fires; safety first.
    Ignoring Distress“Ignore the resident to finish your rounds”Safety and care are always priority over tasks.
    Scope Creep“Apply the restraint for the shift”Restraints need orders/rechecks; CNAs cannot prescribe meds.
    Physical Force“Force the food down”Abuse/Battery. Never force care unless life-saving emergency intervention.
    Wrong Extinguisher“Pour water on the grease fire”Spreads fire or causes electrocution.
    Leaving Unattended“Leave the resident on the commode while you answer the phone”High fall risk.
    Wrong Airway Action“Perform a blind finger sweep”Can push object further down.

    Practice Application: If you see an answer that involves forcing a resident, ignoring a safety alarm, or moving someone without assessing them, immediately cross it out.


    Myth-Busters: Common Misconceptions

    Don’t let old wives’ tales or movie logic cost you points.

    Myth #1: “Side rails are just for helping the resident sit up.”
    THE TRUTH: Side rails are considered a restraint if they keep a resident from voluntarily getting out of bed. Using them to “trap” a resident is a violation and an entrapment hazard.
    📝 EXAM IMPACT: Students may miss questions about legal restraint use and alternatives.

    Myth #2: “If someone is choking, you should slap them on the back.”
    THE TRUTH: Back slaps are not part of the standard Heimlich protocol for conscious adults and can sometimes force the object deeper. The Heimlich maneuver is the standard.
    📝 EXAM IMPACT: Choosing “Back slap” as a correct intervention step will result in a wrong answer.

    Myth #3: “Restraints prevent falls.”
    THE TRUTH: Restraints often cause more severe injuries (strangulation, skin tears) and do not eliminate fall risk (residents try harder to climb out).
    📝 EXAM IMPACT: Failing to prioritize “least restraint” alternatives or choosing to apply a restraint unnecessarily.

    Myth #4: “If a resident falls, you must help them up right away so they don’t get hurt.”
    THE TRUTH: Moving a resident can worsen a fracture or spinal injury. The only time you move them is if they are in immediate danger (e.g., fire, water rising).
    📝 EXAM IMPACT: Selecting “Lift resident” as the first step in a fall scenario.

    💡 Bottom Line: On the CNA exam, the safest choice is rarely the “quick fix.” It is the methodical, rights-respecting, protocol-following choice.


    Apply Your Knowledge: Practice Scenarios

    Let’s put your study to the test with a few realistic scenarios.

    Scenario #1: The Dining Room Incident
    Situation: You are supervising dinner. A resident suddenly stops eating, places both hands on their throat, and turns blue. They are unable to speak.
    Think About:

    • Is the airway partially or fully blocked?
    • What is the universal distress signal?
    • Do you encourage coughing or act immediately?
      Key Principle: Recognition of complete airway obstruction. Since they cannot speak or are turning blue, the airway is fully blocked. Perform the Heimlich immediately.

    Scenario #2: The Smoky Hallway
    Situation: You walk down the hall and smell smoke. You see smoke coming from under a resident’s closed door.
    Think About:

    • What is the first step of RACE?
    • Do you open the door to check?
    • Do you run to get a fire extinguisher?
      Key Principle: R.A.C.E. The first step is Rescue. You check if anyone is in immediate danger. If the door is hot, do not open it. Rescue anyone nearby, then pull the alarm.

    Scenario #3: The Unattended Restraint
    Situation: You enter a room and see a resident with a vest restraint. You applied it 2 hours and 15 minutes ago. The resident is asking for water.
    Think About:

    • How often must restraints be released?
    • Can you provide water without releasing the restraint?
    • What are the consequences of not releasing it?
      Key Principle: The 2-Hour Rule. You must release the restraint immediately. Check circulation/skin, offer fluids/toileting, and perform ROM. Re-apply only if the order is still active.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Q: What should I do if I smell smoke but don’t see a fire?

    You should report it immediately (Activate Alarm) and follow facility protocol. Do not investigate alone if it seems unsafe. And no—never use the elevator during a fire alarm; use the stairs.

    Q: Can a family member ask me to use a restraint to keep their loved one safe?

    No, you cannot follow this order. Restraints require a physician’s order and specific documentation. Even if the family wants it “for safety,” you are legally bound to follow the doctor’s order and the facility’s least-restraint policy. Explain the policy and alternatives to the family.

    Q: What is the difference between a friction burn and a shear injury?

    Friction is the rubbing of skin against a surface (like moving up in bed). Shear is when the skin stays in place but the bones slide (like sliding down in bed). Shear is often more damaging to deep tissues. To prevent shear, use lift devices and keep the bed flat during movement.

    Q: How often do I need to check on a resident who has a restraint?

    Every 2 hours at a minimum. You must check: Skin condition, circulation, Range of Motion, toileting needs, and offer fluids. You take it off for care and put it back on if the order is still active.

    Q: What if I am giving a Heimlich and the person passes out?

    Lower the person gently to the floor. Call 911 or your emergency code immediately. Then, begin CPR/AED protocol. Check the mouth before giving rescue breaths; if you see the object, remove it. If not, continue CPR. You stop doing abdominal thrusts once they are unconscious.


    This is a high-stakes topic. Don’t just read it—practice it. Here is a targeted study plan for Safety.

    Phase 1: Build Foundation (2 Hours)

    Focus Areas: Fire Safety (RACE/PASS), Choking Signs, Restraint Definitions.
    Activities:

    • Walk through your home and visualize the R.A.C.E. steps. Where would you go? What would you close?
    • Use a pillow to practice Heimlich hand placement on a family member or doll. Get the muscle memory for “above navel, below rib cage.”

    Phase 2: Deepen Understanding (1.5 Hours)

    Focus Areas: Restraint release protocols, Fall prevention, Body Mechanics.
    Activities:

    • Create a table of “Assistive Devices vs. Restraints” (Walker vs. Lap tray).
    • Practice the “Wide Base” stance in front of a mirror. Bend your knees, keep your back straight.

    Phase 3: Apply & Test (1 Hour)

    Focus Areas: Scenarios, Priority questions, Incident Reporting.
    Activities:

    • Do a set of practice questions specifically on “Priorities.”
    • Write out a sample Incident Report for a fall using ONLY facts (e.g., “Resident found on floor next to bed at 1400. Call light on floor. Resident alert.”).

    Phase 4: Review & Reinforce (30 Mins)

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

    • Recite RACE and PASS out loud.
    • Review the “Red Flag” list to ensure you know what to avoid.

    ✅ You’re Ready When You Can:

    • [ ] Recite R.A.C.E. and P.A.S.S. forward and backward without hesitation.
    • [ ] Explain the difference between a resident coughing and choking.
    • [ ] Identify three devices that count as restraints (e.g., vest, lap tray, side rails).
    • [ ] State exactly how often to check a restrained resident (Every 2 hours).
    • [ ] State the rule regarding moving a resident who has fallen (Do NOT move).
    • [ ] Know the “Safe Zone” for hand placement during the Heimlich maneuver.

    🎯 Study Tip: Treat every practice question as a real-life scenario. Ask yourself, “If this were my grandparent, what would I want the CNA to do?” The answer is usually the right one.


    Skills Test Connection

    The written exam and the skills exam are two sides of the same coin. Here is how your written knowledge helps you pass the hands-on skills test.

    SkillWritten Exam ConnectionWhat to Know
    Heimlich ManeuverIdentifying correct hand placement and when to start.Hands: Midline, just above navel, below ribcage. Ask “Are you choking?” first.
    Moving a Resident Up in BedBody mechanics and shear prevention.Use draw sheet, ask resident to bend knees, avoid lifting under arms (risk of shoulder injury).
    Ambulating with a Gait BeltSafety equipment usage.Belt placed snug over clothing, CNA stands slightly behind and to side, holds belt from underneath.
    Fire Safety (Drill)Evacuation priorities.Horizontal evacuation (to next smoke zone) before vertical (down stairs).

    Wrapping Up: Your Safety Action Plan

    You have just reviewed one of the most critical sections of the CNA exam. Safety & Emergency Procedures is about more than memorizing acronyms—it’s about developing a mindset of vigilance and preparation.

    By mastering R.A.C.E., understanding the strict rules of Restraints, and knowing the difference between Coughing and Choking, you have secured a massive portion of your passing score.

    Your Next Steps:

    1. Memorize RACE and PASS today.
    2. Practice the Heimlich hand placement on a pillow.
    3. Review the “Red Flags” before every practice session.

    You are capable of passing this exam. Stay safe, follow protocols, and trust your training. Good luck!

    🌟 Final Thought: A prepared CNA is a safe CNA. Trust your training, keep your eyes open, and remember: safety first, always.

    More Practice Tests

    CNA Practice Test
    Basic Nursing Skills
    Basic Restorative Skills
    Personal Care Skills
    Activities of Daily Living

    Infection Control
    Safety & Emergency Procedures (you are here)
    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