Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) & Hygiene practice test: free CNA Certification questions

Sample Practice Questions for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) & Hygiene

1. Question 1Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Activities of Daily Living: Hygiene/Dressing/Grooming (22%)

   What is the correct way for a nursing assistant to clean a resident's dentures?

   AScrub the dentures daily with hot water over the bare sinkBLeave the dentures in the mouth and brush them in place each dayCRemove them, brush gently with cool water over a towel in the basinDSoak the dentures overnight in undiluted bleach to fully clean them
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   Correct Answer
   C. Remove them, brush gently with cool water over a towel in the basin

   Correct — a towel-lined basin cushions dentures if dropped, cool water avoids warping, and gentle brushing cleans without damage. Option A is wrong because hot water can warp dentures and bare porcelain can crack them if dropped. Option B is wrong because dentures must be removed for proper cleaning and gum care. Option D is wrong because bleach damages dentures and burns oral tissues.

2. Question 2Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Activities of Daily Living: Hygiene/Dressing/Grooming (22%)

   A nursing assistant is giving perineal care to a female resident. Which technique is correct?

   AWipe front to back, using a clean area of the cloth each timeBWipe from back to front to clean the whole area more fullyCKeep using the same area of the washcloth for the entire cleaningDScrub the delicate area vigorously with a rough washcloth
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   Correct Answer
   A. Wipe front to back, using a clean area of the cloth each time

   Correct — wiping front to back carries germs away from the urinary opening, preventing infection. Option B is wrong because wiping back to front drags bowel germs toward the urethra. Option C is wrong because one cloth reused spreads germs across areas. Option D is wrong because harsh scrubbing injures delicate tissue.

3. Question 3Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Activities of Daily Living: Hygiene/Dressing/Grooming (22%)

   Before giving a bed bath, how should the nursing assistant check the bathwater temperature?

   AJudge the hot bathwater using only the back of the handBAsk the resident to guess whether the water feels safeCPour some hot water on the resident and ask if it feels fineDTest the water on the inner wrist; confirm about 105°F
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   Correct Answer
   D. Test the water on the inner wrist; confirm about 105°F

   Correct — the inner wrist is sensitive to heat, and about 105°F is comfortably warm without scalding fragile skin. Option A is wrong because the back of the hand is less sensitive and a poor judge of bathwater heat. Option B is wrong because asking alone ignores residents who cannot feel or judge heat safely. Option C is wrong because pouring hot water directly on skin risks burns before the temperature is known.