Basic Nursing Skills & Bedside Care practice test: free CNA Certification questions

Sample Practice Questions for Basic Nursing Skills & Bedside Care

1. Question 1Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Infection Control (35%)

   A nursing assistant is about to help a resident with morning care. When should the assistant perform hand hygiene?

   AOnly if her hands look visibly soiledBBefore and after contact with the residentCOnly at the beginning and end of the shiftDOnly after touching the resident, not before
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct Answer
   B. Before and after contact with the resident

   Correct — hand hygiene before and after every resident contact breaks the chain of infection in both directions. Option A is wrong because hands carry germs even when they look clean. Option C is wrong because germs spread between every task, not just at shift change. Option D is wrong because clean hands must also protect the resident before contact.

2. Question 2Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Infection Control (35%)

   While providing care, a nursing assistant notices a tear in one of her gloves. What should she do?

   ARemove the gloves, wash hands, and apply new glovesBSeal the tear with tape and continue giving resident careCFinish giving care now and change the torn gloves laterDRemove the gloves and finish the task with bare hands
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct Answer
   A. Remove the gloves, wash hands, and apply new gloves

   Correct — a torn glove no longer protects anyone, so the assistant must remove the gloves, perform hand hygiene, and apply new gloves. Option B is wrong because tape does not restore a protective barrier. Option C is wrong because continuing with a torn glove spreads germs. Option D is wrong because working bare-handed after body-fluid contact risks infection.

3. Question 3Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Infection Control (35%)

   A nursing assistant is removing soiled bed linens. How should the linens be handled?

   AShake the soiled linens out in the room, then roll them for the hamperBPlace the soiled linens on the floor beside the bed temporarilyCRoll linens inward, keep off uniform, and hamper them unshakenDCarry the soiled linens pressed against the uniform to the hamper
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct Answer
   C. Roll linens inward, keep off uniform, and hamper them unshaken

   Correct — rolling linens inward contains contaminants, holding them away keeps the uniform clean, and skipping shaking keeps germs out of the air. Option A is wrong because shaking spreads microorganisms through the air. Option B is wrong because the floor is contaminated and linens must go straight into the hamper. Option D is wrong because pressing soiled linen against the uniform soils it and carries germs onward.

4. Question 4Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Infection Control (35%)

   A nursing assistant gets a resident's blood on her hands through a torn glove. What is the best immediate action?

   AWipe the blood off with a dry towel and keep working without washingBRub hand lotion over the exposed skin and continue giving careCFinish the entire current task first, then wash hands afterwardDRemove gloves, wash hands well, and report the exposure to the nurse
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct Answer
   D. Remove gloves, wash hands well, and report the exposure to the nurse

   Correct — immediate thorough washing removes the exposure and prompt reporting lets the nurse start follow-up per facility policy. Option A is wrong because a dry wipe does not decontaminate skin. Option B is wrong because lotion seals germs in rather than removing them. Option C is wrong because delaying washing prolongs exposure and continuing to work spreads contamination.

5. Question 5Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Infection Control (35%)

   A resident with an infected wound is on contact precautions. Which action by the nursing assistant is correct?

   AWear only a mask into the room without other protective equipmentBWear gloves and a gown, with hand hygiene before and afterCSkip all protective equipment since the visit will be briefDKeep wearing the same gloves from room to room to save supplies
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct Answer
   B. Wear gloves and a gown, with hand hygiene before and after

   Correct — contact precautions require gloves and a gown plus hand hygiene before and after, blocking transfer by touch. Option A is wrong because a mask alone does not block contact transmission. Option C is wrong because even brief contact can transfer wound pathogens. Option D is wrong because wearing the same gloves between rooms carries germs to other residents.

6. Question 6Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Safety/Prevention/Emergency (35%)

   A nursing assistant finds a resident lying on the floor next to the bed. What should the assistant do first?

   AMove the resident back into bed immediately without callingBLift the resident into a chair first, then go check the care planCStay with the resident and call for the nurse; do not move themDLeave the fallen resident alone to go find the nurse for help
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct Answer
   C. Stay with the resident and call for the nurse; do not move them

   Correct — staying with the resident prevents further harm, and calling for the nurse gets assessment before any movement that could worsen an injury. Option A is wrong because moving the resident could worsen fractures or spinal injuries. Option B is wrong because helping the resident up skips needed assessment. Option D is wrong because leaving a fallen resident alone is unsafe and abandons care.

7. Question 7Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Safety/Prevention/Emergency (35%)

   A nursing assistant smells smoke coming from a resident's room. What should the assistant do first?

   AMove the resident to a safe area away from the smokeBOpen all the windows to let the smoke out of the roomCGather the resident's belongings before leaving the roomDSearch for the source of the smoke before helping anyone
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct Answer
   A. Move the resident to a safe area away from the smoke

   Correct — rescue comes first in a fire: moving the resident away from smoke and flames saves a life before anything else. Option B is wrong because opening windows can feed the fire with oxygen. Option C is wrong because gathering belongings wastes rescue time. Option D is wrong because searching for the fire delays getting the resident to safety.

8. Question 8Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Safety/Prevention/Emergency (35%)

   A confused resident is at risk for falls. What should the nursing assistant try first?

   AApply a soft restraint to keep the confused resident in bedBKeep all four side rails raised on the bed at all times for safetyCKeep the resident in a chair all day with a lap tray tableDCheck often, keep the bed low, and place the call light in reach
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct Answer
   D. Check often, keep the bed low, and place the call light in reach

   Correct — frequent checks, a low bed, and a reachable call light prevent falls without restricting the resident. Option A is wrong because restraints require a physician order and reduce freedom. Option B is wrong because raising all rails can trap or injure a confused resident who tries to climb over. Option C is wrong because sedating or confining measures violate the least-restrictive principle.

9. Question 9Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Safety/Prevention/Emergency (35%)

   A resident in the dining room is choking on food but is coughing forcefully. What should the assistant do first?

   AStrike the coughing resident firmly on the back repeatedlyBStay with the resident, urge coughing, and call for helpCPerform abdominal thrusts on the coughing resident at onceDOffer the resident a glass of water to wash the food down now
   Show Answer & Explanation

   Correct Answer
   B. Stay with the resident, urge coughing, and call for help

   Correct — a forceful cough is the body's best clearing mechanism, so the assistant should stay, encourage coughing, and call for help in case it worsens. Option A is wrong because striking the back during effective coughing can disrupt it and lodge food deeper. Option C is wrong because abdominal thrusts are for a person who cannot cough, speak, or breathe. Option D is wrong because giving water can worsen the obstruction.

10. Question 10Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Safety/Prevention/Emergency (35%)

    A resident suddenly begins having a seizure. What should the nursing assistant do?

    AForce a spoon into the resident's mouth to stop the tongue being bittenBHold the seizing resident's arms and legs tightly still throughoutCEase the resident down, protect the head, clear the area, get the nurseDLeave the seizing resident alone in the room to run for help right away
    Show Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer
    C. Ease the resident down, protect the head, clear the area, get the nurse

    Correct — protecting the head prevents injury, giving space avoids harm from uncontrolled movements, and the nurse manages assessment and documentation. Option A is wrong because placing anything in the mouth can break teeth or block the airway. Option B is wrong because restraining limbs can cause fractures or dislocations. Option D is wrong because leaving a seizing resident alone risks serious injury.

11. Question 11Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Technical Procedures (35%)

    A nursing assistant weighs a resident every week. What practice keeps the weights accurate?

    AUse the same scale, same time of day, and similar clothingBWeigh on whichever scale happens to be closest each weekCWeigh the resident right after a large meal for consistencyDLeave shoes and the heavy blanket on the resident for weighing
    Show Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer
    A. Use the same scale, same time of day, and similar clothing

    Correct — the same scale, time of day, and clothing remove variables so weight changes reflect the resident's true condition. Option B is wrong because different scales are calibrated differently and give inconsistent readings. Option C is wrong because weighing after large meals adds temporary food weight. Option D is wrong because heavy blankets and shoes add false pounds.

12. Question 12Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Technical Procedures (35%)

    A nursing assistant is helping a resident with range-of-motion exercises. Which technique is correct?

    APush the exercising joint slowly past the point of pain feltBMove the resident's limb quickly without supporting the jointCExercise the joint until the resident feels tired, ignoring the painDSupport above and below the joint, move slowly, stop with pain
    Show Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer
    D. Support above and below the joint, move slowly, stop with pain

    Correct — supporting above and below the joint protects it, slow movement prevents strain, and stopping at pain avoids injury. Option A is wrong because pushing past pain can tear tissue. Option B is wrong because fast, unsupported movement strains joints. Option C is wrong because exercising only until fatigue ignores pain, the true stop signal.

13. Question 13Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Technical Procedures (35%)

    How should a nursing assistant position a resident's urinary drainage bag?

    AHang the drainage bag level with the bladder for better flowBKeep the drainage bag below bladder level and off the floorCLay the drainage bag on the bed beside the resident for nowDDisconnect the tubing before helping the resident walk around
    Show Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer
    B. Keep the drainage bag below bladder level and off the floor

    Correct — gravity keeps urine draining away from the bladder, and keeping the bag off the floor prevents contamination. Option A is wrong because a bag at bladder level lets urine flow back toward the bladder, risking infection. Option C is wrong because placing the bag on the bed beside the resident invites spills and backflow. Option D is wrong because disconnecting the tubing breaks the closed system and introduces germs.

14. Question 14Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Technical Procedures (35%)

    While taking a radial pulse, a nursing assistant notices the rhythm feels irregular. What should the assistant do?

    ACount the irregular pulse 15 seconds and multiply the rate by 4BRecord the rate as normal without mentioning the irregularityCCount a full minute and report the irregular rhythm to the nurseDReassure the resident the irregular rhythm is nothing to worry about
    Show Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer
    C. Count a full minute and report the irregular rhythm to the nurse

    Correct — an irregular rhythm cannot be judged from a short count, so a full minute plus a report to the nurse captures the abnormality. Option A is wrong because a 15-second count multiplied out can miss skipped or extra beats. Option B is wrong because ignoring an irregular pulse withholds important clinical information. Option D is wrong because a nursing assistant must report, not interpret or diagnose, the finding.

15. Question 15Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Data Collection and Reporting (35%)

    Which of these observations is objective data?

    AOral temperature of 101°FBComplaint of sharp stomach painCFeeling nauseated after breakfastDFeeling anxious about a procedure
    Show Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer
    A. Oral temperature of 101°F

    Correct — a thermometer reading is measured objectively and can be verified by anyone. Option B is wrong because pain level is felt only by the resident and cannot be measured directly. Option C is wrong because nausea is a personal sensation the assistant cannot observe. Option D is wrong because feeling anxious is a subjective experience reported by the resident.

16. Question 16Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Data Collection and Reporting (35%)

    A resident's urine looks dark and smells foul, and the resident seems newly confused. What should the assistant do?

    AWait and watch until the next shift to see if symptoms improveBTell the resident she probably has a bladder infection todayCOffer the resident extra water but report nothing to the nurse todayDReport the changes to the nurse promptly, giving the details
    Show Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer
    D. Report the changes to the nurse promptly, giving the details

    Correct — dark foul-smelling urine with new confusion can signal infection, and the nurse must assess promptly. Option A is wrong because waiting for the next shift delays needed assessment. Option B is wrong because the assistant must report, not diagnose, the cause. Option C is wrong because simply offering water ignores a potentially serious change in condition.

17. Question 17Ref: NNAAP Content Outline — Basic Nursing Skills: Data Collection and Reporting (35%)

    A resident drinks 4 ounces of milk. Using 1 ounce = 30 mL, how many milliliters should the assistant record as intake?

    A60 mLB120 mLC90 mLD240 mL
    Show Answer & Explanation

    Correct Answer
    B. 120 mL

    Correct — 4 ounces times 30 mL per ounce equals 120 mL, the value the nurse expects. Option A is wrong because 60 mL equals only 2 ounces. Option C is wrong because 90 mL equals 3 ounces. Option D is wrong because 240 mL equals 8 ounces, double what was consumed.