CNA Practice Test 3
Preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification exam requires a strong understanding of patient care, infection prevention, communication, safety, nutrition, mobility, and ethical responsibilities. Completing practice tests regularly helps reinforce important concepts and builds confidence for the written examination.
This CNA Practice Test 3 features 20 original multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. The questions are designed to reflect the knowledge and judgment expected of nursing assistants in long-term care facilities, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and home healthcare settings.
Study Tip: Answer every question before checking the explanation. Understanding why an answer is correct is just as important as choosing the right option.
Question 1
A resident uses a walker for mobility. Before assisting the resident to walk, the CNA should first:
A. Ensure the walker is in good condition and within reach
B. Carry the walker while the resident walks
C. Ask the resident to walk without the walker
D. Remove the walker to encourage independence
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Checking that mobility aids are safe and properly positioned helps reduce the risk of falls.
Question 2
While changing bed linens, the CNA notices the resident’s skin is warm and flushed. What should the CNA do?
A. Ignore the finding
B. Report the observation to the nurse
C. Cover the resident with extra blankets
D. Turn off the room lights
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Changes in skin condition or temperature may indicate illness and should be reported promptly.
Question 3
Which action best promotes infection prevention?
A. Reusing disposable gloves
B. Cleaning shared equipment between residents
C. Wearing the same gloves for multiple residents
D. Sharing personal care items
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Proper cleaning of equipment helps prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Question 4
A resident says, “I don’t want to get out of bed today.” The CNA should:
A. Force the resident to get up
B. Ask why, encourage participation, and report concerns to the nurse if needed
C. Ignore the request
D. Tell the resident they have no choice
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Respect the resident’s preferences, communicate effectively, and report significant changes in behavior.
Question 5
Which position helps reduce the risk of aspiration during meals?
A. Flat on the back
B. Sitting upright
C. Face down
D. Trendelenburg position
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An upright position supports safer swallowing.
Question 6
A resident accidentally spills water on the floor. What should the CNA do first?
A. Walk around it
B. Clean the spill immediately or ensure it is cleaned promptly
C. Ignore it
D. Wait until the end of the shift
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Wet floors increase the risk of falls and should be addressed immediately.
Question 7
The CNA is helping a resident dress. Which action promotes independence?
A. Complete the entire task without involving the resident
B. Encourage the resident to do as much as they safely can
C. Rush the resident
D. Dress the resident while they remain asleep
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Encouraging independence helps maintain functional ability and self-esteem.
Question 8
A resident begins coughing continuously while eating. What is the CNA’s priority?
A. Encourage the resident to keep eating
B. Stop the meal, assist according to training and notify the nurse immediately
C. Leave the room
D. Give water immediately without assessment
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Persistent coughing during meals may indicate swallowing difficulty or aspiration risk.
Question 9
Which observation should be documented accurately?
A. “Resident was lazy today.”
B. “Resident walked 50 feet with a walker and one-person assistance.”
C. “Resident seemed strange.”
D. “Resident probably has the flu.”
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Documentation should be factual, objective, and measurable.
Question 10
A resident has hearing aids. Before speaking, the CNA should:
A. Turn away from the resident
B. Ensure the hearing aids are in place if appropriate and speak clearly while facing the resident
C. Shout loudly
D. Speak as quickly as possible
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clear communication improves understanding and respects the resident.
Question 11
When should the CNA wear gloves?
A. When there is a possibility of contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated materials
B. Only during feeding
C. Only when the resident requests it
D. Throughout the entire shift
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Gloves are worn based on the task and risk of exposure.
Question 12
A resident complains of severe dizziness after standing. The CNA should:
A. Encourage faster walking
B. Help the resident sit or lie down safely and report the symptom
C. Ignore the complaint
D. Leave to get supplies first
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Sudden dizziness may increase fall risk and requires prompt attention.
Question 13
What is the purpose of a care plan?
A. To replace nursing judgment
B. To guide individualized resident care
C. To increase paperwork only
D. To schedule staff vacations
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Care plans provide individualized guidance for safe and effective care.
Question 14
Which food is generally a good source of protein?
A. Chicken
B. Candy
C. Soft drink
D. Potato chips
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Protein is important for tissue repair and overall health.
Question 15
A CNA finds a resident on the floor. What should the CNA do first?
A. Lift the resident into bed immediately
B. Stay with the resident, call for help, and follow facility procedures
C. Leave the resident alone
D. Ask another resident to lift them
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Residents should be assessed before being moved after a fall.
Question 16
Which statement best demonstrates respect for resident privacy?
A. Discussing care in the cafeteria
B. Closing the door or privacy curtain during personal care
C. Sharing information with visitors without permission
D. Leaving the resident uncovered
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Maintaining privacy protects dignity and confidentiality.
Question 17
A resident with limited mobility should be repositioned according to:
A. Personal preference of the CNA
B. The resident’s care plan and facility policy
C. Once per day only
D. Only when requested
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Repositioning schedules help reduce pressure injury risk and should follow the care plan.
Question 18
What is the most appropriate response if a resident expresses fear before a procedure?
A. Ignore the concern
B. Listen calmly, provide reassurance within your role, and notify the nurse if needed
C. Tell the resident to stop worrying
D. Leave immediately
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Empathetic communication helps reduce anxiety and supports patient-centered care.
Question 19
A resident’s intake and output measurements are important because they help monitor:
A. Fluid balance
B. Hair growth
C. Vision
D. Hearing
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Accurate intake and output records help assess hydration status and overall health.
Question 20
The most important responsibility of a CNA is to:
A. Promote safe, compassionate, and respectful resident care
B. Diagnose illnesses
C. Prescribe medications
D. Perform surgery
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: CNAs play a vital role in providing safe, compassionate care while observing and reporting changes in residents’ conditions.
Key Topics Covered
- Resident Safety
- Infection Prevention
- Communication Skills
- Mobility Assistance
- Nutrition
- Documentation
- Personal Care
- Pressure Injury Prevention
- Professional Ethics
- Observation and Reporting
CNA Exam Preparation Tips
- Complete at least one practice test every day.
- Read every explanation, even if your answer was correct.
- Focus on resident safety and infection prevention.
- Learn when observations should be reported to the nurse.
- Review your state’s CNA candidate handbook before the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many practice tests should I complete before the CNA exam?
Most students benefit from completing 10–20 full-length practice tests along with regular topic-based quizzes.
Are CNA practice questions enough to pass?
Practice questions are helpful, but they should be combined with studying the CNA curriculum, reviewing skills, and understanding patient care principles.
Which topics are tested most often?
Common topics include infection control, personal care, communication, resident rights, nutrition, mobility, safety, documentation, and observation/reporting.
Continue Your CNA Preparation
- CNA Practice Test 4
- CNA Infection Control Practice Questions
- CNA Patient Safety Quiz
- CNA Resident Rights MCQs
- CNA Communication Skills Questions
- CNA Vital Signs Practice Test