CNA Practice Test 4 (2026) – 20 Free Certified Nursing Assistant Exam Questions with Answers
CNA Practice Test 4
Success on the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam requires a solid understanding of patient safety, infection prevention, communication, personal care, nutrition, mobility assistance, and professional ethics. Regular practice with exam-style questions helps improve confidence and reinforces essential nursing assistant concepts.
This CNA Practice Test 4 contains 20 original multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. The questions are designed to help you prepare for the CNA written examination while strengthening your knowledge for real-world patient care.
Exam Tip: Read each question carefully and eliminate incorrect options before selecting your answer. Review the explanation even if you answered correctly.
Question 1
Before assisting a resident from bed to a wheelchair, the CNA should first:
A. Lock the wheelchair brakes
B. Remove the wheelchair footrests after the transfer
C. Ask another resident for help
D. Leave the bed at its highest position
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Locking the wheelchair brakes prevents movement during the transfer and helps reduce the risk of falls.
Question 2
A resident complains of sudden chest discomfort while resting. What is the CNA’s priority?
A. Tell the resident to rest for 30 minutes
B. Report the symptom to the nurse immediately
C. Offer food first
D. Continue routine care
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Chest discomfort may indicate a serious medical condition and should be reported without delay.
Question 3
The best way to prevent the spread of infection is:
A. Wearing gloves all day
B. Performing proper hand hygiene
C. Wearing two pairs of gloves
D. Keeping patient doors closed
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hand hygiene remains the most effective method of reducing healthcare-associated infections.
Question 4
A resident with dementia becomes confused and attempts to leave the unit. The CNA should:
A. Yell at the resident
B. Calmly redirect the resident and notify the nurse
C. Ignore the resident
D. Lock the resident alone in a room
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Calm redirection helps reduce anxiety while maintaining resident safety.
Question 5
Which action promotes resident independence?
A. Completing every task for the resident
B. Encouraging the resident to perform tasks they can safely do
C. Rushing through personal care
D. Making decisions without involving the resident
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Supporting independence helps maintain physical function and self-confidence.
Question 6
A CNA notices that a resident’s urine is dark and concentrated. What should the CNA do?
A. Ignore the finding
B. Document and report the observation to the nurse
C. Add water to the urine specimen
D. Flush the urine immediately
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Changes in urine color may indicate dehydration or other health concerns and should be reported.
Question 7
Which resident is at the highest risk for developing pressure injuries?
A. A resident who walks independently
B. A resident who is immobile in bed
C. A resident who exercises daily
D. A resident with normal skin mobility
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Limited mobility increases prolonged pressure on the skin, raising the risk of pressure injuries.
Question 8
When collecting a urine specimen, the CNA should:
A. Follow facility procedures for specimen collection
B. Leave the container uncovered
C. Delay labeling until later
D. Store it at room temperature indefinitely
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Proper collection and labeling help ensure accurate laboratory results.
Question 9
A resident says, “I feel lonely.” What is the most appropriate response?
A. Ignore the statement
B. Listen empathetically and notify the nurse if additional support is needed
C. Tell the resident to stop complaining
D. Leave the room immediately
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Therapeutic communication supports emotional well-being and helps identify residents who may need further assessment.
Question 10
Which observation requires immediate reporting?
A. Blood in the urine
B. Resident watching television
C. Resident eating lunch
D. Resident reading a book
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Blood in the urine may indicate a significant medical problem requiring prompt evaluation.
Question 11
Why are bed wheels locked before providing care?
A. To make the bed heavier
B. To prevent unexpected bed movement
C. To reduce room noise
D. To improve lighting
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Locked wheels improve safety during patient care activities.
Question 12
A resident is scheduled for a meal but is asleep. The CNA should:
A. Force the resident to wake up
B. Follow the care plan and facility policy while informing the nurse if appropriate
C. Throw away the meal immediately
D. Skip documentation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The resident’s condition and care plan should guide the appropriate action.
Question 13
Which food is generally highest in calcium?
A. Milk
B. Soft drink
C. Candy
D. Potato chips
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Dairy products are commonly good sources of calcium, which supports bone health.
Question 14
The CNA should document:
A. Personal opinions
B. Objective observations and care provided
C. Rumors from visitors
D. Assumptions about a diagnosis
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Documentation should be accurate, factual, and objective.
Question 15
A resident refuses to wear a gait belt during transfer. The CNA should:
A. Force the resident
B. Explain the purpose, encourage cooperation, and report the refusal according to facility policy
C. Ignore safety procedures
D. Transfer the resident alone without precautions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Residents have rights, but safety concerns and refusals should be communicated appropriately.
Question 16
What is the purpose of turning and repositioning an immobile resident?
A. To reduce the risk of pressure injuries
B. To increase paperwork
C. To disturb sleep
D. To make bed-making easier
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Regular repositioning improves circulation and reduces prolonged pressure on the skin.
Question 17
A resident suddenly becomes pale and weak while walking. The CNA should:
A. Continue walking
B. Assist the resident safely to a chair or the floor if needed and call for help
C. Leave to finish another task
D. Ask the resident to walk faster
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Preventing injury is the priority when a resident shows signs of weakness.
Question 18
Which statement best protects resident confidentiality?
A. Discussing medical information only with authorized healthcare team members according to facility policy
B. Sharing information with visitors
C. Posting patient information online
D. Talking about residents in public places
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Confidential health information should only be shared with those involved in the resident’s care and according to applicable policies.
Question 19
A CNA observes swelling in a resident’s legs that was not present previously. What should be done?
A. Ignore the swelling
B. Report the new finding to the nurse
C. Massage the swollen area vigorously
D. Tell the resident it is normal
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: New swelling may indicate an underlying health issue and should be reported promptly.
Question 20
Which quality is essential for every CNA?
A. Compassion and professionalism
B. Impatience
C. Dishonesty
D. Carelessness
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Compassion, respect, accountability, and professionalism are key characteristics of effective nursing assistants.
Key Topics Covered
- Resident Safety
- Infection Prevention
- Communication Skills
- Documentation
- Mobility Assistance
- Nutrition
- Pressure Injury Prevention
- Confidentiality
- Emotional Support
- Professional Responsibilities
Study Tips for CNA Exam Success
- Practice at least 20–40 questions every day.
- Review the explanation for every answer.
- Focus on patient safety and infection prevention.
- Learn the CNA scope of practice and when to report changes.
- Take full-length mock exams to improve confidence and time management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my CNA exam score?
Study consistently, complete multiple practice tests, review your mistakes, and focus on high-yield topics such as safety, infection control, communication, and personal care.
Are these practice questions based on the CNA exam?
These are original practice questions created to help reinforce the knowledge commonly expected of nursing assistants. Specific exam content varies by state and testing provider.
How many practice tests should I complete?
Completing 10–20 practice tests, along with reviewing topic-specific questions, can help build confidence before the exam.
Continue Your CNA Preparation
- CNA Practice Test 5
- CNA Mock Test 1
- CNA Infection Control MCQs
- CNA Patient Safety Practice Questions
- CNA Vital Signs Quiz
- CNA Resident Rights Questions
- CNA Communication Skills MCQs