CNA Mock Exam 1 (2026) | Free CNA Practice Test
CNA Mock Exam 1 (2026) – Free Certified Nursing Assistant Mock Test with Answers
Preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification exam requires more than memorizing facts. You must be able to apply your knowledge in real-life patient care situations while prioritizing safety, communication, infection control, and professionalism.
This CNA Mock Exam 1 is designed to simulate the style of questions commonly found on CNA certification examinations. Each question has one best answer and includes a detailed explanation to help reinforce key nursing assistant concepts.
Mock Exam Instructions
- Total Questions: 20
- Time Recommended: 30 Minutes
- Passing Score: 80%
- Read every question carefully before selecting your answer.
- Review each explanation after completing the test.
Question 1
A resident suddenly says, “I feel like I’m going to faint.” What should the CNA do FIRST?
A. Continue walking the resident
B. Help the resident sit or lie down safely and call for assistance
C. Leave to find the nurse
D. Give the resident water immediately
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Preventing injury is the priority. Assist the resident into a safe position before notifying the nurse.
Question 2
Before assisting with oral care, the CNA should:
A. Explain the procedure and obtain the resident’s cooperation
B. Begin immediately
C. Remove the resident’s dentures without explanation
D. Skip hand hygiene
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Explaining the procedure promotes dignity, cooperation, and person-centered care.
Question 3
Which resident requires immediate attention?
A. Resident requesting another pillow
B. Resident with sudden shortness of breath
C. Resident watching television
D. Resident asking for a newspaper
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Shortness of breath may indicate a medical emergency requiring prompt reporting.
Question 4
When removing gloves, the CNA should:
A. Touch only the outside surfaces
B. Avoid touching the contaminated outer surface with bare hands
C. Throw gloves on the bedside table
D. Reuse gloves if they appear clean
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Proper glove removal reduces the risk of self-contamination.
Question 5
A resident refuses a scheduled bath. What should the CNA do?
A. Force the resident
B. Respect the refusal, document according to policy, and inform the nurse
C. Ignore the resident
D. Tell the resident they will lose privileges
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Residents have the right to refuse care. The refusal should be communicated through the appropriate process.
Question 6
The most effective method for preventing infection transmission is:
A. Wearing two pairs of gloves
B. Proper hand hygiene
C. Wearing a face shield continuously
D. Using hand lotion
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures for reducing healthcare-associated infections.
Question 7
A resident with diabetes becomes pale, sweaty, and confused. The CNA should:
A. Ignore the symptoms
B. Report the symptoms to the nurse immediately
C. Encourage exercise
D. Allow the resident to sleep
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: These symptoms may indicate hypoglycemia and require prompt assessment.
Question 8
Why should the bed be placed in its lowest position after providing care?
A. To reduce fall risk
B. To make the room look tidy
C. To increase airflow
D. To improve lighting
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Keeping the bed low helps reduce the risk of injury if the resident gets out of bed.
Question 9
Which action demonstrates respect for resident privacy?
A. Closing the privacy curtain before personal care
B. Discussing the resident in the hallway
C. Leaving the room door open
D. Sharing health information with visitors
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Protecting privacy supports dignity and confidentiality.
Question 10
A CNA notices a new skin tear while assisting with dressing. What should be done?
A. Cover it with a blanket
B. Report the finding immediately
C. Ignore it
D. Wait until the next shift
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: New skin injuries should be reported promptly for assessment.
Question 11
Which resident is most at risk for falls?
A. Resident who walks independently
B. Resident who feels dizzy when standing
C. Resident watching television
D. Resident reading a magazine
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Dizziness significantly increases the risk of falls.
Question 12
The CNA should document:
A. Objective observations
B. Personal opinions
C. Rumors
D. Assumptions
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Documentation should be factual, objective, and accurate.
Question 13
A resident is coughing while drinking water. The CNA should:
A. Encourage faster drinking
B. Stop the activity and report the observation
C. Ignore the cough
D. Ask the resident to lie flat
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Coughing during swallowing may indicate dysphagia or aspiration risk.
Question 14
Which action helps prevent pressure injuries?
A. Repositioning immobile residents regularly
B. Keeping residents in one position
C. Massaging reddened skin vigorously
D. Limiting fluids
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Regular repositioning reduces prolonged pressure on vulnerable skin areas.
Question 15
When speaking with a hearing-impaired resident, the CNA should:
A. Shout loudly
B. Face the resident and speak clearly
C. Speak while walking away
D. Cover the mouth while talking
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Clear speech and face-to-face communication improve understanding.
Question 16
A resident suddenly becomes unresponsive. What should the CNA do FIRST?
A. Follow facility emergency procedures and call for immediate assistance
B. Finish making the bed
C. Leave the room
D. Wait to see if the resident wakes up
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: An unresponsive resident requires an immediate emergency response according to facility policy.
Question 17
Why is accurate intake and output recording important?
A. It helps monitor hydration and fluid balance.
B. It determines meal preferences.
C. It measures body temperature.
D. It replaces vital signs.
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Monitoring intake and output helps identify dehydration, fluid overload, and changes in health status.
Question 18
A resident says, “I don’t want anyone to know about my illness.” The CNA should:
A. Respect confidentiality and share information only with authorized members of the healthcare team according to facility policy
B. Tell other residents
C. Post about it online
D. Tell the resident’s visitors
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Confidential health information should only be shared with those directly involved in the resident’s care.
Question 19
Which nutrient is most important for tissue repair?
A. Protein
B. Sugar
C. Salt
D. Carbonated drinks
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Protein is essential for tissue repair and wound healing.
Question 20
Which statement best describes the role of a CNA?
A. Provide safe, compassionate care while observing and reporting changes in residents’ conditions
B. Diagnose diseases
C. Prescribe medications
D. Perform surgical procedures
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: CNAs provide direct care, support residents with activities of daily living, and communicate important observations to the supervising nurse.
Score Yourself
- 18–20 Correct: Excellent! You are well prepared.
- 16–17 Correct: Good performance. Continue practicing.
- 14–15 Correct: Fair. Review weak topics and take another mock exam.
- Below 14: Spend more time studying infection control, resident safety, communication, and personal care before attempting the next mock test.
Key Topics Covered
- Infection Prevention
- Resident Rights
- Communication Skills
- Documentation
- Nutrition
- Personal Care
- Mobility Assistance
- Fall Prevention
- Pressure Injury Prevention
- Professional Responsibilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this mock exam similar to the real CNA exam?
This mock exam is designed for practice and reviews common concepts that many CNA candidates study. Exact exam content varies by state and testing provider.
How many mock exams should I complete?
Completing at least 10–20 mock exams can help improve confidence and identify areas that need more review.
What score should I aim for before taking the real exam?
Consistently scoring 85% or higher on practice tests is a reasonable target before scheduling your certification exam.
Continue Your Preparation
- CNA Mock Exam 2
- CNA Mock Exam 3
- CNA Practice Test 6
- CNA Practice Test 7
- CNA Infection Control MCQs
- CNA Resident Safety Questions
- CNA Communication Skills Practice