CNA Practice Test 2
Preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam takes consistent practice and a solid understanding of patient care principles. The written exam evaluates your knowledge of infection prevention, safety, communication, personal care, nutrition, resident rights, and the responsibilities of a nursing assistant.
This CNA Practice Test 2 includes 20 original multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations to help you prepare for the certification exam. These questions are designed to strengthen your understanding of common nursing assistant scenarios and improve your confidence before test day.
Tip: Read each explanation carefully—even if you answer correctly—to reinforce key concepts and improve your clinical decision-making skills.
Question 1
A nursing assistant enters a resident’s room before providing care. What should be done first?
A. Begin the procedure immediately
B. Knock, introduce yourself, and explain the procedure
C. Raise the bed
D. Open the window
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Respecting privacy and explaining the procedure helps establish trust and supports the resident’s rights.
Question 2
A resident suddenly becomes dizzy while walking. What should the CNA do?
A. Continue walking
B. Help the resident safely into a chair or to the floor if necessary and call for assistance
C. Leave the resident alone
D. Ask another resident for help
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Preventing a fall is the priority. Support the resident safely and notify the nurse.
Question 3
Which body fluid requires standard precautions?
A. Blood only
B. Urine only
C. All blood and body fluids as required by standard precautions
D. Sweat only
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Standard precautions are used whenever there is potential exposure to blood or other body fluids according to facility policy.
Question 4
When taking a pulse, the CNA should never use:
A. Index finger
B. Middle finger
C. Thumb
D. Two fingers together
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The thumb has its own pulse, making measurements less accurate.
Question 5
Which action helps maintain resident dignity?
A. Discussing the resident in the hallway
B. Closing the privacy curtain during personal care
C. Leaving the door open during bathing
D. Ignoring the resident’s preferences
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Providing privacy demonstrates respect and promotes dignity.
Question 6
A resident with diabetes reports feeling shaky and sweaty. The CNA should:
A. Ignore the complaint
B. Report the symptoms to the nurse immediately
C. Tell the resident to rest
D. Offer candy without following facility guidance
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: These symptoms may indicate hypoglycemia. Prompt reporting allows timely assessment and treatment.
Question 7
The purpose of using a gait belt is to:
A. Restrain the resident
B. Assist with safe transfers and ambulation
C. Keep clothing in place
D. Measure waist size
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A gait belt improves safety during transfers and walking assistance.
Question 8
The best position for a resident who is eating is:
A. Flat on the back
B. Sitting upright unless contraindicated
C. Lying on one side
D. Face down
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: An upright position helps reduce the risk of choking and aspiration.
Question 9
A CNA notices a resident crying after receiving bad news. What is the most appropriate response?
A. Ignore the resident
B. Tell the resident not to cry
C. Listen with empathy and notify the nurse if additional support is needed
D. Leave the room immediately
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Active listening and compassionate communication are important aspects of patient-centered care.
Question 10
Which finding should be reported immediately?
A. A resident finishes lunch
B. New chest pain
C. A resident requests water
D. A resident watches television
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Chest pain may indicate a medical emergency and requires immediate reporting.
Question 11
Why should gloves be removed after completing care for one resident?
A. To save gloves
B. To prevent cross-contamination
C. To improve comfort
D. To reduce paperwork
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Changing gloves between residents helps prevent the spread of microorganisms.
Question 12
Which nutrient is most important for tissue repair?
A. Protein
B. Sugar
C. Salt
D. Water
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Protein supports wound healing and tissue maintenance.
Question 13
A resident has difficulty swallowing. The CNA should:
A. Lay the resident flat
B. Encourage rapid eating
C. Follow the care plan and report concerns to the nurse
D. Skip meals
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Residents with swallowing difficulties require individualized care to reduce aspiration risk.
Question 14
Hand hygiene should be performed:
A. Only after using the restroom
B. Before and after resident contact
C. Once each shift
D. Only before meals
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Proper hand hygiene reduces healthcare-associated infections.
Question 15
What is the primary purpose of documenting care?
A. To criticize coworkers
B. To provide an accurate record of care and observations
C. To reduce patient interaction
D. To replace verbal communication
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Accurate documentation supports continuity of care and communication within the healthcare team.
Question 16
A resident refuses a bath. The CNA should:
A. Force the bath
B. Respect the refusal, document according to policy, and inform the nurse
C. Ignore the resident
D. Leave without informing anyone
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Residents have the right to refuse care. Follow facility procedures and notify the supervising nurse.
Question 17
When making an occupied bed, the CNA should ensure:
A. Bed wheels remain unlocked
B. Side rails are used according to the care plan and facility policy
C. The resident stands during the procedure
D. Bedding is tucked tightly over the resident’s feet
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Safety measures should be individualized and follow the resident’s care plan.
Question 18
Which action helps prevent falls?
A. Leaving call bells out of reach
B. Keeping walkways clear and dry
C. Encouraging residents to walk without assistance when they need help
D. Locking residents in their rooms
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A clutter-free environment helps reduce fall risk.
Question 19
A resident reports severe pain. The CNA should:
A. Ignore the complaint
B. Report the pain promptly to the nurse
C. Give medication independently
D. Tell the resident pain is normal
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: CNAs observe and report pain; medication administration is outside the CNA role in most settings.
Question 20
Which quality is most important for a CNA?
A. Compassion
B. Carelessness
C. Impatience
D. Dishonesty
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Compassion, respect, professionalism, and effective communication are essential qualities of an excellent nursing assistant.
Key Topics Covered
- Infection Prevention
- Resident Safety
- Communication
- Personal Care
- Documentation
- Nutrition
- Diabetes Care
- Patient Rights
- Fall Prevention
- Professional Responsibilities
Study Tips
- Practice questions every day.
- Review explanations, not just answers.
- Focus on resident safety and infection control.
- Learn your role and when to report changes to the supervising nurse.
- Take full-length practice tests regularly to build confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CNA Practice Test 2 suitable for beginners?
Yes. It covers foundational topics commonly tested on CNA certification exams.
Are these questions similar to the real CNA exam?
They are original practice questions designed to help you review the knowledge and decision-making skills expected of nursing assistants.
How should I use this practice test?
Complete the questions without looking at the answers, then review every explanation to identify areas for improvement.
Continue Learning:
- CNA Practice Test 3
- CNA Infection Control Practice Questions
- CNA Patient Safety MCQs
- CNA Vital Signs Quiz
- CNA Communication MCQs