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CNA Activities of Daily Living Practice Test

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25 practice questions

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  1. Question 1 of 25Hard

    The nurse aide is assisting a resident who is receiving nectar-thick liquids and a mechanical soft diet. Which observation during the meal requires the nurse aide to stop feeding and alert the nurse immediately?

    1. A. The resident clears their throat repeatedly and speaks with a wet voice
    2. B. The resident asks to use a regular spoon rather than a plastic fork
    3. C. The resident uses a napkin several times to wipe gravy from their lips
    4. D. The resident pauses for thirty seconds between bites to rest their jaw

    Show answer to question 1

    Answer: A. The resident clears their throat repeatedly and speaks with a wet voice

    Persistent throat clearing and a wet, gurgly vocal quality during eating indicate that food or fluid may be pooling near or entering the airway, which is a major sign of aspiration. Pausing to chew and rest, requesting a spoon, and wiping the lips are normal, safe dining behaviors that do not require halting the meal or immediate nurse notification.

  2. Question 2 of 25Easy

    Before cleaning and trimming a resident's fingernails, the nurse aide should soak the resident's hands in warm water to:

    1. A. sanitize the nail clippers.
    2. B. soften the nails and cuticles.
    3. C. loosen calluses on the palms.
    4. D. improve sensation in the fingertips.

    Show answer to question 2

    Answer: B. soften the nails and cuticles.

    Soaking the fingers in warm water softens brittle nails and cuticles, making them easier and safer to clean and shape without splitting. Sanitizing nail tools requires chemical disinfectants or autoclaving, not simply soaking the resident's fingers.

  3. Question 3 of 25Hard

    A resident who has never experienced incontinence before becomes tearful and embarrassed after wetting the bed. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse aide?

    1. A. Notify the family immediately so they can discuss the resident's decline
    2. B. Clean the resident calmly while offering reassurance and maintaining privacy
    3. C. Tell the resident that everyone in the nursing home wears briefs eventually
    4. D. Remind the resident that accidents can be avoided by holding urine longer

    Show answer to question 3

    Answer: B. Clean the resident calmly while offering reassurance and maintaining privacy

    Providing prompt, calm care while maintaining privacy and offering reassurance protects the resident's dignity and emotional well-being during a distressing event. Remarking that everyone wears briefs diminishes the resident's feelings and fails to provide compassionate, individualized support.

  4. Question 4 of 25Easy

    Before beginning a bed bath, how should the nurse aide ensure the bath water is at a safe and comfortable temperature?

    1. A. Check the water on the aide's own inner wrist and then ask the resident to test it
    2. B. Ask the charge nurse to measure the basin water with an electronic thermometer
    3. C. Rely solely on the temperature indicator marked on the facility sink faucet
    4. D. Let the water sit in the basin for five minutes to reach room temperature

    Show answer to question 4

    Answer: A. Check the water on the aide's own inner wrist and then ask the resident to test it

    The nurse aide should test the water temperature first on the inside of their own wrist and then have the resident feel the water to confirm it is comfortable. Relying solely on the faucet setting is unsafe because plumbing temperatures can fluctuate suddenly and cause scald burns.

  5. Question 5 of 25Medium

    During a bath, the nurse aide finds a red, moist rash in the skin folds under Mrs. Owusu's breasts. What should the aide do?

    1. A. Apply a thick layer of powder to the area and leave it
    2. B. Rub the rash firmly to remove dead skin
    3. C. Cover the area with an adhesive bandage
    4. D. Wash and dry it gently and report it to the nurse

    Show answer to question 5

    Answer: D. Wash and dry it gently and report it to the nurse

    Skin folds trap moisture, which can lead to rashes and infection. Gently washing, patting dry, and reporting the rash lets the nurse decide on treatment.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • AHeavy powder can cake in moist folds and irritate the skin further.
    • BFirm rubbing damages irritated skin and can open it to infection.
    • CAdhesive on irritated, moist skin can tear it and trap more moisture.

  6. Question 6 of 25Easy

    A resident is having difficulty falling asleep due to mild anxiety. Which comfort measure should the nurse aide offer first?

    1. A. Turn on the overhead room lights to reduce fear of the dark.
    2. B. Insist that the resident remain in bed with the door tightly shut.
    3. C. Provide a warm blanket and listen quietly to the resident's concerns.
    4. D. Offer a cup of hot black tea or regular coffee.

    Show answer to question 6

    Answer: C. Provide a warm blanket and listen quietly to the resident's concerns.

    Simple environmental and emotional comfort measures, such as providing a warm blanket and offering a calm, listening presence, effectively reduce anxiety and encourage rest. Offering caffeinated beverages like black tea or regular coffee stimulates the nervous system and makes falling asleep harder.

  7. Question 7 of 25Easy

    When washing a resident's eyes during a bath, the nurse aide should wipe in which direction?

    1. A. From the outer corner toward the nose
    2. B. In small circles around the whole eye
    3. C. Up and down across the closed eyelid
    4. D. From the inner corner to the outer corner

    Show answer to question 7

    Answer: D. From the inner corner to the outer corner

    Wiping from the inner corner outward moves debris away from the tear duct. A different part of the washcloth is used for each eye to avoid spreading germs.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • AWiping toward the nose pushes debris toward the tear duct.
    • BCircular wiping spreads debris across the eye instead of removing it.
    • CUp-and-down strokes can push matter into the eye and do not clear the corners.

  8. Question 8 of 25Medium

    While brushing a resident's hair, the nurse aide notices tiny, oval white specks firmly attached to the hair shafts near the scalp. What should the nurse aide suspect?

    1. A. Scalp ringworm
    2. B. Dry scalp flakes
    3. C. Excessive hair conditioner
    4. D. Head lice nits

    Show answer to question 8

    Answer: D. Head lice nits

    Head lice eggs, known as nits, are small, oval white specks that adhere firmly to the base of hair shafts and cannot be easily shaken or brushed off. Dandruff or excess hair product flakes off freely when touched.

  9. Question 9 of 25Medium

    Mrs. Bell, 76, needs help eating. Halfway through lunch, she becomes drowsy and her eyes keep closing. What should the nurse aide do?

    1. A. Keep offering bites so she finishes her meal
    2. B. Stop feeding her until she is fully awake
    3. C. Switch to liquids, since they are easier
    4. D. Lower the head of the bed so she can nap

    Show answer to question 9

    Answer: B. Stop feeding her until she is fully awake

    Food or drink given to a drowsy person can slip into the airway. The aide stops, keeps her upright, and offers food again only when she is alert; unusual drowsiness is reported to the nurse.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • APutting food in the mouth of a drowsy person raises the risk of choking and aspiration.
    • CLiquids are even harder to control when a person is drowsy.
    • DLying back with food still in her mouth or throat increases the risk of aspiration.

  10. Question 10 of 25Medium

    Mr. Haddad, 82, takes an anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medication. He asks the nurse aide for a shave. Which razor should the aide use?

    1. A. An electric razor
    2. B. A new disposable safety razor
    3. C. A straight-edge razor
    4. D. His roommate's electric razor

    Show answer to question 10

    Answer: A. An electric razor

    Anticoagulants make bleeding more likely and harder to stop. An electric razor greatly lowers the risk of nicks and cuts, so it is the safer choice.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • BEven a new safety razor has an exposed blade that can cause cuts and prolonged bleeding.
    • CA straight-edge razor has the highest risk of cuts and is not used by nurse aides.
    • DRazors are never shared between residents because they can spread bloodborne infections.

  11. Question 11 of 25Medium

    Which personal protective equipment must the nurse aide wear when handling and cleaning a resident's dentures?

    1. A. Clean gloves
    2. B. Gown and surgical mask
    3. C. No protective equipment is needed
    4. D. Sterile gloves and a face shield

    Show answer to question 11

    Answer: A. Clean gloves

    Standard precautions require wearing clean gloves whenever contact with saliva or mucous membranes is likely, including during denture care. Sterile gloves and gowns are unnecessary because routine denture cleaning is a clean, non-sterile personal care procedure.

  12. Question 12 of 25Medium

    A resident with an ostomy pouch alerts the nurse aide that the bag has puffed up with gas like a balloon. How should the nurse aide address this concern?

    1. A. Prick a small hole near the upper edge of the bag using a pin
    2. B. Carefully unclamp the bottom drain over a toilet to release the air
    3. C. Press firmly against the center of the pouch to force gas into the stoma
    4. D. Instruct the resident to lie flat and wait for the gas to reabsorb

    Show answer to question 12

    Answer: B. Carefully unclamp the bottom drain over a toilet to release the air

    To release trapped flatus without damaging the appliance, the nurse aide should open the bottom closure over a toilet or bedpan to expel the air and then re-clamp it. Puncturing the pouch ruins the odor-proof barrier and will allow stool to leak onto clothing and bedding.

  13. Question 13 of 25Hard

    While giving a back rub, a nurse aide notices a reddened area over the resident's tailbone that does not fade after a few minutes. What should the aide do?

    1. A. Massage the area firmly to improve blood flow
    2. B. Place a heating pad on the area for comfort
    3. C. Avoid rubbing the area and report it to the nurse
    4. D. Cover the area with tape to protect it from rubbing

    Show answer to question 13

    Answer: C. Avoid rubbing the area and report it to the nurse

    Redness over a bony area that does not fade can be an early pressure injury. The aide should not massage it, should relieve pressure on the area, and should report it to the nurse.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • AMassaging a reddened bony area can damage tissue that is already injured.
    • BHeat raises the tissue's need for oxygen and can burn fragile skin; aides do not apply heat without an order.
    • DTape can tear damaged skin when removed and does not relieve pressure.

  14. Question 14 of 25Medium

    Mr. Abbott is on a low-sodium diet and asks for an afternoon snack. Which choice should the nurse aide offer?

    1. A. Salted crackers
    2. B. A cup of canned soup
    3. C. Dill pickle spears
    4. D. Fresh apple slices

    Show answer to question 14

    Answer: D. Fresh apple slices

    Fresh fruit is naturally very low in sodium, so it fits a low-sodium diet. The aide should still check that the snack matches his diet card.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • ASalted crackers contain added salt.
    • BCanned soups are usually very high in sodium.
    • CPickles are cured in salty brine and are high in sodium.

  15. Question 15 of 25Easy

    A resident is scheduled for a partial bath today. Which areas does a partial bath usually include?

    1. A. Back, arms, legs, and feet
    2. B. Hair, scalp, neck, and face
    3. C. Face, hands, underarms, and perineum
    4. D. Chest, abdomen, legs, and feet

    Show answer to question 15

    Answer: C. Face, hands, underarms, and perineum

    A partial bath cleans the areas most likely to cause odor or discomfort if left unwashed: the face, hands, underarms, and perineal area. Other areas may be added based on need.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • AThese areas are washed in a complete bath, but a partial bath leaves most of them out.
    • BHair and scalp care is a separate shampoo procedure, not the core of a partial bath.
    • DThis list leaves out the hands, underarms, and perineum, which a partial bath includes.

  16. Question 16 of 25Medium

    While monitoring fluid balance, a nurse aide observes that an alert resident has consumed only 300 mL of fluid over an 8-hour shift. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse aide to take?

    1. A. Withhold all solid food until the resident finishes an entire glass of water
    2. B. Offer preferred fluids frequently and report the low intake to the nurse
    3. C. Wait until the next shift ends to determine if intake improves before reporting
    4. D. Provide an over-the-counter electrolyte replacement drink immediately

    Show answer to question 16

    Answer: B. Offer preferred fluids frequently and report the low intake to the nurse

    An intake of only 300 mL in 8 hours is abnormally low and increases the resident's risk for dehydration, so the aide should offer fluids the resident enjoys and report the observation promptly to the nurse. Withholding solid food is punitive and unsafe, and giving specialized electrolyte drinks requires a nurse or physician order.

  17. Question 17 of 25Medium

    Which assistive device is most helpful for a resident who has impaired fine motor dexterity and struggles to fasten small shirt buttons?

    1. A. A dressing stick
    2. B. A reacher tool
    3. C. A long-handled shoehorn
    4. D. A buttonhook

    Show answer to question 17

    Answer: D. A buttonhook

    A buttonhook features a wire loop that passes through a buttonhole, captures the button, and pulls it through, requiring minimal finger dexterity. A reacher tool is designed to retrieve items or pull fabric from a distance rather than manipulate small buttons.

  18. Question 18 of 25Hard

    Why should a nurse aide avoid adding bath oils directly into a resident's tub water?

    1. A. They interfere with the resident's skin pH balance
    2. B. They prevent soap from cleansing the resident's body
    3. C. They make the tub surfaces dangerously slippery
    4. D. They rapidly lower the temperature of the bath water

    Show answer to question 18

    Answer: C. They make the tub surfaces dangerously slippery

    Bath oils create an extremely slick coating on tub surfaces, significantly increasing the likelihood of slipping and falling during entry and exit. Although moisturizing dry skin is beneficial, lotions and creams should be applied directly to the skin after drying rather than poured into the tub. Bath oils do not measurably lower water temperature or block cleansing actions to a degree that poses a safety hazard.

  19. Question 19 of 25Medium

    It is 30 minutes before lunch is served in the dining room. Which nurse aide action best prepares residents for the meal?

    1. A. Offer toileting and help residents wash their hands
    2. B. Seat all residents at their tables an hour early
    3. C. Collect residents' glasses and hearing aids
    4. D. Turn up the television volume in the dining room

    Show answer to question 19

    Answer: A. Offer toileting and help residents wash their hands

    Offering toileting first lets residents eat without interruption, and hand hygiene keeps germs away from food. Residents should also have their glasses, hearing aids, and dentures in place.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • BLong waits at the table can tire residents and make them restless.
    • CGlasses and hearing aids help residents see their food and join the conversation.
    • DLoud noise distracts residents and makes mealtime less pleasant.

  20. Question 20 of 25Hard

    Which resident would most likely require the use of a fracture bedpan rather than a standard bedpan?

    1. A. A resident who has mild cognitive impairment
    2. B. A resident who takes diuretic medications daily
    3. C. A resident who is blind and needs verbal guidance
    4. D. A resident who had a recent total hip replacement

    Show answer to question 20

    Answer: D. A resident who had a recent total hip replacement

    A fracture bedpan has a flat, low end designed for residents who cannot safely raise their hips due to hip fractures, joint replacements, or spinal restrictions. Residents with cognitive or visual impairments who have full joint mobility can use standard toileting equipment.

  21. Question 21 of 25Hard

    A resident tells the nurse aide that back pain makes it impossible to fall asleep. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse aide to take?

    1. A. Advise the resident to lie flat without pillows
    2. B. Report the resident's complaint of pain to the nurse
    3. C. Tell the resident to wait until morning for relief
    4. D. Administer a mild pain reliever from the cart

    Show answer to question 21

    Answer: B. Report the resident's complaint of pain to the nurse

    Pain is a major barrier to rest and must be reported promptly to the nurse so it can be evaluated and treated. Administering medications is outside the nurse aide scope of practice, and telling the resident to wait ignores their discomfort.

  22. Question 22 of 25Medium

    While drying a resident's feet after a basin soak, the nurse aide observes cracked skin and redness between the toes. What should the nurse aide do?

    1. A. Clip away the cracked skin with toenail clippers
    2. B. Cover the resident's feet immediately with tight elastic socks
    3. C. Dry the area thoroughly and notify the nurse
    4. D. Apply a thick layer of lotion between the toes

    Show answer to question 22

    Answer: C. Dry the area thoroughly and notify the nurse

    The nurse aide should pat the skin between the toes dry to prevent excess moisture from worsening the condition and report the observation to the charge nurse. Applying lotion between the toes should be avoided because trapped moisture encourages fungal growth and maceration.

  23. Question 23 of 25Hard

    While eating in bed, a resident begins to slide down toward the foot of the bed and starts coughing softly. What should the nurse aide do first?

    1. A. Stop the meal and assist the resident back into an upright position
    2. B. Encourage the resident to take deep breaths and continue eating slowly
    3. C. Offer a sip of water to clear the resident's throat
    4. D. Lower the head of the bed completely to readjust the resident's hips

    Show answer to question 23

    Answer: A. Stop the meal and assist the resident back into an upright position

    Slumping down while eating compromises the airway and promotes choking; the aide must immediately stop offering food and reposition the resident upright. Giving liquids while a resident is coughing and improperly positioned can cause immediate aspiration.

  24. Question 24 of 25Easy

    A resident's care plan says 'NPO after midnight' before a procedure. What does this mean?

    1. A. Only clear liquids after midnight
    2. B. No pain medicine after midnight
    3. C. Nothing by mouth after midnight
    4. D. No visitors after midnight

    Show answer to question 24

    Answer: C. Nothing by mouth after midnight

    NPO means nothing by mouth, so the resident gets no food or fluids, including water, after the stated time. The aide may remove the water pitcher and post a sign as the facility directs.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • AClear liquids are not allowed when the order is NPO.
    • BNPO refers to food and fluids, not to pain medicine.
    • DNPO has nothing to do with visitors.

  25. Question 25 of 25Easy

    While feeding a resident, which observation is the most common indicator that the resident is having difficulty swallowing and may be aspirating?

    1. A. Persistent coughing or a wet, gurgling voice
    2. B. Wiping the mouth with a napkin frequently
    3. C. Requesting a drink of water between bites
    4. D. Eating food at a slower pace than usual

    Show answer to question 25

    Answer: A. Persistent coughing or a wet, gurgling voice

    Coughing, clearing the throat, or speaking with a wet, gurgling voice during or after swallowing indicates that food or liquid may have entered the airway. Eating slowly or needing a sip of water is common during meals and does not directly signal aspiration.

The full CNA bank has 355 Activities of Daily Living questions. See plans

In the 2024 NNAAP written exam content outline, Activities of Daily Living is 22% of the scored questions (13 of 60). Below are 25 original Activities of Daily Living practice questions, each with the answer and an explanation.

Source: Credentia, 2024 NNAAP written exam content outline.

Study guide lessons for Activities of Daily Living

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Questions, answered

Are these actual CNA questions?

No. They are original practice questions written from the public exam outline, not questions taken from the exam. Exam owners keep live questions confidential.

How much of the CNA written exam is Activities of Daily Living?

22% of the scored questions, 13 of 60, in the 2024 NNAAP content outline. Some states use a different nurse aide exam, so check the outline for your state. Source: Credentia, 2024 NNAAP written exam content outline.

Is this CNA Activities of Daily Living practice test free?

Yes. The 25 questions on this page, with answers and explanations, are free to use, and there is no sign up. The full CNA bank of 2,833 questions, with timed section tests and an AI tutor, comes with a plan.

How should I use this practice test?

Answer each question before you open Show answer, then read why the correct option is right and the others are not. Note the topics you miss and review them first. The CNA study guide has 7 lessons for Activities of Daily Living, listed on this page.

These are original practice questions written from the public exam outline. They are not actual exam questions. NNAAP is a trademark of its owner. tests.global is not affiliated with or endorsed by Credentia or NCSBN.

Updated November 1, 2026.