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CNA Basic Nursing Skills Practice Test

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25 practice questions

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  1. Question 1 of 25Easy

    While assisting a resident with dinner, the nurse aide observes that the resident is coughing persistently, speaking with a wet-sounding voice, and pocketing food in the cheek. What should the nurse aide do first?

    1. A. Stop the meal immediately and notify the nurse
    2. B. Encourage the resident to take larger bites to swallow faster
    3. C. Offer a glass of water to help the resident swallow
    4. D. Pat the resident firmly on the back while continuing the meal

    Show answer to question 1

    Answer: A. Stop the meal immediately and notify the nurse

    Persistent coughing, pocketing food, and a wet vocal quality during meals are primary indicators of swallowing difficulty (dysphagia) and choking risk. The aide should stop feeding right away to prevent pulmonary aspiration and alert the nurse for an assessment.

  2. Question 2 of 25Medium

    While assisting a resident, a nurse aide accidentally drops and shatters a glass pitcher. What should the nurse aide do to clean up the broken glass?

    1. A. Pick up the larger pieces by hand while wearing examination gloves
    2. B. Use a broom and dustpan to collect the pieces and place them in a rigid container
    3. C. Gather the glass using damp paper towels and throw them into the room trash can
    4. D. Push the pieces under the bed until housekeeping staff arrives

    Show answer to question 2

    Answer: B. Use a broom and dustpan to collect the pieces and place them in a rigid container

    Broken glass must never be picked up directly by hand, even when wearing gloves, because it can puncture the gloves and skin. Using a broom and dustpan or mechanical device and placing the shards into a puncture-resistant container ensures safe disposal.

  3. Question 3 of 25Easy

    Which technique should the nurse aide use to obtain an accurate respiratory rate without alerting the resident?

    1. A. Place a hand directly over the resident's nose to feel air movement
    2. B. Keep fingers on the radial pulse site while counting respirations
    3. C. Ask the resident to count aloud to ten between each breath
    4. D. Tell the resident to breathe as deeply as possible while timing

    Show answer to question 3

    Answer: B. Keep fingers on the radial pulse site while counting respirations

    Residents often alter their breathing rate consciously or unconsciously if they know their respirations are being counted. Keeping fingers on the radial artery gives the appearance of still counting the pulse, allowing an accurate count. Telling the resident to breathe deeply causes intentional alteration of normal breathing patterns.

  4. Question 4 of 25Medium

    Mrs. Tan is on intake and output monitoring. Which item from her lunch tray should be counted as fluid intake?

    1. A. Mashed potatoes
    2. B. A slice of bread
    3. C. Cottage cheese
    4. D. Gelatin dessert

    Show answer to question 4

    Answer: D. Gelatin dessert

    Foods that are liquid at room temperature, such as gelatin, ice cream, soup, and ice pops, are counted as fluid intake.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • AMashed potatoes are a solid food, even though they are soft.
    • BBread is a solid food and is not counted as fluid.
    • CCottage cheese is a soft solid food and is not counted as fluid.

  5. Question 5 of 25Easy

    When assisting a resident to walk using a standard walker without wheels, the nurse aide should remind the resident to:

    1. A. Slide the walker across the floor while taking steps
    2. B. Lift and move the walker forward before stepping
    3. C. Lean forward heavily over the front bar of the walker
    4. D. Step forward with both feet before moving the walker

    Show answer to question 5

    Answer: B. Lift and move the walker forward before stepping

    A standard walker without wheels must be picked up, moved forward about 6 to 10 inches, and set down with all four rubber tips flat on the floor before the resident steps into it. Sliding a non-wheeled walker can cause it to catch on uneven surfaces and tip, while leaning too far forward creates significant instability.

  6. Question 6 of 25Easy

    What should a nurse aide do with soiled bed linens when stripping a bed?

    1. A. Roll them inward away from the body into a bundle
    2. B. Hold them firmly against the uniform while walking
    3. C. Shake them gently to check for personal belongings
    4. D. Place them on a nearby bedside chair temporarily

    Show answer to question 6

    Answer: A. Roll them inward away from the body into a bundle

    Soiled linens should always be rolled inward and away from the body to contain microorganisms and keep them from touching the uniform. Shaking linens or resting them on room furniture spreads pathogens throughout the resident's environment.

  7. Question 7 of 25Easy

    Why does the nurse aide encourage a resident to take deep breaths and cough regularly after surgery?

    1. A. To prevent blood clots from forming in the deep leg veins
    2. B. To raise low post-surgical blood pressure back to normal
    3. C. To prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia
    4. D. To decrease the resident's need for prescription pain medication

    Show answer to question 7

    Answer: C. To prevent respiratory complications such as pneumonia

    Deep breathing and coughing expand the lungs and clear secretions, which helps prevent atelectasis and post-operative pneumonia. Blood clots in the legs are prevented by leg exercises, early ambulation, and anti-embolism stockings rather than coughing. Coughing does not treat hypotension or replace needed analgesics.

  8. Question 8 of 25Medium

    A nurse aide is asked to help position a resident on their left side with the right knee flexed for an enema administration. Which position is this?

    1. A. Trendelenburg position
    2. B. Sims' position
    3. C. Lithotomy position
    4. D. Fowler's position

    Show answer to question 8

    Answer: B. Sims' position

    Sims' position involves placing the resident in a left side-lying posture with the upper leg flexed sharply toward the chest, which allows optimal access to the rectum and works with the natural anatomy of the colon for enemas. Fowler's is an upright sitting position used for eating or breathing. Lithotomy involves lying on the back with feet in stirrups, typically used for pelvic examinations.

  9. Question 9 of 25Easy

    During handwashing, how should the nurse aide hold the hands?

    1. A. Fingertips up, held higher than the elbows
    2. B. Palms pressed against the sink
    3. C. Hands held still under the faucet
    4. D. Fingertips down, lower than the elbows

    Show answer to question 9

    Answer: D. Fingertips down, lower than the elbows

    Keeping the fingertips pointed down lets dirty water run off the fingertips into the sink rather than up the arms.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • APointing the fingertips up lets dirty water run down toward the wrists and arms.
    • BThe sink is considered contaminated, so the hands should not touch it.
    • CRubbing with friction, not holding the hands still, is what removes germs.

  10. Question 10 of 25Medium

    A resident is served an 8-ounce cup of coffee and a 6-ounce glass of water for breakfast. The resident finishes all of the coffee and half of the water. How many milliliters (mL) of fluid intake should the nurse aide record?

    1. A. 270 mL
    2. B. 420 mL
    3. C. 390 mL
    4. D. 330 mL

    Show answer to question 10

    Answer: D. 330 mL

    The resident consumed 8 ounces of coffee (240 mL) and 3 ounces of water (90 mL), which equals a total of 330 mL. Recording 420 mL is incorrect because that represents the total amount of fluid served (14 ounces) rather than the amount the resident actually consumed.

  11. Question 11 of 25Easy

    When taking a tympanic temperature on an adult, how should the nurse aide position the ear?

    1. A. Pull the earlobe straight down
    2. B. Gently pull the ear up and back
    3. C. Press the ear flat against the head
    4. D. Pull the ear forward toward the face

    Show answer to question 11

    Answer: B. Gently pull the ear up and back

    Pulling the outer ear up and back straightens the adult ear canal, so the probe points toward the eardrum for an accurate reading.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • APulling the earlobe down is the method used for young children, not adults.
    • CPressing the ear flat closes off the canal.
    • DPulling the ear forward does not straighten the adult ear canal.

  12. Question 12 of 25Medium

    A resident cannot stand and must have their height measured while lying flat in bed. How should the nurse aide perform this measurement?

    1. A. Measure along the edge of the bed frame using a yardstick while the resident sits up
    2. B. Measure from the crown of the head to the hip, and then from the hip to the tips of the toes
    3. C. Ask the resident's family member to provide the resident's previous standing height
    4. D. Mark the sheet at the top of the head and the base of the heels, then measure between the marks

    Show answer to question 12

    Answer: D. Mark the sheet at the top of the head and the base of the heels, then measure between the marks

    For a bedbound resident, placing the resident supine, making small pencil marks on the sheet at the top of the head and the base of the heels, and measuring the distance between marks provides an accurate height. Measuring in segments along body curves introduces significant error. Relying on family recall does not provide an objective, current clinical measurement.

  13. Question 13 of 25Medium

    While an ice pack is on a resident's knee, the nurse aide observes the site. Which finding indicates a potential complication and must be reported to the nurse immediately?

    1. A. The ice cubes inside the bag are beginning to melt
    2. B. The resident reports that the ice pack feels very cool
    3. C. The skin beneath the ice pack looks pale and mottled
    4. D. The swelling around the knee remains unchanged

    Show answer to question 13

    Answer: C. The skin beneath the ice pack looks pale and mottled

    Pale, mottled, cyanotic, or white skin indicates severe vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow, signaling impending frostbite or tissue damage that must be reported to the nurse at once. Melting ice and a feeling of coolness are normal, expected occurrences during cold therapy. Swelling may take hours or multiple treatments to decrease, so an immediate lack of change is not an acute complication.

  14. Question 14 of 25Medium

    A resident using a nasal cannula tells the nurse aide that they feel short of breath and asks to turn up the oxygen from 2 liters to 4 liters. What is the nurse aide's best response?

    1. A. Switch the nasal cannula to a simple face mask at the current rate
    2. B. Shut off the oxygen supply temporarily to inspect the cannula prongs
    3. C. Turn the flow meter dial to 4 liters and note the change in the chart
    4. D. Advise the resident to breathe deeply and inform the nurse immediately

    Show answer to question 14

    Answer: D. Advise the resident to breathe deeply and inform the nurse immediately

    Oxygen is considered a prescribed medication, meaning a nurse aide is not permitted to adjust, increase, or decrease the flow rate. The aide should keep the resident calm, encourage deep breathing, and report the resident's shortness of breath to the charge nurse right away. Adjusting the flow meter or changing delivery devices exceeds the nurse aide scope of practice.

  15. Question 15 of 25Medium

    When providing perineal care to a female resident, why must the nurse aide always wipe from front to back?

    1. A. To stimulate pelvic blood flow during hygiene care
    2. B. To allow the perineal area to air dry more quickly
    3. C. To prevent bacteria from the rectum reaching the urethra
    4. D. To reduce friction against delicate genital skin

    Show answer to question 15

    Answer: C. To prevent bacteria from the rectum reaching the urethra

    Cleansing from front to back moves from the cleanest area (urethral meatus) toward the dirtiest area (rectum), which prevents intestinal bacteria from entering the urinary tract and causing infection. While gentle technique protects skin integrity, preventing bacterial migration to the urinary tract is the primary clinical rationale.

  16. Question 16 of 25Medium

    According to standard infection control guidelines, what is the correct sequence for donning (putting on) personal protective equipment (PPE)?

    1. A. Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves
    2. B. Gloves, gown, mask, eye protection
    3. C. Mask, eye protection, gown, gloves
    4. D. Eye protection, mask, gloves, gown

    Show answer to question 16

    Answer: A. Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves

    The proper sequence for donning PPE is to put on the gown first, followed by the mask or respirator, eye protection, and then gloves last. Putting on gloves first is incorrect because the gloves must fit snugly over the wrist cuffs of the gown to provide an unbroken protective barrier.

  17. Question 17 of 25Medium

    A nurse aide finds a spray bottle of liquid with no label in a resident's bathroom. What should the aide do?

    1. A. Use it, since it smells like a common cleaner
    2. B. Pour it down the sink to be safe
    3. C. Remove it and report it per facility policy
    4. D. Leave it for the resident to use

    Show answer to question 17

    Answer: C. Remove it and report it per facility policy

    Chemicals must always be kept in labeled containers so everyone knows what they are and how to handle them safely. An unlabeled bottle is removed and reported.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • AWithout a label, the aide cannot know what the liquid is or how to use it safely.
    • BPouring an unknown chemical down the drain could cause a harmful reaction or exposure.
    • DAn unknown chemical left in the room could harm a resident.

  18. Question 18 of 25Medium

    Which action is correct when collecting a sputum specimen from a resident?

    1. A. Collect the specimen immediately after the resident eats a meal.
    2. B. Instruct the resident to spit saliva from the mouth into the cup.
    3. C. Have the resident rinse the mouth with plain water before coughing.
    4. D. Have the resident gargle with antibacterial mouthwash first.

    Show answer to question 18

    Answer: C. Have the resident rinse the mouth with plain water before coughing.

    Rinsing the mouth with plain water removes residual food particles and saliva without affecting the pathogens in the sputum. Having the resident gargle with antibacterial mouthwash is incorrect because mouthwash can destroy the microorganisms being tested and invalidate the culture.

  19. Question 19 of 25Hard

    After finishing care for a resident that required gloves, a gown, and a mask, in which order should the nurse aide remove this personal protective equipment (PPE)?

    1. A. Gloves, gown, and then mask
    2. B. Mask, gloves, and then gown
    3. C. Mask, gown, and then gloves
    4. D. Gown, mask, and then gloves

    Show answer to question 19

    Answer: A. Gloves, gown, and then mask

    Gloves are the most heavily contaminated item and must be removed first, followed by the gown, and finally the mask by handling the straps behind the head. Removing the mask first is dangerous because contaminated gloves could touch the face and mucous membranes. Removing the gown before the gloves increases the risk of spreading pathogens to clothing and bare arms.

  20. Question 20 of 25Hard

    A nurse aide is assigned to perform postmortem care on a resident who has a urinary catheter and an intravenous (IV) line in place. What is the aide's best action regarding these devices?

    1. A. Leave the devices in place unless instructed otherwise by the nurse
    2. B. Cut the tubing close to the skin and tape down the ends
    3. C. Remove both devices gently before washing the resident
    4. D. Clamp the tubing and pull both lines out quickly

    Show answer to question 20

    Answer: A. Leave the devices in place unless instructed otherwise by the nurse

    Nurse aides should leave tubes and lines in place because facility policy or medical examiner requirements may require them to remain undisturbed, and removing them may cause bleeding or fall outside the aide's scope. Removing or cutting lines without direction violates safety protocols and scope of practice.

  21. Question 21 of 25Hard

    When handling soiled bed linens from a resident on transmission-based precautions, what should the nurse aide do to prevent the spread of microorganisms?

    1. A. Shake the sheets gently before placing them into the laundry hamper
    2. B. Place the linens on the floor until the entire linen change is completed
    3. C. Roll the soiled linen inward and bag it directly inside the resident's room
    4. D. Carry the loose linens against the uniform to the hallway laundry chute

    Show answer to question 21

    Answer: C. Roll the soiled linen inward and bag it directly inside the resident's room

    Soiled linens should be rolled inward so the dirtiest surfaces are contained on the inside, and they must be bagged inside the room to prevent contaminating the environment. Shaking linens or holding them against the uniform spreads pathogens into the air and onto the caregiver's clothing.

  22. Question 22 of 25Hard

    At the start of the shift, the nurse aide makes these observations. Which one should be reported to the nurse first?

    1. A. Mr. Haas is suddenly short of breath at rest
    2. B. Mrs. Platt has dry skin on her shins
    3. C. Mr. Lam wants a different TV channel
    4. D. Mrs. Ochs ate 75% of her breakfast

    Show answer to question 22

    Answer: A. Mr. Haas is suddenly short of breath at rest

    Sudden shortness of breath at rest is a change in breathing that may be life-threatening, so it is reported first.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • BDry skin should be noted and lotion offered, but it is not urgent.
    • CA TV request is a comfort matter that can be handled after urgent needs.
    • DEating 75% of a meal is good intake and can be recorded routinely.

  23. Question 23 of 25Hard

    A resident is served an 8-ounce carton of milk, a 6-ounce cup of tea, and a 4-ounce cup of gelatin. The resident drinks the entire carton of milk, consumes half of the tea, and leaves the gelatin untouched. What total intake should the nurse aide document in milliliters (mL)?

    1. A. 420 mL
    2. B. 330 mL
    3. C. 540 mL
    4. D. 270 mL

    Show answer to question 23

    Answer: B. 330 mL

    The resident consumed 8 ounces of milk and 3 ounces of tea (half of 6 ounces), totaling 11 ounces of fluid. Multiplying 11 ounces by 30 mL yields 330 mL. Documenting 420 mL mistakenly counts the entire 6 ounces of tea instead of the half actually consumed.

  24. Question 24 of 25Hard

    Mr. Rhee has been in bed for several days and is getting up today. He sits on the edge of the bed and says he feels dizzy. What should the nurse aide do?

    1. A. Have him stand quickly before it gets worse
    2. B. Leave him sitting and go get his breakfast
    3. C. Keep him seated, stay with him, and tell the nurse
    4. D. Lay him flat and cancel his walking for the whole week

    Show answer to question 24

    Answer: C. Keep him seated, stay with him, and tell the nurse

    Dizziness on sitting up is common after bed rest, because blood pressure can drop with a change in position. Letting him sit with his legs dangling, with the aide close by, helps prevent a fall, and the nurse should know.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • AStanding while dizzy could cause him to faint and fall.
    • BLeaving a dizzy resident alone on the edge of the bed risks a fall.
    • DCanceling activity for a week is a care plan change the aide cannot make.

  25. Question 25 of 25Hard

    For which resident is measuring body temperature by the oral route contraindicated?

    1. A. A resident who requires a walker for ambulation
    2. B. A resident who wears full upper and lower dentures
    3. C. A resident who has an indwelling urinary catheter
    4. D. A resident who has a history of frequent seizures

    Show answer to question 25

    Answer: D. A resident who has a history of frequent seizures

    An oral temperature should never be measured on a resident with a seizure disorder because the resident could bite down and fracture the probe or cause severe mouth trauma during a sudden episode. Dentures do not prevent oral readings and can either remain in place or be removed. Catheters and mobility aids do not affect the safety of the oral route.

The full CNA bank has 829 Basic Nursing Skills questions. See plans

In the 2024 NNAAP written exam content outline, Basic Nursing Skills is 35% of the scored questions (21 of 60). Below are 25 original Basic Nursing Skills practice questions, each with the answer and an explanation.

Source: Credentia, 2024 NNAAP written exam content outline.

Study guide lessons for Basic Nursing Skills

Short lessons on the same topics, each with audio in English and Spanish.

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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 Basic Nursing Skills?

35% of the scored questions, 21 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 Basic Nursing Skills 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 13 lessons for Basic Nursing Skills, 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.