CNA Communication Practice Test
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25 practice questions
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Question 1 of 25Easy
A resident asks the nurse aide why there is no water pitcher on the bedside table. The resident is scheduled for surgery later that morning and is placed on NPO status. What should the aide say?
- A. The doctor ordered an empty stomach protocol for your safety today.
- B. Oral fluid intake is contraindicated before receiving general anesthesia.
- C. You are on strict NPO status until after your procedure is completed.
- D. You cannot have anything to eat or drink before your surgery.
Show answer to question 1
Answer: D. You cannot have anything to eat or drink before your surgery.
Concrete language avoids medical abbreviations like NPO and plainly tells the resident what to expect in terms they understand. Mentioning strict NPO status or clinical safety protocols uses technical jargon that can confuse and worry the resident.
Question 2 of 25Medium
When emptying a resident's catheter drainage bag, the nurse aide observes that the urine is cloudy and has a strong, foul odor. What is the most appropriate verbal report for the nurse aide to make?
- A. The resident's catheter drainage is cloudy with a strong foul odor.
- B. The resident's urine output looks abnormal and indicates kidney failure.
- C. The resident has developed a severe urinary tract infection.
- D. The resident is dehydrated and needs more oral fluids right away.
Show answer to question 2
Answer: A. The resident's catheter drainage is cloudy with a strong foul odor.
Directly describing the visual clarity and smell of the urine provides objective findings for the nurse to assess further. Stating that the resident has a urinary tract infection or kidney failure is a clinical diagnosis, which is beyond the scope of a nurse aide. Speculating that the resident is dehydrated provides an unconfirmed conclusion rather than an objective sensory report.
Question 3 of 25Easy
The nurse aide asks a resident, "Which shirt would you like to wear today, the blue one or the green one?" The resident looks at both shirts silently for several seconds. What should the nurse aide do?
- A. Pick the blue shirt to keep morning care on schedule.
- B. Wait patiently while the resident makes a decision.
- C. Put both shirts away and select an entirely different outfit.
- D. Repeat the question immediately in a louder voice.
Show answer to question 3
Answer: B. Wait patiently while the resident makes a decision.
Residents should be given sufficient time to process choices and make independent decisions, which supports autonomy and dignity. Selecting the shirt for the resident denies personal choice simply to save a few seconds of time.
Question 4 of 25Medium
A nurse aide wants to encourage a resident to talk about how she is feeling today. Which question is the best choice?
- A. Are you feeling happy this morning?
- B. How are you feeling today?
- C. Did you sleep well last night?
- D. Do you want breakfast now?
Show answer to question 4
Answer: B. How are you feeling today?
Asking open-ended questions like 'How are you feeling today?' encourages residents to share details and express emotions. Closed-ended questions like 'Are you feeling happy this morning?' only prompt one-word responses and limit conversation.
Question 5 of 25Medium
A nurse aide notices clutter on the bedside table of a resident with severe vision loss. How should the nurse aide handle this situation?
- A. Leave the clutter untouched to avoid confusing the resident.
- B. Rearrange all items neatly into closed drawers while the resident rests.
- C. Move unnecessary items to a high shelf out of the resident's reach.
- D. Ask the resident for permission and explain where items will be placed.
Show answer to question 5
Answer: D. Ask the resident for permission and explain where items will be placed.
Residents with vision loss rely heavily on consistent placement of personal items to maintain independence and safety. The nurse aide should ask permission before organizing and clearly describe where items are relocated. Moving items without the resident's knowledge can cause confusion, frustration, or accidental spills.
Question 6 of 25Easy
The charge nurse assigns a task to a nurse aide using medical terms the aide does not recognize. What should the nurse aide do?
- A. Ask the charge nurse to explain the instructions clearly.
- B. Check with another nurse aide during the next meal break.
- C. Perform the task to the best of their personal ability.
- D. Search online for the terms after completing morning rounds.
Show answer to question 6
Answer: A. Ask the charge nurse to explain the instructions clearly.
When a nurse aide does not understand an assignment or medical term, the aide must immediately ask the nurse for clarification to ensure resident safety. Guessing or waiting until after the task is attempted can put the resident at risk for injury.
Question 7 of 25Medium
A nurse aide is trying to converse with a confused resident who appears restless and anxious in a noisy dining area. What should the nurse aide do to improve communication?
- A. Guide the resident to a quieter area with fewer distractions
- B. Finish the conversation quickly while the resident is distracted
- C. Ask other residents to join the conversation to reassure the resident
- D. Turn up the television volume to help focus the resident's attention
Show answer to question 7
Answer: A. Guide the resident to a quieter area with fewer distractions
Excessive noise and visual stimulation can overwhelm a confused resident and impair their ability to listen and respond. Moving to a calm, quiet environment reduces sensory overload and helps the resident focus on the communication. Adding more stimuli, such as higher volume or extra people, typically increases agitation.
Question 8 of 25Medium
What is a common mistake healthcare workers make when talking to a resident who speaks a different language?
- A. Using simple, everyday words
- B. Allowing extra time for the resident to respond
- C. Maintaining eye contact while talking
- D. Speaking in a loud voice or shouting
Show answer to question 8
Answer: D. Speaking in a loud voice or shouting
Raising one's voice is a frequent misconception; language barriers are not hearing deficits, and shouting can make the resident feel intimidated or disrespected. Speaking in simple words and giving the resident adequate time to process information are helpful techniques.
Question 9 of 25Medium
When reporting a change in a resident's physical condition to the nurse, which statement shows proper objective reporting?
- A. The resident feels sick and probably has a fever.
- B. The resident is coughing up thick, green mucus.
- C. The resident seems like they are developing pneumonia.
- D. The resident has a bad chest cold today.
Show answer to question 9
Answer: B. The resident is coughing up thick, green mucus.
Objective reporting involves stating precise, factual observations gathered directly through the senses, such as describing the color and consistency of mucus. Stating that the resident has a chest cold or pneumonia attempts to make a medical diagnosis, which is outside the nurse aide's scope of practice.
Question 10 of 25Medium
Which nonverbal behavior by the nurse aide communicates warmth and active listening to a resident?
- A. Standing with crossed arms while looking toward the hallway
- B. Leaning back against the doorframe with hands inside pockets
- C. Sitting at eye level with an open posture and nodding gently
- D. Checking the room clock several times during the conversation
Show answer to question 10
Answer: C. Sitting at eye level with an open posture and nodding gently
Sitting at eye level with an open posture and using gentle nods signals attentiveness, respect, and receptiveness to the resident's message. Standing with folded arms or checking the time indicates impatience and disinterest, which shuts down effective communication.
Question 11 of 25Easy
During lunch, a resident suddenly drops their fork, begins slurring words, and has weakness on one side of their face. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse aide?
- A. Encourage the resident to drink water to clear their throat
- B. Assist the resident back to bed to rest for an hour
- C. Report the findings immediately to the charge nurse
- D. Document the occurrence in the chart before the end of the shift
Show answer to question 11
Answer: C. Report the findings immediately to the charge nurse
Sudden facial droop, weakness, and slurred speech are key indicators of a stroke, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. Delaying action by letting the resident rest or waiting to chart at the end of the shift can lead to irreversible neurological damage.
Question 12 of 25Easy
A nurse aide asks a resident who speaks limited English if she is experiencing any pain, and the resident smiles and nods her head. What should the nurse aide do next to confirm understanding?
- A. Repeat the same question several times in a firmer tone of voice
- B. Point to a standardized visual pain scale to help the resident show how she feels
- C. Assume the nod means the resident has severe pain and report it to the nurse
- D. Document that the resident is free of pain and leave the room
Show answer to question 12
Answer: B. Point to a standardized visual pain scale to help the resident show how she feels
In some cultures, nodding or smiling indicates politeness or acknowledgment that someone is speaking, not necessarily agreement or understanding. Using a visual pain rating scale allows the resident to clearly indicate her comfort level without relying solely on spoken English. Documenting that the resident has no pain based only on a polite nod risks overlooking genuine physical distress.
Question 13 of 25Medium
While the nurse aide explains an activity schedule, the resident nods his head but frowns and knits his eyebrows. What action should the nurse aide take based on this feedback?
- A. Pause and gently ask if he has any questions about the plan
- B. Speak at a much louder volume to ensure he can hear
- C. Continue the explanation at the same pace to finish on time
- D. Assume the resident understands because he is nodding
Show answer to question 13
Answer: A. Pause and gently ask if he has any questions about the plan
When nonverbal cues like a puzzled facial expression conflict with verbal or polite feedback like nodding, the nurse aide should pause and clarify understanding. Proceeding as planned or relying solely on the nod overlooks clear signs of confusion. Raising the volume is unnecessary unless hearing impairment has been identified as the issue.
Question 14 of 25Easy
Which behavior shows that the nurse aide is actively listening to a resident?
- A. Finishing the resident's sentences to save time
- B. Looking at her and nodding while she speaks
- C. Planning the next task while the resident talks
- D. Checking the time often during the conversation
Show answer to question 14
Answer: B. Looking at her and nodding while she speaks
Active listening means giving full attention, using appropriate eye contact, nodding and responding to what the person says. It shows respect and helps the aide understand the resident's needs.
Why the other options are wrong
- AFinishing sentences interrupts the resident and may put words in her mouth.
- CThinking about other tasks means the aide is not fully listening.
- DChecking the time suggests impatience and a lack of interest.
Question 15 of 25Easy
A nurse aide enters the room of a newly admitted resident. How should the aide initially address the resident?
- A. By using an affectionate term such as "dear" or "sweetie"
- B. By referring to them by their assigned room and bed number
- C. By using a formal title such as "Mr." or "Mrs." and their last name
- D. By the resident's first name to establish immediate friendliness
Show answer to question 15
Answer: C. By using a formal title such as "Mr." or "Mrs." and their last name
When meeting a new resident, the nurse aide should use formal address such as Mr. or Mrs. along with their last name, or ask how they prefer to be called. Using first names without permission can be viewed as disrespectful, and pet names like "dear" are unprofessional elderspeak.
Question 16 of 25Hard
Which statement made during a shift report provides the most objective and helpful information?
- A. "The resident drank 180 milliliters of water and voided 300 milliliters."
- B. "The resident ate a pretty good amount of her lunch tray today."
- C. "The resident seemed to feel much better today than yesterday."
- D. "The resident acted very difficult and cranky during the afternoon."
Show answer to question 16
Answer: A. "The resident drank 180 milliliters of water and voided 300 milliliters."
Objective reporting relies on measurable, factual data, such as specific fluid intake and output volumes in milliliters. Describing a resident as 'difficult,' 'feeling better,' or eating 'a pretty good amount' represents subjective interpretations that lack precision and clinical clarity.
Question 17 of 25Hard
An anxious resident is struggling to comprehend instructions for transferring to a wheelchair. How should the nurse aide adapt their speech?
- A. Speak rapidly to complete the transfer before the resident's anxiety worsens
- B. Explain the entire mechanical operation of the wheelchair in full detail
- C. Use short sentences delivered in a calm tone with pauses between instructions
- D. Raise the pitch and volume of speech to direct the resident firmly
Show answer to question 17
Answer: C. Use short sentences delivered in a calm tone with pauses between instructions
Acute anxiety reduces a resident's ability to focus and process complex messages, making short phrases, a calm tone, and intentional pauses the most effective approach. Providing lengthy technical details or speaking rapidly increases cognitive load and heightens fear.
Question 18 of 25Medium
A resident's family member angrily confronts the nurse aide, stating that the resident's call light was ignored for twenty minutes. What is the aide's best response?
- A. Advise the family member to write a formal complaint to the administrator
- B. Defend the staff by explaining how busy the unit has been all morning
- C. Listen attentively, apologize for the wait, and report the concern to the nurse
- D. Explain that other residents have more critical needs that must come first
Show answer to question 18
Answer: C. Listen attentively, apologize for the wait, and report the concern to the nurse
Using active listening, acknowledging the family's frustration, and escalating the issue to the supervising nurse de-escalates tension while maintaining professional accountability. Defending the staff by mentioning how busy the unit is invalidates the family member's concern and can worsen conflict.
Question 19 of 25Medium
Which observation by the nurse aide is objective?
- A. "The resident seems depressed today."
- B. "The resident is probably in pain."
- C. "The resident looks like she is getting the flu."
- D. "The resident's ankles are swollen."
Show answer to question 19
Answer: D. "The resident's ankles are swollen."
Objective information is what the aide can see, hear, feel or smell, such as swelling. Statements like seems depressed or probably in pain are opinions or conclusions, so the aide reports the facts that led to them.
Why the other options are wrong
- ASeems depressed is an interpretation; the aide should report the behaviors observed.
- BProbably in pain is a guess; the aide reports the signs seen or the resident's own words.
- CThis is a conclusion about a diagnosis, which is not the aide's role.
Question 20 of 25Medium
A resident is upset and shouting about a misplaced item. How should the nurse aide position their body while addressing the resident?
- A. Point a finger toward the dresser to direct attention
- B. Cross both arms and lean backward against the wall
- C. Stand firmly with hands placed on the hips
- D. Keep hands relaxed at the sides with palms visible
Show answer to question 20
Answer: D. Keep hands relaxed at the sides with palms visible
Keeping the hands relaxed and visible communicates openness and a non-threatening attitude, which helps de-escalate emotional tension. Placing hands on the hips or pointing fingers is perceived as confrontational and can worsen the resident's anger.
Question 21 of 25Hard
A resident who was admitted yesterday tells the nurse aide, "I will never be able to get used to living in this place." Which response demonstrates therapeutic listening?
- A. Try not to dwell on that and focus on today's recreation schedule.
- B. Moving here is a major transition. What is worrying you the most?
- C. You are fortunate to be here because this facility provides great care.
- D. Give it a couple of weeks, and you will feel right at home here.
Show answer to question 21
Answer: B. Moving here is a major transition. What is worrying you the most?
Validating the difficulty of the transition and asking an open-ended question encourages the resident to elaborate on specific fears and feelings. Telling the resident they will feel right at home offers false reassurance, which closes off genuine communication.
Question 22 of 25Hard
A nurse aide is caring for a resident diagnosed with receptive aphasia. Which approach best helps the resident understand spoken information?
- A. Raise the volume of speech until the resident responds
- B. Speak in long, detailed explanations to provide full context
- C. Avoid talking entirely and communicate only through written notes
- D. Use short, simple phrases combined with visual gestures
Show answer to question 22
Answer: D. Use short, simple phrases combined with visual gestures
Receptive aphasia impairs the brain's ability to process and comprehend incoming language, so using simple phrasing paired with nonverbal gestures offers visual cues that enhance understanding. Raising vocal volume does not improve language comprehension and mistakenly treats the cognitive processing deficit as a hearing impairment.
Question 23 of 25Hard
During evening care, a resident with middle-stage dementia suddenly becomes fearful, begins shouting, and pushes the nurse aide's hands away. What is the most appropriate action for the aide to take?
- A. Step back slightly, speak in a soft tone, and decrease environmental noise
- B. State the facility rules clearly in a stern voice to regain control of the room
- C. Firmly hold the resident's wrists to complete the required hygiene tasks safely
- D. Leave the room immediately and report that the resident refused care for the night
Show answer to question 23
Answer: A. Step back slightly, speak in a soft tone, and decrease environmental noise
A sudden burst of anger or fear indicates a catastrophic reaction, which is best managed by giving space, speaking gently, and reducing sensory stimulation until the resident feels safe. Forcing care or physically restraining the resident can severely increase fear and lead to combative behavior.
Question 24 of 25Hard
A nurse aide notices that a coworker repeatedly transfers a resident alone even though the care plan specifies a two-person transfer. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse aide to take?
- A. File an immediate complaint directly with the state health agency
- B. Change the resident's care plan documentation to a one-person assist
- C. Report the unsafe practice to the charge nurse immediately
- D. Argue with the coworker in front of the resident during the transfer
Show answer to question 24
Answer: C. Report the unsafe practice to the charge nurse immediately
Following the chain of command requires reporting resident safety concerns immediately to the charge nurse for prompt intervention. Confronting a peer in front of a resident causes distress and impairs trust, while nurse aides lack authority to change care plan instructions.
Question 25 of 25Hard
A friendly resident asks the nurse aide for her home address and personal cell phone number so they can stay in touch. What is the best response?
- A. Politely decline to share that information
- B. Give her the information, since she seems lonely
- C. Share the address but not the phone number
- D. Ignore the question and leave the room
Show answer to question 25
Answer: A. Politely decline to share that information
Professional boundaries protect both residents and staff. The aide kindly declines to share personal contact information, keeps the relationship professional and can suggest other ways for the resident to stay connected, such as activities.
Why the other options are wrong
- BSharing personal contact details crosses professional boundaries.
- CSharing part of the information still crosses boundaries.
- DIgnoring her is rude and may hurt her feelings.
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The full CNA bank has 304 Communication questions. See plans
In the 2024 NNAAP written exam content outline, Communication is 7% of the scored questions (4 of 60). Below are 25 original Communication practice questions, each with the answer and an explanation.
Study guide lessons for Communication
Short lessons on the same topics, each with audio in English and Spanish.
- Verbal and Nonverbal CommunicationOpen lesson
- Therapeutic Listening, Clear Speech and Checking Understanding
- Communicating with Hearing, Vision and Speech Impairments
- Communicating with Cognitively Impaired or Upset Residents
- Families, Cultural Differences and Interpreters
- Reporting Observations and Documenting Care
- Team Communication, Handoff, Chain of Command and Privacy
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Included: an explanation for every question, the Study Guide with 61 audio lessons, oral exam practice in Spanish and English, an AI tutor to ask why on any question, timed section tests and progress by topic.
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 Communication?
7% of the scored questions, 4 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 Communication 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 Communication, 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.