CNA Member of the Health Care Team Practice Test

25 practice questions

Choose an answer, then check it under Show answer.

1. Question 1 of 25Easy

   What is the Minimum Data Set (MDS) used for in nursing homes?

   1. AA. Scheduling staff for each shift
   2. BB. Ordering supplies for the facility
   3. CC. Recording visitors who enter the building
   4. DD. Assessing each resident to guide care planning
   Show answer to question 1

   Answer: D. Assessing each resident to guide care planning

   The MDS is a federally required, standardized assessment completed for each resident at set times. It gathers information on function, health and needs that the team uses to develop the care plan.

   Why the other options are wrong

   • AStaff schedules are made separately by managers.
   • BSupply ordering is unrelated to the MDS.
   • CVisitor logs are not part of the MDS.

2. Question 2 of 25Easy

   A resident tells the nurse aide that they refuse to take their scheduled bath today. What is the most appropriate action for the nurse aide?

   1. AA. Explain that bathing is mandatory according to facility regulations
   2. BB. Ask a family member to convince the resident to take the bath
   3. CC. Respect the resident's choice and report the refusal to the nurse
   4. DD. Insist on giving the bath anyway to maintain proper body hygiene
   Show answer to question 2

   Answer: C. Respect the resident's choice and report the refusal to the nurse

   Residents have the fundamental right to refuse care, treatments, and scheduled routines at any time. The nurse aide should respect the resident's decision, make them comfortable, and notify the supervising nurse promptly so care plans can be adjusted. Forcing care against a resident's will violates their rights and may be considered battery.

3. Question 3 of 25Medium

   A resident's daughter asks the nurse aide if she can read her mother's medical chart. Which response by the nurse aide is most appropriate?

   1. AA. State that family members are never allowed to see records
   2. BB. Refer the daughter to the nurse in charge
   3. CC. Allow the daughter to read the chart while supervised
   4. DD. Hand the chart to the daughter immediately
   Show answer to question 3

   Answer: B. Refer the daughter to the nurse in charge

   Nurse aides do not have the authority to grant access to confidential records or disclose medical details; requests to view charts must be directed to the charge nurse or supervisor. Handing over the chart or supervising the family member directly violates confidentiality protocols, while telling the daughter family members can never see records is inaccurate since authorized representatives may access records following formal facility procedures.

4. Question 4 of 25Easy

   A nurse aide notices that a resident has developed a new, persistent red mark over the sacrum. What is the aide's responsibility?

   1. AA. Report the observation to the licensed nurse promptly
   2. BB. Stage the pressure injury and document the measurement
   3. CC. Instruct the family to purchase a pressure-relieving cushion
   4. DD. Apply a medicated barrier cream from the supply closet
   Show answer to question 4

   Answer: A. Report the observation to the licensed nurse promptly

   Assessing and diagnosing skin conditions require professional nursing judgment, so the aide must report the finding to the nurse right away for formal evaluation. Prescribing or applying non-prescribed treatments and staging wounds exceed the nurse aide's scope of practice.

5. Question 5 of 25Easy

   What is a resident's care plan?

   1. AA. A written plan of goals and needed care
   2. BB. A list of the resident's personal belongings
   3. CC. A bill that shows the cost of the resident's care
   4. DD. The facility's fire and evacuation floor plan
   Show answer to question 5

   Answer: A. A written plan of goals and needed care

   The care plan is developed by the interdisciplinary team with the resident. It lists the resident's problems and strengths, goals and the specific approaches each team member will use, and it is updated as needs change.

   Why the other options are wrong

   • BA list of belongings is an inventory, not a care plan.
   • CBilling records are separate from the care plan.
   • DAn evacuation plan is a safety document, not a plan of resident care.

6. Question 6 of 25Easy

   A nurse aide finds a resident sitting on the floor beside the bed. After calling the nurse and ensuring the resident is safe, what must the nurse aide do according to facility policy?

   1. AA. Notify the state ombudsman that an unwitnessed fall occurred
   2. BB. Document in the chart that the resident climbed out of bed
   3. CC. Call the resident's family to inform them of the fall
   4. DD. Complete an incident report with objective facts
   Show answer to question 6

   Answer: D. Complete an incident report with objective facts

   Facility policy requires an incident report to be filed promptly with objective, factual observations following an event such as a fall. Documenting that the resident climbed out of bed makes an unverified assumption, and notifying the family is the responsibility of the licensed nurse or administrator.

7. Question 7 of 25Hard

   The facility has a new mechanical lift that the nurse aide has never used. The nurse asks her to use it to transfer a resident. What should the aide do?

   1. AA. Try it, since it is likely similar to the old lift
   2. BB. Tell the nurse and ask to be trained first
   3. CC. Read the label and figure it out as she goes
   4. DD. Ask the resident to explain how it works
   Show answer to question 7

   Answer: B. Tell the nurse and ask to be trained first

   Using equipment without training can seriously injure the resident and the aide. The aide tells the nurse she has not been trained and asks for training, or help from someone qualified, before the transfer.

   Why the other options are wrong

   • AAssuming it works like other equipment can lead to errors and injury.
   • CLearning by trial during a transfer puts the resident at risk.
   • DThe resident is not responsible for teaching staff to use equipment.

8. Question 8 of 25Medium

   A nurse asks a nurse aide to apply a sterile dressing to a resident's open surgical wound. How should the nurse aide respond?

   1. AA. Ask a more experienced nurse aide to assist with maintaining the sterile field
   2. BB. Politely decline and remind the nurse that the task is outside the aide's scope
   3. CC. Cover the wound with a simple adhesive bandage instead of a sterile pad
   4. DD. Perform the procedure using sterile gloves and clean technique
   Show answer to question 8

   Answer: B. Politely decline and remind the nurse that the task is outside the aide's scope

   Sterile dressing changes require advanced clinical skill and are legally restricted to licensed nurses in most healthcare settings. The nurse aide must politely decline the task and explain that sterile wound care is outside their approved scope of practice.

9. Question 9 of 25Easy

   While assisting a resident to dress, the resident reports sudden shortness of breath and chest tightness. Following the chain of command, whom should the nurse aide notify immediately?

   1. AA. The director of nursing
   2. BB. The facility physician
   3. CC. The resident's family member
   4. DD. The charge nurse
   Show answer to question 9

   Answer: D. The charge nurse

   The direct supervisor in the chain of command for a nurse aide is the licensed nurse assigned to the unit, who must assess the resident immediately. Contacting the physician or facility administrator bypasses the immediate supervisor who is right there to provide clinical assessment and emergency intervention.

10. Question 10 of 25Easy

    While in a resident's room, a coworker begins arguing with a nurse aide about who is assigned to change the bed linens. What should the nurse aide do?

    1. AA. Argue back to establish clear boundary lines
    2. BB. Suggest discussing the assignment privately outside the room
    3. CC. Leave the facility floor without notifying the nurse
    4. DD. Ask the resident to choose who performs the task
    Show answer to question 10

    Answer: B. Suggest discussing the assignment privately outside the room

    Resident rooms must remain calm and safe, so any coworker disagreements should be moved to a private area outside resident care areas. Engaging in an argument in front of the resident creates unnecessary anxiety and violates professional standards.

11. Question 11 of 25Medium

    While assisting a resident with morning care, the nurse aide notices a new purple bruise on the resident's upper arm. How should the nurse aide report this finding?

    1. AA. Report that the resident fell out of bed during the night
    2. BB. Explain that the resident is clumsy when walking
    3. CC. State that the night staff handled the resident roughly
    4. DD. Describe the size, color, and location of the bruise
    Show answer to question 11

    Answer: D. Describe the size, color, and location of the bruise

    Objective reporting requires stating direct, factual observations without speculation, such as detailing the bruise's appearance and location. Assuming the resident fell, is clumsy, or was handled roughly introduces personal opinions and assumptions rather than objective facts.

12. Question 12 of 25Hard

    A recently discharged resident sends a friend request on social media to a nurse aide. Which action by the nurse aide best demonstrates professional ethical boundaries?

    1. AA. Decline the request to keep personal and professional relationships separate
    2. BB. Block the former resident and report the message to law enforcement
    3. CC. Accept the request because the resident is no longer in the facility
    4. DD. Accept the request only if no health information is discussed online
    Show answer to question 12

    Answer: A. Decline the request to keep personal and professional relationships separate

    Maintaining ethical boundaries requires keeping personal life separate from professional duties, which includes avoiding social media connections with residents or former residents. Accepting the friend request blurs professional boundaries and creates potential risks for privacy violations, even after discharge.

13. Question 13 of 25Medium

    A nurse aide realizes that they accidentally delivered a regular beverage to a resident who is on nectar-thick liquids. What should the nurse aide do immediately?

    1. AA. Observe the resident from the doorway for thirty minutes before acting
    2. BB. Take the beverage away and report the error to the charge nurse
    3. CC. Hand the resident a packet of thickener powder to swallow directly
    4. DD. Silently switch the cup with the correct item without telling anyone
    Show answer to question 13

    Answer: B. Take the beverage away and report the error to the charge nurse

    Serving thin liquids to a resident requiring thickened fluids creates a significant risk of choking and aspiration. The aide must remove the item right away and report the incident to the charge nurse so the resident can be assessed for signs of aspiration. Silently swapping the item hides a potential medical complication, and thickener powder should never be swallowed unmixed.

14. Question 14 of 25Medium

    During the end-of-shift report, which piece of information is most important to communicate to the oncoming nurse aide?

    1. AA. A resident watched their favorite movie in the activity room
    2. BB. A resident received a telephone call from an out-of-town friend
    3. CC. A resident chose to wear a sweater instead of a jacket outside
    4. DD. A resident requires two-person assistance after an unsteady transfer today
    Show answer to question 14

    Answer: D. A resident requires two-person assistance after an unsteady transfer today

    End-of-shift hand-off reports should focus on safety, changes in physical condition, and immediate care needs, such as needing an additional person for transfers to prevent falls. While social activities and clothing choices are part of person-centered care, they do not carry immediate safety risks that require prioritized hand-off communication.

15. Question 15 of 25Medium

    A resident slips on spilled water in the hallway but catches the handrail and avoids touching the floor. The resident says, "I am unhurt, please do not tell anyone." What should the nurse aide do?

    1. AA. Honor the resident's request and keep the slip confidential.
    2. BB. Wait until end-of-shift report to inform the next nurse aide.
    3. CC. Report the near miss and wet floor to the nurse immediately.
    4. DD. Ask the resident's roommate to monitor for any walking trouble.
    Show answer to question 15

    Answer: C. Report the near miss and wet floor to the nurse immediately.

    Any near fall or environmental hazard must be reported immediately to the nurse so the resident can be checked for strain or injury and the spill cleaned up promptly to protect other residents. Honoring the resident's request to keep the slip confidential leaves others at risk for injury from the wet floor and ignores potential delayed physical complaints.

16. Question 16 of 25Medium

    While assisting a resident with evening care, a visiting neighbor asks the nurse aide how the resident's physical therapy sessions are progressing. How should the nurse aide respond?

    1. AA. Show the neighbor the physical therapy progress notes in the resident's chart.
    2. BB. Suggest that the neighbor ask the resident or speak directly with the nurse.
    3. CC. Provide general details about therapy while avoiding specific medical terms.
    4. DD. Explain the therapy routine and describe how well the resident is doing.
    Show answer to question 16

    Answer: B. Suggest that the neighbor ask the resident or speak directly with the nurse.

    Nurse aides are not permitted to share medical status or therapy progress with visitors without resident consent. Directing the visitor to the resident or the charge nurse ensures that confidential health information is protected properly.

17. Question 17 of 25Medium

    During an annual evaluation, the nurse tells an aide that their time-management skills need improvement, but the aide is unsure what to change. What is the best response?

    1. AA. Request an immediate transfer to a unit with lighter assignments
    2. BB. Argue that the assignment size makes good time management impossible
    3. CC. Ask the nurse for specific examples and strategies for improvement
    4. DD. Sign the evaluation quietly and continue using the same routine
    Show answer to question 17

    Answer: C. Ask the nurse for specific examples and strategies for improvement

    Asking for specific examples and guidance helps clarify expectations so the aide can develop an effective plan to improve. Simply signing without seeking clarity or making excuses prevents professional growth.

18. Question 18 of 25Hard

    A nurse aide reports that an alert resident has lost five pounds over the past month and leaves most food uneaten. Which health care team member will assess the resident's caloric requirements and recommend therapeutic diet adjustments?

    1. AA. Speech-language pathologist
    2. BB. Occupational therapist
    3. CC. Restorative nurse aide
    4. DD. Registered dietitian
    Show answer to question 18

    Answer: D. Registered dietitian

    The registered dietitian evaluates nutritional status, calculates caloric and fluid requirements, and recommends dietary modifications or supplements to treat weight loss. A speech-language pathologist would be consulted if the weight loss were caused by swallowing difficulty, but assessing general dietary needs is the role of the dietitian.

19. Question 19 of 25Medium

    A nurse aide is scheduled to participate in an interdisciplinary care conference for a resident. Which action best prepares the aide for this meeting?

    1. AA. Asking the attending physician for permission to speak during the team conference
    2. BB. Requesting that the charge nurse complete the aide's direct care tasks for the day
    3. CC. Reviewing the resident's daily routines, functional abilities, and personal preferences
    4. DD. Writing a new set of long-term medical goals for the resident to follow
    Show answer to question 19

    Answer: C. Reviewing the resident's daily routines, functional abilities, and personal preferences

    To provide meaningful input, the aide should reflect on firsthand observations regarding what the resident can do independently, what requires assistance, and what routines the resident enjoys. Formulating long-term medical goals is a licensed nurse or physician responsibility rather than an aide task. Nurse aides are full team members in care planning and do not require physician approval to contribute observations.

20. Question 20 of 25Hard

    The care plan for Mr. Duval, 88, says he needs two staff members for every transfer. He wants to get into his wheelchair now, but no one else is free. What should the nurse aide do?

    1. AA. Transfer him alone, since he is in a hurry
    2. BB. Have him stand on his own while she holds the chair
    3. CC. Explain the wait and get another staff member
    4. DD. Tell him he must stay in bed for the rest of the day
    Show answer to question 20

    Answer: C. Explain the wait and get another staff member

    The care plan sets the number of staff needed for a safe transfer. Doing it alone risks injury to the resident and the aide, so the aide explains the short wait and gets help from the nurse or another staff member.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • AIgnoring the care plan to save time risks a fall or injury.
    • BAsking him to stand alone when he needs two-person help is unsafe.
    • DKeeping him in bed all day ignores his wishes when help can be found.

21. Question 21 of 25Hard

    Two nurse aides disagree about which one of them is responsible for answering call lights on a shared hallway, and several call lights begin sounding. What should the aides do?

    1. AA. Work together to answer the lights first, then ask the charge nurse for clarification
    2. BB. Refuse to answer any lights until the scheduling coordinator resolves the dispute
    3. CC. Answer only the lights for residents who are physically closest to their assigned rooms
    4. DD. Wait for the charge nurse to answer the lights while the aides discuss the assignment
    Show answer to question 21

    Answer: A. Work together to answer the lights first, then ask the charge nurse for clarification

    Resident safety and comfort are the immediate priorities, so staff must cooperate to answer call lights promptly before seeking guidance from the supervisor to clarify duties. Leaving lights unanswered while arguing delays essential care and puts residents at risk.

22. Question 22 of 25Hard

    A nurse aide observes a coworker using a personal smartphone to photograph a resident who is participating in an activity. What should the nurse aide do first?

    1. AA. Ask the resident if they gave verbal permission to be photographed
    2. BB. Tell the coworker to delete the photo before the end of the shift
    3. CC. Report the observation promptly to the supervising charge nurse
    4. DD. Wait to see if the photograph is posted onto the facility bulletin board
    Show answer to question 22

    Answer: C. Report the observation promptly to the supervising charge nurse

    Taking unauthorized photographs of residents on personal devices is a serious violation of resident privacy and facility policy that must be reported up the chain of command immediately. It is not within the nurse aide scope of practice to independently investigate or handle regulatory privacy violations. Asking the resident for retroactive verbal permission does not correct the coworker breach of professional conduct.

23. Question 23 of 25Hard

    A nurse aide fails to turn an immobile resident every two hours as scheduled, and the resident develops a new reddened area on the sacrum. What is the most accountable action for the aide to take?

    1. AA. Reposition the resident immediately and report both the missed turns and the skin change to the nurse.
    2. BB. Explain to the nurse that short staffing prevented any repositioning from being performed.
    3. CC. Massage the reddened sacrum vigorously and document that all turns were completed on schedule.
    4. DD. Apply a moisturizing barrier cream and wait to see if the redness fades by the next turn.
    Show answer to question 23

    Answer: A. Reposition the resident immediately and report both the missed turns and the skin change to the nurse.

    Taking accountability requires acknowledging omitted care, taking corrective action by repositioning the resident, and informing the supervising nurse of both the omission and the clinical finding. Massaging reddened bony prominences can cause further tissue damage, and documenting care that was not given is unlawful.

24. Question 24 of 25Medium

    Mr. Lister, 81, coughs and chokes when he drinks thin liquids after a stroke. Which team member evaluates his swallowing and recommends safe food and liquid textures?

    1. AA. Speech-language pathologist
    2. BB. Respiratory therapist
    3. CC. Activities director
    4. DD. Physical therapist
    Show answer to question 24

    Answer: A. Speech-language pathologist

    Speech-language pathologists assess and treat swallowing problems as well as speech and language disorders. They recommend food textures, liquid consistency and safe swallowing techniques, which the aide follows as written in the care plan.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • BRespiratory therapists treat breathing problems, not swallowing.
    • CThe activities director plans recreational programs.
    • DPhysical therapists work on mobility and strength.

25. Question 25 of 25Medium

    Mrs. Baker, 75, has arthritis and is having trouble buttoning her clothes and holding utensils. Which team member is best suited to help her relearn these daily tasks and suggest adaptive devices?

    1. AA. Physical therapist
    2. BB. Occupational therapist
    3. CC. Registered dietitian
    4. DD. Pharmacist
    Show answer to question 25

    Answer: B. Occupational therapist

    Occupational therapists help residents regain or adapt skills for daily living, such as dressing, grooming and eating, and recommend adaptive devices. The aide encourages the resident to use these skills during daily care.

    Why the other options are wrong

    • APhysical therapists focus on strength, mobility and walking.
    • CDietitians plan diets and nutrition.
    • DPharmacists prepare medications and review drug use.

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