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Arizona CNA study materials
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Arizona CNA practice questions

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Question 1Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When giving perineal care to a female resident, the nurse assistant should wash:

  1. in a circular motion around the rectum
  2. from the back toward the front
  3. from the front toward the back Correct answer.
  4. only the outer skin surfaces

Explanation

Washing from the front toward the back keeps feces away from the urethra, which helps prevent a urinary tract infection. Each stroke is a single clean motion, and the washcloth is changed as it becomes soiled.

Question 2Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When a resident's dentures are not being worn, they should be:

  1. stored in a labeled container filled with water Correct answer.
  2. placed loose in the resident's bedside drawer
  3. kept in a dry cup until the next meal
  4. wrapped in a tissue and placed on the bedside table

Explanation

Dentures are kept moist and in a labeled container so they do not dry out, warp, or get lost. The label also protects against mixing them up with another resident's dentures.

Question 3Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

An unconscious resident needs mouth care. The nurse assistant should:

  1. insert a toothbrush and scrub the back of the tongue
  2. wait until the resident is awake and able to sit up
  3. turn the resident's head to the side and use small amounts of fluid Correct answer.
  4. use a large amount of water so the mouth is thoroughly rinsed

Explanation

An unconscious resident cannot swallow or cough, so fluid can pool in the mouth and be aspirated. Turning the head to the side and using only small amounts of fluid lets it drain out safely.

Question 4Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

Gloves are worn while providing care. Hand hygiene is required:

  1. before the gloves go on and again after they come off Correct answer.
  2. only when the gloves look soiled
  3. only after the gloves have been removed
  4. only before the gloves are put on the hands

Explanation

Gloves can have tiny defects, and hands often pick up organisms when gloves are removed. Hand hygiene is therefore done both before donning gloves and after removing them.

Question 5Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When helping a resident with a weak right arm put on a shirt, the nurse assistant should:

  1. put the shirt on the right arm first Correct answer.
  2. let the resident do it alone to build strength
  3. put the shirt on the left arm first
  4. dress the resident while he is standing

Explanation

Clothing goes on the weak side first so the limb does not have to be pulled and pushed through the sleeve. When clothing is removed, the weak side comes out last.

Question 6Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

Before placing a bedpan under a resident, the nurse assistant should:

  1. warm the bedpan with tap water and dry it Correct answer.
  2. place the resident in a side-lying position
  3. apply lotion to the resident's back
  4. lower the head of the bed flat

Explanation

Warming the bedpan with tap water and drying it makes the pan more comfortable and helps the resident relax so she can use it. The head of the bed is raised afterward unless the nurse orders otherwise.

Question 7Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

The nurse assistant is about to trim the toenails of a resident who has diabetes. The correct action is to:

  1. trim the nails as short as possible
  2. soak the feet in hot water first, then trim
  3. cut the corners of the nails to prevent ingrown nails
  4. check the care plan and report to the nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents with diabetes often have poor circulation and reduced sensation in the feet, so foot and nail care is frequently done by a podiatrist. The assistant checks the care plan and reports rather than trimming on her own.

Question 8Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

Before a resident enters the bathtub, the nurse assistant should:

  1. check the water temperature with a thermometer Correct answer.
  2. fill the tub to shoulder depth
  3. add bath oil to make the water slippery
  4. leave the resident alone to test the water

Explanation

Water temperature is checked with a thermometer before the resident gets in, because older skin burns easily and sensation may be reduced. A commonly used safe range is about 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

Question 9Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When cleansing the skin around an indwelling urinary catheter, the nurse assistant should wash:

  1. while pulling firmly on the tubing to reach the skin
  2. with strokes moving toward the urinary meatus
  3. with strokes moving away from the urinary meatus Correct answer.
  4. using the same washcloth for the rectum and the meatus

Explanation

Cleansing away from the meatus carries organisms away from the urinary opening and lowers the risk of infection. The catheter is held gently near the meatus so it is not pulled.

Question 10Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident who cannot move independently should be repositioned:

  1. only when the resident asks
  2. at least every two hours Correct answer.
  3. every eight hours while awake
  4. once each shift

Explanation

Pressure damages skin when it is not relieved, so a resident who cannot move independently is turned and repositioned at least every two hours. The care plan may specify a different schedule for residents at high risk.

Question 11Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

While making an occupied bed, the nurse assistant should:

  1. stand at the foot of the bed and reach across it
  2. ask the resident to hold the linens
  3. raise the side rail on the side opposite the assistant Correct answer.
  4. leave both side rails down for easier access

Explanation

Raising the far side rail keeps the resident from rolling out while the assistant works on the near side. The near rail stays down so the assistant can work, and the call light stays within the resident's reach.

Question 12Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

Which resident should be shaved with an electric razor instead of a safety razor?

  1. A resident whose beard is thick and coarse
  2. A resident who prefers a very close shave
  3. A resident who takes a blood-thinning medication Correct answer.
  4. A resident who is able to shave himself without help

Explanation

A safety razor can cause bleeding that is hard to stop in a resident whose blood does not clot normally, so an electric razor is used. Any cut is cleaned and reported to the nurse.

Question 13Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

While performing range-of-motion exercises, a resident says the movement hurts. The nurse assistant should:

  1. give the resident a pain pill and then continue
  2. skip that joint for the rest of the day without telling anyone
  3. push a little further so the joint will not stiffen
  4. stop the exercise and report the pain Correct answer.

Explanation

Pain during range of motion may signal an injury or a joint problem, so the movement is stopped and the nurse is told. Exercise is never forced past the point of pain.

Question 14Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

Before transferring a resident from the bed to a chair, the nurse assistant should:

  1. place the chair several feet away from the bed
  2. raise the bed to its highest position
  3. lock the bed wheels and the chair wheels Correct answer.
  4. put slippers with smooth soles on the resident

Explanation

Locking the wheels on both the bed and the chair keeps them from moving during the transfer, which is a leading cause of falls. The bed is also lowered to a safe height and the resident wears non-skid shoes.

Question 15Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident who had a stroke has weakness on the left side. To reduce the risk of choking, the nurse assistant should:

  1. feed the resident quickly so he does not tire
  2. place food on the right side of the mouth Correct answer.
  3. give thin liquids through a straw
  4. have the resident lie flat during the meal

Explanation

Food placed on the stronger side is easier to chew and swallow, and the resident should sit upright for the meal. The assistant watches for coughing, pocketing, or other signs of choking throughout.

Question 16Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident drinks 4 ounces of juice. How should the nurse assistant record this on the intake and output sheet?

  1. 60 mL
  2. 90 mL
  3. 120 mL Correct answer.
  4. 40 mL

Explanation

One ounce equals 30 milliliters, so 4 ounces equals 120 milliliters. Intake is recorded in milliliters, and the amount is charted as soon as it is taken.

Question 17Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

Elastic stockings should be applied:

  1. over lotion to protect the skin
  2. in the morning before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.
  3. only when the resident complains of leg pain
  4. at bedtime after the resident's bath

Explanation

Stockings are applied early, before the legs swell from being dependent, and are removed for bathing as the care plan directs. Wrinkles are smoothed out so the fabric does not create pressure points.

Question 18Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When combing a resident's tangled hair, the nurse assistant should:

  1. wet the hair with very hot water
  2. start at the ends of the hair and work toward the scalp Correct answer.
  3. begin at the scalp and pull the comb down firmly
  4. cut out the tangles with scissors

Explanation

Combing from the ends upward untangles hair without pulling on the scalp. Small sections are worked through one at a time.

Question 19Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When a resident is not wearing a hearing aid, the nurse assistant should:

  1. leave it uncovered on the bedside table
  2. store it in a labeled case with the battery removed Correct answer.
  3. place it in a pocket of the resident's robe
  4. wash it with soap and water

Explanation

A hearing aid is kept dry and stored in a labeled case, usually with the battery taken out so it does not corrode or drain. Labeling prevents loss and mix-ups with another resident's aid.

Question 20Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When giving a bed bath, the nurse assistant can protect her back by:

  1. keeping the bed at its lowest position
  2. raising the bed to a comfortable working height Correct answer.
  3. reaching across the bed to the far side
  4. twisting at the waist to reach the resident

Explanation

Raising the bed to about waist height keeps the assistant from bending and reaching, which protects the back. Work is kept close to the body with the feet spread apart, and twisting is avoided.

Question 21Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident with an intravenous line in the left hand needs a bed bath. The nurse assistant should:

  1. cover the insertion site with a washcloth and then wash the arm as usual
  2. disconnect the tubing while washing the left arm
  3. check the tubing for pulling or kinks and report problems Correct answer.
  4. skip the bath until the intravenous line is discontinued

Explanation

The assistant never disconnects or adjusts an intravenous line; the tubing is kept free of kinks and pulling, and any problem is reported. The site is kept dry and covered only as the nurse directs.

Question 22Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident has a contracted hand. When providing hand care, the nurse assistant should:

  1. leave the hand unwashed so the resident is not in pain
  2. force the fingers open to stretch the tightened muscles
  3. wrap the hand tightly to keep the fingers straight
  4. gently clean and dry the palm and report the contracture Correct answer.

Explanation

A contracted hand is gently cleaned and dried, including between the fingers, and the tightness is reported so the care plan can be updated. Force is never used on a contracted joint.

Question 23Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

During a meal, a resident suddenly cannot speak or breathe. The nurse assistant should:

  1. leave the resident and go find the charge nurse
  2. give the resident a sip of water to help wash the food down
  3. lay the resident flat on the floor and check for a pulse
  4. stay with the resident, call for help, and begin abdominal thrusts Correct answer.

Explanation

Being unable to speak or breathe are signs of a complete airway obstruction; the assistant stays with the resident, calls for help, and starts abdominal thrusts if trained to do so. The resident is never left alone.

Question 24Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident with dementia refuses a bath and becomes agitated. The nurse assistant should:

  1. stop and try again later, then report the refusal Correct answer.
  2. tell the resident the bath is required and go ahead
  3. physically guide the resident into the tub
  4. ask another assistant to hold the resident during the bath

Explanation

A resident with dementia who is agitated or refusing care may become combative if forced, so the task is postponed and the nurse is told. A calm approach and another attempt later are safer for everyone.

Question 25Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident keeps sliding down in the wheelchair. The nurse assistant's best action is to:

  1. keep the resident in bed with the side rails up instead
  2. reposition the resident and report the problem to the nurse Correct answer.
  3. use a lap tray to keep the resident from sliding forward
  4. tie a sheet around the resident's waist to hold her in place

Explanation

Sliding down in a wheelchair means the seating or positioning needs to be checked, so the assistant repositions the resident and reports the problem. Devices used to keep a resident from moving freely are restraints and are not used for convenience.

Question 26Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When giving mouth care to a resident who is unconscious, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Hold the mouth open with the fingers and scrub the tongue hard
  2. Place the resident flat on the back and rinse with a full cup of water
  3. Turn the resident's head to the side and use a small amount of fluid Correct answer.
  4. Wait until the resident is fully awake before doing any mouth care

Explanation

A resident who is unconscious cannot swallow or protect the airway, so fluid can easily be aspirated. The head should be turned to the side, small amounts of fluid used, and suction kept available. Mouth care is still needed regularly even when the resident cannot cooperate.

Question 27Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident's dentures need cleaning. The nurse assistant should:

  1. Let them air dry on the bedside table
  2. Scrub them with a stiff brush and scouring powder
  3. Brush them over a towel-lined sink filled with water Correct answer.
  4. Soak them in very hot water for ten minutes

Explanation

Dentures break easily if dropped, so they are cleaned over a towel-lined sink or basin partly filled with water. A denture brush or soft toothbrush with denture cleanser or mild soap is used, and the basin is rinsed well. Hot water can warp the denture material.

Question 28Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When washing a resident's eyes during a bath, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Use a clean cloth area per eye, inner to outer Correct answer.
  2. Wipe from the outer corner toward the nose with soapy water
  3. Use the same part of the cloth for both eyes
  4. Soak the cloth in hot water and press firmly on the lids

Explanation

Each eye is washed with a clean area of the washcloth, wiping from the inner corner outward, so debris is carried away from the tear duct. A separate clean area for each eye prevents transferring organisms from one eye to the other. Plain warm water is used, without soap.

Question 29Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When dressing a resident who has weakness on one side, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Have the resident dress without any help
  2. Pull the shirt over the head before the arms
  3. Put the strong arm into the sleeve first
  4. Put the weak arm into the sleeve first Correct answer.

Explanation

Clothing is put on the weak or affected side first, because it is easier to guide a limb that the resident cannot move well into the sleeve. When undressing, the strong side is undressed first. This approach supports the resident's independence and protects the weak limb.

Question 30Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident's eyeglasses are smudged. The nurse assistant should:

  1. Wipe the lenses quickly while they stay on the face
  2. Clean the lenses with warm water and a soft cloth Correct answer.
  3. Use hot water and a paper towel to scrub the lenses
  4. Wipe the lenses with alcohol-based hand sanitizer

Explanation

Lenses are cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth or lens tissue while the frames are held steady, which removes smudges without scratching. Hot water and rough paper products can damage lens coatings. The glasses are then rinsed, dried, and returned to the resident.

Question 31Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When walking with a resident who wears a gait belt, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Walk in front and pull the belt forward
  2. Hold the resident's arm firmly above the elbow
  3. Grasp the belt only if the resident starts to fall
  4. Stand at the side, slightly behind, holding the belt Correct answer.

Explanation

The nurse assistant walks at the resident's side and slightly behind, gripping the gait belt so the resident can be guided and supported without pulling on the arm. This position allows the assistant to control a slip or loss of balance. The resident is encouraged to stand upright and step at a comfortable pace.

Question 32Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident who is blind needs help at mealtime. The nurse assistant should:

  1. Describe where each food is using clock positions Correct answer.
  2. Place all foods in one bowl so the resident can find them
  3. Put the tray down and leave the resident to eat alone
  4. Guide the spoon but say nothing about the food

Explanation

Using clock positions gives the resident a consistent mental map of the tray, such as meat at six o'clock and vegetables at nine o'clock. The assistant describes the food, guides the resident's hand to items if needed, and offers encouragement. This supports independence and safety during the meal.

Question 33Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident who cannot shift position sits in a wheelchair. To help prevent pressure injuries, the nurse assistant should shift the resident's weight at least every:

  1. 2 hours
  2. 4 hours
  3. 1 hour
  4. 15 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

A resident who sits for long periods needs weight shifts or repositioning about every 15 minutes to restore blood flow to the buttocks. Bed-bound residents are typically turned about every 2 hours. The skin is also checked for redness each time the resident is repositioned.

Question 34Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

Before trimming a resident's fingernails, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Trim each nail down to the nail bed
  2. Use clippers shared with other residents without cleaning
  3. Soak the hands in warm water to soften the nails Correct answer.
  4. Cut deeply into the corners of each nail

Explanation

Soaking the hands in warm water softens the nails so they can be trimmed and filed without splitting or tearing. Nails are cut straight across and smoothed with a file. Any breaks in the skin or signs of infection are reported.

Question 35Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When shampooing a resident's hair while the resident stays in bed, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Wash the hair every day whether the resident wants it or not
  2. Use a shampoo basin so water drains away from the face Correct answer.
  3. Apply shampoo to dry hair and comb it through
  4. Pour water over the head and let it run onto the pillow

Explanation

A shampoo basin or trough channels water into a container so the resident's face, ears, and bedding stay dry. Water temperature is checked first and the resident's eyes are protected throughout. Hair is washed as often as the resident prefers.

Question 36Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident is able to use a bedside commode with help. After helping the resident sit on it, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Stand in front and watch the resident the whole time
  2. Put the call light out of reach so the resident stays seated
  3. Leave the room and check back in thirty minutes
  4. Provide privacy, stay nearby, and answer the signal promptly Correct answer.

Explanation

The resident is given privacy and a call signal within reach, while the assistant stays close enough to respond quickly to a call for help. Toileting is a private activity, but safety requires supervision nearby rather than leaving the area. Perineal care and handwashing follow.

Question 37Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident with weakness in the left leg will use a cane. The cane should be placed:

  1. In the right hand, moved only after both feet step
  2. In both hands while the resident shuffles forward
  3. In the right hand, moving it with the weak left leg Correct answer.
  4. In the left hand, on the same side as the weak leg

Explanation

A cane is held on the stronger side, so a resident with left leg weakness holds it in the right hand. The cane moves forward at the same time as the weak leg, which shares the load and widens the base of support. The resident leans slightly toward the cane for stability.

Question 38Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident who had hip replacement surgery must not bend the new hip past 90 degrees. To help the resident put on socks and shoes, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Bend the resident forward at the waist to reach the feet
  2. Lift the resident's leg high above the level of the hip
  3. Have the resident stand and balance without any support
  4. Use a long-handled shoehorn and dressing stick while sitting Correct answer.

Explanation

Long-handled devices let the resident dress while seated without bending the new hip beyond the limit set by the surgeon. The resident is encouraged to sit with the hips slightly lower than the knees and to do as much as possible independently. Any prescribed precautions are followed during all care.

Question 39Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

A resident with arthritis in both hands has trouble gripping a fork. The nurse assistant should:

  1. Feed the resident at every meal to save energy
  2. Blend all the foods into liquids so they are easy to eat
  3. Have the resident grip the fork in a fist with a napkin
  4. Offer utensils with built-up handles and a plate guard Correct answer.

Explanation

Adaptive utensils with larger handles are easier to grip for a resident with joint pain, and a plate guard helps the resident scoop food without it sliding off. The goal is to keep the resident eating independently for as long as possible. The resident's preferred setup is discussed with the care team.

Question 40Personal Care Skills and Activities of Daily Living

When giving perineal care to a female resident, the nurse assistant should cleanse the area by wiping:

  1. gently back and forth over the same area until all soil is removed
  2. from the back toward the front, using a new wipe for each stroke
  3. in a circular motion, starting at the anal area and moving upward
  4. from the front toward the back, using a new wipe for each stroke Correct answer.

Explanation

Perineal care for a female resident is performed by wiping from the front (urethra) toward the back (anus) so that stool organisms are not carried to the urinary opening. A clean wipe is used for each stroke, and the washcloth is changed as needed, because reusing a soiled cloth can spread microorganisms and cause infection.

Question 41Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

What is the normal resting respiratory rate for a healthy adult?

  1. 6 to 10 breaths per minute
  2. 12 to 20 breaths per minute Correct answer.
  3. 22 to 28 breaths per minute
  4. 30 to 36 breaths per minute

Explanation

A resting adult normally breathes 12 to 20 times per minute. Rates outside this range are recorded and reported, since they can signal illness or distress.

Question 42Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

A resident has just finished a cup of hot coffee. When should the nursing assistant take an oral temperature?

  1. Take it right away
  2. Wait about five minutes
  3. Wait two hours
  4. Wait 15 to 30 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Hot or cold food and drink, and smoking, change the temperature inside the mouth. Waiting 15 to 30 minutes allows the mouth to return to its true temperature, or another route can be used.

Question 43Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

Where is the radial pulse felt?

  1. In the bend of the elbow
  2. On the thumb side of the wrist Correct answer.
  3. At the side of the neck
  4. Over the apex of the heart

Explanation

The radial artery runs along the thumb side of the wrist, where it is close to the skin and easy to compress gently. The other listed sites correspond to different pulse points.

Question 44Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

When should a nursing assistant perform hand hygiene?

  1. Only when the hands are visibly soiled
  2. Only after caring for a resident with an infection
  3. Before and after every contact with a resident Correct answer.
  4. Only at the beginning and end of the shift

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed before and after every resident contact, and also after touching body fluids, equipment, or the environment. This breaks the chain of transmission even when hands look clean.

Question 45Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

Which action helps prevent pressure injuries in a resident who is on bed rest?

  1. Reposition at least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  2. Limit fluids to reduce urine output
  3. Massage reddened bony areas each shift
  4. Keep the head of the bed raised at 90 degrees

Explanation

Repositioning at least every two hours relieves pressure on skin over bony prominences. Reddened areas are never massaged, and limiting fluids increases skin breakdown risk.

Question 46Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

Where is the apical pulse heard?

  1. At the side of the neck
  2. At the wrist on the thumb side
  3. In the bend of the elbow
  4. Over the apex of the heart Correct answer.

Explanation

The apical pulse is heard with a stethoscope placed over the apex of the heart, on the left side of the chest. It is counted for a full minute and is used when a radial pulse is weak or irregular.

Question 47Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

Which oral temperature reading is within the normal range for an adult?

  1. 96.4 degrees F (35.8 degrees C)
  2. 104.0 degrees F (40.0 degrees C)
  3. 95.0 degrees F (35.0 degrees C)
  4. 98.6 degrees F (37.0 degrees C) Correct answer.

Explanation

Normal adult oral temperature is about 98.6 degrees F, or 37.0 degrees C, with slight individual variation. Values well below or above this are reported to the nurse.

Question 48Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

How should the nursing assistant weigh a resident to obtain useful readings over time?

  1. Use the same scale at the same time daily Correct answer.
  2. Weigh the resident with shoes and a coat on
  3. Weigh the resident right after a large meal
  4. Use whichever scale happens to be closest to the room

Explanation

Consistency makes weight trends meaningful, so the same scale is used at the same time of day with the same amount of clothing. Inconsistent technique produces changes that reflect the method rather than the resident.

Question 49Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

The nursing assistant should count respirations for a full minute when the resident's breathing:

  1. has an irregular rhythm Correct answer.
  2. occurs during sleep
  3. is a rate of 16 per minute
  4. is slow and regular

Explanation

An irregular rhythm must be counted for a full 60 seconds so that no breaths are missed and the pattern can be described. Regular breathing may be counted for 30 seconds and doubled.

Question 50Basic Nursing Skills and Vital Signs

A resident has a history of dizziness when standing. Before helping the resident to stand, the nursing assistant should first:

  1. Have the resident sit on the edge of the bed first Correct answer.
  2. Give the resident a glass of water before standing
  3. Apply a gait belt and pull the resident up quickly
  4. Lower the head of the bed flat and wait a minute

Explanation

Sitting on the edge of the bed lets blood pressure adjust before standing, which reduces the risk of dizziness and falls. This step is especially important for residents with a history of orthostatic hypotension.