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California CNA practice questions

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Question 1Basic nursing skills

A nurse assistant is washing their hands with soap and water. How long should the hands be rubbed together?

  1. For at least 20 seconds Correct answer.
  2. Until the soap is all used up
  3. For at least 3 minutes
  4. For at least 5 seconds

Explanation

Handwashing with soap and water requires friction for at least 20 seconds, covering palms, backs of hands, between fingers, and under the nails. Microorganisms are removed by the combination of soap and the mechanical action of rubbing, which takes time.

Question 2Basic nursing skills

Where is the radial pulse felt?

  1. At the side of the neck near the jaw
  2. Behind the knee in the popliteal space
  3. Along the inner wrist on the little-finger side
  4. On the thumb side of the wrist Correct answer.

Explanation

The radial artery runs along the thumb side of the inner wrist, where it lies close to the surface and can be pressed gently against the bone. It is the pulse site most often used because it is easy to reach and does not require exposing the resident.

Question 3Basic nursing skills

When counting a resident's respirations, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Count for one full minute without telling the resident Correct answer.
  2. Ask the resident to take deep breaths during the count
  3. Count while the resident is talking on the phone
  4. Tell the resident to breathe normally and count for 15 seconds

Explanation

Respirations are counted for a full minute while the resident believes you are still taking the pulse, because awareness of being watched can change the breathing pattern. A full minute gives an accurate rate and lets you note depth, rhythm, and effort.

Question 4Basic nursing skills

What is the main purpose of range-of-motion exercises?

  1. To help the resident lose weight safely
  2. To keep joints moving and muscles strong Correct answer.
  3. To increase the resident's appetite and fluid intake
  4. To prevent skin breakdown over bony areas

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercises move each joint through its full arc so that joints stay flexible and muscles keep their tone and strength. They are done slowly and gently, and the resident is stopped at the point of pain.

Question 5Basic nursing skills

How often should a resident who is confined to bed be repositioned?

  1. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  2. Only when the resident complains
  3. Once each shift
  4. At least every 8 hours

Explanation

A bedbound resident is turned and repositioned at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure over bony prominences and protect the skin. The care plan may specify a different schedule, but two hours is the usual minimum standard.

Question 6Basic nursing skills

After finishing care, the nurse assistant should leave the resident's bed:

  1. In the lowest position Correct answer.
  2. Raised to waist height for the next shift
  3. With both side rails down at all times
  4. With the head flat and the wheels unlocked

Explanation

The bed is left in the lowest position so the resident can get in and out safely and so a fall causes less injury. Side rails are used only as ordered in the care plan, and the wheels must be locked.

Question 7Basic nursing skills

Which practice gives the most accurate weight for a resident?

  1. Use a different scale each day to compare
  2. Weigh the resident while wearing street shoes
  3. Weigh the resident right after eating a large meal
  4. Use the same scale at the same time of day Correct answer.

Explanation

Weight is most useful when conditions are kept constant: the same scale, the same time of day, and about the same clothing. That way a change in the number reflects a real change in the resident rather than the scale, a meal, or clothing.

Question 8Basic nursing skills

When a new resident arrives on the unit, the nurse assistant should first:

  1. Take the resident to the dining room for the evening meal
  2. Ask the family to leave so the resident can rest quietly
  3. Introduce themselves and point out the call light Correct answer.
  4. Fill out the resident's menu preference card right away

Explanation

The first priorities on admission are to make the resident feel welcome and to establish safety by showing the call light and how to use it. Orientation to the room, bathroom, and unit routines follows once the resident's immediate safety needs are met.

Question 9Basic nursing skills

When applying a blood pressure cuff, the center of the bladder should be placed:

  1. Over the radial artery at the wrist
  2. Directly on the elbow crease at the antecubital space
  3. Anywhere on the upper arm as long as it is snug
  4. Over the brachial artery, about 1 inch above the elbow Correct answer.

Explanation

The cuff bladder is centered over the brachial artery with its lower edge about one inch above the bend of the elbow, and the arm is supported at heart level. Correct placement ensures the reading reflects the pressure inside the artery.

Question 10Basic nursing skills

Which of these is recorded on the intake and output record as intake?

  1. A stool specimen sent to the lab
  2. Ice chips the resident ate Correct answer.
  3. Vomitus emptied into a graduated container
  4. Urine emptied from a urinary drainage bag

Explanation

Anything the resident takes in by mouth counts as intake, including water, juice, soup, gelatin, and ice chips. Ice chips are recorded at about half their volume because they melt to roughly that amount of water.

Question 11Basic nursing skills

When logrolling a resident, the nurse assistant must:

  1. Ask the resident to twist at the waist during the turn
  2. Turn the head first and then bring the hips over
  3. Pull the resident by the arms toward the edge of the bed
  4. Keep the head, back, and hips aligned Correct answer.

Explanation

Logrolling moves the resident as a single unit so the spine stays straight, which protects the neck and back after surgery or injury. Enough help is gathered to support the head, trunk, and legs together.

Question 12Basic nursing skills

Where should a gait belt be placed on a resident?

  1. Around the shoulders like a vest
  2. Around the upper thighs, close to the groin
  3. Snug around the waist, over clothing Correct answer.
  4. Under the arms and around the rib cage

Explanation

A gait belt is fastened snugly around the waist over clothing so the nurse assistant can grip it to steady the resident without pulling on the arms or shoulders. It should be checked for tightness and for secure buckles before the resident stands.

Question 13Basic nursing skills

While preparing a sterile field, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Keep the sterile field above waist level Correct answer.
  2. Touch the sterile drape with bare hands to smooth it
  3. Set up the field on the overbed table and turn away from it
  4. Reach across the field to save steps

Explanation

A sterile field must stay above waist level and within the worker's view so that it is not contaminated by contact with the uniform or by unseen events. Reaching over the field or touching it with bare hands breaks sterility.

Question 14Basic nursing skills

When should elastic stockings be applied?

  1. At bedtime, after the resident is asleep
  2. Only when the resident's legs look swollen
  3. Before the resident gets up in the morning Correct answer.
  4. Right after the resident returns from a long walk

Explanation

Elastic stockings work best when they are put on before the resident gets out of bed, while swelling is at its lowest. They are removed at least once a shift to check the skin and circulation, then reapplied.

Question 15Basic nursing skills

When applying a cold pack to a resident's arm, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Place the cold pack directly against the bare skin
  2. Leave the pack in place for one hour without checking
  3. Wrap it in cloth and check the skin often Correct answer.
  4. Apply it over an area with an open wound

Explanation

A cold pack is wrapped in a cloth or towel so it does not injure the skin, and the area is checked frequently for redness, pale color, or numbness. Treatments are usually limited to about 20 minutes at a time.

Question 16Basic nursing skills

Which action is correct when using a finger probe to measure oxygen saturation?

  1. Remove nail polish and place the probe on a warm finger Correct answer.
  2. Ask the resident to hold their breath during the reading
  3. Place the probe on a finger with red nail polish
  4. Place the probe on the earlobe of every resident

Explanation

The probe shines light through the fingertip, so nail polish, cold fingers, and poor circulation can all distort the reading. Removing polish and warming the hand gives a value that reflects the true oxygen saturation.

Question 17Basic nursing skills

When collecting a midstream urine specimen, the nurse assistant should have the resident:

  1. Collect the first urine that comes out into the container
  2. Collect the sample from the urine in the toilet
  3. Save all urine for 24 hours before collecting
  4. Cleanse, start to void, then collect the sample Correct answer.

Explanation

The perineal area is cleansed first, the resident begins urinating into the toilet or bedpan, and the middle portion of the stream is caught in the sterile container. This reduces contamination from skin organisms so culture results are meaningful.

Question 18Basic nursing skills

When collecting a stool specimen, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Use a clean container and send it right away Correct answer.
  2. Collect it from the toilet bowl after flushing
  3. Keep the specimen at room temperature for a week
  4. Mix the stool with urine so it is easier to send

Explanation

A stool specimen is collected in a clean, dry container, avoiding contamination with urine or toilet paper, and is sent to the lab promptly. Delays or contamination can make the test result unreliable.

Question 19Basic nursing skills

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

  1. From the rectum toward the urethra
  2. Only with a washcloth and no soap
  3. In circular motions around the anus first
  4. From the urethra toward the rectum Correct answer.

Explanation

Washing from the front toward the back carries organisms away from the urethra and vagina instead of toward them. A separate part of the washcloth is used for each stroke, and the area is rinsed and dried well.

Question 20Basic nursing skills

A resident has an indwelling urinary catheter. The drainage bag should be:

  1. Emptied once a week into the toilet
  2. Placed on the floor beside the bed at all times
  3. Kept below the level of the bladder Correct answer.
  4. Hung on the bed rail above the bladder

Explanation

Gravity drains urine down the tubing, so the bag must stay below the level of the bladder to prevent urine from flowing back into the bladder. The bag is also kept off the floor and emptied regularly, usually each shift.

Question 21Basic nursing skills

A resident is in restraints. How often should the nurse assistant check the circulation in the restrained limb?

  1. Every 60 minutes
  2. Every 2 hours
  3. Once at the end of each shift
  4. Every 15 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Circulation, skin color, warmth, and sensation in a restrained limb are checked at least every 15 minutes so that impaired blood flow is caught early. The restraint is also released, the limb exercised, and the resident repositioned on a regular schedule.

Question 22Basic nursing skills

In which position should a resident be placed for a cleansing enema?

  1. On the back with the legs flat
  2. On the stomach with the head turned
  3. Sitting upright in a chair
  4. Left side, right knee drawn up Correct answer.

Explanation

The left side-lying position with the right knee flexed follows the curve of the descending colon, so fluid flows into the bowel instead of being expelled right away. The resident is kept covered, and the bedpan or toilet is within reach afterward.

Question 23Basic nursing skills

A sputum specimen is needed. What should the nurse assistant tell the resident?

  1. Save the saliva in the cup overnight
  2. Use a swab to wipe the inside of the cheek
  3. Cough deeply and collect what comes from the lungs Correct answer.
  4. Breathe through the mouth into the container

Explanation

Sputum comes from deep in the lungs, so the resident is asked to take a few breaths, cough deeply, and spit the material into the container. Saliva and nasal drainage are not sputum and will not give a useful culture result.

Question 24Basic nursing skills

A resident is receiving oxygen by nasal cannula. The nurse assistant should:

  1. Use woollen blankets to keep the resident warm
  2. Turn the oxygen flow rate up if the resident is short of breath
  3. Keep the tubing free of kinks and away from heat Correct answer.
  4. Apply petroleum jelly to the nostrils for dryness

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so the tubing is kept untangled and away from heat sources, and no one smokes in the room. Petroleum-based products, wool, and synthetic fabrics that spark are avoided near the resident.

Question 25Basic nursing skills

When caring for a resident with a colostomy, the nurse assistant should empty the pouch when it is:

  1. Filled with gas only
  2. Completely full and stretched tight
  3. Empty and dry
  4. One-third to one-half full Correct answer.

Explanation

The pouch is emptied when it is about one-third to one-half full so the weight does not pull on the seal and cause leakage or skin breakdown. The stoma and surrounding skin are checked and cleaned at the same time.

Question 26Personal care skills

When should a nurse assistant perform hand hygiene during personal care?

  1. Before and after each resident contact Correct answer.
  2. Only after you remove soiled gloves
  3. Once at the beginning of each shift
  4. Only before you begin the resident's bath

Explanation

Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection, so it is performed before and after every resident contact. Gloves do not replace hand washing, and cleaning the hands once per shift leaves residents unprotected.

Question 27Personal care skills

A nurse assistant is giving a bed bath. Which action best protects the resident's privacy?

  1. Closing the door but leaving the curtain open
  2. Exposing only the area being washed Correct answer.
  3. Asking the resident to look away during the bath
  4. Bathing the resident quickly without talking

Explanation

Draping with a bath blanket and uncovering only the part being washed keeps the resident covered and warm while preserving dignity. Privacy means shielding the resident from being seen by others, not just from the assistant.

Question 28Personal care skills

How should a nurse assistant store a resident's dentures when they are not in the mouth?

  1. In a glass of hot water on the bedside table
  2. In a labeled cup filled with cool water Correct answer.
  3. Left dry in a denture cup beside the bed
  4. Wrapped in a dry paper towel in a drawer

Explanation

Dentures must stay moist to hold their shape, so they are kept in cool water in a container labeled with the resident's name. Hot water can distort the material, and dry storage makes dentures brittle and easily broken.

Question 29Personal care skills

What water temperature should a nurse assistant use for a bed bath?

  1. Warm, about 105 degrees Fahrenheit Correct answer.
  2. Cool, so the resident does not sweat
  3. Cold, to reduce the risk of infection
  4. As hot as the resident can tolerate

Explanation

Bath water should be comfortably warm, roughly 105 degrees Fahrenheit, and tested on the inner wrist before use. Older adults have thin, fragile skin, so very hot water can cause serious burns.

Question 30Personal care skills

How often should a nurse assistant reposition a resident who is confined to bed?

  1. Once each shift
  2. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  3. Only when the resident asks
  4. At least every 6 hours

Explanation

Turning and repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure on bony prominences and helps prevent pressure injuries. Waiting longer allows skin damage to begin, and residents with limited sensation may never ask to be moved.

Question 31Personal care skills

Why should a nurse assistant avoid shaking linens when making an occupied bed?

  1. It makes it harder to tuck in the corners
  2. It wakes residents who are sleeping nearby
  3. It can spread germs into the air Correct answer.
  4. It wrinkles the sheets and makes the bed less comfortable

Explanation

Shaking linens releases microorganisms into the air where they can be inhaled or settle on other surfaces. Soiled linens are rolled inward and placed directly into the hamper without shaking.

Question 32Personal care skills

In which direction should a nurse assistant wash a resident's perineal area?

  1. From side to side across the area
  2. From the front toward the back Correct answer.
  3. From the back toward the front
  4. In small circles around the area

Explanation

Washing from the front toward the back carries bacteria away from the urethra and helps prevent urinary tract infections. Wiping in the other directions can move stool toward the urinary opening.

Question 33Personal care skills

When should a nurse assistant wear gloves during personal care?

  1. Only when the resident asks the assistant to
  2. Only when the resident has a known infection
  3. Whenever the resident feels uncomfortable
  4. When contact with blood or body fluids is likely Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard precautions require gloves whenever contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, or non-intact skin is anticipated. Gloves are worn based on the task, not on whether an infection has been diagnosed.

Question 34Personal care skills

A resident is unconscious and needs mouth care. How should the nurse assistant position the resident?

  1. On the side, head turned toward the assistant Correct answer.
  2. Sitting upright in a chair
  3. Lying flat on the back with the head tilted back
  4. On the back with a pillow under the head

Explanation

An unconscious resident cannot swallow or cough to protect the airway, so side-lying with the head turned toward the assistant lets fluid drain out of the mouth. Only a small amount of water is used, and suction should be available.

Question 35Personal care skills

A resident has a weak right arm after a stroke. When putting on a shirt, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Put both sleeves on at the same time
  2. Let the resident manage the right sleeve alone
  3. Put the right sleeve on first and take it off last Correct answer.
  4. Put the right sleeve on last and take it off first

Explanation

Clothing is placed on the affected or weak side first and removed from that side last. This lets the resident use the strong arm to do as much of the dressing as possible without straining the weak arm.

Question 36Personal care skills

A resident with diabetes asks the nurse assistant to cut his toenails. What should the nurse assistant do?

  1. Soak the feet and then cut the nails short
  2. Cut the toenails straight across with clippers
  3. Report the request to the nurse for foot care Correct answer.
  4. File the toenails down instead of cutting them

Explanation

Diabetes causes poor circulation and reduced sensation in the feet, so even a small nick can become a serious wound. Toenail trimming for these residents is done by a nurse or foot care specialist, and the assistant reports the request.

Question 37Personal care skills

A resident has an indwelling catheter. How should the nurse assistant cleanse the catheter during perineal care?

  1. Use alcohol wipes along the whole catheter
  2. Wash away from the body with a clean cloth Correct answer.
  3. Wash from the drainage bag up to the body
  4. Scrub the tubing briskly with a washcloth

Explanation

The catheter is cleaned from the meatus outward, using a clean section of cloth, so bacteria are not carried toward the bladder. The drainage bag is never washed upward toward the body, and alcohol irritates the tissue.

Question 38Personal care skills

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

  1. In a circle around the eye socket
  2. From the inner corner toward the outer corner Correct answer.
  3. From the outer corner toward the inner corner
  4. Back and forth across the closed eyelid

Explanation

Wiping from the inner corner outward moves secretions away from the tear duct and keeps them out of the eye. A clean part of the cloth is used for each eye so drainage is not carried from one eye to the other.

Question 39Personal care skills

After washing a resident's feet, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Dry carefully between the toes Correct answer.
  2. Trim the cuticles while the skin is soft
  3. Leave the feet damp so the skin stays moist
  4. Rub lotion between the toes to soften the skin

Explanation

Moisture trapped between the toes encourages fungal growth and skin breakdown, so the area is dried thoroughly. Lotion is applied to the tops and bottoms of the feet but not between the toes.

Question 40Personal care skills

Before giving a resident a back massage, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Massage directly over reddened bony areas
  2. Apply lotion to the whole body first
  3. Warm the lotion in a microwave
  4. Check the skin for redness or broken areas Correct answer.

Explanation

The assistant inspects the skin first and reports any redness, bruising, or open areas. Massage is avoided over bony prominences and reddened or broken skin because pressure and friction can cause further tissue damage.

Question 41Personal care skills

A resident takes a blood-thinning medication. Which shaving method should the nurse assistant use?

  1. An electric razor Correct answer.
  2. A razor borrowed from another resident
  3. A disposable razor with shaving cream
  4. A straight razor used by the barber

Explanation

Residents on blood thinners bleed easily and stop bleeding slowly, so an electric razor is used to reduce the risk of cuts. Sharing razors is never acceptable because it spreads infection.

Question 42Personal care skills

When positioning a resident on a bedpan, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Raise the head of the bed to sitting position Correct answer.
  2. Have the resident lift the hips off the bed
  3. Ask the resident to sit on the edge of the bed
  4. Place the bedpan while the resident lies flat

Explanation

Raising the head of the bed puts the resident in a more normal position for elimination and allows the hips to bear weight while the pan is slid into place. The resident is rolled onto the side rather than asked to lift the hips.

Question 43Personal care skills

A resident is taking a tub bath. The nurse assistant should:

  1. Add hot water whenever the resident feels cold
  2. Let the resident get out alone when finished
  3. Lock the bathroom door for privacy
  4. Stay within reach and never leave the resident alone Correct answer.

Explanation

Tub baths carry a risk of slipping, weakness, and drowning, so the assistant stays within reach and never leaves the resident unattended. The door is left unlocked so help can enter quickly if needed.

Question 44Personal care skills

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

  1. Use very hot water to remove the oils
  2. Leave the hair wet so it can air dry
  3. Keep soap and water out of the resident's eyes Correct answer.
  4. Pour water directly over the resident's forehead

Explanation

The head is supported and water is poured away from the face so soap does not get into the eyes or ears. The hair is dried and combed afterward, because a wet head can chill the resident.

Question 45Personal care skills

A resident refuses to take a scheduled bath. What should the nurse assistant do?

  1. Respect the refusal and report it to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Insist until the bath is finished
  3. Skip the bath and say nothing to anyone
  4. Tell the resident that refusal is not allowed

Explanation

Residents have the right to refuse any care, and forcing care violates that right. The assistant accepts the refusal, offers the bath again later, and reports it so the nurse can find out why the resident refused.

Question 46Personal care skills

During a bed bath, a nurse assistant finds a reddened area on a resident's heel that does not fade when pressed. What should the nurse assistant do?

  1. Massage the area firmly to improve circulation
  2. Report it to the nurse and relieve pressure there Correct answer.
  3. Wait and check the area again next shift
  4. Apply lotion and continue the bath as usual

Explanation

Redness that does not blanch when pressed is an early sign of a pressure injury and must be reported right away. The area is kept off pressure, and massaging it can cause further damage to already compromised tissue.

Question 47Personal care skills

When cleaning a resident's dentures, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Clean them with toothpaste and a hard brush
  2. Line the sink with a towel or fill it with water Correct answer.
  3. Hold the dentures loosely over the counter
  4. Use hot water to kill bacteria on the dentures

Explanation

Dentures are slippery and break easily, so cleaning is done over a towel-lined or water-filled sink to cushion a drop. Cool water and a soft denture brush are used, because hot water warps the material and hard brushes scratch it.

Question 48Personal care skills

A resident with an indwelling catheter needs perineal care. Which technique is correct?

  1. Use the same washcloth for the perineum and the catheter
  2. Wash the meatus first, then move down the catheter Correct answer.
  3. Cleanse the area once at the start of each shift
  4. Wash the drainage bag before washing the meatus

Explanation

Cleansing starts at the meatus and moves outward along the catheter, using a clean cloth or a clean section each stroke, so bacteria are not carried toward the bladder. Perineal care is given at least daily and after each bowel movement, not once a shift.

Question 49Personal care skills

A resident has an IV line in the left arm. During the bed bath, the nurse assistant should:

  1. Scrub the insertion site with soap and water
  2. Check that the tubing is not pulled or kinked Correct answer.
  3. Disconnect the tubing to wash the arm freely
  4. Hang the IV bag lower than the site

Explanation

The assistant protects the line by making sure the tubing is not tugged or bent and the bag stays above the insertion site. The site itself is not scrubbed, and disconnecting the tubing is a nursing responsibility, never the assistant's.

Question 50Personal care skills

How should the nurse assistant care for a resident's fingernails?

  1. Use the same nail clippers for every resident
  2. Cut deeply into the corners to prevent ingrown nails
  3. Trim straight across and smooth the edges with a file Correct answer.
  4. Soak the hands for an hour before cutting

Explanation

Fingernails are cut straight across and the edges smoothed with a file, which prevents snags, scratches, and infection. Cutting into the corners can cause ingrown nails, and equipment is cleaned between residents to avoid spreading germs.