I85PREP
⌘ K
Colorado CNA study materials
Colorado CNA study resources

Colorado CNA practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Colorado CNA understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Basic nursing skills

When should the nursing assistant perform hand hygiene?

  1. Only after removing contaminated gloves
  2. Only when the hands look dirty
  3. Before and after each resident contact Correct answer.
  4. Once at the start of every shift

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required before and after every resident contact, even when gloves are worn. An alcohol-based rub may be used when hands are not visibly soiled.

Question 2Basic nursing skills

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

  1. 96.2°F (35.7°C)
  2. 98.6°F (37.0°C) Correct answer.
  3. 102.0°F (38.9°C)
  4. 100.4°F (38.0°C)

Explanation

Normal adult oral temperature is generally about 97.6°F to 99.6°F (36.5°C to 37.6°C). A value of 98.6°F falls within that range.

Question 3Basic nursing skills

Where does the nursing assistant usually check a pulse?

  1. Side of the neck
  2. Thumb side of the wrist Correct answer.
  3. Behind the knee
  4. Top of the foot

Explanation

The radial artery on the thumb side of the wrist is commonly used because it is easy to reach and assess. The pulse is counted for 30 seconds and multiplied by two when the rhythm is regular.

Question 4Basic nursing skills

The nursing assistant is about to provide mouth care. Which action is appropriate?

  1. Use bare hands and wash afterward
  2. Wear gloves only if bleeding is visible
  3. Put on clean gloves before starting Correct answer.
  4. Skip gloves because the mouth is clean

Explanation

Standard precautions require gloves when contact with mucous membranes or body fluids is likely. Mouth care can involve saliva and blood, so clean gloves are worn before starting.

Question 5Basic nursing skills

A resident's breathing is irregular. How should the nursing assistant count respirations?

  1. Count for 10 seconds and multiply by six
  2. Count for one full minute Correct answer.
  3. Count for 30 seconds and multiply by two
  4. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four

Explanation

When the respiratory rhythm is irregular, counting for a full minute gives the most accurate rate. Shorter counting periods are acceptable only when the rhythm is regular.

Question 6Basic nursing skills

Where should the blood pressure cuff be placed?

  1. Directly across the point of the elbow
  2. Over the sleeve of a thick long-sleeved shirt
  3. Bare upper arm, above the elbow crease Correct answer.
  4. On the lower forearm near the wrist

Explanation

The cuff is placed on bare skin with its lower edge about one inch above the antecubital crease. Clothing or incorrect placement can cause an inaccurate reading.

Question 7Basic nursing skills

A resident drinks 8 ounces of juice. How should the nursing assistant record this?

  1. 120 mL
  2. 480 mL
  3. 240 mL Correct answer.
  4. 8 mL

Explanation

One ounce equals about 30 milliliters, so 8 ounces equals about 240 milliliters. Intake is recorded in milliliters using this conversion.

Question 8Basic nursing skills

A resident begins to vomit while lying flat. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Give the resident water to rinse the mouth
  2. Leave the resident to get the nurse
  3. Turn the resident onto the side Correct answer.
  4. Place a pillow under the head

Explanation

Turning the resident onto the side lets vomit drain out of the mouth and reduces the risk of aspiration. The nurse should then be notified and the airway monitored.

Question 9Basic nursing skills

Before leaving a resident in bed, the nursing assistant should ensure that...

  1. all four side rails are raised and locked
  2. the bed is low and the call light is nearby Correct answer.
  3. the bed is raised to waist height for easier care
  4. the room door is locked from the hallway side

Explanation

A low bed and a call light within reach reduce the risk of falls and allow the resident to summon help. Side rails are used only as directed by the care plan.

Question 10Basic nursing skills

When helping a resident with range-of-motion exercises, the nursing assistant should...

  1. exercise only the side that is affected
  2. skip exercises if the resident reports stiffness
  3. force the joint past the point of resistance
  4. move gently until resistance is felt Correct answer.

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercises are done slowly and gently, stopping when resistance or pain is felt. Forcing a joint can cause injury.

Question 11Basic nursing skills

When transferring a resident from bed to chair, the nursing assistant should...

  1. twist at the waist while lifting the resident
  2. bend the knees and keep the back straight Correct answer.
  3. hold the resident under the arms
  4. keep the resident's feet close together

Explanation

Good body mechanics include bending the knees, keeping the back straight, and keeping the resident close. Twisting while lifting increases the risk of injury.

Question 12Basic nursing skills

Which action best helps prevent pressure injuries?

  1. Keep the head of the bed at 90 degrees
  2. Reposition at scheduled intervals Correct answer.
  3. Massage the reddened bony areas daily
  4. Use hot water when bathing the resident

Explanation

Regular repositioning relieves pressure on bony areas and helps prevent skin breakdown. Reddened areas should not be massaged, and skin should be kept clean and dry.

Question 13Basic nursing skills

A resident's urine has a strong odor and looks cloudy. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Report the finding to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the next shift to report it
  3. Increase fluids without telling anyone
  4. Record it as normal urine output

Explanation

Cloudy, foul-smelling urine can be a sign of urinary tract infection and should be reported promptly. The nurse can assess the resident and obtain an order for testing if needed.

Question 14Basic nursing skills

When collecting a clean-catch urine specimen, the nursing assistant should...

  1. touch the inside of the specimen cup
  2. cleanse the area and collect midstream urine Correct answer.
  3. store the specimen at room temperature overnight
  4. collect only the first urine of the morning

Explanation

A clean-catch specimen requires cleansing the area and collecting urine midstream to reduce contamination. The specimen should be labeled and sent to the laboratory promptly.

Question 15Basic nursing skills

A resident says, "It doesn't hurt much," but is grimacing and guarding the abdomen. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Wait for the resident to ask for pain medicine later
  2. Tell the resident to rate the pain as zero on the scale
  3. Ignore the statement because the resident says pain is mild
  4. Report the statement and the behavior to the nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

Pain is what the resident reports, but behavior such as grimacing and guarding also provides important information. Both the statement and the observed behavior should be reported to the nurse.

Question 16Basic nursing skills

A resident has a physician-ordered wrist restraint. How often should the nursing assistant check circulation and remove the restraint?

  1. At least every 2 hours and with routine care Correct answer.
  2. Only when the resident complains of tightness
  3. Once at the start of each eight-hour shift
  4. Every four hours during the night shift

Explanation

Restraints require frequent checks of circulation, skin integrity, and need. For nonviolent restraints, the restraint is typically removed and the resident repositioned at least every 2 hours according to the order and facility policy.

Question 17Basic nursing skills

A resident is receiving oxygen by nasal cannula. Which action is safe?

  1. Use petroleum jelly on the nostrils to prevent dryness
  2. Change the flow rate without a physician's order
  3. Keep the tubing free of kinks and check the flow rate Correct answer.
  4. Place the oxygen tank close to a space heater

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so tubing must stay untangled and the prescribed flow rate should be verified. Oil-based products and heat sources near oxygen increase the risk of fire.

Question 18Basic nursing skills

Which resident is at greatest risk for falling?

  1. A resident taking a sedative who has new leg weakness Correct answer.
  2. A resident who uses a walker and follows safety instructions
  3. A resident who is alert and walks independently
  4. A resident with a steady gait who wears glasses

Explanation

Sedatives can affect alertness and balance, and new leg weakness further impairs mobility. These factors combined create a high fall risk.

Question 19Basic nursing skills

A resident has trouble swallowing. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Encourage the resident to finish each meal quickly
  2. Give thin liquids through a drinking straw
  3. Have the resident lie flat during all meals
  4. Place food on the unaffected side; keep upright Correct answer.

Explanation

A resident with swallowing difficulty should sit upright and have food placed on the unaffected side of the mouth. Thin liquids and hurried eating increase the risk of choking and aspiration.

Question 20Basic nursing skills

A resident has not had a bowel movement in 4 days and reports abdominal discomfort. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Tell the resident to wait another full week
  2. Provide a large meal and a warm bath
  3. Report the constipation to the nurse Correct answer.
  4. Give an enema without a physician's order

Explanation

New constipation with abdominal discomfort should be reported to the nurse for assessment. Enemas and suppositories require an order and are not given independently by the nursing assistant.

Question 21Basic nursing skills

The nursing assistant is cleaning a resident's dentures. Which action is correct?

  1. Line the sink with a towel and use cool water Correct answer.
  2. Hold the dentures with dry bare hands over the sink
  3. Store dentures dry in a tissue
  4. Use hot water to sterilize the dentures

Explanation

Dentures can break if dropped, so the sink is lined with a towel or filled with water. Cool or lukewarm water is used because hot water can warp the denture material.

Question 22Basic nursing skills

What does a pulse oximeter measure?

  1. Oxygen saturation of the blood Correct answer.
  2. The pressure inside the arteries
  3. The glucose level in the blood
  4. The body's core temperature

Explanation

A pulse oximeter estimates oxygen saturation by measuring light absorption through the fingertip or earlobe. A normal reading is usually about 95% to 100%.

Question 23Basic nursing skills

A resident had a stroke and has weakness on the left side. When dressing the resident, the nursing assistant should...

  1. Ask the resident to dress alone
  2. Dress the affected side first Correct answer.
  3. Dress the unaffected side first
  4. Dress both sides at the same time

Explanation

When dressing a resident with one-sided weakness, clothing is placed on the affected side first because it is harder to move. When undressing, the unaffected side is undressed first.

Question 24Basic nursing skills

Which finding should the nursing assistant report as a possible sign of dehydration?

  1. Moist mucous membranes and clear urine
  2. Warm, dry skin with a good appetite
  3. Clear yellow urine and warm skin
  4. Dark urine and poor skin turgor Correct answer.

Explanation

Dehydration can cause concentrated dark urine, poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, and weakness. These findings should be reported for further assessment.

Question 25Basic nursing skills

A resident is on a clear liquid diet. Which item is allowed?

  1. A bowl of oatmeal
  2. Cream of mushroom soup
  3. Milk with a slice of toast
  4. Apple juice Correct answer.

Explanation

Clear liquids are transparent at room temperature and leave little residue. Examples include apple juice, broth, tea, gelatin, and popsicles.

Question 26Basic nursing skills

The nursing assistant is making an occupied bed. Which action is correct?

  1. Keep the resident uncovered so the linens lie flat
  2. Raise the side rail on the far side of the bed Correct answer.
  3. Shake soiled linens in the air before bagging them
  4. Have the resident stand at the bedside during the change

Explanation

When a resident stays in bed during the change, the rail on the side away from the assistant is raised so the resident cannot roll out while the assistant reaches across. The resident is kept covered for warmth and privacy, and linens are never shaken in the air because that spreads dust and microorganisms.

Question 27Basic nursing skills

The nursing assistant is preparing to count a resident's respirations. Which action is best?

  1. Tell the resident the exact respiratory rate counted
  2. Have the resident count the breaths out loud with the NA
  3. Count respirations without telling the resident Correct answer.
  4. Ask the resident to breathe deeply during the count

Explanation

Breathing can be changed voluntarily, so a resident who knows respirations are being counted may alter the rate. The assistant counts while keeping a hand on the wrist as if still taking the pulse, so the count reflects normal breathing.

Question 28Basic nursing skills

Which action is correct when applying elastic compression stockings?

  1. Apply them at bedtime after the resident's evening bath
  2. Rub lotion into the legs before applying them
  3. Roll the top down to the ankle to check the skin
  4. Put them on before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.

Explanation

Compression stockings are applied in the morning before the resident stands, while swelling is lowest and circulation is easiest to support. They are removed and reapplied at least once a day so the skin can be checked.

Question 29Basic nursing skills

When lifting a heavy object, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Bend at the waist and keep the legs straight
  2. Hold the object at arm's length to keep balance
  3. Twist the upper body while lifting to turn quickly
  4. Bend the knees and hold the object close Correct answer.

Explanation

Bending the knees uses the strong leg muscles, and keeping the load close to the body reduces strain on the back. The trunk stays straight and the assistant turns with the feet rather than twisting the spine.

Question 30Basic nursing skills

A resident is short of breath. Which position should the nursing assistant help the resident into?

  1. Sitting up with the head of the bed raised Correct answer.
  2. Lying on the side in a low, flat position
  3. Lying on the stomach with the face turned
  4. Lying flat on the back with the legs elevated

Explanation

An upright or semi-upright position lets the abdominal organs drop away from the diaphragm, so the lungs can expand more easily and breathing feels less labored. Lying flat makes it harder to breathe and increases the work of breathing.

Question 31Basic nursing skills

A resident is to receive a cold pack to the knee. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Leave the pack in place for a full hour without checking
  2. Place the pack directly on the skin for faster relief
  3. Wrap the pack in a towel before applying it Correct answer.
  4. Apply the pack over a heating pad to save time

Explanation

A layer of cloth between the pack and the skin protects against cold injury while still allowing the treatment effect. The skin under the pack is checked regularly and the pack is removed if it becomes pale, white, or numb.

Question 32Basic nursing skills

When leaving the room of a resident on contact precautions, which piece of personal protective equipment should the nursing assistant remove first?

  1. Mask
  2. Goggles
  3. Gown
  4. Gloves Correct answer.

Explanation

Equipment is removed from the most contaminated item to the least, so gloves come off first, followed by goggles or face shield, then the gown, and finally the mask. Hand hygiene is performed after all equipment is removed and before leaving the room.

Question 33Basic nursing skills

A resident begins to have a seizure. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Give the resident sips of water once the shaking stops
  2. Put a spoon between the teeth to keep the airway open
  3. Turn the resident onto the side and protect the head Correct answer.
  4. Hold the arms and legs firmly until the seizure ends

Explanation

Turning the resident to the side keeps secretions from blocking the airway, and cushioning the head protects against injury while the movements run their course. Nothing is placed in the mouth, and the limbs are not restrained because that can cause fracture.

Question 34Basic nursing skills

A resident becomes dizzy and pale while standing up after lying down. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Give the resident a drink of cold water
  2. Walk the resident to the bathroom to sit down
  3. Help the resident sit or lie back down Correct answer.
  4. Take the resident's blood pressure while standing

Explanation

Dizziness and pallor on rising suggest a drop in blood pressure with position change, and the first priority is to prevent a fall. The assistant guides the resident back to a sitting or lying position, stays with the resident, and then reports the episode to the nurse.

Question 35Personal care skills

When giving perineal care to a female resident, in which direction should the CNA wash?

  1. From the outer thighs inward to the perineum
  2. Back and forth over the whole area
  3. From the pubic area toward the rectum Correct answer.
  4. From the rectum toward the pubic area

Explanation

Washing from front to back carries bacteria away from the urethra and vagina, lowering the risk of urinary and vaginal infection. A clean area of the washcloth is used for each stroke, and the perineum is washed last in the bath sequence.

Question 36Personal care skills

What water temperature should the CNA use when bathing a resident?

  1. Warm, about 100 to 105 °F Correct answer.
  2. Cool, about 85 degrees Fahrenheit
  3. As hot as the resident requests
  4. Hot, about 115 degrees Fahrenheit

Explanation

Water around 100 to 105 °F is warm enough to clean and comfort without burning skin that may be thin or have reduced sensation. The CNA checks the temperature on the inner wrist and asks the resident whether it feels comfortable.

Question 37Personal care skills

Before entering a resident's room to provide personal care, the CNA should do which of the following?

  1. Knock, announce yourself, and wait for permission Correct answer.
  2. Open the door quietly and check whether the resident is awake
  3. Call the resident's name from the hallway
  4. Enter only after checking the care plan at the nurses' station

Explanation

Knocking, identifying yourself, and waiting to be invited in protects the resident's privacy and dignity. Once inside, the CNA closes the door or curtain and keeps the resident covered during care.

Question 38Personal care skills

The CNA should perform hand hygiene at which of these times during personal care?

  1. Before and after contact with each resident Correct answer.
  2. Only at the start of the shift
  3. Only after removing gloves
  4. Only when the hands look dirty

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required before and after every episode of resident contact, including after removing gloves. Gloves do not substitute for hand washing because small defects and contamination during removal are common.

Question 39Personal care skills

How should the CNA handle a resident's dentures when cleaning them?

  1. Hold them over the bare sink for a firm grip
  2. Soak them in hot water to loosen debris
  3. Wrap them in a paper towel for later
  4. Line the sink with a towel or fill it with water Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentures are slippery and break easily, so the sink is lined with a towel or partly filled with water to cushion a drop. Cool or lukewarm water is used because hot water can warp the acrylic.

Question 40Personal care skills

When dressing a resident who has weakness on one side, the CNA puts the shirt on which arm first?

  1. Either arm, whichever is faster
  2. Neither arm, since the resident must do it alone
  3. The strong arm
  4. The weak arm Correct answer.

Explanation

Dressing the weak side first and undressing it last lets the resident use the stronger arm to pull garments the rest of the way on. This keeps the resident as independent as possible and reduces strain on the weak limb.

Question 41Personal care skills

Which task should the CNA report to the nurse rather than perform?

  1. Applying lotion to the resident's dry hands
  2. Soaking the feet and washing between the toes
  3. Trimming a diabetic resident's toenails Correct answer.
  4. Filing the resident's fingernails after a bath

Explanation

Residents with diabetes or poor circulation have reduced sensation and slow healing, so toenail trimming is done by a nurse or podiatrist under facility policy. Any cut could go unnoticed and become an infection or ulcer.

Question 42Personal care skills

When a resident removes hearing aids for the night, where should the CNA put them?

  1. Loose on the bedside table
  2. In a labeled case away from heat Correct answer.
  3. In a glass of water to keep them clean
  4. In the CNA's pocket for safekeeping

Explanation

Hearing aids contain delicate electronics that are damaged by water, heat, and moisture, and they are expensive to replace. They are stored in a labeled case in the resident's room so they can be found and are not mixed up with another resident's device.

Question 43Personal care skills

In what order does the CNA usually wash body areas during a bed bath?

  1. Face, then perineum, then arms and legs
  2. Perineum first, then the face and limbs
  3. Legs first, then the face, back, and perineum
  4. Face, arms, chest, legs, back, perineum Correct answer.

Explanation

The cleanest areas are washed first and the perineum last, using a fresh washcloth, so bacteria are not carried to the face or other body areas. Keeping the resident covered except for the part being washed also preserves warmth and privacy.

Question 44Personal care skills

When making an occupied bed, the CNA should do which of the following?

  1. Ask the resident to sit in a chair during the change
  2. Lower the bed to its lowest position before starting
  3. Raise the bed and keep the far side rail up Correct answer.
  4. Place the dirty linens on the floor while working

Explanation

Raising the bed to a comfortable working height protects the CNA's back, and keeping the rail up on the far side prevents the resident from rolling out. The resident is never left unattended with the rail down.

Question 45Personal care skills

A resident who cannot move independently should be repositioned at least how often?

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

Explanation

Turning and repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure on skin over bony prominences such as the sacrum and heels. The schedule follows the care plan and may be more frequent for residents at high risk.

Question 46Personal care skills

How should the CNA clean an indwelling catheter during catheter care?

  1. With alcohol wipes in circles
  2. With upward strokes toward the bladder
  3. Only at the end of the shift
  4. Using downward strokes away from the body Correct answer.

Explanation

Cleaning outward from the meatus with downward strokes moves bacteria away from the urinary tract. Soap and water are used, the area is rinsed and dried, and the catheter is never pulled or tugged.

Question 47Personal care skills

During range-of-motion exercises, the resident reports pain. What should the CNA do?

  1. Stop and report the pain to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Continue slowly to work through the pain
  3. Push slightly past the point of resistance
  4. Skip the joint and finish the routine

Explanation

Joints are moved gently only to the point of resistance, and pain is a signal to stop. The CNA reports the pain so the nurse can assess for injury or a change in condition.

Question 48Personal care skills

Which action best protects both the resident and the CNA during a stand-and-pivot transfer?

  1. Holding the resident by the armpits
  2. Using a gait belt and bending your knees Correct answer.
  3. Keeping the bed at its highest position
  4. Twisting at the waist while turning

Explanation

A gait belt gives the CNA a secure grip on the resident's body, and bending the knees lets the legs do the lifting. The resident is kept close, the feet are pivoted rather than the waist twisted, and the chair is positioned behind the resident's knees.

Question 49Personal care skills

After removing a soiled brief, what should the CNA do next?

  1. Wash with soap and water and pat dry Correct answer.
  2. Wait 30 minutes so the skin can air dry
  3. Apply lotion and put on a new brief at once
  4. Give the resident a full bed bath

Explanation

Urine and stool left on the skin cause irritation and breakdown, so the area is washed with soap and water, rinsed, and patted dry before a clean brief is applied. The CNA also checks the skin for redness or open areas.

Question 50Personal care skills

When giving mouth care to an unconscious resident, the CNA should do which of the following?

  1. Wait until the resident is awake
  2. Turn the head to the side and use little water Correct answer.
  3. Use plenty of water to rinse the mouth well
  4. Swab the mouth with a solution containing alcohol

Explanation

An unconscious resident cannot swallow or protect the airway, so the head is turned to the side and only a small amount of fluid is used to prevent aspiration. Mouth care is still given on schedule, and the CNA never places fingers inside the mouth of a resident who may bite.