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Connecticut CNA study materials
Connecticut CNA study resources

Connecticut CNA practice questions

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Question 1Physical Care Skills

When washing hands with soap and water, how long should the hands be rubbed together?

  1. 20 seconds Correct answer.
  2. 60 seconds
  3. 10 seconds
  4. 5 seconds

Explanation

Soap and friction must be applied long enough to lift and remove organisms, which takes about 20 seconds, roughly the time to hum the alphabet song. Shorter times do not give the soap enough contact time with the skin.

Question 2Physical Care Skills

Which direction is correct when washing a resident's perineal area?

  1. Back to front with a fresh wipe each stroke
  2. In circles around the anal area first, then outward
  3. Front to back, using a clean part of the cloth each stroke Correct answer.
  4. Any direction, as long as gloves are worn

Explanation

Wiping front to back carries organisms away from the urethra and vagina toward the rectum, reducing the risk of urinary and vaginal infection. A clean area of the cloth is used for each stroke so soil is not moved back onto cleaned skin.

Question 3Physical Care Skills

During passive range of motion exercises, who performs the movement?

  1. The assistant moves the joint while the resident relaxes. Correct answer.
  2. The resident moves the joint without help.
  3. The resident and assistant move the joint together.
  4. The resident moves the joint against light resistance.

Explanation

In passive range of motion the joint is moved entirely by the assistant because the resident cannot or must not use the muscles themselves. Active range of motion, by contrast, is performed by the resident.

Question 4Physical Care Skills

How often should a bedbound resident who cannot move independently be repositioned?

  1. Every 30 minutes
  2. Once per shift
  3. Every 4 hours
  4. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Pressure on one area cuts off blood flow to the skin, so the resident is turned at least every 2 hours, and more often if the skin shows breakdown. A written turning schedule keeps all caregivers consistent.

Question 5Physical Care Skills

Where is the radial pulse felt?

  1. Behind the knee
  2. On the thumb side of the inner wrist Correct answer.
  3. On the little-finger side of the inner wrist
  4. In the bend of the elbow

Explanation

The radial artery runs along the thumb side of the inner wrist, where it lies close to the skin and can be pressed gently against the bone. The little-finger side carries the ulnar artery, which is not the usual pulse site.

Question 6Physical Care Skills

Where should a gait belt be placed on a resident?

  1. Around the waist, over the clothing Correct answer.
  2. Under the arms, across the chest
  3. Around the thighs, above the knees
  4. Around the hips, below the buttocks

Explanation

The gait belt is snugged around the waist over clothing so the assistant can grip it close to the resident's center of gravity. Placing it over bare skin or too low makes the grip unsafe and can cause injury.

Question 7Physical Care Skills

On which side is a cane held when a resident has one weak leg?

  1. The weaker side
  2. The stronger side Correct answer.
  3. Alternating sides each day
  4. Whichever side the resident prefers

Explanation

The cane is held in the hand on the stronger side so it supports the body while the weaker leg steps forward. This widens the base of support and shifts weight away from the weak limb.

Question 8Physical Care Skills

When counting a resident's respirations, the assistant should do which of the following?

  1. Count only the breaths the resident reports
  2. Explain that breathing is being counted so the resident stays still
  3. Keep the resident unaware that breathing is being counted Correct answer.
  4. Ask the resident to breathe deeply and evenly

Explanation

People change their breathing pattern when they know it is being watched, so respirations are counted right after the pulse without announcing it. The rise and fall of the chest is counted as one breath.

Question 9Physical Care Skills

A resident's radial pulse feels irregular. What should the assistant do?

  1. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4
  2. Count the pulse for a full minute Correct answer.
  3. Record it as normal and recheck next shift
  4. Take the pulse at the ankle instead

Explanation

An irregular pulse must be counted for a full minute so the actual number of beats and the pattern of irregularity are captured. Short counts and multiplication assume a steady rhythm and give an inaccurate rate.

Question 10Physical Care Skills

How often should mouth care be given to a resident who cannot perform it independently?

  1. Every other day
  2. Once a day
  3. Only when requested
  4. At least twice a day Correct answer.

Explanation

Mouth care is provided at least twice daily and after meals to remove food, plaque, and secretions that cause decay, gum disease, and infection. Frequent care also keeps the mouth moist and comfortable.

Question 11Physical Care Skills

Which practice gives the most reliable weight measurement?

  1. Estimating the weight if the resident cannot stand
  2. Using the same scale, time of day, and amount of clothing Correct answer.
  3. Weighing with the resident's shoes on
  4. Weighing at a different time each day

Explanation

Consistent conditions keep small changes meaningful, since clothing, food, and time of day all shift the reading. The same scale is used because scales are calibrated differently.

Question 12Physical Care Skills

Where should the blood pressure cuff be positioned on the arm?

  1. On the upper arm, about one inch above the elbow Correct answer.
  2. Over the elbow joint, with the tubing at the front
  3. Over the wrist, with the arm hanging down
  4. Directly on the skin at the shoulder

Explanation

The cuff goes on the upper arm with its lower edge about an inch above the elbow crease so the bladder sits over the brachial artery. The cuff should be at heart level and snug but not tight.

Question 13Physical Care Skills

When dressing a resident who has one weak arm, which side is dressed first?

  1. The weak side Correct answer.
  2. Both sides at the same time
  3. Whichever side is closest
  4. The strong side

Explanation

Clothing is put on the weak side first so the resident does not have to push a painful or stiff limb through a sleeve. For undressing, the order is reversed and the strong side is undressed first.

Question 14Physical Care Skills

What is the safest way to give mouth care to an unconscious resident?

  1. Wait until the resident is awake to do any mouth care
  2. Turn the head to one side and use only a little fluid Correct answer.
  3. Sit the resident upright and let them rinse and spit
  4. Lay the head flat and use plenty of mouthwash

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. Suction equipment should be ready and the mouth is checked for pooled secretions.

Question 15Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when providing foot care for a resident with diabetes?

  1. Dry well between the toes and inspect the skin Correct answer.
  2. Soak the feet for 30 minutes in hot water
  3. Trim toenails in a curve down the sides
  4. Cut corns and calluses with small scissors

Explanation

Diabetes reduces circulation and sensation, so the feet are inspected daily for redness, breaks, and swelling, and the spaces between the toes are dried to prevent fungal growth. Nail trimming and removal of corns are left to a podiatrist.

Question 16Physical Care Skills

How is a clean-catch urine specimen collected?

  1. Collect the first urine of the morning in any clean cup
  2. Cleanse the urinary opening and collect urine in midstream Correct answer.
  3. Take the specimen from the bedpan after it has been emptied
  4. Have the resident void into the toilet, then into the container without cleansing

Explanation

Cleansing the opening and catching urine after the flow has started keeps skin organisms out of the sample. The container is then capped and labeled promptly and sent to the lab.

Question 17Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when applying a warm compress to a resident's skin?

  1. Place the compress directly on bare skin without a cover
  2. Use a compress on a body part the resident cannot feel
  3. Check the skin every 5 to 10 minutes and remove the compress if it reddens Correct answer.
  4. Leave the compress in place for one full hour without checking

Explanation

Heat increases blood flow and can burn skin quickly, so the area is checked often and the compress removed at the first sign of redness or complaint of pain. A cover or towel is placed between the compress and the skin.

Question 18Physical Care Skills

If a restraint is ordered, how should it be secured?

  1. To the side rail with a square knot
  2. To the bed frame with a quick-release knot Correct answer.
  3. To the chair arm with tape
  4. Loosely around the wrist with a bow

Explanation

A restraint is attached to the bed frame, never to a side rail, and tied with a quick-release knot so it can be removed at once in an emergency. The resident is checked frequently and the restraint released on schedule.

Question 19Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when caring for a resident with an indwelling urinary catheter?

  1. Rinse the drainage bag with tap water each shift
  2. Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder Correct answer.
  3. Loop the tubing over the bed rail
  4. Hang the drainage bag on the side rail above the bladder

Explanation

Gravity drainage depends on the bag staying below the bladder, which also prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder and causing infection. The tubing is kept free of kinks and off the floor.

Question 20Physical Care Skills

A resident drinks 4 ounces of juice, 8 ounces of water, and 6 ounces of soup. How many milliliters is this intake?

  1. 450 mL
  2. 180 mL
  3. 540 mL Correct answer.
  4. 360 mL

Explanation

One ounce equals 30 milliliters, so the total of 18 ounces is multiplied by 30 to get 540 milliliters. All fluids taken by mouth are counted and recorded on the intake record.

Question 21Physical Care Skills

Which item must be kept away from a resident who is receiving oxygen?

  1. A metal spoon
  2. A plastic water pitcher
  3. Petroleum-based ointment Correct answer.
  4. A cotton blanket

Explanation

Oxygen makes materials burn faster and intensely, so petroleum-based products are never used on the face or hands of a resident receiving oxygen. The area is also kept free of smoking, open flames, and alcohol-based products.

Question 22Physical Care Skills

Which body mechanics protect the assistant's back when lifting or transferring a resident?

  1. Twist the trunk while lifting the resident
  2. Bend at the waist and keep the feet together
  3. Reach out with straight arms to lift
  4. Keep the feet apart, bend the knees, and hold the resident close Correct answer.

Explanation

Holding the resident close keeps the load near the body's center of gravity, and bending the knees lets the strong leg muscles do the work. The feet are spread for a stable base and the trunk is not twisted.

Question 23Physical Care Skills

Which skin finding should be reported to the nurse right away?

  1. A reddened area over the tailbone that does not fade Correct answer.
  2. Dry skin on the elbows
  3. A bruise that appeared two weeks ago
  4. Freckles across the upper back

Explanation

Redness that does not blanch when pressed is an early pressure injury and must be reported immediately so pressure can be relieved. Any break, blister, rash, or new swelling is also reported.

Question 24Physical Care Skills

In what order is a bed bath usually given?

  1. Back, then face, then arms
  2. Face first, then arms and chest, with the perineal area last Correct answer.
  3. Perineal area first, then the face
  4. Feet first, then the face

Explanation

Bathing moves from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest, starting with the eyes and face using plain water, then the trunk and limbs, and finishing with the perineal area. The washcloth and water are changed as they become soiled.

Question 25Physical Care Skills

Where should the assistant stand when walking with a resident who has a weak side?

  1. On the resident's weaker side, slightly behind Correct answer.
  2. Directly in front, facing the resident
  3. Two steps ahead so the resident follows
  4. On the resident's stronger side, in front

Explanation

Standing on the weaker side and slightly behind lets the assistant support the unstable limb and steady the resident with a gait belt. The resident is never pulled from the front or left unsupported.

Question 26Physical Care Skills

Before entering a resident's room and again after leaving it, the assistant should perform which action?

  1. Apply a fresh pair of gloves
  2. Put on a gown and mask
  3. Wipe the overbed table with a disinfectant
  4. Hand hygiene Correct answer.

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed before and after every resident contact, whether or not gloves are worn, because it is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. It is done even when the contact was brief or no body fluids were seen.

Question 27Physical Care Skills

A resident who uses a wheelchair and cannot shift position independently should be repositioned at least how often?

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

Explanation

Pressure on the skin blocks circulation, so residents who cannot shift themselves are repositioned about every 2 hours, including in a chair. More frequent shifting is done for residents at higher risk, such as those who are very thin or have fragile skin.

Question 28Physical Care Skills

During range-of-motion exercises a resident says a joint hurts when it is moved. What should the assistant do?

  1. Stop and report it to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Skip all exercises for the rest of the day
  3. Apply firm pressure to the joint and keep going
  4. Push the joint a little farther to loosen it up

Explanation

Exercises are done only to the point of resistance, never beyond pain, because forcing a joint can cause injury. New or sharp pain is reported so the nurse can assess the joint.

Question 29Physical Care Skills

Which setup helps prevent falls for a resident who is on bed rest?

  1. Leaving both side rails down at all times so the resident can get out
  2. Keeping the room dark at night so the resident can sleep
  3. Placing the call light on the far bedside table out of reach
  4. Bed in lowest position, wheels locked Correct answer.

Explanation

A bed kept low with the wheels locked shortens any fall and keeps the bed from rolling when the resident moves. The call light is also kept within reach so the resident does not try to get up alone.

Question 30Physical Care Skills

When giving perineal care to a female resident, in which direction does the assistant wash?

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

Explanation

Washing from the urinary area toward the anus moves organisms away from the urethra and helps prevent urinary tract infection. A clean washcloth is used for each stroke, and the area is rinsed and dried well.

Question 31Physical Care Skills

Which action should the assistant take when a care task may involve contact with blood or body fluids?

  1. Wear a gown only if the resident is on isolation precautions
  2. Wear gloves and follow standard precautions Correct answer.
  3. Wear gloves only when the resident has a known infection
  4. Rely on handwashing after the task instead of gloves

Explanation

Standard precautions are used with every resident because infection status is not always known. Gloves are worn whenever the task may bring the hands into contact with blood, body fluids, broken skin, or mucous membranes.

Question 32Physical Care Skills

Before helping a resident into a wheelchair, the assistant should do which of the following?

  1. Tilt the chair back on its rear wheels
  2. Remove the armrests from the chair
  3. Lock the wheels and raise the footplates Correct answer.
  4. Place the chair on the far side of the room

Explanation

Locking the wheels keeps the chair from rolling away during the transfer, and raising the footplates gives the resident a clear place to put the feet. The chair is positioned close to the bed on the resident's stronger side.

Question 33Physical Care Skills

Which action makes a bedpan more comfortable and safe for a resident?

  1. Slide the pan under the resident from the head of the bed
  2. Warm the rim and raise the head of the bed Correct answer.
  3. Place the pan on top of the sheets instead of under the resident
  4. Leave the head of the bed flat the whole time it is in use

Explanation

A warmed rim reduces the shock of cold metal or plastic, and raising the head of the bed puts the resident in a more natural position for elimination. The pan is placed under the buttocks with the wide end toward the head, and the resident is never left alone on it.

Question 34Physical Care Skills

A resident has just finished a cup of hot coffee. How long should the assistant wait before taking an oral temperature?

  1. No wait is needed
  2. About 15 minutes Correct answer.
  3. About 1 minute
  4. About 2 hours

Explanation

Hot or cold food and drink change the temperature inside the mouth, so about 15 minutes is allowed to pass before an oral reading. If the resident cannot wait, another route such as axillary or tympanic is used as directed.

Question 35Physical Care Skills

When taking a blood pressure, the assistant should avoid using an arm that does which of the following?

  1. Has an intravenous line or dialysis fistula Correct answer.
  2. Has a tattoo on the forearm
  3. Is on the resident's dominant side
  4. Was used for the previous reading

Explanation

Inflating a cuff over an IV site can block the infusion or damage the line, and squeezing a dialysis fistula can injure the access. The other arm is used, and the choice is documented so readings stay consistent.

Question 36Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when cleaning a resident's dentures?

  1. Clean them with hot water and regular toothpaste
  2. Store them dry in a tissue on the bedside table
  3. Hold them over the open sink while scrubbing
  4. Line the sink or basin and use cool water Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentures are handled over a basin lined with a towel or filled with water so they will not break if dropped, and cool or lukewarm water is used because hot water can warp them. They are stored in a labeled container when out of the mouth.

Question 37Physical Care Skills

A resident who is eating suddenly cannot speak or cough and is turning blue. What should the assistant do first?

  1. Lay the resident flat and begin rescue breathing
  2. Give the resident water to help wash the food down
  3. Call for help and begin abdominal thrusts Correct answer.
  4. Leave the room to find the nurse

Explanation

Silent choking with cyanosis means the airway is blocked, so help is summoned while abdominal thrusts are started to force the object out. The resident is not left alone, and back blows or chest thrusts are used per training for a resident who becomes unresponsive.

Question 38Physical Care Skills

A resident begins to have a seizure. Which action is correct?

  1. Place a spoon between the teeth
  2. Protect the head and stay with the resident Correct answer.
  3. Give sips of water when the movements stop
  4. Hold the arms and legs still

Explanation

The goal during a seizure is to prevent injury: cushion the head, clear hard objects away, and stay with the resident while timing the seizure. Nothing is placed in the mouth, and the movements are not restrained.

Question 39Physical Care Skills

How should a sputum specimen be collected?

  1. Collect the specimen right after the resident eats breakfast
  2. Collect saliva into a cup in the morning
  3. Swab the inside of the cheek with a cotton swab
  4. Have the resident cough deeply into a sterile container Correct answer.

Explanation

Sputum comes from the lungs, so the resident is asked to take several deep breaths and cough forcefully into a sterile container, which is often done in the early morning. Saliva and mouth secretions do not provide a usable specimen.

Question 40Physical Care Skills

How should the assistant measure a resident's urine output from a bedpan?

  1. Estimate the amount by looking at how full the bedpan appears
  2. Measure it in a graduated container at eye level Correct answer.
  3. Weigh the bedpan on a scale and record the number
  4. Add the urine to the toilet and record the time only

Explanation

Output is measured in a marked container held at eye level so the volume can be read accurately, then recorded on the intake and output sheet. Estimating by sight or discarding the urine makes the record unreliable.

Question 41Physical Care Skills

When is the best time to apply a resident's elastic compression stockings?

  1. After the resident has walked in the hallway
  2. Whenever the resident complains of tired legs
  3. Right before the resident goes to sleep at night
  4. Early morning, before the resident gets up Correct answer.

Explanation

Stockings are applied before the resident gets out of bed, while swelling is at its lowest, so they fit correctly and work all day. They are removed at least once a shift for skin care and circulation checks.

Question 42Physical Care Skills

A resident has a new ankle sprain and the nurse asks for a cold pack. Which action is correct?

  1. Apply the cold pack and cover it with a heating pad
  2. Place the cold pack directly on bare skin
  3. Check the skin and limit use to about 20 minutes Correct answer.
  4. Leave the cold pack in place until the swelling is gone

Explanation

Cold reduces swelling and pain, but prolonged cold can damage tissue, so the skin is checked and the application is limited to about 20 minutes at a time. A cloth barrier is placed between the pack and the skin.

Question 43Physical Care Skills

A resident takes a blood-thinning medication. Which shaving method is safest?

  1. A safety razor with shaving cream
  2. An electric razor Correct answer.
  3. A disposable razor and warm water
  4. A straight razor used by the barber

Explanation

Residents on anticoagulants bleed easily, so an electric razor is used because it cuts hair without nicking the skin. Any cut is reported and pressure applied.

Question 44Physical Care Skills

Two assistants need to move a resident up in bed. Which approach is correct?

  1. Each assistant pulls on one of the resident's arms
  2. One assistant moves the resident alone to save time
  3. The resident is dragged by the shoulders on the sheet
  4. Both assistants count to three and move together Correct answer.

Explanation

Counting together coordinates the lift so the resident is moved smoothly and neither assistant takes the full load. The assistants use good body mechanics and a drawsheet rather than pulling on the resident's limbs.

Question 45Physical Care Skills

Which practice is correct when changing an occupied bed?

  1. Keep linens away from your body and do not shake them Correct answer.
  2. Shake soiled linens to remove crumbs
  3. Place soiled linens on the floor while making the bed
  4. Hold soiled linens against your uniform to carry them

Explanation

Shaking linens scatters organisms into the air, and holding them against the uniform spreads contamination, so linens are held away from the body and rolled inward. Soiled linens go directly into the linen hamper, never on the floor.

Question 46Physical Care Skills

A resident is receiving a tube feeding. How should the head of the bed be positioned?

  1. Raised only if the resident complains of feeling full
  2. Raised 30 to 45 degrees during and for about 30 minutes after Correct answer.
  3. Flat, with the resident turned onto the left side
  4. Flat during the feeding, then raised for a few minutes afterward

Explanation

An upright head of bed uses gravity to keep the formula in the stomach and reduces the risk of aspiration during and shortly after a feeding. The resident is not repositioned flat until the prescribed waiting period has passed.

Question 47Physical Care Skills

A resident must be turned using a log-rolling technique. Which action is correct?

  1. Bend the resident at the waist to reach the far side
  2. Keep the spine straight and move the body as a unit Correct answer.
  3. Have the resident twist toward the assistant during the turn
  4. Turn the head first, then bring the hips over

Explanation

Log rolling keeps the head, trunk, and hips in line so the spine does not twist, which is essential after spinal surgery or injury. Enough assistants are used to support the whole body through the turn.

Question 48Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when collecting a 24-hour urine specimen?

  1. Add a preservative to the toilet and collect urine from there
  2. Keep the container at room temperature on the bedside table
  3. Discard the first voided specimen, then save all urine after it Correct answer.
  4. Save every drop of urine, including the first voided specimen

Explanation

The collection begins after the first void is discarded, so the specimen covers exactly the ordered 24 hours rather than including urine made before the start time. The container is kept cold or as directed and all urine for the period is saved and sent.

Question 49Physical Care Skills

When administering a suppository, the assistant should do which of the following?

  1. Insert it just past the outer opening so it does not cause discomfort
  2. Warm the suppository in hot water before inserting it
  3. Have the resident sit upright immediately after insertion
  4. Insert it past the internal sphincter; resident stays lying down Correct answer.

Explanation

The suppository is inserted past the internal sphincter so it is not pushed back out, and the resident remains on the side for several minutes so it can be absorbed. The wrapper is removed, lubricant is used as directed, and privacy is maintained.

Question 50Physical Care Skills

A resident has an infection with Clostridioides difficile. Which hand hygiene method should the assistant use?

  1. Use a sanitizer first, then rinse with plain water
  2. Wipe the hands with a disposable wet wipe
  3. Rub the hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer
  4. Wash with soap and running water Correct answer.

Explanation

C. difficile forms spores that alcohol does not kill, so soap and running water are used because the friction of washing physically removes the spores. Alcohol-based products are still appropriate for many other organisms when the hands are not visibly soiled.