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Delaware CNA study materials
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Delaware CNA practice questions

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Question 1Basic Nursing Skills

A nurse aide is about to take an oral temperature. Which action is correct?

  1. Hold the thermometer with the teeth and lips closed for 30 seconds.
  2. Take the temperature through the mouth while the resident chews gum.
  3. Wait at least 15 minutes after the resident drinks a hot beverage. Correct answer.
  4. Place the thermometer under the tongue immediately after eating.

Explanation

Hot or cold foods, smoking, and chewing can change an oral temperature reading. The aide should wait about 15 to 30 minutes after these activities before taking an oral temperature.

Question 2Basic Nursing Skills

Where should the aide place the fingertips to take a radial pulse?

  1. Directly over the center of the elbow crease.
  2. On the thumb side of the wrist using two fingertips. Correct answer.
  3. On the little-finger side of the wrist using the palm.
  4. On the thumb side of the wrist using the thumb.

Explanation

The radial artery is felt on the thumb side of the inner wrist. Two fingertips should be used because the thumb has its own pulse and can confuse the count.

Question 3Basic Nursing Skills

When counting respirations, the aide should:

  1. Count for 15 seconds and divide by four.
  2. Count one full rise and fall as one breath. Correct answer.
  3. Count only the rise of the chest.
  4. Tell the resident to breathe deeply and count.

Explanation

One respiration is one complete rise and fall of the chest. The aide should count without telling the resident, because awareness can change the breathing pattern.

Question 4Basic Nursing Skills

Where is the blood pressure cuff placed on the arm?

  1. Below the wrist
  2. Directly over a dialysis fistula
  3. About one inch above the elbow crease Correct answer.
  4. Over the elbow joint

Explanation

The cuff is wrapped snugly around the upper arm, about one inch above the elbow crease. It should not be placed over a joint, a fistula, or an IV site.

Question 5Basic Nursing Skills

Which item is recorded as output on the intake and output record?

  1. Ice chips eaten during the shift
  2. Urine from a drainage bag Correct answer.
  3. Intravenous fluid infusing
  4. Water taken with medications

Explanation

Output includes urine, vomitus, diarrhea, and wound drainage that leave the body. Foods and fluids taken by mouth or through an IV are recorded as intake.

Question 6Basic Nursing Skills

When should the nurse aide perform hand hygiene?

  1. Before touching the resident Correct answer.
  2. Only after touching the resident
  3. Only when gloves are not available
  4. After removing gloves only

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed before and after contact with a resident and after contact with the resident's environment. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene.

Question 7Basic Nursing Skills

When removing soiled gloves, the aide should:

  1. Pull them off by the fingertips and throw them in the trash
  2. Remove them so bare hands do not touch the outside Correct answer.
  3. Wash the gloves with soap and put them back on later
  4. Snap them off and place them on the bedside table for reuse

Explanation

Gloves are removed by peeling them from the wrist so the contaminated outside does not touch the skin. Hand hygiene is performed after the gloves are discarded.

Question 8Basic Nursing Skills

A resident is placed in the lateral position. Which description is correct?

  1. Lying face down
  2. Lying on either side Correct answer.
  3. Lying flat on the back
  4. Sitting upright in bed

Explanation

The lateral position means lying on the side, either left or right. A pillow is often placed between the knees and behind the back for support.

Question 9Basic Nursing Skills

Which action is correct when helping a resident perform range-of-motion exercises?

  1. Perform exercises only on the painful side.
  2. Bounce the joint at the end of each movement.
  3. Move the joint gently until resistance is felt, then stop. Correct answer.
  4. Force the joint past resistance to improve flexibility.

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercises are done slowly and gently within the resident's comfort level. The aide stops when resistance is felt and never forces a joint.

Question 10Basic Nursing Skills

Before assisting a resident to transfer from bed to chair, the aide should:

  1. Raise the bed to its highest position before starting
  2. Have the resident hold the aide around the neck
  3. Lock the bed wheels and the chair wheels Correct answer.
  4. Place the chair several feet away from the bed

Explanation

Locking the wheels prevents the bed and chair from moving during the transfer. The chair is placed close to the bed, and a gait belt is used for safety.

Question 11Basic Nursing Skills

When using a gait belt to help a resident walk, the aide should apply the belt:

  1. Snugly around the waist over clothing Correct answer.
  2. Over bare skin below the rib cage
  3. Loosely around the hips so it slides
  4. Around the resident's chest under the arms

Explanation

A gait belt is placed snugly around the waist over clothing. It should be tight enough to grip safely but not so tight that it restricts breathing.

Question 12Basic Nursing Skills

To help prevent pressure injuries, the aide should reposition an immobile resident:

  1. Every 2 hours and as needed Correct answer.
  2. Every 4 hours during the day
  3. Only when the resident complains
  4. Once every shift

Explanation

Immobile residents are repositioned at least every two hours and more often if needed. Frequent position changes reduce pressure on the skin over bony areas.

Question 13Basic Nursing Skills

When collecting a routine urine specimen, the aide should:

  1. Use a clean, labeled container Correct answer.
  2. Collect the sample from the toilet bowl
  3. Touch the inside of the container and lid
  4. Leave the specimen at room temperature for 24 hours

Explanation

A routine urine specimen is collected in a clean container labeled with the resident's information. The specimen should be sent to the laboratory promptly as directed.

Question 14Basic Nursing Skills

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

  1. Apply petroleum jelly to the nostrils
  2. Use an alcohol-based hand rub near the oxygen source
  3. Keep the oxygen tubing free of kinks and away from heat Correct answer.
  4. Store the oxygen tank lying flat under the bed

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so the tubing must be kept away from heat and free of kinks. Petroleum products and alcohol should not be used near an oxygen source.

Question 15Basic Nursing Skills

A pulse oximeter reading of 88% on room air should prompt the aide to:

  1. Ask the resident to exercise vigorously
  2. Report it to the nurse immediately Correct answer.
  3. Wait until the next shift to recheck
  4. Record it as a normal value

Explanation

A normal oxygen saturation is usually about 95% to 100%, and a reading below 90% is abnormal. The aide should report the low reading to the nurse right away.

Question 16Basic Nursing Skills

When applying a warm compress, the aide should:

  1. Apply it to a newly injured area with swelling
  2. Place the compress directly on bare skin at high heat
  3. Check the skin under the compress frequently Correct answer.
  4. Leave it in place for one hour

Explanation

The skin under a warm compress is checked often for redness, blistering, or discomfort. Heat is not applied to a new injury with swelling, and the compress should not be too hot.

Question 17Basic Nursing Skills

A resident has a physician-ordered restraint. How often should the aide check on the resident?

  1. Every 15 minutes or as ordered Correct answer.
  2. Only at the end of the shift
  3. When the resident calls for help
  4. Once every 4 hours

Explanation

A restrained resident is checked at least every 15 minutes, or more often if ordered, for safety, circulation, and needs. The restraint is also released and repositioned according to the care plan.

Question 18Basic Nursing Skills

Which action best helps prevent falls for a resident who is confused?

  1. Leave the room dark at night
  2. Put the bed at its highest position
  3. Keep all four side rails up at all times
  4. Place the call light within reach Correct answer.

Explanation

Keeping the call light within reach helps the resident ask for help before trying to get up alone. The bed should be kept low, and all four side rails up are considered a restraint.

Question 19Basic Nursing Skills

How should the aide record 4 ounces of juice the resident drank?

  1. 1,200 mL
  2. 4 mL
  3. 40 mL
  4. 120 mL Correct answer.

Explanation

One ounce equals about 30 milliliters, so 4 ounces is about 120 milliliters. Intake is recorded in milliliters on the intake and output record.

Question 20Basic Nursing Skills

When making an occupied bed, the aide should:

  1. Keep the far side rail up Correct answer.
  2. Raise the bed to the highest position
  3. Shake soiled linens in the air
  4. Leave the side rails down on both sides

Explanation

The side rail on the side away from the aide stays up to keep the resident from rolling out. Soiled linens are rolled inward and not shaken, and the bed is kept at a safe working height.

Question 21Basic Nursing Skills

Before giving a cleansing enema, the aide should:

  1. Check the order and warm the solution Correct answer.
  2. Use ice-cold water to increase urgency
  3. Give it as fast as possible
  4. Place the resident in a high-Fowler position

Explanation

The aide confirms the order and warms the solution to about body temperature before starting. The solution is given slowly with the resident in the ordered position.

Question 22Basic Nursing Skills

When providing catheter care, the aide should clean the catheter:

  1. With the same cloth used for the perineum
  2. From the meatus outward Correct answer.
  3. Only once every 24 hours
  4. From the drainage bag toward the body

Explanation

Catheter care is performed by cleaning from the urinary meatus outward, away from the body, to prevent infection. A clean area is cleaned before a soiled area.

Question 23Basic Nursing Skills

Which action helps prevent aspiration during meals for a resident with swallowing difficulty?

  1. Encourage rapid eating to finish quickly
  2. Have the resident sit upright and offer small bites Correct answer.
  3. Have the resident lie flat while eating
  4. Give thin liquids with a straw while the head is tilted back

Explanation

An upright position and small bites reduce the risk of food entering the airway. The aide also watches for coughing, choking, or a wet voice during the meal.

Question 24Basic Nursing Skills

A resident says, "My back hurts." What should the aide do first?

  1. Tell the resident the pain is not real
  2. Ask the resident to describe the pain Correct answer.
  3. Wait to see if the pain goes away
  4. Give the resident an over-the-counter pain pill

Explanation

The aide gathers information about the pain, such as location, severity, and when it started, and reports it to the nurse. The aide does not dismiss the pain or give medication without an order.

Question 25Basic Nursing Skills

Which entry is correct for a nurse aide's documentation?

  1. 10:15 a.m. - Drank 120 mL water; no complaints. Correct answer.
  2. Resident seemed lazy about eating and stayed in bed.
  3. Resident was fine all day and had no problems.
  4. Resident probably has a fever because the skin felt warm.

Explanation

Documentation should be objective, factual, timely, and include specific measurements. Opinions, guesses, and vague statements are not appropriate in the medical record.

Question 26Basic Nursing Skills

While counting a resident's respirations, the aide should:

  1. Keep the resident unaware of the counting Correct answer.
  2. Ask the resident to slow the breathing
  3. Tell the resident the count has started
  4. Count only the deep breaths the resident takes

Explanation

People change their breathing rate when they know it is being watched, so the count will be inaccurate. The aide keeps fingers on the wrist as if still counting the pulse and observes the rise and fall of the chest. Respirations are counted for a full minute, or for 30 seconds and doubled.

Question 27Basic Nursing Skills

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

  1. 5 minutes
  2. 60 minutes
  3. 15 to 30 minutes Correct answer.
  4. 1 to 2 minutes

Explanation

Hot or cold food and drink change the temperature inside the mouth, so the reading would not reflect core body temperature. Standard practice is to wait 15 to 30 minutes after eating, drinking, or smoking before an oral temperature. If a reading is needed sooner, another route is used.

Question 28Basic Nursing Skills

When should the aide apply elastic stockings (TED hose) to a resident?

  1. Right after the resident finishes a morning shower
  2. Just before the resident goes to sleep at night
  3. After the resident has finished walking to the bathroom
  4. Before the resident gets up in the morning Correct answer.

Explanation

Elastic stockings work by squeezing the leg to help blood return to the heart, and they are easiest to put on before the legs swell. Applying them before the resident gets out of bed in the morning, while the legs are least swollen, gives the best fit and benefit. The aide checks the skin and circulation after applying them.

Question 29Basic Nursing Skills

Before helping a resident into a wheelchair, the aide should first:

  1. Raise the footrests to a comfortable height
  2. Place a pillow behind the resident's back
  3. Lock both wheels of the wheelchair Correct answer.
  4. Ask the resident to hold onto the armrests

Explanation

An unlocked wheelchair can roll away as the resident sits down, causing a fall. The aide locks both wheels, moves the footrests out of the path, and then assists the transfer. Brakes are checked every time, even for a quick transfer.

Question 30Basic Nursing Skills

A resident removes her dentures at bedtime. The aide should:

  1. Place them in a plastic bag with the resident's name
  2. Store them in a labeled cup of water Correct answer.
  3. Leave them on the bedside table to air dry
  4. Wrap them in a tissue and place them in a drawer

Explanation

Dentures warp and crack when they dry out, so they are kept covered in water or denture solution. A labeled container keeps them from being lost or mistaken for another resident's. A tissue-wrapped or dry denture is easily thrown away or broken.

Question 31Basic Nursing Skills

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

  1. Lay the resident flat on the back
  2. Give a sip of water to swallow
  3. Turn the head to one side Correct answer.
  4. Use a full cup of mouth rinse

Explanation

An unconscious resident cannot swallow or protect the airway, so fluids can run into the lungs. Turning the head to the side lets fluids drain out of the mouth by gravity. The aide uses only small amounts of fluid and never gives anything to swallow.

Question 32Basic Nursing Skills

When dressing a resident who has a weak right arm, the aide puts the shirt on:

  1. Over the head without using the sleeves
  2. Both arms at the same time
  3. The left arm first, then the right
  4. The right arm first, then the left Correct answer.

Explanation

The general rule is to dress the affected side first and undress it last. Starting with the weak arm lets the resident use the strong arm to help pull the garment into place. Following this order reduces strain and protects the weak shoulder.

Question 33Basic Nursing Skills

A colostomy pouch should be emptied when it is:

  1. About one-third full Correct answer.
  2. Completely full and stretched tight against the skin
  3. Completely empty and freshly cleaned
  4. Slightly damp from perspiration

Explanation

A pouch that is allowed to become too full gets heavy and can pull the seal away from the skin, causing leakage and skin breakdown. Emptying at about one-third to one-half full keeps the seal secure. The aide also checks the stoma and surrounding skin at each emptying.

Question 34Basic Nursing Skills

While a resident is in bed, the urinary drainage bag should be:

  1. Raised above the waist for better flow
  2. Pinned to the side rail at hip height
  3. Hung below the level of the bladder Correct answer.
  4. Placed on the floor beside the bed

Explanation

Urine flows downhill, and keeping the bag below the bladder prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder and causing infection. The bag is hung on the bed frame, never on the floor where the tubing outlet can touch contaminated surfaces. The tubing is kept free of kinks and loops.

Question 35Basic Nursing Skills

A resident who needs a cane should hold it:

  1. On the side of the weaker leg
  2. Alternating sides with each step
  3. On the side of the stronger leg Correct answer.
  4. In front of the body with both hands

Explanation

The cane is held on the stronger side so it widens the base of support and shifts weight away from the weak leg. The resident moves the cane and the weak leg forward together. This pattern gives the most stable, safe gait.

Question 36Basic Nursing Skills

When lifting a heavy object, the aide should:

  1. Bend at the waist and reach forward with straight arms
  2. Hold the object at arm's length
  3. Bend the knees and keep the object close Correct answer.
  4. Twist the upper body toward the stronger side while lifting

Explanation

Bending the knees uses the strong leg muscles instead of the back, and keeping the load close reduces the strain on the spine. The aide also keeps the back straight, feet apart, and avoids twisting while lifting. Twisting and reaching are the most common causes of back injury.

Question 37Basic Nursing Skills

To get accurate daily weights on a resident, the aide should weigh the resident:

  1. At bedtime using whatever scale is nearby
  2. Only when the resident asks to be weighed
  3. After meals and after the resident has used the toilet
  4. At the same time each day on the same scale Correct answer.

Explanation

Body weight shifts through the day with food, fluids, and activity, so consistency is what makes daily weights meaningful. Using the same scale, at the same time, with similar clothing allows the nurse to spot a real trend. A change of a few pounds can signal fluid imbalance.

Question 38Basic Nursing Skills

A resident begins to have a seizure. The aide should:

  1. Hold the arms and legs still until the jerking stops
  2. Move the resident into a chair and fasten the seat belt
  3. Place a spoon between the teeth to hold the tongue
  4. Ease the resident to the floor and protect the head Correct answer.

Explanation

The goal during a seizure is to protect the resident from injury without interfering with the seizure. The aide lowers the resident to the floor, moves furniture away, and cushions the head. Nothing is placed in the mouth, and the limbs are never restrained.

Question 39Basic Nursing Skills

A resident with diabetes asks the aide to trim his toenails. The aide should:

  1. Soak the feet first, then cut the nails very short
  2. Round the corners carefully with a pair of scissors
  3. Report the request to the nurse Correct answer.
  4. Trim the nails straight across and file the corners

Explanation

Diabetes reduces blood flow and sensation in the feet, so even a small nick can become an infection that does not heal. Nail and foot care for a resident with diabetes is done by a nurse or podiatrist. The aide inspects the feet and reports any redness, swelling, or breaks in the skin.

Question 40Basic Nursing Skills

When leaving the room of a resident on contact precautions, in which order does the aide remove personal protective equipment?

  1. Gloves, gown, mask, then goggles
  2. Gown, gloves, mask, then goggles
  3. Gloves, goggles, gown, then mask Correct answer.
  4. Mask, gown, gloves, then goggles

Explanation

Equipment is removed from the most contaminated to the least contaminated so that clean hands never touch a soiled surface. Gloves come off first, then eye protection, then the gown, and the mask last because it is removed by the ties only. Hand hygiene follows immediately after the last item is removed.

Question 41Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

What is the appropriate temperature for bath water when giving a bed bath?

  1. About 125°F (52°C)
  2. About 140°F (60°C)
  3. About 90°F (32°C)
  4. About 105°F (40.5°C) Correct answer.

Explanation

Bath water should be comfortably warm, about 105°F (40.5°C), and tested before use. Water that is too hot can burn fragile older skin, and water that is too cool can chill the resident.

Question 42Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When a resident removes dentures for the night, the nurse aide should store them in a labeled cup filled with water.

  1. A plastic bag kept in the medication cart
  2. On the bedside table without a cover
  3. Wrapped in a dry washcloth in a drawer
  4. A labeled cup filled with water Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentures are best kept in a labeled container covered with water so they do not dry out, warp, or get lost. The label ensures the dentures are returned to the right resident.

Question 43Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When helping a resident with one weak arm put on a shirt, the nurse aide should place the sleeve on the weak arm first.

  1. Push both sleeves on at the same time
  2. Put the sleeve on the strong arm first
  3. Put the sleeve on the weak arm first Correct answer.
  4. Ask the resident to manage the sleeves alone

Explanation

The weak arm is harder to move, so its sleeve goes on first and comes off last. This lets the resident use the strong arm to help with the rest of the task.

Question 44Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

For which of these tasks must the nurse aide wear gloves?

  1. Providing perineal care Correct answer.
  2. Helping a resident hold a cup
  3. Making an unoccupied bed
  4. Combing a resident's hair

Explanation

Gloves are required whenever the nurse aide may contact blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, or broken skin. Perineal care involves contact with urine, stool, and genital secretions, so gloves are always worn.

Question 45Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

How often should a nurse aide reposition a resident who is confined to bed and cannot move independently?

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

Explanation

Residents who cannot shift their own weight need to be turned and repositioned at least every 2 hours. Regular turning relieves pressure on bony areas and helps prevent pressure injuries and skin breakdown.

Question 46Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Which action is correct when the nurse aide gives mouth care to a resident who is unconscious?

  1. Use a hard brush and scrub the tongue firmly
  2. Lay the resident flat and use plenty of water
  3. Turn the head to the side and use little fluid with suction ready Correct answer.
  4. Wait until the resident is awake to do any mouth care

Explanation

An unconscious resident cannot swallow or cough, so turning the head to the side lets fluid drain out. Only a small amount of fluid should be used, and suction should be available to prevent aspiration.

Question 47Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Before helping a resident eat, the nurse aide should assist with handwashing and position the resident sitting upright.

  1. Place the food tray on the bed and leave
  2. Assist with handwashing and position the resident sitting upright Correct answer.
  3. Lay the resident flat so the food goes down easily
  4. Put a bib on the resident and start feeding right away

Explanation

Hand hygiene before eating prevents the spread of germs, and an upright position makes swallowing safer. A resident who is flat or slumped is at higher risk for choking and aspiration.

Question 48Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

After finishing care for a resident who must stay in bed, the nurse aide should place the call light where?

  1. Within the resident's reach before leaving the room Correct answer.
  2. On the nurses' station counter
  3. On the far side of the room so it does not get bumped
  4. In the hallway outside the door

Explanation

The call light must be within reach every time the nurse aide leaves the room so the resident can ask for help. A resident who cannot reach the light may try to get up alone and fall.

Question 49Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

In what direction should the nurse aide wash when giving perineal care to a female resident?

  1. From the back (rectum) toward the front
  2. From the perineum upward toward the abdomen
  3. From the front (urethra) toward the back (rectum) Correct answer.
  4. In circles that start at the rectum

Explanation

Washing from the urinary opening toward the rectum keeps stool bacteria away from the urethra and vagina. This direction reduces the risk of urinary tract and vaginal infections.

Question 50Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

While helping a resident do range-of-motion exercises, the resident says the movement hurts. The nurse aide should stop that exercise and report the pain to the nurse.

  1. Stop that exercise and report the pain to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Push the joint a little farther to loosen it
  3. Give the resident a pain pill from the supply cabinet
  4. Skip all exercise for the rest of the week

Explanation

Exercises are done only to the point of resistance, never to the point of pain. Pain during movement may signal an injury or other problem that the nurse needs to evaluate.