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Florida CNA practice questions

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Question 1Physical Care Skills

According to standard precautions, when should a nursing assistant perform hand hygiene?

  1. Only after providing personal hygiene care
  2. Only at the beginning and end of the shift
  3. Once every hour during the shift
  4. Before and after contact with each resident Correct answer.

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required before and after every contact with a resident and after contact with blood, body fluids, or contaminated items. Washing at set clock times or only after bathing care leaves gaps in protection. Alcohol-based rub may be used when hands are not visibly soiled.

Question 2Physical Care Skills

While giving a bed bath, how should the nursing assistant wash a resident's eyes?

  1. By rinsing them with the shower head
  2. With soapy water, from outer to inner corner
  3. With a washcloth and lotion, using a circular motion
  4. With clear water, from inner to outer corner Correct answer.

Explanation

Eyes are cleansed with clear water only, wiping from the inner corner toward the outer corner. A separate area of the washcloth is used for each eye so drainage is not carried into the other eye. Soap and lotion irritate the eye and are not used on the lids during a bed bath.

Question 3Physical Care Skills

How often should a resident who cannot move independently be repositioned to help prevent pressure injuries?

  1. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  2. Every 30 minutes
  3. Every hour
  4. Every 4 hours

Explanation

Repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure over bony areas and is the usual minimum for an immobile resident. Residents at high risk may need more frequent turns according to the care plan. A written turning schedule helps ensure the routine is followed.

Question 4Physical Care Skills

Where should a gait belt be placed on a resident who is being transferred?

  1. Around the waist, over clothing Correct answer.
  2. Around the hips, below the buttocks
  3. Under the arms, across the upper chest
  4. Loosely around the waist, over bare skin

Explanation

A gait belt is fastened snugly around the waist over the resident's clothing so it can be gripped without pulling on the arms or chest. It should be tight enough that the assistant's fingers fit under it but it does not slide. Belts are not placed on bare skin because they pinch and irritate.

Question 5Physical Care Skills

While performing range-of-motion exercises, a resident says the movement hurts. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Stop the exercise and report the pain to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Move the joint faster to get through the painful part
  3. Apply lotion and repeat the same movement
  4. Continue the exercise, because discomfort is expected

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercise should be stopped at the point of pain because pain may signal injury or a new problem. The nursing assistant reports the finding so the nurse can reassess the resident and adjust the plan. Forcing a painful joint can cause damage.

Question 6Physical Care Skills

A resident has voided into a bedpan. How should the nursing assistant measure the urine?

  1. Estimate the amount by looking at the bedpan
  2. Pour it into a graduated cylinder and read it at eye level Correct answer.
  3. Weigh the bedpan and record the difference in grams as milliliters
  4. Pour it into a cup and read the level from above

Explanation

Urine is poured into a graduated cylinder and the amount is read at eye level so the meniscus is seen accurately. The measured amount is then recorded on the intake and output record. Estimating or reading from above produces errors that affect the resident's fluid balance record.

Question 7Physical Care Skills

When providing catheter care, in which direction should the nursing assistant cleanse around the urinary meatus?

  1. From the outer thigh toward the meatus
  2. From the meatus outward, away from the body Correct answer.
  3. In a circular motion toward the meatus, using the same cloth
  4. Back and forth across the meatus with a washcloth

Explanation

Cleansing starts at the meatus and moves outward and away from the body, which carries organisms away from the urethral opening. For a female resident this follows a front-to-back pattern. A clean area of the cloth is used for each stroke.

Question 8Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant provide mouth care for a resident who is unconscious?

  1. Skip mouth care until the resident is awake
  2. Place the resident flat on the back and pour water into the mouth
  3. Use a hard-bristled toothbrush and large amounts of toothpaste
  4. Turn the resident to the side and use a little water Correct answer.

Explanation

An unconscious resident is turned to the side so secretions drain out and cannot be breathed into the lungs. Only small amounts of fluid are used, and the mouth is inspected with a light. Oral care is still needed regularly because the mouth dries and bacteria build up.

Question 9Physical Care Skills

A resident has just finished a cup of hot coffee. What should the nursing assistant do before taking an oral temperature?

  1. Rinse the thermometer in cold water first
  2. Take the temperature right away, because the mouth is already warm
  3. Wait 15 to 30 minutes, then take the oral temperature Correct answer.
  4. Take the temperature under the arm instead without telling the nurse

Explanation

Hot or cold food and drink change the temperature inside the mouth, so the nursing assistant waits about 15 to 30 minutes before an oral reading. This keeps the value accurate and reportable. Smoking and chewing gum call for the same wait.

Question 10Physical Care Skills

When measuring blood pressure, at what level should the resident's arm be positioned?

  1. Above the level of the heart
  2. At the level of the heart Correct answer.
  3. Resting on the resident's abdomen
  4. Below the level of the heart

Explanation

The arm is supported so the cuff is at the level of the heart. If the arm is too high the reading is falsely low, and if it hangs too low the reading is falsely high. The cuff goes on the bare upper arm with the tubing over the brachial artery.

Question 11Physical Care Skills

Which action is safe when a resident is receiving oxygen?

  1. Storing the oxygen tank in a closed closet
  2. Allowing visitors to smoke in the room if a window is open
  3. Keeping oxygen equipment away from flames and heat Correct answer.
  4. Applying petroleum jelly to the resident's nostrils

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so tanks, tubing, and the resident must be kept away from open flames, sparks, and heat sources. Oil-based products such as petroleum jelly are not used near the face because they can ignite. Oxygen tanks are secured upright and stored where air can circulate.

Question 12Physical Care Skills

When is the best time to apply elastic (TED) stockings on a resident?

  1. At bedtime, after the resident has been walking
  2. After the resident's legs have been dangling for 15 minutes
  3. In the morning, before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.
  4. Right after the resident returns from a walk

Explanation

Elastic stockings work best when applied before the legs swell, which is in the morning before the resident gets up. If the resident has been up, the legs are elevated for a while first. The stockings are removed and the skin checked at intervals set by the care plan.

Question 13Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant notices a reddened area over a resident's heel that stays red when pressed. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Apply a heating pad to the area
  2. Massage the area to improve circulation
  3. Wait and check the area again in a few days
  4. Relieve pressure and report it to the nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

Redness that does not blanch when pressed is an early pressure injury and must be reported. The area is kept off pressure and the nurse inspects it. Massaging a reddened bony area damages tissue further.

Question 14Physical Care Skills

A resident has an ordered restraint in place. Which observation should the nursing assistant report immediately?

  1. The hand is cool and pale with swollen fingers Correct answer.
  2. The resident asks to use the bathroom while the restraint is on
  3. The resident's call light is within reach of the free hand
  4. The restraint is tied to the bed frame

Explanation

Cool, pale skin and swelling below a restraint mean circulation is being cut off and the nurse must be told at once. The assistant stays with the resident and follows the nurse's direction about releasing the device. Restraints are attached to the bed frame, not to side rails, and the call light is kept within reach.

Question 15Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant finds a resident lying on the floor. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Stay with the resident and call for the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Help the resident to stand up and walk back to bed
  3. Check for injuries by moving the resident's arms and legs
  4. Leave to get a wheelchair

Explanation

The assistant stays with the resident and calls for help, because moving a resident after a fall can worsen an unseen injury. The nurse assesses the resident before any movement. The assistant keeps the resident warm and monitors breathing while waiting.

Question 16Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when collecting a midstream urine specimen?

  1. Cleanse front to back, then collect after voiding starts Correct answer.
  2. Ask the resident to hold urine for 12 hours first
  3. Collect the first few drops of urine in the container
  4. Collect urine from the bedpan after it has sat for an hour

Explanation

The perineal area is cleansed front to back, the resident begins to void, and the middle portion of the stream is caught in the sterile container. The first part of the stream flushes organisms from the urethra, which reduces contamination of the sample. The specimen is labeled and sent to the lab promptly.

Question 17Physical Care Skills

While emptying a colostomy pouch, the nursing assistant sees that the stoma is pale and bluish. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Report the color to the nurse now Correct answer.
  2. Apply a warm compress and continue care
  3. Wait until the next shift change to report it
  4. Document it as a normal finding

Explanation

A healthy stoma is pink to red and moist; a pale, bluish, or dark stoma suggests poor blood flow and needs immediate nursing evaluation. The assistant reports the finding right away and does not apply heat or pressure. Pouch care continues only as the nurse directs.

Question 18Physical Care Skills

Which action helps prevent aspiration when feeding a resident who has difficulty swallowing?

  1. Offer thin liquids with a straw for easier swallowing
  2. Spoon food into the mouth while the resident is lying flat
  3. Encourage the resident to talk during the meal
  4. Sit the resident upright and check for pocketed food Correct answer.

Explanation

An upright position lets gravity help move food down, and checking the cheek for pocketed food prevents a later choking episode. Small bites, a slightly tucked chin, and staying upright for about 30 minutes after eating add further protection. Thin liquids and straws are often restricted for residents with swallowing problems.

Question 19Physical Care Skills

While assisting with a sterile dressing change, the nursing assistant accidentally touches the sterile gauze with an ungloved hand. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Tell the nurse and get new sterile gauze Correct answer.
  2. Place the gauze on the wound and tape it quickly
  3. Use the gauze anyway, because the dressing is small
  4. Rinse the gauze with tap water and continue

Explanation

A sterile item that touches a non-sterile surface is contaminated and must be replaced. The assistant tells the nurse so the field can be corrected and the dressing done safely. Tap water does not restore sterility.

Question 20Physical Care Skills

When applying a warm compress to a resident's back, how often should the nursing assistant check the skin?

  1. Only at the end of the treatment
  2. Once per hour
  3. Every 30 minutes
  4. Every 5 to 15 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Skin under a warm compress is checked every 5 to 15 minutes because heat can burn, especially with thin skin or reduced sensation. The compress is removed at once if the skin becomes very red or the resident reports pain. The nurse is told about any reaction.

Question 21Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when making an occupied bed?

  1. Place the dirty linens on the floor until you are done
  2. Lower both side rails to reach the linens easily
  3. Shake the dirty linens in the air to remove crumbs
  4. Raise the side rail on the side you are not working on Correct answer.

Explanation

The side rail on the far side stays up so the resident cannot roll out while the assistant works on the near side. Dirty linens are rolled away from the resident and placed directly into the linen hamper without shaking, which spreads organisms. The bed is kept at a comfortable working height.

Question 22Physical Care Skills

A resident who has diabetes asks the nursing assistant to trim her toenails. What is the best response?

  1. Tell the resident the nurse will arrange foot care Correct answer.
  2. Trim the nails straight across and file the corners
  3. Cut the nails very short so they do not catch on socks
  4. Soak the feet first, then cut the corners of the nails

Explanation

Residents with diabetes often have poor circulation and reduced sensation, so nail trimming is done by a nurse or podiatrist according to facility policy. The assistant reports the request and provides routine foot care such as washing and drying. Any cut or break in the skin is also reported.

Question 23Physical Care Skills

When counting a resident's respirations, the nursing assistant should

  1. Ask the resident to count out loud
  2. Count for a full minute while keeping a hand on the wrist Correct answer.
  3. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four
  4. Tell the resident to breathe normally and watch the chest for 15 seconds

Explanation

Respirations are counted for one full minute while the assistant appears to be taking a pulse, so the resident does not change the breathing pattern. Depth, rhythm, and effort are noted along with the rate. Any abnormal finding is reported to the nurse.

Question 24Physical Care Skills

When removing personal protective equipment after resident care, which item should be removed first?

  1. The gloves Correct answer.
  2. The mask
  3. The gown
  4. The goggles

Explanation

Gloves are the most contaminated item and come off first, followed by goggles or face shield, then the gown, and the mask last. Removing the mask last avoids handling it with hands that have touched contaminated items. Hand hygiene follows removal.

Question 25Physical Care Skills

A resident needs to be moved up in bed. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Move the resident alone if the resident is small
  2. Pull the resident up by the arms from the side of the bed
  3. Get a co-worker to help and use a drawsheet Correct answer.
  4. Ask the resident to grab the side rail and pull alone

Explanation

Moving a resident up in bed is done with at least two staff members using a drawsheet, with the bed flat and the pillow removed. This protects both the resident's skin and the assistant's back. Pulling on the arms can dislocate a shoulder.

Question 26Physical Care Skills

How long should the nursing assistant rub soapy hands together during routine handwashing?

  1. For at least 5 seconds
  2. For at least 2 minutes
  3. Until the hands feel dry
  4. For at least 20 seconds Correct answer.

Explanation

Routine handwashing with soap and water should last at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands, fingers, and nails. Shorter contact time may not remove enough microorganisms. Rinsing and drying follow the wash.

Question 27Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant must lift a heavy object from the floor. Which action protects the assistant's back?

  1. Keep the feet close together and bend at the waist
  2. Twist the upper body while raising the object
  3. Hold the object away from the body while lifting
  4. Bend the knees and keep feet apart Correct answer.

Explanation

Safe lifting uses the strong leg muscles and a stable base with the feet apart. Keeping the load close and avoiding twisting reduce spinal strain. Bending at the waist or twisting increases the risk of injury.

Question 28Physical Care Skills

In which position should a conscious resident be placed for mouth care?

  1. Sitting upright or turned onto the side Correct answer.
  2. With the head hanging over the edge of the bed
  3. On the stomach with the head turned
  4. Flat on the back with the head level

Explanation

A conscious resident should sit upright or be turned to the side so secretions and rinse water drain out rather than being swallowed or aspirated. Flat or head-down positions increase choking risk. Mouth care should never cause the head to hang over the bed edge.

Question 29Physical Care Skills

Which pulse site is most commonly used by nursing assistants to measure an adult's heart rate?

  1. The radial artery at the wrist Correct answer.
  2. The popliteal artery behind the knee
  3. The apical site over the heart
  4. The carotid artery in the neck

Explanation

The radial artery at the thumb side of the wrist is easily accessible, safe, and commonly used for routine pulse checks. Carotid and apical checks are used in specific situations. The popliteal site is not used routinely.

Question 30Physical Care Skills

What is the correct way for the nursing assistant to check bath water temperature?

  1. Add hot water until steam rises from the basin
  2. Use only the fingertips to judge the water
  3. Make the water as hot as the resident can tolerate
  4. Test with the inner wrist or a thermometer Correct answer.

Explanation

Water for a bed bath should be comfortably warm, not hot. Testing with the inner wrist or a thermometer protects residents with reduced sensation. Steam and very hot water can burn the skin.

Question 31Physical Care Skills

After washing a resident's feet, which action is most important?

  1. Cover the feet with tight socks
  2. Apply lotion generously between the toes
  3. Rub the heels briskly with a towel
  4. Dry carefully between the toes Correct answer.

Explanation

Moisture between the toes promotes fungal growth and skin breakdown, so the area must be dried thoroughly. Lotion between the toes adds moisture. Brisk rubbing can damage fragile skin.

Question 32Physical Care Skills

How often should an immobile resident be repositioned to help prevent pressure injuries?

  1. At least every 30 minutes
  2. Only when the resident asks to move
  3. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  4. At least every 4 hours

Explanation

Repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure on bony areas and supports circulation. Waiting for a request is unsafe for an immobile resident. More frequent turns may be needed based on skin condition.

Question 33Physical Care Skills

What should the nursing assistant do with a resident's hearing aid before giving a bath?

  1. Wash it under running water with the resident's hair
  2. Remove it and store it in its case Correct answer.
  3. Place it on the bedside table without a case
  4. Leave it in place to keep the resident calm

Explanation

Hearing aids are electronic devices and must be removed before bathing or hair washing to prevent water damage. They should be stored in a labeled case in a safe place. Leaving them in or washing them can destroy the device.

Question 34Physical Care Skills

When performing passive range-of-motion exercises, how far should the nursing assistant move the resident's joint?

  1. As quickly as possible to save time
  2. Only a few inches in each direction
  3. Gently to resistance, without causing pain Correct answer.
  4. Forcefully beyond the point of resistance

Explanation

Passive range of motion should be slow and gentle, stopping at resistance or pain to avoid injury. Forcing a joint can cause damage. Quick movements may cause pain or muscle spasm.

Question 35Physical Care Skills

Where should the nursing assistant place a gait belt on a resident?

  1. Around the resident's upper thighs
  2. Under the resident's arms around the chest
  3. Loosely around the neck for control
  4. Around the resident's waist over clothing Correct answer.

Explanation

A gait belt is placed snugly around the waist over clothing, providing a safe handhold during transfers and ambulation. It should not be placed around the chest, thighs, or neck. A loose belt is unsafe.

Question 36Physical Care Skills

A resident becomes dizzy while walking with a gait belt. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Continue walking quickly to reach the chair
  2. Let go of the belt and call for help
  3. Ease the resident to the floor or a chair Correct answer.
  4. Ask the resident to stand still and close the eyes

Explanation

When a resident becomes dizzy, the assistant should protect the resident from falling by easing them into a chair or gently to the floor. Continuing to walk or letting go increases fall risk. Standing still may not prevent a fall.

Question 37Physical Care Skills

Which temperature site should be avoided for a resident who has diarrhea?

  1. Axillary
  2. Oral
  3. Tympanic
  4. Rectal Correct answer.

Explanation

Rectal temperatures are contraindicated with diarrhea because inserting a thermometer can cause irritation, injury, or spread infection. An alternative site such as axillary, tympanic, or oral should be used based on orders. Oral may also be avoided if the resident cannot close the mouth safely.

Question 38Physical Care Skills

If a resident's radial pulse feels irregular, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Press harder on the wrist until it becomes regular
  2. Record the pulse as normal without comment
  3. Count the pulse for a full minute Correct answer.
  4. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four

Explanation

An irregular pulse must be counted for a full minute to accurately capture the rate and rhythm. Short counts can miss irregularities. The finding should be reported. Pressing harder does not correct an irregular pulse.

Question 39Physical Care Skills

What may happen if the blood pressure cuff used on a resident is too small?

  1. The reading may be falsely low
  2. The reading will be exactly accurate
  3. The cuff will not inflate at all
  4. The reading may be falsely high Correct answer.

Explanation

A cuff that is too small compresses the arm over a smaller area, requiring higher pressure to occlude the artery, which can falsely elevate the reading. Correct cuff size is based on arm circumference. Too large a cuff can produce falsely low readings.

Question 40Physical Care Skills

How should the drainage bag of an indwelling urinary catheter be positioned?

  1. Above the level of the bladder on an IV pole
  2. Pinned to the resident's clothing at waist level
  3. Resting on the floor beside the bed
  4. Below bladder level, not touching the floor Correct answer.

Explanation

Keeping the drainage bag below the bladder allows gravity drainage and prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder, which can cause infection. The bag must not touch the floor. Raising the bag or pinning it at waist level defeats this purpose.

Question 41Physical Care Skills

In which position is a resident usually placed for a cleansing enema?

  1. Flat on the back with the legs elevated
  2. Sitting upright in a chair
  3. Left side-lying with the right knee bent Correct answer.
  4. On the right side with the knees straight

Explanation

The left side-lying position with the right knee bent uses gravity to help the solution flow into the descending colon. Other positions may cause discomfort or poor retention. The head of the bed may be slightly lowered per protocol.

Question 42Physical Care Skills

When collecting a stool specimen, which action is correct?

  1. Collect the specimen from the toilet bowl water
  2. Add urine to the specimen to keep it moist
  3. Use a clean container and keep urine out Correct answer.
  4. Send the specimen in a paper cup without a lid

Explanation

Stool specimens must be collected in a clean, dry container and kept free of urine or toilet water because contamination can alter test results. The container should be labeled and closed. Toilet bowl water contains chemicals and organisms.

Question 43Physical Care Skills

How long should a cold pack usually be left in place on a resident's skin?

  1. For at least 1 hour
  2. For no more than 2 minutes
  3. For no more than 20 minutes Correct answer.
  4. Until the resident says the area is numb

Explanation

Cold application is generally limited to about 20 minutes at a time to avoid tissue damage and reflex vasodilation. Prolonged cold can injure skin, especially in residents with poor circulation. The skin should be checked frequently.

Question 44Physical Care Skills

How often should a resident's restraint be removed or released, according to common care standards?

  1. Every 15 minutes
  2. Only at the end of the shift
  3. Every 2 hours Correct answer.
  4. Every 8 hours

Explanation

Restraints must be released and the resident repositioned, toileted, and assessed at least every 2 hours, and more often as needed. This protects circulation, skin, and dignity. Leaving a restraint on for a whole shift is unsafe.

Question 45Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Wrap them in a tissue and leave them on the bedside table
  2. Use a denture cup, soft brush, and cool water Correct answer.
  3. Clean them with toothpaste and a stiff brush
  4. Use hot water to sterilize them

Explanation

Dentures can warp in hot water and should be cleaned with a soft brush and cool or lukewarm water in a denture cup. They should be stored in a labeled container when not in use. Wrapping them loosely risks loss or breakage.

Question 46Physical Care Skills

A resident begins to have a seizure. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Place a spoon between the resident's teeth
  2. Protect the head and move objects away Correct answer.
  3. Hold the resident's arms and legs still
  4. Leave the resident alone to get help

Explanation

During a seizure, the priority is to protect the resident from injury by cushioning the head and removing hazards. Do not restrain the person or place anything in the mouth. Stay with the resident and call for help according to facility policy.

Question 47Physical Care Skills

After a resident dies, how is the body usually positioned for postmortem care?

  1. Sitting upright in a chair
  2. Face down with the head turned to one side
  3. Flat on the back, arms at the sides Correct answer.
  4. On the side with the knees drawn up

Explanation

Postmortem care typically includes placing the body supine with arms at the sides, closing the eyes, and straightening the limbs. This preserves dignity and alignment. The body is then handled according to facility policy and family wishes.

Question 48Physical Care Skills

How should a urine specimen be obtained from an indwelling urinary catheter?

  1. Disconnect the catheter from the drainage bag and pour urine into a cup
  2. Take the specimen from the toilet after the bag is emptied
  3. Collect urine directly from the drainage bag after it has sat for hours
  4. Use a sterile syringe at the sampling port Correct answer.

Explanation

Catheter specimens are collected aseptically from the designated sampling port using a sterile syringe and transfer device. Opening the system or using old bag urine increases contamination risk. The port is cleaned before access.

Question 49Physical Care Skills

When should a colostomy pouch usually be emptied?

  1. Only when it is completely full
  2. Once every 24 hours regardless of fullness
  3. When it is almost empty to keep it flat
  4. When it is one-third to one-half full Correct answer.

Explanation

Emptying the pouch when it is about one-third to one-half full prevents weight and leakage and reduces odor. Waiting until full can cause the seal to fail. Routine schedules are individualized.

Question 50Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant notices foul-smelling drainage from a resident's wound. What should the assistant do?

  1. Report the finding to the nurse promptly Correct answer.
  2. Apply a tight bandage to cover the smell
  3. Ignore it because wound drainage is always normal
  4. Wash the wound with alcohol and continue care

Explanation

Foul-smelling drainage may indicate infection and must be reported promptly to the nurse. The assistant should not apply tight coverings or harsh chemicals without orders. Documentation should describe the color, amount, and odor.