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Georgia CNA practice questions

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Question 1Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A nurse aide is preparing to give a resident a bed bath. Which action best protects the resident's privacy?

  1. Asking the resident to cover their own face
  2. Leaving the door open so staff can see in
  3. Closing the door and pulling the privacy curtain Correct answer.
  4. Removing all covers before starting the bath

Explanation

Privacy and dignity are protected by closing the door, pulling the curtain, and exposing only the body part being washed. The resident should be covered as much as possible throughout the bath.

Question 2Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

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

  1. In a labeled cup filled with water Correct answer.
  2. In an unlabeled cup beside the bed
  3. In hot water to sterilize them
  4. Wrapped in a dry paper towel

Explanation

Dentures should be kept in a labeled container covered with water so they do not dry out or warp. Hot water can damage the denture material and should not be used.

Question 3Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident has weakness on the left side. When helping the resident put on a shirt, which arm should go into the sleeve first?

  1. It does not matter which arm goes first
  2. The left arm Correct answer.
  3. The right arm
  4. Both arms at the same time

Explanation

When dressing a resident with one-sided weakness, the weak side is dressed first and undressed last. This lets the aide move the weaker arm with less effort and less strain on the resident.

Question 4Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

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

  1. Use warm water and mild soap, then dry with a soft cloth Correct answer.
  2. Wipe the lenses with a dry paper towel only
  3. Use hot water and a strong household cleaner
  4. Rinse them in the sink while holding them by the lenses

Explanation

Eyeglasses should be washed with warm water and mild soap, then dried with a soft cloth. The frames should be held rather than the lenses to avoid scratching or bending them.

Question 5Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident walks with a cane. Where should the nurse aide stand while helping the resident walk?

  1. On the resident's stronger side, several steps ahead
  2. Behind the resident, holding the back of the resident's shirt
  3. Directly in front of the resident
  4. On the resident's weaker side, slightly behind Correct answer.

Explanation

The aide should stand on the resident's weaker side, slightly behind and beside the resident, using a gait belt when appropriate. This position allows the aide to support the resident if balance is lost.

Question 6Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

What is the recommended water temperature for a resident's tub bath?

  1. 130°F to 135°F
  2. 120°F to 125°F
  3. 100°F to 105°F Correct answer.
  4. 110°F to 115°F

Explanation

Bath water should be about 105°F or slightly lower, and the aide should test it before the resident gets in. Water that is too hot can burn fragile skin.

Question 7Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident coughs and has trouble swallowing during meals. Which action should the aide take?

  1. Have the resident sit upright and take small bites Correct answer.
  2. Place food in the cheek on the weaker side
  3. Offer fluids through a straw
  4. Encourage the resident to talk while chewing

Explanation

A resident with swallowing difficulty should sit upright and take small bites, with time to swallow between bites. The aide should report coughing or choking to the nurse.

Question 8Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Which action helps prevent pressure injuries in a resident who is bedbound?

  1. Place the resident directly on the hip bones
  2. Rubbing reddened areas firmly
  3. Keeping the head of the bed raised at 90 degrees
  4. Repositioning the resident at least every two hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Repositioning at least every two hours relieves pressure on vulnerable areas and helps prevent skin breakdown. Reddened areas should not be massaged, and high bed elevation can increase shear.

Question 9Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

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

  1. From the thighs inward to the perineum
  2. From the rectum toward the urinary meatus
  3. From the urinary meatus toward the rectum Correct answer.
  4. In a circular motion starting at the anus

Explanation

Perineal care for a female resident is done from front to back, moving from the urinary meatus toward the rectum. This direction helps prevent germs from the rectal area from entering the urinary tract.

Question 10Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Which action is correct when providing catheter care?

  1. Pulling gently on the tubing to check that it is secure
  2. Disconnecting the tubing to clean the drainage bag
  3. Washing the catheter from the meatus outward with soap and water Correct answer.
  4. Cleaning the catheter with alcohol swabs

Explanation

Catheter care involves washing gently from the meatus outward with soap and water, then rinsing and drying. The closed drainage system should be kept intact and the tubing should not be pulled.

Question 11Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When performing passive range of motion for a resident, the aide should...

  1. Support the limb and move the joint gently to the point of resistance Correct answer.
  2. Move the joint quickly through its full range
  3. Force the joint past resistance to improve flexibility
  4. Perform range of motion only on the resident's strong side

Explanation

Passive range of motion is done slowly and gently while supporting the limb, stopping at the point of resistance or pain. Forcing a joint can cause injury.

Question 12Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident is being transferred from bed to a wheelchair. Where should the wheelchair be placed?

  1. On the resident's strong side, three feet from the bed
  2. At the foot of the bed, facing away from the bed
  3. Parallel to the bed on the resident's weak side
  4. On the resident's strong side, angled toward the bed with the brakes locked Correct answer.

Explanation

The wheelchair should be placed on the resident's strong side, angled toward the bed, with the brakes locked and the armrest removed if needed. This allows the resident to use the stronger side to help with the transfer.

Question 13Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident has a reddened area over the sacrum that does not turn white when pressed. What should the aide do?

  1. Wash the area with alcohol
  2. Apply a heating pad to the area
  3. Massage the area vigorously
  4. Report it to the nurse and keep pressure off the area Correct answer.

Explanation

Nonblanchable redness is an early sign of a pressure injury and should be reported to the nurse. Pressure should be relieved and the area should not be massaged.

Question 14Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When should a nurse aide remove gloves?

  1. After leaving the resident's room
  2. After helping the next resident
  3. Only when the gloves are visibly soiled
  4. Before touching clean equipment or surfaces Correct answer.

Explanation

Gloves are removed before touching clean equipment or surfaces and before leaving the resident's care area, followed by hand hygiene. Gloves are not a substitute for handwashing.

Question 15Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident with diabetes asks the aide to trim their toenails. What is the best action?

  1. Cut the nails straight across and file the corners
  2. Cut down the sides to prevent ingrown nails
  3. Do not trim the toenails and report the request to the nurse Correct answer.
  4. Round the corners with scissors

Explanation

Residents with diabetes often have poor circulation and reduced sensation, so toenail trimming may be restricted. The aide should report the request so the nurse or a foot care specialist can provide care.

Question 16Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When shaving a resident with a safety razor, the aide should...

  1. Use cold water to tighten the skin
  2. Shave dry skin so the hair is easier to see
  3. Shave against the direction of hair growth
  4. Soften the beard with warm water and shave in the direction of hair growth Correct answer.

Explanation

Warm water softens the beard and shaving in the direction of hair growth reduces skin irritation and cuts. The razor should be rinsed frequently during shaving.

Question 17Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident is unconscious. How should the aide provide mouth care?

  1. Turn the resident to the side and use a small amount of water Correct answer.
  2. Place the resident flat on the back and brush with toothpaste
  3. Wait until the resident is awake to provide any mouth care
  4. Use a syringe to squirt water into the mouth

Explanation

An unconscious resident should be positioned on the side so fluids drain and aspiration risk is reduced. Only a small amount of water should be used, and suction should be available if ordered.

Question 18Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When placing a bedpan under a resident, the aide should...

  1. Slide the bedpan under the resident without positioning
  2. Raise the head of the bed and ask the resident to lift the hips Correct answer.
  3. Lift the resident by the arms
  4. Roll the resident onto the stomach

Explanation

The aide should raise the head of the bed, have the resident lift the hips if able, and position the bedpan securely. Lifting a resident by the arms can cause injury to the resident and aide.

Question 19Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident's hearing aid is not working. What should the aide check first?

  1. Check the battery and on/off switch Correct answer.
  2. Replace it with a new hearing aid
  3. Send it to the manufacturer
  4. Soak it in water to clean the contacts

Explanation

The first checks for a nonworking hearing aid are the battery, the on/off switch, and possible earwax blockage. Hearing aids should never be placed in water.

Question 20Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When applying elastic compression stockings, the aide should...

  1. Put them on in the morning before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.
  2. Apply them at bedtime
  3. Put powder inside the stocking to reduce friction
  4. Roll them down to the ankle and leave them there

Explanation

Compression stockings are usually applied in the morning before the resident gets out of bed, when swelling is lowest. They should be smooth and free of wrinkles and removed as ordered.

Question 21Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident had a posterior-approach hip replacement. Which action follows hip precautions?

  1. Cross the legs to keep the hip aligned
  2. Keep the hips abducted and avoid bending the hip more than 90 degrees Correct answer.
  3. Turn the resident onto the operative side without a pillow between the legs
  4. Raise the head of the bed to 90 degrees for meals

Explanation

Posterior hip precautions include keeping the hips abducted, avoiding hip flexion beyond 90 degrees, and preventing crossing or internal rotation of the legs. A pillow is often placed between the legs when turning.

Question 22Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident has a pressure injury with partial-thickness skin loss and a shallow open ulcer. Which stage is this?

  1. Stage 2 Correct answer.
  2. Stage 3
  3. Stage 1
  4. Stage 4

Explanation

A stage 2 pressure injury involves partial-thickness loss of skin with a shallow open ulcer or blister. Stage 1 is intact skin with nonblanchable redness, and stages 3 and 4 involve deeper tissue loss.

Question 23Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident has trouble swallowing pills. What is the best action for the aide to take?

  1. Crush all medications and mix them with food
  2. Ask the nurse whether the medication can be given in a different form Correct answer.
  3. Have the resident lie down and swallow with a straw
  4. Place the pills at the back of the mouth and give water

Explanation

Medications should never be crushed or altered without an order because some are long-acting or have special coatings. The aide should report the difficulty so the nurse can check with the prescriber or pharmacist about another form.

Question 24Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident is on droplet precautions. Which action is correct when providing personal care?

  1. Wear a gown but no mask
  2. Wear a mask when working within 3 feet of the resident Correct answer.
  3. Wear gloves only
  4. Have the resident wear a mask only when leaving the room

Explanation

Droplet precautions require a mask when working within about 3 feet of the resident, along with standard precautions such as gloves and hand hygiene. The aide should follow the facility's precautions sign for specific instructions.

Question 25Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident has a plaster cast on the right arm and needs a bed bath. Which action is best?

  1. Soak the cast in warm water to clean it
  2. Remove the cast before bathing
  3. Dry the cast with a hair dryer on the hot setting
  4. Cover the cast with a plastic bag and keep it out of the water Correct answer.

Explanation

A plaster cast must be kept dry, so it should be covered with a plastic bag and kept out of the water during bathing. A cast that becomes wet, soft, or soiled should be reported to the nurse.

Question 26Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A nurse aide is about to give a bed bath to a resident who shares a room. Which action best protects the resident's privacy?

  1. Ask the roommate to turn away during the bath
  2. Close the door and pull the privacy curtain around the bed Correct answer.
  3. Turn off the overhead light and leave the curtain open
  4. Leave the door open so other staff can see that care is in progress

Explanation

Personal care is given in a private space; closing the door and drawing the curtain keeps the resident's body out of view. This protects dignity and is done before the resident is undressed or bathed.

Question 27Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

When a nurse aide bathes a resident's face, how should the eyes be washed?

  1. Back and forth across the closed eyelid
  2. Only with a washcloth soaked in hot water
  3. From the outer corner toward the inner corner
  4. From the inner corner toward the outer corner Correct answer.

Explanation

Washing from the inner corner outward carries secretions away from the tear duct and reduces the chance of spreading them into the eye. A clean part of the cloth should be used for each eye.

Question 28Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident can still button their own shirt but takes a long time to do it. Which approach best supports the resident's independence?

  1. Button the shirt quickly so the resident does not become tired
  2. Let the resident button the shirt and allow extra time for it Correct answer.
  3. Ask the nurse to button the shirt when making rounds
  4. Suggest the resident wear only shirts without buttons

Explanation

Encouraging residents to do what they can, even slowly, maintains function, self-esteem, and independence. The aide assists only with the steps the resident truly cannot manage.

Question 29Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Before helping a resident walk, which footwear is safest?

  1. Thick cotton socks without shoes
  2. Non-skid shoes that fit well Correct answer.
  3. Shoes that are two sizes larger than the resident's feet
  4. Slippers with soft leather soles

Explanation

Well-fitting shoes with non-skid soles give traction and support and lower the risk of falling. Loose or smooth-soled footwear can slip off or slide on the floor.

Question 30Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

After providing incontinence care, a nurse aide's hands are visibly soiled with stool. Which action should the aide take?

  1. Wash the hands with soap and running water Correct answer.
  2. Wipe the hands with a disposable washcloth
  3. Rinse the hands with water only and put on gloves
  4. Use an alcohol-based hand rub for 20 seconds

Explanation

Soap and running water are required when hands are visibly soiled and after contact with stool, because alcohol rubs do not remove organic material and do not kill certain spores. Gloves are not a substitute for handwashing.

Question 31Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident takes out their dentures for the night. How should the aide store them?

  1. In a labeled cup filled with hot water
  2. In a tissue in an open cup at the bedside
  3. On a dry paper towel inside the bedside drawer
  4. In a labeled denture cup filled with cool water Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentures are kept moist so they do not warp, and cool water prevents heat damage; a labeled cup keeps them from being lost or thrown away.

Question 32Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident has weakness on the right side after a stroke. When dressing the resident, which side should be dressed first?

  1. The right side, because it is the weak side Correct answer.
  2. Whichever side the resident asks for first
  3. Either side, as long as the resident is sitting up
  4. The left side, because it moves easily

Explanation

Dressing starts on the weak or affected side first, because the resident cannot easily push a weak arm or leg through clothing once the strong side is covered. When undressing, the strong side is undressed first.

Question 33Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident is walking with a gait belt. Where should the aide stand?

  1. Directly in front, pulling the belt forward
  2. Slightly behind and to the side, holding the gait belt Correct answer.
  3. Behind the resident at arm's length, holding the back of the shirt
  4. Several steps ahead so the resident follows

Explanation

The aide stands behind and slightly to the side and holds the gait belt with an underhand grip, which allows control if the resident begins to fall. Holding clothing or standing far away gives no safe control.

Question 34Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

What is the correct way to clean a resident's eyeglasses?

  1. Wipe them dry with a tissue to keep the lenses from getting wet
  2. Wash with warm water and mild soap, then dry with a soft cloth Correct answer.
  3. Use a corner of the bed sheet to wipe the lenses
  4. Soak the lenses in hot water to loosen the dirt

Explanation

Warm water with mild soap loosens dirt without harming lens coatings, and a soft cloth dries them without scratching. Hot water and rough materials damage frames and lenses.

Question 35Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident who stays in bed needs their hair washed. Which action is correct?

  1. Wash the hair quickly while the resident lies flat
  2. Use a shampoo tray or basin under the head and protect the eyes Correct answer.
  3. Shampoo with the resident's head hanging over the edge of the bed
  4. Let the water run near the ears to keep the face dry

Explanation

A shampoo tray or basin placed under the head collects the water and keeps it out of the eyes and ears, and the head is tilted back for comfort. The resident should never be left with water running near the face or with the head unsupported over the bed edge.

Question 36Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A nurse aide gives a resident a back massage. Which action is correct?

  1. Leave the resident's back uncovered afterward so it can dry
  2. Warm the lotion in the hands and use gentle strokes over the back Correct answer.
  3. Massage directly over any reddened bony areas
  4. Use firm pressure straight along the spine

Explanation

Massage promotes circulation and relaxation; lotion warmed in the aide's hands and gentle strokes over the back are used. Reddened bony areas are avoided because the tissue may already be damaged.

Question 37Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident is on a bladder training program. What should the aide do?

  1. Limit the resident's fluids after lunch so they wet less often
  2. Wait for the resident to ask to use the toilet each time
  3. Place a bedpan under the resident every hour through the night
  4. Offer the toilet or bedpan at the scheduled times Correct answer.

Explanation

Bladder training uses a schedule of offering the toilet or bedpan at set times to help restore a pattern of continence. Fluid restriction is not an aide's decision and can cause dehydration and bladder irritation.

Question 38Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

Two aides need to move a resident up in bed. Which technique is best?

  1. Each aide grabs the resident under the arms and pulls toward the head of the bed
  2. Slide the resident by pulling the draw sheet while the resident holds the side rail
  3. Lift the draw sheet at the shoulders and hips and move on a count Correct answer.
  4. Ask the resident to push with both heels while the aide pulls the shoulders

Explanation

Two aides lift the draw sheet at shoulder and hip level and move together on a count, so the resident's weight is supported and skin is not dragged across the sheets. Pulling or lifting by body parts can injure the resident and the aides.

Question 39Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

While providing care, the aide notices that a resident's colostomy stoma looks pale and bluish. What should the aide do?

  1. Note the observation in the record at the end of the shift
  2. Clean the stoma again and recheck it in one hour
  3. Cover the stoma with a dry dressing and continue care
  4. Report the finding to the nurse right away Correct answer.

Explanation

A healthy stoma is pink or red and moist; a pale, blue, or dark stoma suggests reduced blood flow to the tissue and must be reported immediately. Delay can lead to serious tissue damage.

Question 40Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living

A resident is being transferred with a mechanical lift. Which action should the aide take before lifting?

  1. Lift the resident quickly so the transfer takes less time
  2. Check that the sling is centered and all straps are attached Correct answer.
  3. Have the resident hold the lift bar with both hands during the lift
  4. Leave the bed at its highest level so the lift fits under it

Explanation

The sling must be centered under the resident with every strap securely attached so the resident cannot slip out during the lift. The resident's arms stay inside the sling, and the bed is adjusted to a safe working height.

Question 41Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

When should a nursing assistant perform hand hygiene?

  1. Only when the hands are visibly soiled or dirty
  2. Before and after each resident contact Correct answer.
  3. Once at the start of the shift
  4. Only after removing gloves

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required before and after every resident contact, whether or not gloves are worn, because organisms are picked up and passed on during care. Alcohol-based rub may be used when hands are not visibly soiled; soap and water is used when they are.

Question 42Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

Using the RACE sequence for fire response, what should the nursing assistant do first after discovering a fire?

  1. Rescue residents in immediate danger Correct answer.
  2. Extinguish the fire with the nearest extinguisher
  3. Pull the nearest fire alarm
  4. Close all doors on the unit

Explanation

RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish or Evacuate, so rescuing anyone in immediate danger comes first. The alarm, containment of smoke and fire, and extinguishing follow only after people are out of harm's way.

Question 43Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

Which action is safe when caring for a resident who is receiving oxygen?

  1. Apply petroleum jelly to the nostrils
  2. Allow smoking on the other side of the room
  3. Secure the tank upright in a holder Correct answer.
  4. Lay the tank flat on the bed

Explanation

Oxygen tanks must be secured upright in a stand so they cannot tip or roll, and they must be kept away from flames and heat. Oil-based products and smoking near oxygen create a serious fire risk.

Question 44Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

Which body mechanics should the nursing assistant use when lifting a resident?

  1. Bend the knees and keep the resident close Correct answer.
  2. Lift using the muscles of the back
  3. Twist at the waist while lifting the resident quickly
  4. Hold the resident at arm's length

Explanation

Bending the knees and keeping the resident close keeps the load over the legs and near the body's center of gravity. Reaching, twisting, and using back muscles put strain on the spine and increase injury risk for both people.

Question 45Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

Before providing care, how should the nursing assistant verify a resident's identity?

  1. Ask the roommate to confirm who the resident is
  2. Check the ID band and ask the resident's name Correct answer.
  3. Use the room and bed number as the identifier
  4. Call the resident by the name written on the room door

Explanation

Identity is confirmed using two identifiers, typically the ID band plus the resident's stated name. Room numbers and verbal reports from others are not reliable identifiers and can lead to care being given to the wrong person.

Question 46Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

Gloves should be worn when which situation is expected?

  1. Serving a meal tray to a resident who is eating
  2. Making an occupied bed
  3. Taking a radial pulse
  4. Contact with blood or body fluids is likely Correct answer.

Explanation

Under standard precautions, gloves are worn whenever contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes is anticipated. Routine tasks without such contact do not require gloves, though hand hygiene still applies.

Question 47Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

Which statement about side rails is correct?

  1. A rail that stops a resident from getting up is a restraint Correct answer.
  2. All four side rails are raised for every resident every night
  3. Side rails are never used in long-term care settings
  4. Side rails take the place of answering call lights

Explanation

A side rail becomes a restraint when it restricts a resident's ability to get out of bed voluntarily, and it then requires a physician order and monitoring. Rails used only as an aid to turning or repositioning are not restraints.

Question 48Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

The nursing assistant finds a resident unresponsive and not breathing. What should be done first?

  1. Call for help and start CPR as trained Correct answer.
  2. Give the resident a sip of water
  3. Move the resident to the floor alone
  4. Leave the room to look for the resident's family

Explanation

In an unresponsive, non-breathing resident, the emergency response system must be activated and CPR started immediately according to training and facility protocol. Delaying to look for family or attempt solo transfers wastes critical time.

Question 49Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

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

  1. Dim the lights so the resident sleeps longer
  2. Answer the call light quickly and offer toileting Correct answer.
  3. Keep the bed in the highest position
  4. Place the resident's personal items out of easy reach

Explanation

Most falls in confused residents occur during unassisted attempts to reach the bathroom or belongings. Prompt answers to the call light and scheduled toileting remove the reason to get up alone.

Question 50Safety, Emergency Response, and Infection Control

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

  1. Use an alcohol-based hand rub alone
  2. Wash hands with soap and running water Correct answer.
  3. Wear gloves and skip hand hygiene
  4. Use hand rub only after removing gloves

Explanation

C. difficile forms spores that alcohol does not reliably kill, so soap and running water with friction is required, along with gown and gloves for contact precautions. Hand hygiene is still performed after glove removal.