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Illinois CNA practice questions

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Question 1Basic Nursing Skills

When should a nursing assistant perform hand hygiene?

  1. Only at the start of a shift
  2. Only when gloves are unavailable
  3. Before and after each resident Correct answer.
  4. Only after using the restroom

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed before and after every resident contact and after removing gloves. It is the single most important way to prevent the spread of infection.

Question 2Basic Nursing Skills

Which route generally gives the most accurate measurement of core body temperature?

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

Explanation

Rectal readings reflect core temperature closely and are least affected by the environment. Oral readings can be altered by recent food or drink, axillary readings are least reliable, and tympanic readings vary with technique.

Question 3Basic Nursing Skills

If a resident's pulse feels irregular, for how long should the nursing assistant count it?

  1. 30 seconds
  2. A full minute Correct answer.
  3. 15 seconds
  4. 2 minutes

Explanation

An irregular pulse must be counted for a full minute so that the rate and rhythm are captured accurately. Shorter intervals may miss beats, and multiplying a short count increases error.

Question 4Basic Nursing Skills

How should the nursing assistant count a resident's respirations?

  1. Ask the resident to breathe normally while watching the clock
  2. Count for 10 seconds and multiply the number by six
  3. Tell the resident to breathe deeply and count for 15 seconds
  4. Keep fingers on the wrist and count without announcing it Correct answer.

Explanation

Respirations are counted without telling the resident, because awareness can change the rate and depth. Keeping fingers on the wrist disguises the count, and an irregular or abnormal rate is counted for a full minute.

Question 5Basic Nursing Skills

Which item is recorded as fluid intake?

  1. Drainage from a surgical wound
  2. Vomitus collected in an emesis basin
  3. Ice chips eaten by the resident Correct answer.
  4. Urine emptied from a drainage bag

Explanation

Ice chips melt and count as fluid intake, usually at half their volume. Urine, vomitus, and wound drainage are recorded as output.

Question 6Basic Nursing Skills

Where should soiled linens be placed while an unoccupied bed is being made?

  1. On the floor beside the bed
  2. At the foot of the bed
  3. In the linen hamper Correct answer.
  4. On the bedside chair

Explanation

Soiled linens go directly into the linen hamper to prevent spreading microorganisms and contaminating the environment. Linens should never be placed on the floor or on furniture.

Question 7Basic Nursing Skills

Which position places a resident on the abdomen?

  1. Fowler's
  2. Supine
  3. Lateral
  4. Prone Correct answer.

Explanation

Prone means lying on the abdomen. Supine means lying on the back, lateral means lying on the side, and Fowler's means the head of the bed is elevated.

Question 8Basic Nursing Skills

When should the nursing assistant wear gloves?

  1. For all social conversation with residents
  2. Only when touching blood
  3. Only when the resident has a known infection
  4. When contact with body fluids is likely Correct answer.

Explanation

Gloves are worn whenever contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, or broken skin is likely, regardless of whether an infection is known. Standard precautions apply to all residents.

Question 9Basic Nursing Skills

The nursing assistant is measuring blood pressure. Which action helps ensure an accurate reading?

  1. Use a cuff that is too small for the arm
  2. Place the cuff at the level of the heart Correct answer.
  3. Measure over clothing for comfort
  4. Have the resident talk during the reading

Explanation

The cuff must be at heart level and placed on bare skin, with the resident quiet. Talking and using the wrong cuff size can alter the reading.

Question 10Basic Nursing Skills

A pulse oximeter reads 88% on a resident with cold hands. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Apply a tight bandage to the finger
  2. Record it as a normal reading
  3. Warm the hands and recheck the reading Correct answer.
  4. Ask the resident to hold their breath

Explanation

Cold hands reduce peripheral circulation and can falsely lower the oxygen saturation reading. Warm the hands and recheck before reporting an abnormal value.

Question 11Basic Nursing Skills

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

  1. Stop if the resident reports pain Correct answer.
  2. Move only the joints the resident requests
  3. Force the joint past resistance
  4. Perform the exercises quickly to save time

Explanation

Range of motion is performed gently within the resident's tolerance, and pain is a signal to stop. Forcing a joint or moving quickly can cause injury.

Question 12Basic Nursing Skills

Before transferring a resident from bed to chair, the nursing assistant should first

  1. Lift the resident under the arms
  2. Ask the resident to stand alone
  3. Release the brakes on the chair
  4. Lock the chair's wheels Correct answer.

Explanation

Safety requires locking the chair wheels and explaining the transfer so the resident can cooperate. Lifting a resident under the arms can injure the resident and the nursing assistant.

Question 13Basic Nursing Skills

A resident who cannot move independently should be repositioned at least every

  1. 12 hours
  2. 2 hours Correct answer.
  3. 24 hours
  4. 6 hours

Explanation

Immobile residents need repositioning at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure and help prevent pressure injuries. More frequent repositioning may be needed based on the care plan.

Question 14Basic Nursing Skills

How should the nursing assistant provide mouth care for an unconscious resident?

  1. Let the resident rinse and spit
  2. Turn the resident on the side Correct answer.
  3. Use a toothbrush with plenty of water
  4. Place the resident flat on the back

Explanation

An unconscious resident is at risk for aspiration, so the resident is turned to the side and only a small amount of fluid is used. An unconscious resident cannot rinse and spit.

Question 15Basic Nursing Skills

When providing catheter care, the nursing assistant should wash the catheter

  1. only once at the end of the shift
  2. from the body toward the drainage bag Correct answer.
  3. from the drainage bag toward the body
  4. with the same cloth used for the perineum

Explanation

Cleaning from the body outward helps prevent dragging microorganisms toward the urinary meatus. A clean area of the washcloth should be used, and catheter care is provided routinely rather than only once per shift.

Question 16Basic Nursing Skills

A resident must collect a clean-catch urine specimen. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Ask the resident to collect it at bedtime
  2. Collect the specimen from the drainage bag
  3. Give a sterile cup and explain the steps Correct answer.
  4. Use the first urine of the morning only

Explanation

A clean-catch specimen requires a sterile container and instructions to clean the area and collect midstream urine. Urine from a drainage bag is not suitable for a clean-catch specimen.

Question 17Basic Nursing Skills

A resident in a restraint must be checked and repositioned at least every

  1. 2 hours
  2. 15 minutes Correct answer.
  3. 8 hours
  4. 4 hours

Explanation

Restrained residents are checked at least every 15 minutes for circulation, breathing, hydration, and toileting. The restraint is released and the resident repositioned at least every 2 hours according to the care plan.

Question 18Basic Nursing Skills

Which action helps prevent falls for a resident at risk?

  1. Leave the side rails down on both sides
  2. Keep the bed raised to the highest position
  3. Keep the call light within reach Correct answer.
  4. Keep the room dimly lit at night

Explanation

Keeping the call light within reach allows the resident to ask for help instead of attempting an unsafe transfer. Beds should be kept low, night lighting adequate, and side rails used according to the care plan.

Question 19Basic Nursing Skills

When feeding a resident who has trouble swallowing, the nursing assistant should

  1. Give fluids with every bite using a straw
  2. Sit upright and offer small bites Correct answer.
  3. Place food far back in the mouth
  4. Feed quickly to finish the meal

Explanation

Upright positioning, small bites, and a slow pace reduce the risk of choking. Placing food far back in the mouth or feeding quickly increases aspiration risk.

Question 20Basic Nursing Skills

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

  1. Keep oxygen away from flames Correct answer.
  2. Place the oxygen tank near a heat source
  3. Use an electric razor for shaving
  4. Apply petroleum jelly to the nostrils

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so oxygen equipment must be kept away from flames, sparks, and heat. Oil-based products such as petroleum jelly are avoided around oxygen.

Question 21Basic Nursing Skills

During a seizure, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Hold the arms and legs tightly
  2. Place a spoon between the teeth
  3. Protect the head and stay nearby Correct answer.
  4. Pour water on the face

Explanation

During a seizure, protect the head and body from injury and stay with the resident. Do not restrain the limbs or put anything in the mouth; time the seizure and call for help.

Question 22Basic Nursing Skills

The nursing assistant notes a new skin tear on a resident's arm. What is the best action?

  1. Wash it with alcohol and apply powder
  2. Report it to the nurse and document it Correct answer.
  3. Cover it and wait until the next shift
  4. Record it only in the shift report

Explanation

A new skin injury must be reported promptly to the nurse and documented objectively. Waiting or applying unapproved treatments can worsen the injury.

Question 23Basic Nursing Skills

When measuring a resident's urinary output, the nursing assistant should

  1. Estimate the amount by looking at the bag
  2. Add the amount to the intake record
  3. Measure it in a graduated container Correct answer.
  4. Discard the urine before measuring

Explanation

Output is measured accurately in a graduated container and then recorded on the output record. Estimating or discarding the urine prevents accurate measurement.

Question 24Basic Nursing Skills

How should the nursing assistant apply elastic stockings (TED hose)?

  1. Smooth wrinkles and check toe circulation Correct answer.
  2. Put them on over damp skin
  3. Roll them down to the ankle and leave them there
  4. Apply them only when the resident complains

Explanation

Elastic stockings must be smooth and wrinkle-free, and the toes are checked for color, warmth, and swelling. Rolling them down can create a tourniquet effect.

Question 25Basic Nursing Skills

Which entry is appropriate for a nursing assistant to write in the resident's record?

  1. Resident was uncooperative and difficult.
  2. Resident probably has a urinary tract infection.
  3. Resident seems to be in a bad mood today.
  4. Resident ate 75% of lunch and drank 120 mL. Correct answer.

Explanation

Documentation should be objective, factual, and measurable, such as percentages eaten and milliliters consumed. Judgments, diagnoses, and labels are not appropriate for the nursing assistant to record.

Question 26Personal Care Skills

A nurse aide is about to give a resident a bed bath. When should the aide perform hand hygiene?

  1. Before touching the resident and again after care is complete Correct answer.
  2. Only before the resident eats a meal
  3. Only when the resident has a known infection
  4. Only after removing gloves at the end of the bath

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required before any resident contact and again once care is finished, even when gloves are worn. This prevents organisms from being carried between the aide, the resident, and the environment.

Question 27Personal Care Skills

When giving perineal care to a female resident, in which direction does the aide wipe?

  1. In a circle that starts at the anus
  2. From the rectum toward the vagina and urinary meatus
  3. Back and forth over the same area until it is clean
  4. From the front, at the urinary meatus, toward the rectum Correct answer.

Explanation

Wiping from the urinary meatus toward the rectum keeps stool, which carries many organisms, away from the urethra and vagina and lowers the risk of urinary infection.

Question 28Personal Care Skills

How often should a resident who cannot reposition independently be turned or repositioned?

  1. Every 8 hours
  2. Every 6 hours
  3. Every 2 hours Correct answer.
  4. Every 4 hours

Explanation

Pressure must be relieved at least every 2 hours for a resident who cannot move independently. Longer intervals allow pressure to build over bony areas and damage the skin.

Question 29Personal Care Skills

A resident's hair is tangled. Where should the aide begin combing?

  1. Starting in the middle of the hair and working outward
  2. Starting at the scalp and combing straight down in one stroke
  3. Combing from the forehead to the nape in long strokes
  4. Starting at the ends and working up toward the scalp Correct answer.

Explanation

Combing begins at the ends and works gradually toward the scalp so tangles come apart without pulling on the scalp or breaking the hair.

Question 30Personal Care Skills

A resident is sitting in a bathtub receiving a bath. What must the aide do?

  1. Stay within arm's reach and never leave the resident Correct answer.
  2. Leave to answer the phone if the aide hurries back
  3. Leave once the resident says it is fine to go
  4. Step out to the hallway closet to get fresh linens

Explanation

A resident in a tub can slip under the water or faint in seconds, so the aide stays within arm's reach and never leaves the resident alone. All supplies are gathered before the bath begins.

Question 31Personal Care Skills

A male resident on bed rest needs to urinate. What should the aide do with the urinal?

  1. Hold it in place, then stay nearby while giving privacy Correct answer.
  2. Ask him to sit on the edge of the bed and then stand to use it
  3. Leave it on the bed and check back in fifteen minutes
  4. Place it beside him on the bed and leave the room

Explanation

The aide positions the urinal, gives privacy, and stays close by so the resident is supervised and the urinal can be removed promptly and measured if needed.

Question 32Personal Care Skills

During a bed bath, the aide uncovers only the part of the body being washed and keeps the rest covered. What is the main reason for this?

  1. To save time at the end of the bath
  2. To keep the bed linens from getting wet during the bath
  3. To keep the resident from moving around during the bath
  4. To protect the resident's privacy and keep the resident warm Correct answer.

Explanation

Draping exposes only the area being cleansed, which preserves the resident's dignity and prevents chilling. Being cold also makes bathing uncomfortable and can stress an older resident.

Question 33Personal Care Skills

How should the aide clean a resident's ears during morning care?

  1. Rinse the ear canal with hydrogen peroxide
  2. Wash the outer ear and keep objects out of the canal Correct answer.
  3. Remove wax from the canal with a hairpin
  4. Clean gently inside the ear canal with a cotton-tipped swab

Explanation

Only the outer ear is washed with a damp washcloth. Nothing is inserted into the ear canal because it can push wax deeper, scratch the canal, or injure the eardrum.

Question 34Personal Care Skills

The aide is preparing water for a bed bath. What is the best way to make sure the water is at a safe, comfortable temperature?

  1. Use the hottest water that the resident says he or she can tolerate
  2. Judge the temperature by how much steam is rising from the basin of water
  3. Add ice to the basin until the water feels cold to the aide's hand
  4. Test it on the inner wrist and ask the resident if it feels comfortable Correct answer.

Explanation

Testing on the inner wrist and confirming with the resident protects skin that may be less sensitive to heat, especially in older adults. Water that is too hot can burn skin that cannot feel it.

Question 35Personal Care Skills

A resident's dentures are removed for the night. What should the aide do with them?

  1. Leave them in a folded washcloth beside the sink
  2. Wrap them in a tissue and leave them on the bedside table
  3. Place them in a labeled cup of water or denture solution Correct answer.
  4. Store them dry in the nightstand drawer until morning

Explanation

Dentures are kept moist so the material does not dry out and warp, and a labeled container prevents loss or mix-ups with another resident's dentures.

Question 36Personal Care Skills

An unresponsive resident needs mouth care. What should the aide do?

  1. Brush the teeth with the head flat and give small sips of water
  2. Turn the head to the side and clean the mouth with no fluids Correct answer.
  3. Wait and do mouth care after the resident wakes up
  4. Swab the mouth with lemon and glycerin only, without brushing

Explanation

An unresponsive resident cannot swallow safely, so the head is turned to the side, secretions are cleared, and no fluids are placed in the mouth because of choking and aspiration risk.

Question 37Personal Care Skills

A resident who takes a blood-thinning medication needs a shave. What should the aide use?

  1. A safety razor, shaving against the grain for closeness
  2. A safety razor with warm water and shaving cream
  3. A straight razor used with care
  4. The resident's electric razor Correct answer.

Explanation

A resident on a blood thinner bleeds easily, so an electric razor is used because it does not cut as close to the skin and is less likely to nick. Any bleeding can be prolonged and hard to stop.

Question 38Personal Care Skills

While bathing a resident, the aide notices a reddened area on the hip that does not fade when pressed. What should the aide do?

  1. Report it to the nurse and avoid rubbing the area Correct answer.
  2. Apply lotion and finish the bath without reporting it
  3. Massage the area firmly to improve circulation
  4. Cover the area with a bandage and keep bathing

Explanation

Redness that does not blanch is an early sign of pressure injury. The aide protects the area from further friction and pressure and reports it so the nurse can assess and change the care plan.

Question 39Personal Care Skills

A resident has weakness on the right side after a stroke. When helping the resident put on a shirt, the aide should put the right arm in first. What is the rule for undressing?

  1. Remove both sleeves at the same time
  2. Remove the right arm last, after the left Correct answer.
  3. Remove the right arm first, then the left
  4. Remove only the left sleeve and leave the shirt on

Explanation

The weak or affected limb is dressed first and undressed last. This lets the resident use the stronger arm to help move the garment instead of struggling with the weak side.

Question 40Personal Care Skills

When cleansing the skin around an indwelling urinary catheter, how should the aide move the washcloth?

  1. Scrub the tubing firmly with soap and then pull it gently outward
  2. Start at the tubing and move toward the meatus
  3. Cleanse away from the meatus, using clean cloth for each stroke Correct answer.
  4. Use one area of the washcloth for all of the strokes

Explanation

Cleansing outward from the meatus carries organisms away from the urinary opening, and a fresh area of cloth for each stroke prevents contamination from being wiped back onto cleaned skin.

Question 41Personal Care Skills

A resident needs to use a bedpan. What should the aide do?

  1. Raise the head of the bed to a sitting position and stay nearby Correct answer.
  2. Place the pan without draping the resident for easier access
  3. Leave the room so the resident has complete privacy during use
  4. Keep the resident lying flat on the back for the whole process

Explanation

A semi-sitting position follows the natural posture for a bowel movement and is more comfortable and safer than lying flat. The aide stays nearby so the resident is supervised and the pan is removed promptly.

Question 42Personal Care Skills

How should the aide wash a resident's eyes during a bath?

  1. Clean the eyes last, after washing the rest of the body and perineal area
  2. Wipe from the outer corner inward with the same cloth used for both eyes
  3. Rub the closed lids with soap and water and then rinse them well
  4. Wipe from the inner corner outward with a clean cloth area for each eye Correct answer.

Explanation

Wiping from the inner corner outward moves secretions away from the tear duct, and a separate cloth area for each eye keeps drainage from one eye from reaching the other.

Question 43Personal Care Skills

After washing a resident's feet, what should the aide do?

  1. Cut the toenails and file the corners down deeply
  2. Rub lotion generously between the toes
  3. Dry carefully between the toes Correct answer.
  4. Leave the feet wet so that they can air-dry

Explanation

Moisture trapped between the toes softens the skin and encourages fungal growth, so the area is dried thoroughly. Lotion is applied to the tops and bottoms of the feet but not between the toes.

Question 44Personal Care Skills

When removing soiled linens from a bed, what should the aide do?

  1. Set them on the floor while making the bed
  2. Carry them against the chest to the laundry
  3. Roll them inward and hold them away from the uniform Correct answer.
  4. Shake them out over the floor to remove crumbs

Explanation

Linens are rolled inward to trap soil and held away from the body so organisms are not shaken into the air or transferred to the aide's clothing.

Question 45Personal Care Skills

A resident has just had an incontinent bowel movement. What should the aide do?

  1. Wait until the end of the shift to change the resident's brief
  2. Apply a thick layer of powder to absorb moisture in the brief
  3. Cleanse the skin and leave it damp before putting on a fresh brief
  4. Cleanse promptly, pat dry, and apply a barrier product if ordered Correct answer.

Explanation

Urine and stool break down skin quickly, so the resident is cleansed right away, the skin is patted dry, and a barrier product is applied when it is part of the care plan.

Question 46Personal Care Skills

A resident with diabetes asks the aide to trim her toenails. What should the aide do?

  1. Trim the nails carefully with the same clippers used for other residents on the unit
  2. Cut the corners of the toenails down so that an ingrown nail does not form later
  3. Explain that a podiatrist or nurse trims toenails for residents with diabetes Correct answer.
  4. Soak the feet in warm water for ten minutes first and then trim the softened nails

Explanation

Diabetes reduces circulation and sensation in the feet, so even a small cut can become an ulcer that heals poorly. Toenail trimming for these residents is left to the podiatrist or nurse, and the request is reported.

Question 47Personal Care Skills

A resident is on contact precautions for Clostridioides difficile. What hand hygiene is required when giving personal care?

  1. Use alcohol rub only after removing the gloves
  2. Wash hands with soap and water before and after care Correct answer.
  3. Use alcohol-based hand rub before and after care
  4. Wear gloves and skip hand hygiene between residents

Explanation

C. difficile spores are not killed by alcohol, so soap and water handwashing is required before and after contact. Gloves protect the hands but do not replace hand hygiene.

Question 48Personal Care Skills

How should the aide give a resident a back massage?

  1. Use powder on any broken skin before beginning the massage
  2. Massage only the reddened bony areas to increase blood flow to the skin
  3. Massage firmly along both sides of the spine to loosen tight back muscles
  4. Warm the lotion, use gentle strokes, avoid the spine and reddened areas Correct answer.

Explanation

Massage is given with warmed lotion in gentle strokes over muscle, avoiding the spine and any reddened bony prominence. Pressure on those areas can cause tissue damage rather than relieve it.

Question 49Personal Care Skills

While helping a resident with range-of-motion exercises, the resident reports pain. What should the aide do?

  1. Apply heat to the joint and then keep exercising it
  2. Stop the movement and report the pain to the nurse Correct answer.
  3. Push through the pain a little further each time
  4. Continue the exercise using less force than before

Explanation

Pain during range of motion may signal injury, so the movement is stopped and reported. The nurse decides whether the exercise should continue or be changed.

Question 50Personal Care Skills

Where should the drainage bag of an indwelling urinary catheter be kept?

  1. At the level of the bladder, resting on the bed
  2. On the floor beside the bed, out of the way
  3. Below the level of the bladder and off the floor Correct answer.
  4. Above the level of the bladder to help it drain

Explanation

Keeping the bag below the bladder allows gravity to drain urine and prevents contaminated urine from flowing back into the bladder. Hanging it off the floor protects the outlet from contamination.