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Kansas CNA practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Kansas CNA understanding.

First 50 of 200 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

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Question 1Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

Which action best protects a resident's right to privacy during personal care?

  1. Asking the roommate to look away
  2. Discussing the resident's care in the hallway
  3. Closing the door and curtain before care Correct answer.
  4. Leaving the door open for quick checks

Explanation

Residents have the right to privacy for personal care, and closing the door and drawing the curtain keeps the resident's body out of public view. Privacy must be protected even when the resident does not ask for it.

Question 2Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident refuses his morning bath. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Give the bath anyway because the nurse ordered it
  2. Tell him to bathe or he cannot have breakfast
  3. Respect the refusal and report it to the nurse Correct answer.
  4. Ask another aide to hold him down

Explanation

Residents have the right to refuse any treatment or care. The aide respects the choice and reports it so the nurse can follow up, and refusals are never a reason to punish or force a resident.

Question 3Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

Which statement describes a resident's right to voice grievances?

  1. Residents may complain without fear of retaliation Correct answer.
  2. Complaints must be approved by the administrator first
  3. Only written complaints will be considered
  4. Residents may file complaints only through a family member

Explanation

Residents have the right to voice grievances and to do so without fear of retaliation or discrimination. Facilities must act on complaints and cannot require approval before one is filed.

Question 4Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident speaks only Spanish. Which action protects her rights?

  1. Using her daughter for all of her communication
  2. Skipping the explanation of her rights
  3. Giving her written information in her own language Correct answer.
  4. Telling her to learn English

Explanation

Residents must be informed of their rights in a way they can understand, which includes their language and reading level. A qualified interpreter should be used rather than relying on family members for care information.

Question 5Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

Which right applies to a resident's personal belongings?

  1. Staff decide which belongings a resident keeps
  2. Belongings must be shared with roommates
  3. Family must remove all belongings at admission
  4. The resident may keep safe personal items Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents have the right to keep and use personal possessions as space and safety allow. Staff should ask before moving or removing anything that belongs to a resident.

Question 6Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

If a nurse aide sees another staff member hit a resident, the aide should first...

  1. Wait to see whether it happens again
  2. Confront the staff member in front of the resident
  3. Ask the resident what he did to upset the staff member
  4. Report it right away to the charge nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

Hitting a resident is abuse, and every staff member is a mandated reporter. The aide must report immediately to a supervisor and may also contact the state hotline.

Question 7Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

Which approach best promotes a resident's independence?

  1. Doing all of the resident's self-care
  2. Deciding the resident's daily schedule
  3. Letting her do what she can Correct answer.
  4. Finishing the resident's meal for her

Explanation

Promoting independence means supporting residents to do what they are able for themselves. Care is scheduled around the resident's abilities, not staff convenience.

Question 8Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident tells the nurse aide she wants to start a resident council. The aide should...

  1. Ask her to wait until the next annual survey
  2. Tell her that staff choose who may join
  3. Say councils are only for large facilities
  4. Pass her request to the administrator Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents have the right to form and take part in a resident council, and the facility must support that effort. The aide's role is to help the request reach the administrator, not to judge or delay it.

Question 9Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident's friend arrives during a scheduled rest period, and the resident wants to see her. What should the aide do?

  1. Send the friend home until tomorrow
  2. Say visitors are not allowed then
  3. Ask the friend to help with care
  4. Allow the visit in private Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents have the right to receive visitors of their choosing at reasonable times and to decide where to meet them. Facility routines do not cancel that right.

Question 10Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A caller asks the aide whether a resident is still in the facility. The aide should...

  1. Confirm that the resident lives there
  2. Transfer the call to the resident's roommate
  3. Say she cannot share that information Correct answer.
  4. Give the caller the resident's room number

Explanation

Whether a person is a resident is private health information. Without the resident's permission, staff may not confirm or deny that the person lives there.

Question 11Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident keeps sliding down in her chair, and another aide suggests tying a sheet around her. What should this aide do?

  1. Use the sheet only during meals
  2. Refuse and tell the nurse Correct answer.
  3. Get the family's permission to tie the sheet
  4. Tie the sheet loosely so she cannot slide

Explanation

Tying a resident with a sheet is a physical restraint, which may only be used with a physician's order for a specific medical need after less restrictive options fail. The aide should not apply it and should report the situation so the nurse can address the sliding.

Question 12Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident wants to stay up late watching television in her room. The aide should...

  1. Insist on the facility's 8 p.m. bedtime
  2. Turn off the television at 9 p.m.
  3. Respect the choice if no one is harmed Correct answer.
  4. Tell her that late nights are against the rules

Explanation

Residents have the right to make choices about their own routines and activities. The aide supports the choice as long as it does not endanger the resident or others.

Question 13Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A new resident is given a written statement of rights at admission. What is the aide's best action?

  1. Review it with the resident Correct answer.
  2. Read it aloud only if the resident asks
  3. Hand it to the family and move on
  4. File it in the chart without discussing it

Explanation

Residents must be informed of their rights and given a written copy, and staff should confirm that the resident understands. Explaining the document helps the resident actually use those rights.

Question 14Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident's daughter asks the aide to open and read her mother's mail. The aide should...

  1. Ask another resident to read it aloud
  2. Give the mail to the resident Correct answer.
  3. Open the mail and summarize it for her
  4. Hand the unopened mail to the daughter

Explanation

Residents have the right to send and receive mail unopened and to have it kept private. Mail goes to the resident unless the resident has given someone legal authority to handle it.

Question 15Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

Which aide action best shows respect for a resident's dignity?

  1. Knocking and using the resident's proper name Correct answer.
  2. Choosing the resident's clothes without asking
  3. Calling the resident 'honey' in the dining room
  4. Discussing the resident's diagnosis in the elevator

Explanation

Dignity means treating each resident as a respected adult by knocking before entering and using the name the resident prefers. Pet names and public discussion of health matters take away that respect.

Question 16Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

Which practice respects a resident's right to be free from discrimination?

  1. Giving the same care to every resident Correct answer.
  2. Giving faster care to residents who tip
  3. Limiting activities to English speakers
  4. Assigning rooms by national origin

Explanation

Residents must receive care and services without discrimination based on race, religion, national origin, sex, or ability to pay. Equal care for all residents is the standard.

Question 17Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident is left in soiled linens for several hours after asking for help. This is best described as...

  1. An unavoidable part of long-term care
  2. Neglect of the resident's rights Correct answer.
  3. Poor staffing, which is not a rights issue
  4. The resident's own choice

Explanation

Neglect is the failure to provide goods and services needed to avoid harm, such as leaving a resident in soiled linens. Residents have the right to be free from neglect.

Question 18Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident asks to be taken to religious services in the facility. The aide should...

  1. Help the resident attend as scheduled Correct answer.
  2. Take the resident only if two others go
  3. Say that services are only for families
  4. Tell the resident the facility has no such duty

Explanation

Residents have the right to take part in religious activities and to receive reasonable help to attend them. The aide supports that right without judging the resident's beliefs.

Question 19Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident asks the aide to hold $20 for safekeeping. The aide should...

  1. Give the money to another resident
  2. Keep the money in her own locker
  3. Use the facility's funds system with her Correct answer.
  4. Buy snacks she thinks he needs

Explanation

Staff must never keep or spend a resident's money. Personal funds are handled through the facility's account or petty cash system with a receipt.

Question 20Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

An alert, oriented resident tells the aide he is going outside for a walk. What should the aide do?

  1. Tell him he needs a doctor's order to go out
  2. Stand in front of the door to block him
  3. Hide his shoes until he changes his mind
  4. Tell the nurse and follow facility policy Correct answer.

Explanation

A resident who has capacity may leave the building; this is not elopement. The aide does not use force, but notifies the nurse so the facility can respond under its policy, such as offering an escort.

Question 21Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident with dementia refuses a scheduled dressing change. What is the aide's best action?

  1. Respect the refusal and tell the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Hold his hands so the nurse can work
  3. Warn him that he will lose privileges
  4. Do the change without telling anyone

Explanation

A refusal is respected even when the resident has dementia; the nurse should be told so the team can reassess and try again later. Force or threats are never acceptable.

Question 22Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident says she is afraid to complain to staff about her roommate. The aide should...

  1. Advise her to wait until discharge to complain
  2. Tell her how to reach the ombudsman Correct answer.
  3. Report her to the nurse as a troublemaker
  4. Promise to keep the complaint secret from everyone

Explanation

Residents have the right to voice grievances and to contact the state long-term care ombudsman or another advocate. The aide gives the resident the information and does not block the complaint.

Question 23Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident's roommate asks why the resident is getting a new medication. The aide should...

  1. Explain the medication and its effects
  2. Tell the roommate to ask the doctor
  3. Say that information is confidential Correct answer.
  4. Show the roommate the medication record

Explanation

Each resident's health information is private, even within a shared room. The aide politely refuses and does not confirm anything about the other resident.

Question 24Resident Rights and Promotion of Independence

A resident who uses a walker chooses to walk to the bathroom without it. The aide should...

  1. Physically guide her to use the walker
  2. Offer the walker and stay close by Correct answer.
  3. Keep her in bed to prevent a fall
  4. Take the walker away to make the point

Explanation

Residents with capacity may make choices that staff consider unwise. The aide offers the device, provides supervision, and reports the pattern so the team can address the fall risk without taking away choice.

Question 25Safety and Emergency Response

A fire starts in a resident's room. According to the RACE sequence, what should the nurse aide do first?

  1. Call the fire department
  2. Close all doors on the unit
  3. Move the resident out of the room Correct answer.
  4. Put out the fire with water

Explanation

RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish, and the steps are done in that order. The first priority is always removing people from immediate danger, because smoke and flames can injure or kill within seconds. Only after the resident is safe does the aide sound the alarm, contain the fire by closing doors, and then extinguish if trained and if the fire is small.

Question 26Safety and Emergency Response

When using a fire extinguisher, what does the P in the PASS technique stand for?

  1. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
  2. Sweep the nozzle from side to side
  3. Squeeze the handle together
  4. Pull the pin Correct answer.

Explanation

PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep, and the steps are performed in that order. Pulling the pin unlocks the handle so the extinguisher can be discharged. Aiming, squeezing, and sweeping come after the pin has been removed.

Question 27Safety and Emergency Response

Which practice helps prevent a fire in a resident's room?

  1. Using extension cords for a TV
  2. Keeping cords away from heat sources Correct answer.
  3. Letting a resident smoke by an open window
  4. Storing linens next to a space heater

Explanation

Fires start when heat sources contact flammable material, so electrical cords must be kept away from heaters, radiators, and other hot surfaces. Smoking is only allowed in designated areas with supervision, never in a resident room. Linens and other combustibles are stored well away from heating equipment.

Question 28Safety and Emergency Response

Which action best helps prevent a resident from falling at night?

  1. Turning off the bathroom night light
  2. Keeping the call light out of reach
  3. Leaving the wheelchair wheels unlocked
  4. Placing the bed in the lowest position Correct answer.

Explanation

A low bed reduces the distance and impact if a resident does get out of bed unassisted, and it makes it easier to stand safely. Fall prevention also includes keeping the call light within reach and leaving a night light on so the resident can see the path to the bathroom. Wheelchairs are always locked when the resident is getting in or out.

Question 29Safety and Emergency Response

A resident is found on the floor after a fall. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Lift the resident quickly back into bed by yourself
  2. Have the resident stand up and try walking
  3. Check for injuries and stay with the resident Correct answer.
  4. Leave the room to finish other assigned work

Explanation

After a fall the aide stays with the resident, checks for injury, and calls for the nurse before anything else. Moving a resident who may have a fracture or head injury can make the injury worse. The resident is never left alone and is not moved until the nurse has assessed them.

Question 30Safety and Emergency Response

Before applying any restraint to a resident, the nurse aide must have which of the following?

  1. A verbal okay from a coworker
  2. A signed note from the family
  3. A written order from the doctor Correct answer.
  4. Approval from the resident council

Explanation

Restraints are used only when ordered in writing by the doctor for a specific medical reason and for a limited time. Family requests, coworker opinions, and resident council votes cannot substitute for a physician's order. Restraints are also the least restrictive device that will meet the need and are released, checked, and documented on a schedule.

Question 31Safety and Emergency Response

How often should a restraint be removed so the resident can move and exercise the restrained body part?

  1. Every 2 hours Correct answer.
  2. Every 15 minutes
  3. Every 30 minutes
  4. Every 8 hours

Explanation

A restrained resident must have the device released, the skin checked, and the limb exercised at least every 2 hours. Circulation and skin are checked more often than that between releases. A restraint left on for a whole shift or longer causes skin breakdown, nerve damage, and loss of function.

Question 32Safety and Emergency Response

A resident is choking but is coughing forcefully and can speak. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Give the resident a glass of water
  2. Slap the resident's back five times
  3. Give abdominal thrusts at once
  4. Encourage the resident to keep coughing Correct answer.

Explanation

A forceful cough means the airway is only partly blocked, and coughing is the most effective way to move the object out. The aide stays with the resident and encourages coughing. Thrusts, back blows, and drinks are withheld while the cough is strong, and 911 is called if the cough becomes weak or the resident cannot breathe.

Question 33Safety and Emergency Response

A choking resident becomes unresponsive and slips toward the floor. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Run to the nurses' station for help
  2. Do a blind finger sweep of the mouth
  3. Lower to the floor and start CPR Correct answer.
  4. Give the resident a glass of water

Explanation

An unresponsive choking victim is lowered safely to the floor, help is called, and CPR is begun with chest compressions, which can dislodge the object. Blind finger sweeps are never done because they can push the object farther into the airway. The aide does not leave the resident to find help in person.

Question 34Safety and Emergency Response

When performing adult CPR, chest compressions should be delivered at a rate of:

  1. 100 to 120 per minute Correct answer.
  2. 40 to 60 per minute
  3. 80 to 90 per minute
  4. 140 to 160 per minute

Explanation

Current CPR guidelines call for compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute with a depth of about 2 inches in an adult. Compressions are pushed hard and fast and allowed to recoil fully between pushes. Rates that are too slow or too fast reduce the blood flow that keeps the brain alive.

Question 35Safety and Emergency Response

A resident begins to have a seizure in bed. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Give the resident a sip of water
  2. Place a spoon between the teeth
  3. Hold the arms and legs to stop the jerking
  4. Protect the head and move hard objects away Correct answer.

Explanation

During a seizure the aide protects the head, lowers the resident if needed, moves furniture away, and lets the seizure run its course. Nothing is placed in the mouth and the limbs are never held, because restraints cause injury. The nurse is notified and the time and character of the seizure are documented.

Question 36Safety and Emergency Response

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

  1. A cotton blanket
  2. A cotton hospital gown
  3. Petroleum-based skin ointment Correct answer.
  4. A plastic water pitcher

Explanation

Oxygen makes materials burn faster and hotter, and petroleum products are highly flammable, so oil-based ointments, lotions, and salves are not used on a resident receiving oxygen. Wool and synthetic fabrics that build static also increase spark risk. No smoking or open flame is allowed anywhere near the oxygen source.

Question 37Safety and Emergency Response

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

  1. Take the seat cushion off
  2. Lock both wheels of the wheelchair Correct answer.
  3. Park the wheelchair on a slope
  4. Remove the armrests before transfer

Explanation

Both wheel locks are engaged and the footrests are raised out of the way before a resident stands and turns into the chair. A locked chair cannot roll away while the resident is in the middle of a transfer. After the resident is seated, the footrests are lowered and the locks released only when the chair is pushed.

Question 38Safety and Emergency Response

Which technique is correct when moving a heavy object or a resident?

  1. Hold the object close to the body Correct answer.
  2. Keep the legs straight and the back bent
  3. Bend at the waist and reach out
  4. Twist the upper body while lifting

Explanation

Holding the load close keeps the weight near the body's center of gravity and reduces strain on the back. The aide bends at the knees, keeps the back straight, and turns with the feet rather than twisting. Team lifting and mechanical lifts are used when the load is too heavy for one person.

Question 39Safety and Emergency Response

A nurse aide notices a frayed electrical cord on a resident's radio. What should the aide do?

  1. Plug it in and watch it closely
  2. Wrap the cord with tape and plug it in
  3. Unplug the radio and report it to the nurse Correct answer.
  4. Move the radio into another resident's room

Explanation

Frayed cords can shock a resident or start a fire, so the item is unplugged and removed from use and the problem is reported for repair. Tape is not a repair and does not make the cord safe. Appliances are checked for damage before use, and damaged ones are never passed along to someone else.

Question 40Safety and Emergency Response

Before helping a resident into a tub bath, what should the nurse aide do?

  1. Fill the tub to the top with hot water
  2. Let the resident sit in the tub while it fills
  3. Add bath oil to make the water warmer
  4. Check the water temperature first Correct answer.

Explanation

Older skin burns easily, so the water is tested before the resident gets in and is kept at a lukewarm temperature. The resident is never left alone in the tub and never placed in a tub that is still filling. Water temperature is also a risk factor for scalds in residents with reduced sensation.

Question 41Safety and Emergency Response

Where should a nurse aide look to find out how to safely use a cleaning product?

  1. The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Correct answer.
  2. The activity calendar
  3. The menu posted in the kitchen
  4. The resident's care plan

Explanation

The Safety Data Sheet provides the hazards, safe handling instructions, protective equipment needed, and first aid steps for a chemical. Facilities keep these sheets where staff can reach them. Care plans, calendars, and menus do not describe chemical safety.

Question 42Safety and Emergency Response

A nurse aide cannot find a resident who was in the dayroom a few minutes ago. What should the aide do?

  1. Wait 30 minutes before telling anyone
  2. Call the family before telling the nurse
  3. Search alone outside for an hour first
  4. Tell the nurse right away and help search Correct answer.

Explanation

A missing resident is an emergency because the person may be outside, injured, or in danger, so the nurse is told immediately and the building is searched according to facility policy. Delay increases the risk of injury, exposure, or elopement off the grounds. The family and outside authorities are contacted by the nurse, not by the aide first.

Question 43Safety and Emergency Response

A resident has a cut on the arm that is bleeding. What should the nurse aide do first?

  1. Wipe the wound with a paper towel
  2. Apply firm direct pressure with gloved hands Correct answer.
  3. Apply a tight tourniquet right away
  4. Place the arm below the level of the heart

Explanation

Direct pressure on the wound with gloved hands or a clean dressing is the first step to stop bleeding. Gloves are worn for all contact with blood and body fluids. A tourniquet is used only as a last resort for life-threatening bleeding and only as trained and directed by the nurse.

Question 44Safety and Emergency Response

A resident vomits blood, then becomes pale, cool, and clammy with a rapid pulse. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Keep the resident warm and call for help Correct answer.
  2. Help the resident walk to the bathroom
  3. Sit the resident upright in a chair
  4. Give the resident a large glass of water

Explanation

Pale, cool, clammy skin with a rapid pulse signals shock from blood loss. The aide keeps the resident lying down, keeps them warm with a blanket, and gets the nurse immediately. Nothing is given by mouth, and the resident is not walked or left alone.

Question 45Safety and Emergency Response

A resident suddenly has a drooping face and slurred speech. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Wait to see if the symptoms pass in an hour
  2. Help the resident lie face down in bed
  3. Give the resident water to test swallowing
  4. Stay with the resident and tell the nurse now Correct answer.

Explanation

Sudden facial droop and slurred speech are warning signs of a stroke, and treatment depends on how fast the resident is seen. The aide stays with the resident, notes the time the symptoms started, and notifies the nurse at once. Nothing is given by mouth because swallowing may be impaired.

Question 46Safety and Emergency Response

A resident spills hot coffee on their hand. What should the nurse aide do first?

  1. Pop any blisters that form
  2. Wrap the hand tightly in a towel
  3. Apply butter or oil to the burn
  4. Hold the hand under cool running water Correct answer.

Explanation

Cool running water for several minutes removes heat from the tissue and limits how deep the burn goes. Grease, butter, and ointments trap heat in the tissue and should never be put on a new burn. Blisters are left intact and the burn is reported to the nurse.

Question 47Safety and Emergency Response

Which is the correct way for a nurse aide to complete an incident report?

  1. Record only the facts of what happened Correct answer.
  2. Write it only if the resident complains
  3. Blame the coworker who was on duty
  4. Include opinions about who caused the event

Explanation

An incident report is a factual record of what happened, when, where, who was involved, and what was done, written as soon as possible after the event. It never assigns blame or includes opinions, and it is not mentioned in the resident's chart. The report goes to the nurse and administration, not to the resident or family.

Question 48Safety and Emergency Response

A nurse aide sees a puddle of water on the hallway floor. What should the aide do?

  1. Place a chair over the puddle
  2. Wait for housekeeping to find it
  3. Walk around it and finish passing trays
  4. Clean it up right away and mark the area Correct answer.

Explanation

Spills are cleaned up as soon as they are found, and a wet floor sign or other barrier warns others while the area dries. Every staff member is responsible for a safe environment. Leaving a puddle, or covering it with a chair, invites a slip and fall.

Question 49Safety and Emergency Response

A tornado warning is announced for the facility. Where should residents be moved?

  1. To an interior hallway away from windows Correct answer.
  2. To the lobby by the front glass doors
  3. To the outdoor courtyard
  4. To their rooms next to the windows

Explanation

During a tornado, people move to interior rooms or hallways on the lowest floor, away from windows and exterior glass. Residents who use wheelchairs are locked in place, and blankets or mattresses protect them from flying debris. Outdoor areas and rooms with large windows are the most dangerous places during high wind.

Question 50Safety and Emergency Response

A nurse aide finds a resident lying on the floor beside the bed. The resident is awake and says, "My hip hurts." What should the aide do?

  1. Stay with the resident, keep the resident still, and call for the nurse. Correct answer.
  2. Leave the resident on the floor alone while going to find a coworker.
  3. Lift the resident under the arms and put the resident back into bed.
  4. Help the resident stand and walk to the bathroom to see if the hip can bear weight.

Explanation

After an unwitnessed fall, a fracture must be assumed until the nurse assesses the resident, so the aide stays with the resident and keeps the resident from moving. The aide notifies the nurse right away rather than attempting to move or walk the resident, since movement could worsen a hip fracture or other injury. Only the nurse can determine how the resident should be moved or transferred.