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Maine CNA study materials
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Maine CNA practice questions

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Question 1Physical Care Skills

A nurse aide is about to begin morning care for a resident. When should hand hygiene be performed?

  1. After the resident's bed is made
  2. Immediately before touching the resident Correct answer.
  3. Only when gloves are not available
  4. Once the care is finished for the shift

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed immediately before and after every contact with a resident, and again before donning gloves and after removing them. Clean hands at the point of contact are the single most effective way to prevent spreading organisms between residents.

Question 2Physical Care Skills

Before moving a resident up in bed, the nurse aide should adjust the bed to:

  1. the lowest possible level
  2. a Trendelenburg position
  3. its highest level
  4. about waist height Correct answer.

Explanation

Working at about waist height keeps the resident close to the aide's center of gravity and lets the strong leg muscles do the work rather than the back. The aide also widens the stance and bends at the hips and knees with the back straight.

Question 3Physical Care Skills

A resident is at high risk for falls. Which action should the nurse aide take?

  1. Ask the resident to stay in bed until morning
  2. Apply a vest restraint every night
  3. Keep the call light within the resident's reach Correct answer.
  4. Raise the bed to its highest position

Explanation

Keeping the call light, water, and personal items within reach reduces the chance that a resident will attempt to get up alone. The aide should also answer calls promptly, keep the bed low, and follow the care plan for toileting rounds.

Question 4Physical Care Skills

To count respirations accurately, the nurse aide should:

  1. Inform the resident that you are counting breaths
  2. Ask the resident to breathe deeply and count aloud
  3. Count for fifteen seconds and multiply the number by four
  4. Count for one full minute without the resident knowing Correct answer.

Explanation

Respirations are counted for a full minute while the resident believes the pulse is still being taken, because knowing the breathing is being watched changes the pattern. Rate, depth, rhythm, and effort are all noted.

Question 5Physical Care Skills

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

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

Explanation

Residents who cannot reposition themselves are turned on a scheduled basis, typically at least every two hours, to relieve pressure over bony prominences. The schedule may be individualized in the care plan based on skin condition and the support surface.

Question 6Physical Care Skills

When a resident has a physician-ordered restraint, how often must the nurse aide check the resident?

  1. At the end of each shift
  2. Only when the resident complains
  3. Every fifteen minutes Correct answer.
  4. Once every four hours

Explanation

A restrained resident is checked at least every fifteen minutes for circulation, breathing, skin condition, and safety, and is released, repositioned, and offered toileting on a regular schedule. Restraints require a provider's order, time limits, and frequent reassessment.

Question 7Physical Care Skills

After a resident dies, the nurse aide should:

  1. Tell other residents the details of the death
  2. Handle the body with dignity and follow facility policy Correct answer.
  3. Remove all belongings from the room immediately
  4. Leave the body uncovered until the family arrives

Explanation

Post-mortem care is carried out respectfully: the body is cleansed, positioned, covered, and prepared according to facility policy, and belongings are inventoried and handled as directed. The aide reports to the nurse and supports the family with privacy and courtesy.

Question 8Physical Care Skills

Before beginning a bed bath, the nurse aide should first:

  1. Explain the procedure and provide privacy Correct answer.
  2. Trim the resident's fingernails and toenails
  3. Massage lotion into both lower legs
  4. Wash the resident's hair with shampoo

Explanation

Every procedure begins with explaining what will be done and how the resident can help, then closing doors and curtains to provide privacy. Supplies are gathered before starting so the resident is not left uncovered while the aide leaves the room.

Question 9Physical Care Skills

When washing a resident's eyes during a bed bath, the nurse aide should wipe:

  1. With the cloth already used on the face
  2. From the outer corner inward
  3. Back and forth across the eyelid
  4. From the inner corner outward Correct answer.

Explanation

Wiping from the inner canthus outward moves secretions away from the tear duct and reduces the chance of introducing organisms into the eye. A clean area of the washcloth is used for each eye, and no soap is used near the eyes.

Question 10Physical Care Skills

While performing range-of-motion exercises, a resident reports sharp pain. The nurse aide should:

  1. Push a little farther and then stop
  2. Apply heat and resume in five minutes
  3. Continue the exercise through the pain
  4. Stop and report the pain to the nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercise is performed gently to the point of resistance, never through pain, because forcing a joint can cause injury. The aide stops, notes which joint and motion caused pain, and reports it so the nurse can reassess the resident.

Question 11Physical Care Skills

A gait belt should be applied:

  1. Loosely around the hips below the buttocks
  2. Around the chest and under both arms
  3. Under the clothing, directly against the skin
  4. Snugly around the waist over the clothing Correct answer.

Explanation

A gait belt is fastened snugly around the waist over the clothing so the aide can grip it during transfers without pulling on the resident's arms or clothing. The belt should be tight enough to be secure but allow flat fingers to slide underneath.

Question 12Physical Care Skills

An unresponsive resident needs mouth care. The nurse aide should:

  1. Turn the resident onto one side first Correct answer.
  2. Use a hard toothbrush to remove debris
  3. Place the resident flat on the back
  4. Use a large amount of water to rinse the mouth

Explanation

An unresponsive resident is turned onto the side so secretions and fluid drain out of the mouth instead of being aspirated. Only a small amount of fluid is used, a soft applicator is preferred, and suction equipment should be available.

Question 13Physical Care Skills

For which resident should the nurse aide avoid taking a rectal temperature?

  1. A resident who wears dentures
  2. A resident who is hard of hearing
  3. A resident with severe diarrhea Correct answer.
  4. A resident who uses a wheelchair

Explanation

Rectal temperatures are avoided with diarrhea, recent rectal surgery or bleeding, and certain cardiac conditions, because inserting the thermometer can cause injury or trigger a vagal response. An oral, axillary, or tympanic route is used instead.

Question 14Physical Care Skills

When applying a blood pressure cuff, the nurse aide should place the cuff:

  1. Over the resident's sleeve for comfort
  2. Directly over the elbow joint
  3. At the wrist on the same side as the pulse
  4. About one inch above the bend of the elbow Correct answer.

Explanation

The cuff is wrapped snugly on bare skin with its lower edge about one inch above the antecubital space, and the arm is supported at the level of the heart. Correct placement and cuff size are needed for an accurate reading.

Question 15Physical Care Skills

A resident drinks 6 ounces of juice. How many milliliters should the nurse aide record?

  1. 240 mL
  2. 180 mL Correct answer.
  3. 60 mL
  4. 120 mL

Explanation

One ounce equals 30 milliliters, so 6 ounces multiplied by 30 equals 180 mL. Intake is recorded in milliliters on the intake and output record, including all fluids taken by mouth, tube, or IV.

Question 16Physical Care Skills

When providing indwelling catheter care, the nurse aide should:

  1. Pull gently on the tubing to confirm it is secure
  2. Set the drainage bag on the floor beside the bed
  3. Clean the catheter from the meatus outward Correct answer.
  4. Use the same cloth already used for the buttocks

Explanation

The catheter is cleaned from the urinary opening outward so organisms are moved away from the meatus, using a clean cloth and mild soap. The tubing is secured without tension, and the drainage bag stays below the bladder and off the floor.

Question 17Physical Care Skills

An ostomy pouch should be emptied when it is:

  1. Filled with gas only
  2. Completely full and firm
  3. About one-third to one-half full Correct answer.
  4. Empty and flat against the skin

Explanation

Pouches are emptied when they are roughly one-third to one-half full, before the weight strains the seal and causes leakage. Emptying is also a good time to check the stoma and the skin around it.

Question 18Physical Care Skills

A resident with dysphagia is eating. Which action is correct?

  1. Place food on the stronger side of the mouth Correct answer.
  2. Offer fluids through a straw for easier swallowing
  3. Let the resident lie back during the meal
  4. Encourage the resident to talk while eating

Explanation

Food is placed on the stronger, unaffected side of the mouth, and the resident is reminded to chew well and swallow twice between bites. Sitting fully upright, avoiding straws, and limiting talking while chewing all reduce the risk of aspiration.

Question 19Physical Care Skills

When should the nurse aide apply elastic anti-embolic stockings?

  1. In the morning before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.
  2. After the resident has finished walking for the day
  3. At bedtime, after massaging the legs
  4. Only when the resident reports swelling

Explanation

Stockings are applied before the resident gets up, when swelling is at its lowest, and removed at least twice a day for skin inspection and care. Wrinkles are smoothed out because they can act as a tourniquet and restrict circulation.

Question 20Physical Care Skills

The nurse aide applies a cold pack to a resident's ankle. Which action is correct?

  1. Leave the cold pack in place for up to one full hour
  2. Place the pack directly against the bare skin
  3. Cover the pack with a heating pad for warmth
  4. Remove the pack after about twenty minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Cold is applied for no more than about twenty minutes at a time, with a cloth barrier between the pack and the skin, and the skin is checked frequently. Prolonged cold constricts blood flow and can damage tissue.

Question 21Physical Care Skills

When helping a resident who has weakness on the left side to dress, the nurse aide should:

  1. Dress both sides at the same time
  2. Ask the resident which side to start with
  3. Dress the weak side first Correct answer.
  4. Dress the strong side first

Explanation

The rule for a resident with one-sided weakness is to dress the affected side first and undress it last, so the weaker limb is handled before the resident is already partly dressed. The resident is encouraged to do as much as possible for themselves.

Question 22Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Give the resident a glass of water
  2. Hold the resident's arms and legs still
  3. Protect the head and move hazards away Correct answer.
  4. Place a spoon between the resident's teeth

Explanation

During a seizure the aide protects the head, clears nearby objects, loosens tight clothing, and stays with the resident until the seizure ends. Nothing is placed in the mouth and limbs are never restrained; afterward the resident is turned to the side and allowed to rest.

Question 23Physical Care Skills

A resident uses a cane. The nurse aide should position the cane:

  1. On the side of the stronger leg Correct answer.
  2. In front of the resident at full arm's length
  3. On the side of the weaker leg
  4. On whichever side the resident prefers

Explanation

A cane is held on the side of the stronger leg and advanced together with the weaker leg, so the cane and the strong leg share the body weight. The handle should reach about the level of the wrist crease when the arm hangs down.

Question 24Physical Care Skills

A resident must provide a clean-catch urine specimen. The nurse aide should instruct the resident to:

  1. Use the container that measures urine output
  2. Save the first urine of the morning
  3. Cleanse the area and collect urine midstream Correct answer.
  4. Collect the entire voided amount in the container

Explanation

For a clean-catch specimen the urinary opening is cleansed, the first portion of urine is passed into the toilet, and the middle portion is caught in a sterile container. This reduces contamination by organisms on the surrounding skin.

Question 25Physical Care Skills

A resident has a dialysis fistula in the left arm. The nurse aide should:

  1. Take the blood pressure in the left arm
  2. Skip the blood pressure and chart it later
  3. Take the blood pressure in the right arm Correct answer.
  4. Use the left arm with a smaller cuff

Explanation

Blood pressure is not measured on an arm with a dialysis fistula or shunt, on the side of a mastectomy, or on an arm with an IV or lymphedema, because compression can damage the access or worsen swelling. The unaffected arm is used instead.

Question 26Physical Care Skills

How long should the nurse aide rub hands together with soap and water during routine handwashing?

  1. Exactly 1 minute
  2. At least 20 seconds Correct answer.
  3. About 5 seconds
  4. No more than 10 seconds

Explanation

Routine handwashing requires enough contact time for soap and friction to remove pathogens. The accepted minimum is at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and wrists. Shorter washing is not considered effective.

Question 27Physical Care Skills

After completing resident care, which personal protective equipment should be removed first?

  1. Gloves Correct answer.
  2. Gown
  3. Face mask
  4. Protective eyewear

Explanation

Gloves are the most contaminated item and are removed first. After gloves, eyewear and gown are removed, and the mask is removed last while avoiding contact with the front.

Question 28Physical Care Skills

A resident is unable to move independently in bed. How often should the nurse aide reposition the resident to help prevent pressure injuries?

  1. Every 30 minutes while awake
  2. Every 2 hours Correct answer.
  3. Every 4 hours during the night
  4. Once at the beginning of each shift

Explanation

Pressure relief is typically provided by repositioning at least every 2 hours and as ordered. More frequent turning may be needed for some residents, but routine care uses the 2-hour standard.

Question 29Physical Care Skills

When making an occupied bed, where should the nurse aide place soiled linens?

  1. At the foot of the bed until the bed is finished
  2. Directly into the linen hamper Correct answer.
  3. On the floor beside the bed
  4. On the overbed table

Explanation

Soiled linens should go directly into the linen hamper and be held away from the uniform. They should never be placed on the floor, on care surfaces, or on clean bedding.

Question 30Physical Care Skills

A resident's dentures need cleaning. Which action should the nurse aide take?

  1. Scrub them with a stiff brush and whitening toothpaste
  2. Wrap them in a tissue and leave them on the bedside table
  3. Use hot water to loosen debris
  4. Clean them over a basin of cool water Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentures can break if dropped, so they are cleaned over a basin lined with a towel or water. Cool water and a soft brush or denture cleanser protect the denture material.

Question 31Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Round the corners with scissors
  2. Soak the feet first, then trim
  3. Trim the nails straight across
  4. Report the request to the nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents with diabetes have a high risk of foot injury and infection. Nail care for these residents is often performed by a podiatrist or nurse, so the aide should report the request rather than cut the nails.

Question 32Physical Care Skills

When combing a resident's hair, the nurse aide should begin at the:

  1. Top and pull the comb quickly through
  2. Scalp and comb downward through the tangles
  3. Ends and work toward the scalp Correct answer.
  4. Part and comb outward to each side

Explanation

Starting at the ends and working toward the scalp prevents pulling and discomfort. The aide can hold the hair above a tangle while combing it out.

Question 33Physical Care Skills

When providing perineal care to a female resident, the nurse aide should wash from:

  1. Front to back, then back to front
  2. Side to side, then rinse with warm water
  3. Front to back with a clean cloth each stroke Correct answer.
  4. Back to front, using a new cloth each time

Explanation

Washing from front to back helps prevent fecal bacteria from entering the urethra. A clean area of the cloth should be used for each stroke to avoid spreading contamination.

Question 34Physical Care Skills

While bathing a resident, the nurse aide notices a red area on the heel that does not blanch when pressed. What should the aide do?

  1. Apply a warm heating pad
  2. Report the area to the nurse Correct answer.
  3. Mark the area and check it next week
  4. Massage the area vigorously

Explanation

A non-blanching red area may be an early pressure injury and must be reported promptly. The area should be kept off pressure and not massaged.

Question 35Physical Care Skills

Which item should the nurse aide include when measuring a resident's fluid intake?

  1. Mashed potatoes
  2. A slice of bread
  3. Ice chips Correct answer.
  4. Applesauce

Explanation

Ice chips melt into liquid and are counted as fluid intake. Solid foods are generally not included unless specifically ordered.

Question 36Physical Care Skills

When counting a resident's respirations, the nurse aide should:

  1. Tell the resident to breathe normally and count for 15 seconds
  2. Count only the breaths the resident can feel
  3. Ask the resident to take deep breaths during the count
  4. Keep the resident unaware and count for 30 seconds Correct answer.

Explanation

Respirations should be counted without telling the resident, because awareness can change the breathing pattern. A 30-second count multiplied by two is used when respirations are regular, and a full minute is used if irregular.

Question 37Physical Care Skills

When measuring blood pressure, the resident's arm should be:

  1. Supported at the level of the heart Correct answer.
  2. Raised above the level of the heart
  3. Hanging loosely over the side of the bed
  4. Straightened and held tightly by the aide

Explanation

The arm should be supported at heart level so the reading reflects true arterial pressure. The cuff and arm should be relaxed, not held tightly.

Question 38Physical Care Skills

A resident has just finished drinking hot coffee. How should the nurse aide determine when an oral temperature can be taken?

  1. Follow the thermometer instructions and the facility's approved procedure. Correct answer.
  2. Use a fixed 10-minute waiting interval for every thermometer.
  3. Always wait 30 minutes, regardless of the thermometer instructions.
  4. Take the oral temperature immediately after the hot drink.

Explanation

Hot drinks can temporarily distort an oral temperature measurement. The aide should follow the thermometer manufacturer's instructions and the facility's approved procedure for the waiting interval, consulting the nurse if the instructions are unclear or conflict. A single interval should not be assumed to apply to every device and protocol.

Question 39Physical Care Skills

A resident's radial pulse feels irregular. How should the nurse aide count it?

  1. For 30 seconds and multiply by 2
  2. Until the resident asks the aide to stop
  3. For 15 seconds and multiply by 4
  4. For 1 full minute Correct answer.

Explanation

An irregular pulse must be counted for a full minute to obtain an accurate rate and rhythm. Short counts multiplied by a factor can miss irregular beats.

Question 40Physical Care Skills

To obtain the most accurate daily weight for a resident, the nurse aide should:

  1. Use a different scale each day
  2. Weigh at the same time each day Correct answer.
  3. Estimate the weight if the resident cannot stand
  4. Weigh after the resident has eaten a large meal

Explanation

Daily weights are most accurate when taken at the same time, usually in the morning after voiding and before meals, using the same scale. Consistency allows meaningful comparison.

Question 41Physical Care Skills

A resident has weakness on the left side. When transferring the resident from bed to a wheelchair, where should the aide place the wheelchair?

  1. On the left side, angled toward the bed
  2. Directly behind the resident
  3. On the right side, angled toward the bed Correct answer.
  4. At the foot of the bed, facing the resident

Explanation

The resident should transfer toward the stronger side, so the wheelchair is placed on the right side and angled toward the bed. This uses the stronger arm and leg for support and reduces fall risk.

Question 42Physical Care Skills

Before lifting a resident with a mechanical lift, the nurse aide should:

  1. Check that the sling is securely attached Correct answer.
  2. Leave the resident alone while getting the lift
  3. Raise the resident quickly to save time
  4. Stand the resident up before applying the sling

Explanation

The sling and straps must be checked and securely attached before lifting, and the resident must never be left alone on the lift. Movement should be slow and controlled.

Question 43Physical Care Skills

When leaving a resident seated in a wheelchair, the nurse aide should:

  1. Park the chair at the top of a ramp
  2. Remove the footrests and seat belt
  3. Leave the wheels unlocked so the resident can move
  4. Lock the wheels and put the call light nearby Correct answer.

Explanation

Locking the wheels prevents the chair from rolling, and the call light should be within reach. Safety devices such as footrests and seat belts should remain in place as ordered.

Question 44Physical Care Skills

A resident receiving oxygen asks for petroleum jelly on the lips. What should the aide do?

  1. Apply a thick layer to prevent dryness
  2. Offer a water-based lubricant instead Correct answer.
  3. Warm the petroleum jelly before applying it
  4. Apply it only while the oxygen is turned off

Explanation

Petroleum-based products are flammable and are not used near oxygen. A water-based lubricant may be used according to facility policy.

Question 45Physical Care Skills

When a resident's hearing aid is not being worn, the nurse aide should store it:

  1. Loose in the bedside drawer
  2. On the windowsill in direct sunlight
  3. In its labeled case Correct answer.
  4. In a glass of water to keep it clean

Explanation

A hearing aid should be stored in its labeled case to protect it from moisture, heat, and loss. Water and direct sunlight can damage the device.

Question 46Physical Care Skills

How should the nurse aide clean a resident's eyeglasses?

  1. Use toothpaste and rinse in the sink
  2. Use warm water and a soft cloth Correct answer.
  3. Use alcohol and a rough cloth
  4. Use hot water and a paper towel

Explanation

Eyeglasses should be cleaned with warm water and a soft cloth, holding them by the frames. Hot water, alcohol, and abrasive products can damage lenses and coatings.

Question 47Physical Care Skills

When administering a cleansing enema, the nurse aide should place the resident in which position?

  1. Right side-lying
  2. Left side-lying Correct answer.
  3. High Fowler's
  4. Flat on the back

Explanation

Left side-lying position follows the natural course of the colon and helps the resident retain the enema. The aide should also provide privacy and monitor for distress.

Question 48Physical Care Skills

After inserting a rectal suppository, the nurse aide should ask the resident to:

  1. Bear down firmly for several minutes
  2. Drink a glass of cold water right away
  3. Sit up and walk to the bathroom immediately
  4. Remain on the side for 15 to 20 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Remaining on the side for 15 to 20 minutes helps the resident retain the suppository so it can be absorbed. The aide should provide privacy and answer the call light promptly.

Question 49Physical Care Skills

While assisting with a sterile dressing change, which action by the nurse aide maintains sterility?

  1. Reaching across the sterile field for supplies
  2. Touching sterile items with bare hands
  3. Sneezing directly over the sterile field
  4. Keeping sterile items above waist level Correct answer.

Explanation

Sterile items below waist level or out of view are considered contaminated. The aide should keep the field above the waist, avoid reaching across it, and never touch sterile items with bare hands.

Question 50Physical Care Skills

A resident is asked to collect a sputum specimen. The nurse aide should instruct the resident to:

  1. Spit saliva into the container
  2. Cough deeply and spit into the container Correct answer.
  3. Breathe through the mouth only for 10 minutes
  4. Collect the specimen after a meal

Explanation

A sputum specimen must come from deep in the lungs, so the resident should cough deeply and expectorate into the container. Saliva is not an acceptable substitute.