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Michigan CNA practice questions

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Question 1Basic Nursing Skills

A nurse aide enters a resident's room to help the resident eat breakfast. When should the aide clean their hands?

  1. Only if the resident appears ill
  2. Once at the start of the shift unless gloves are worn at some point during the day
  3. Before and after contact with the resident Correct answer.
  4. Only after leaving the room

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required before and after every contact with a resident, regardless of whether gloves are worn. Cleaning hands at the start and end of the contact protects both the resident and the aide.

Question 2Basic Nursing Skills

Which site is most appropriate for a nurse aide to use when taking a routine pulse?

  1. The apical site by placing a stethoscope on the abdomen
  2. The radial artery at the wrist Correct answer.
  3. The popliteal artery behind the knee
  4. The carotid artery on both sides of the neck at the same time

Explanation

The radial artery at the wrist is the standard site for routine pulse checks because it is easy to reach and safe to use. The carotid is reserved for emergency assessment and is never checked on both sides at once.

Question 3Basic Nursing Skills

A resident has just finished drinking a cup of hot coffee. How long should the aide wait before taking an oral temperature?

  1. 10 minutes
  2. 1 minute
  3. 5 minutes
  4. 15 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Hot or cold liquids, food, and smoking change the temperature inside the mouth. Waiting 15 minutes allows the oral cavity to return to the resident's true body temperature.

Question 4Basic Nursing Skills

After finishing care for a resident who is in bed, how should the aide leave the bed?

  1. With the head of the bed flat and the call light on the far wall
  2. Raised to waist height with both side rails up
  3. In the highest position so the resident can see the room better
  4. In the lowest position with the call light within reach Correct answer.

Explanation

Leaving the bed low and the call light within reach lowers the risk of falls and allows the resident to call for help. Side rails are used only when ordered and must never be raised routinely on both sides.

Question 5Basic Nursing Skills

What is the correct way for a nurse aide to count a resident's respirations?

  1. Ask the resident to count out loud while breathing in and out
  2. Count the breaths for 10 seconds and multiply the result by six
  3. Leave fingers on the wrist and count for one full minute Correct answer.
  4. Tell the resident to take deep breaths and count them for 15 seconds, then multiply the number by four

Explanation

Respirations are counted for a full minute while the aide keeps the fingers on the wrist as if still counting pulse. This keeps the resident from changing the breathing pattern, which would make the count inaccurate.

Question 6Basic Nursing Skills

Which action shows correct body mechanics when an aide lifts a heavy object?

  1. Holding the object out at arm's length away from the body
  2. Keeping both feet together and reaching forward
  3. Bending the knees and holding the object close Correct answer.
  4. Bending at the waist and twisting toward the side

Explanation

Bending the knees uses the strong leg muscles and holding the load close keeps it near the body's center of gravity. Both reduce strain on the back.

Question 7Basic Nursing Skills

Where should the aide place the blood pressure cuff on a resident's arm?

  1. Over the resident's shirtsleeve, centered on the elbow
  2. On bare skin, one inch above the elbow crease Correct answer.
  3. Directly over the elbow joint so the tubing lies across the crease
  4. On the forearm, just above the wrist

Explanation

The cuff belongs on bare skin with its lower edge about one inch above the elbow crease, so the artery is compressed correctly and the stethoscope can be placed at the brachial artery.

Question 8Basic Nursing Skills

A resident drinks 4 ounces of juice and 6 ounces of water. How many milliliters should the aide record as fluid intake?

  1. 270 mL
  2. 360 mL
  3. 240 mL
  4. 300 mL Correct answer.

Explanation

One ounce equals 30 mL, so 4 ounces is 120 mL and 6 ounces is 180 mL. Adding them gives 300 mL of total intake.

Question 9Basic Nursing Skills

A resident is short of breath, so the aide raises the head of the bed to a 60-degree angle. What is this position called?

  1. Sims' position
  2. Fowler's position Correct answer.
  3. Prone position
  4. Trendelenburg position

Explanation

Fowler's position is a semi-sitting position with the head of the bed raised 45 to 60 degrees, which helps ease breathing and promotes drainage. It is commonly used for residents with shortness of breath.

Question 10Basic Nursing Skills

When removing personal protective equipment after resident care, which item should the aide remove last?

  1. Gloves
  2. Gown
  3. Goggles
  4. Mask Correct answer.

Explanation

The usual removal order is gloves first, then goggles or face shield, then gown, with the mask removed last by its ties or elastic. Removing the mask last minimizes exposure of the face to contaminated hands.

Question 11Basic Nursing Skills

When performing passive range-of-motion exercises, how should the aide proceed?

  1. Exercise each joint about once a week to prevent fatigue
  2. Support the limb and stop if pain is reported Correct answer.
  3. Push the joint gently past the point of resistance
  4. Move the joint quickly so stiffness does not set in

Explanation

Passive range of motion is done slowly with the limb supported, moving only to the point of resistance. Any report of pain is a signal to stop and report it to the nurse.

Question 12Basic Nursing Skills

Which factor can cause an inaccurate pulse oximeter reading?

  1. A sensor placed on the index finger
  2. Resting quietly
  3. Warm hands
  4. Dark nail polish on the finger being used Correct answer.

Explanation

Nail polish, especially dark shades, blocks the light the oximeter passes through the finger and can produce a false reading. Cold hands, movement, and poor circulation can also interfere with accuracy.

Question 13Basic Nursing Skills

When should the aide apply elastic stockings to a resident who has an order for them?

  1. In the morning before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.
  2. Only when the resident complains of leg pain
  3. After the resident has walked to the dining room
  4. At bedtime, after the resident has been lying down all day

Explanation

Elastic stockings work best when applied before the resident gets up, while the legs are not yet swollen from dependent position. They are then worn as ordered during the day.

Question 14Basic Nursing Skills

In which direction should the aide wash when giving perineal care?

  1. From back to front
  2. From front to back Correct answer.
  3. In a circular motion around the area
  4. From the outside inward toward the rectum

Explanation

Washing from the urinary area toward the rectum moves organisms away from the urethra and reduces the risk of urinary tract infection. A clean washcloth is used for each stroke.

Question 15Basic Nursing Skills

How often should an aide reposition a resident who cannot move independently and is at risk for pressure injuries?

  1. Every 30 minutes
  2. Every 15 minutes
  3. Every 4 hours
  4. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure on the skin and is the standard schedule for residents who cannot turn themselves. Residents on special surfaces or with existing injury may need a different schedule set by the nurse.

Question 16Basic Nursing Skills

A resident who is unconscious needs mouth care. How should the aide position the resident?

  1. On the side with the head turned toward the aide Correct answer.
  2. On the back with the mouth propped open and suction nearby
  3. Flat on the back with the head raised on two pillows
  4. Sitting fully upright in a chair

Explanation

An unconscious resident is turned onto the side with the head facing the aide so that fluids drain out of the mouth instead of being swallowed or inhaled. Suction equipment should be available in case of choking.

Question 17Basic Nursing Skills

A resident must provide a clean-catch midstream urine specimen. What should the aide do?

  1. Collect urine from the bedpan after the resident has finished urinating
  2. Collect the first few drops of urine in the container
  3. Cleanse the area, start to urinate, and collect the middle portion Correct answer.
  4. Take the specimen from the drainage bag of an indwelling catheter

Explanation

A midstream specimen is collected after the urinary area is cleansed and the flow has started, so the middle portion is caught in the container. This reduces contamination from the skin and from the urethral opening.

Question 18Basic Nursing Skills

An aide applies a warm compress to a resident's back. Which action is correct?

  1. Check the skin every 5 to 10 minutes for redness Correct answer.
  2. Place the compress directly against the bare skin
  3. Leave the compress in place for one hour without checking the skin
  4. Heat the compress in a microwave until it feels hot to the touch

Explanation

Skin under a hot or cold application must be checked often, about every 5 to 10 minutes, because burns or tissue damage can develop quickly. The application is removed at once if the skin becomes red, pale, or painful.

Question 19Basic Nursing Skills

A resident has a physician's order for a vest restraint. How often must the aide check on the resident?

  1. Once per shift
  2. Every 15 minutes Correct answer.
  3. Every 60 minutes
  4. Every 2 hours

Explanation

A resident in a restraint must be observed at least every 15 minutes for signs of distress, circulation problems, or the need for toileting. The restraint is also released and the resident repositioned on a regular schedule.

Question 20Basic Nursing Skills

A resident is weighed daily. How should the aide obtain the most consistent readings?

  1. Weigh the resident at any convenient time during the day
  2. Weigh the resident after meals while wearing shoes
  3. Use a different scale each time so the readings can be compared
  4. Use the same scale, at the same time of day, with similar clothing Correct answer.

Explanation

Daily weights are compared with one another, so the scale, time of day, and amount of clothing should stay as constant as possible. Inconsistent technique produces changes that reflect the routine rather than the resident's condition.

Question 21Personal Care Skills

When must a nursing assistant perform hand hygiene during a resident's care?

  1. Only after the resident's care is completed
  2. Only when the hands look dirty
  3. Once at the beginning of each shift
  4. Before care and after removing gloves Correct answer.

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required before contact with a resident, after contact, and after gloves are removed, because gloves do not eliminate all contamination. Soap and water is used when hands are visibly soiled; an alcohol-based rub may be used otherwise.

Question 22Personal Care Skills

What is an acceptable temperature for a resident's bath water?

  1. About 105°F (40°C) Correct answer.
  2. About 135°F (57°C)
  3. About 120°F (49°C)
  4. About 90°F (32°C)

Explanation

Bath water should be close to body temperature, about 105°F (40°C), and is tested on the inner wrist before the resident gets in. Older skin is thin and burns easily, so hotter water is unsafe.

Question 23Personal Care Skills

In which direction should the perineal area be washed?

  1. From front to back Correct answer.
  2. In small circles outward
  3. From side to side
  4. From back to front

Explanation

Washing from front to back carries stool away from the urethra, lowering the risk of urinary tract infection. A clean area of the washcloth is used for each stroke.

Question 24Personal Care Skills

How should a resident's dentures be stored when they are not being worn?

  1. In a labeled cup filled with water Correct answer.
  2. Wrapped in a tissue in a drawer
  3. In the bathroom sink filled with water
  4. In a dry cup on the bedside table

Explanation

Dentures are kept in water so the material does not dry out and warp, and the container is labeled with the resident's name to prevent loss or mix-ups. Hot water should be avoided because it can distort them.

Question 25Personal Care Skills

What should the nursing assistant do before giving a bed bath?

  1. Close the door or draw the curtain Correct answer.
  2. Ask the roommate to watch for safety
  3. Leave the door open for ventilation
  4. Open the window curtains for fresh air

Explanation

Closing the door or drawing the privacy curtain protects the resident's dignity during personal care, and only the part of the body being washed is uncovered. Privacy is a basic resident right.

Question 26Personal Care Skills

How often should a dependent resident who is in bed be repositioned?

  1. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  2. At least every 15 minutes
  3. At least every 6 hours
  4. Only when the resident asks

Explanation

Turning and repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure over bony areas and helps prevent pressure injuries. The care plan may call for a different schedule for a resident at high risk.

Question 27Personal Care Skills

When washing a resident's eyes during a bed bath, the nursing assistant should wipe:

  1. From the inner corner toward the outer corner Correct answer.
  2. From the outer corner toward the nose
  3. Only the lashes, using the same cloth for both eyes
  4. Back and forth across the closed lid

Explanation

Wiping from the inner corner outward carries secretions away from the tear duct, and a different part of the washcloth is used for each eye so infection is not transferred. Plain warm water is used, without soap.

Question 28Personal Care Skills

A resident has an indwelling urinary catheter. How should the drainage bag be positioned?

  1. Lying on the bed next to the resident's hip
  2. Resting on the floor beside the bed
  3. Hanging on the side rail above the mattress
  4. Hanging below the level of the bladder Correct answer.

Explanation

Gravity must drain urine away from the resident, so the bag stays below bladder level to prevent urine from flowing back into the bladder and causing infection. Tubing is kept free of kinks and the bag never touches the floor.

Question 29Personal Care Skills

Which razor should be used to shave a resident who takes a blood-thinning medication?

  1. A razor with a fresh blade and no shaving cream
  2. A disposable razor with shaving cream
  3. An electric razor Correct answer.
  4. A straight razor with warm lather

Explanation

Blood thinners make even a small nick bleed heavily, so an electric razor is used because it trims hair without cutting skin. Any bleeding is reported to the nurse.

Question 30Personal Care Skills

A resident with diabetes asks the nursing assistant to trim her toenails. What is the correct response?

  1. Trim only the big toenails and file the rest
  2. Soak the feet and cut the corners in a curve
  3. Report it; a podiatrist or nurse must trim them Correct answer.
  4. Trim them straight across and file the corners

Explanation

Diabetes reduces circulation and sensation in the feet, so a small cut can become an infected wound that heals poorly. Toenail trimming for these residents is done by a podiatrist or nurse, and the request is reported.

Question 31Personal Care Skills

A resident has weakness on the right side. When helping the resident put on a shirt, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Dress the resident while lying flat and skip the sleeves
  2. Put both arms in at the same time
  3. Put the right arm in first and remove it last Correct answer.
  4. Put the left arm in first and remove it last

Explanation

The weak or affected side is dressed first and undressed last so the resident has the most control and the garment comes off without pulling a stiff limb. The resident is encouraged to do as much as possible.

Question 32Personal Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant give mouth care to an unconscious resident?

  1. Sit the resident upright and let the resident rinse and spit
  2. Brush the teeth with a toothbrush and a cup of water
  3. Use a mouthwash sponge and let fluid drain into the throat
  4. Turn the head to the side and use swabs with little fluid Correct answer.

Explanation

An unconscious resident cannot swallow or protect the airway, so the head is turned to the side, only small amounts of fluid are used, and suction is kept available. The mouth is inspected and any problems are reported.

Question 33Personal Care Skills

When helping a resident with one-sided weakness to stand, where should the nursing assistant stand?

  1. Directly in front of the resident, holding both hands
  2. On the weaker side, slightly behind the resident Correct answer.
  3. On the stronger side, at arm's length
  4. Behind the resident, holding the waistband

Explanation

Standing on the weaker side and slightly behind lets the assistant support the leg and side that may give way and block a fall. A gait belt provides a firm, safe grip.

Question 34Personal Care Skills

A resident's hair is matted and tangled. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Work from the ends of the hair up toward the scalp Correct answer.
  2. Wash the hair without combing it first
  3. Brush hard from the scalp down to the ends
  4. Cut out the matted sections

Explanation

Starting at the ends and working upward in small sections loosens tangles without pulling on the scalp, using the resident's own comb or brush. The resident is asked about preferred hairstyles and products.

Question 35Personal Care Skills

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

  1. Push a little farther to measure the joint's limit
  2. Stop at the point of resistance or pain and report it Correct answer.
  3. Skip all exercise for the rest of the day without telling anyone
  4. Continue the movement to keep the joint from stiffening

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercises are done slowly and stopped at the point of resistance or pain, because forcing a joint can cause injury. New pain or a loss of motion is reported to the nurse.

Question 36Personal Care Skills

Which action best reduces friction and shearing when moving a resident up in bed?

  1. Using a draw sheet and lifting with a helper Correct answer.
  2. Grasping the resident's clothing at the shoulders
  3. Pulling the resident under the arms
  4. Pulling the resident by the legs

Explanation

A draw sheet distributes the resident's weight and lets the team lift rather than drag the body, so skin does not scrape against the sheets. Friction and shear damage small blood vessels and contribute to pressure injuries.

Question 37Personal Care Skills

A resident who sometimes feels dizzy is going to take a shower. Which action is most important?

  1. Lock the bathroom door so no one walks in
  2. Seat the resident on a shower chair and stay within reach Correct answer.
  3. Let the resident stand and step out to prepare the bed
  4. Raise the water temperature so the shower is quick

Explanation

Dizziness plus warm water can cause fainting and a fall, so the resident sits on a shower chair and the assistant stays within arm's reach the entire time. The door is left unlocked so help can enter quickly.

Question 38Personal Care Skills

After cleaning a resident who has been incontinent, what should the nursing assistant do to protect the skin?

  1. Apply powder heavily to keep moisture away
  2. Leave the skin damp under a new brief
  3. Rub the skin briskly to dry it quickly
  4. Pat the skin dry and apply barrier cream if ordered Correct answer.

Explanation

Moisture breaks down skin, so the area is cleaned gently, patted dry, and protected with a barrier product when it is in the care plan. The resident is also checked and changed promptly.

Question 39Personal Care Skills

When should the nursing assistant change gloves during care?

  1. Only when moving from the room to the hallway
  2. Once at the end of each resident's care
  3. Only if the gloves tear or are visibly soiled
  4. Between dirty and clean tasks, and between residents Correct answer.

Explanation

Gloves must be changed when moving from a contaminated task to a clean one and before touching another resident, with hand hygiene after removal. Wearing the same pair spreads organisms.

Question 40Personal Care Skills

The nursing assistant empties a resident's urinary drainage bag and notices the urine is cloudy with a strong odor. What is the best action?

  1. Record the amount and report the finding to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Discard the urine and recheck in 24 hours
  3. Record the amount and say nothing because urine is often cloudy
  4. Add water to the bag to dilute the urine

Explanation

Cloudy, foul-smelling urine may signal a urinary tract infection, so the assistant measures and records the output and reports the finding promptly. The assistant observes and reports but does not treat.

Question 41Infection Control

A nurse aide is about to help a resident get dressed. When should the aide clean their hands?

  1. Only when gloves are not available
  2. Only after finishing all care tasks in the room
  3. Only when the resident appears ill
  4. Before and after contact with the resident Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard precautions require hand hygiene before and after every contact with a resident. This protects the resident from organisms on the aide's hands and protects the aide from organisms on the resident.

Question 42Infection Control

A nurse aide's hands are visibly soiled with stool after providing care. How should the aide clean their hands?

  1. Wash them with soap and running water Correct answer.
  2. Rub them with an alcohol-based hand rub
  3. Wipe them with a dry paper towel
  4. Rinse them quickly with cool water

Explanation

When hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with body fluids, soap and running water are required because the friction of washing physically removes the soil. Alcohol-based hand rubs are used only when hands are not visibly soiled.

Question 43Infection Control

A nurse aide is leaving a resident's room after providing care. Which piece of PPE should be removed first?

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

Explanation

Gloves are the most contaminated item and are removed first, followed by eye protection, then the gown, and finally the mask or respirator. Removing gloves first limits contamination of the bare hands and the face during the rest of doffing.

Question 44Infection Control

For which residents should a nurse aide use standard precautions?

  1. Only residents who have a fever
  2. Only residents in a private isolation room
  3. Only residents with a diagnosed infection
  4. All residents, every time care is given Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard precautions are based on the principle that every person's blood and body fluids may carry infection. They apply to all residents regardless of diagnosis, test results, or appearance.

Question 45Infection Control

A nurse aide finds a used needle on a resident's bed. What should the aide do?

  1. Break the needle off and use the trash
  2. Wrap it in a tissue and use the trash
  3. Place it in a sharps container using a tool Correct answer.
  4. Set it aside and finish making the bed first

Explanation

Used needles are placed immediately into a puncture-resistant sharps container, using tongs, forceps, or a scoop so the hands are never near the point. Needles are never bent, broken, recapped by hand, or placed in regular trash.

Question 46Infection Control

When should a nurse aide wear gloves while giving care?

  1. Only during the morning bath
  2. Only when the resident asks the aide to
  3. Whenever touching blood or body fluids Correct answer.
  4. Only when the resident has an IV line

Explanation

Gloves are worn when contact with blood, body fluids, mucous membranes, non-intact skin, or contaminated items is likely. Gloves are not a substitute for hand hygiene, which is still performed before and after use.

Question 47Infection Control

A nurse aide is removing a soiled isolation gown. Which method is correct?

  1. Roll it with the soiled side facing out
  2. Pull it off by the sleeves and hang it up
  3. Turn it inside out, then roll it up Correct answer.
  4. Fold it neatly and place it on a chair

Explanation

The gown is unfastened and pulled away from the body so it turns inside out, keeping the contaminated surface contained on the inside. The rolled gown is then discarded in the proper receptacle without touching the outer surface.

Question 48Infection Control

A resident is on airborne precautions for tuberculosis. Which action by the nurse aide is correct?

  1. Use a fit-checked N95 respirator for care Correct answer.
  2. Keep the room door open for airflow
  3. Use the same respirator for the whole shift
  4. Wear a surgical mask when giving care

Explanation

Airborne precautions require a fit-tested N95 or higher respirator, with a user seal check each time it is put on. The room door stays closed and the room should have negative-pressure ventilation.

Question 49Infection Control

A resident on droplet precautions must be taken to another department. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Ask the resident to cover the mouth with a hand
  2. Put a surgical mask on the resident Correct answer.
  3. Have the resident wear gloves in the hall
  4. Tell the resident to hold their breath while moving

Explanation

When a resident on droplet precautions must leave the room, the resident wears a surgical mask to contain respiratory secretions. The aide also wears appropriate PPE and the resident is asked to perform hand hygiene.

Question 50Infection Control

A resident is on contact precautions for a wound infection. What should the nurse aide do before entering the room?

  1. Wear a gown only when helping the resident eat
  2. Wear gloves only when touching the wound
  3. Wear a gown and gloves for every room entry Correct answer.
  4. Wear a surgical mask and eye goggles

Explanation

Contact precautions require a gown and gloves for every entry into the room, because organisms spread by touching the resident, surfaces, and equipment. PPE is removed before leaving the room, followed by hand hygiene.