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Mississippi CNA study materials
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Mississippi CNA practice questions

One question at a time. Build your Mississippi 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, Independence, and Dignity

A resident who is alert tells the nursing assistant she does not want a bath today. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Give the bath quickly before she can refuse again
  2. Respect her choice and report the refusal to the nurse Correct answer.
  3. Ask another nursing assistant to give the bath instead
  4. Tell her the bath must be given because it is on the care plan

Explanation

Residents have the right to refuse care, including a bath. The nursing assistant honors the refusal and reports it so the nurse can document it and follow up on the reason.

Question 2Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

Before entering a resident's room, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Call the resident's name from the hallway
  2. Knock and wait to be invited in Correct answer.
  3. Open the door and step inside quietly
  4. Check the care plan, then enter

Explanation

Residents have a right to privacy in their own rooms. Knocking and waiting to be invited in respects that right and gives the resident a chance to prepare.

Question 3Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A nursing assistant talks about a resident's diagnosis with a coworker in the elevator. This violates the resident's right to:

  1. manage personal funds
  2. freedom from physical restraints
  3. choose activities and schedules
  4. privacy and confidentiality Correct answer.

Explanation

Health information is confidential and may be shared only with staff who need it to provide care. Discussing a diagnosis in a public area violates the right to privacy and confidentiality.

Question 4Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident says that a staff member pushed him. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Tell the resident to calm down and forget it
  2. Ask the resident what he did to upset the staff
  3. Report it to the charge nurse right away Correct answer.
  4. Wait to see whether it happens again

Explanation

Residents have the right to be free from abuse, and staff must report suspected abuse immediately. The nursing assistant reports the allegation rather than investigating it.

Question 5Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident asks to be called Mrs. Johnson. The nursing assistant should:

  1. call her honey to show warmth and caring
  2. use her first name only when family visits
  3. call her Mrs. Johnson, as she prefers Correct answer.
  4. use her first name because it feels friendlier

Explanation

Using the name a resident prefers shows respect for individuality and dignity. The nursing assistant follows the resident's stated preference in all settings.

Question 6Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

Which statement best describes a resident's right to visitors?

  1. The resident may see visitors of her own choosing Correct answer.
  2. Staff may send visitors away whenever care is due
  3. Each resident may have visitors for one hour a day
  4. Family must schedule visits one week ahead

Explanation

Residents have the right to receive visitors of their own choosing, and a facility may not restrict that right arbitrarily. Care tasks are scheduled around the resident's right to visitors.

Question 7Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

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

  1. open the mail if the resident is over 65
  2. let the resident open her own mail Correct answer.
  3. throw away any mail that looks like a bill
  4. open the mail and summarize the bills

Explanation

Residents have the right to send and receive mail and to open it themselves. A family member's request does not override that right.

Question 8Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

Which action supports a resident's right to keep personal possessions?

  1. Removing clutter from the room without asking
  2. Discarding worn clothing without telling the resident
  3. Storing the resident's jewelry at the nurses' station
  4. Labeling belongings and leaving them in the room Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents have the right to keep and use personal belongings. Labeling items protects them while leaving them in the resident's possession.

Question 9Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident asks to attend her care plan meeting. What is the nursing assistant's best response?

  1. You can read the finished plan in the office
  2. That is your right; I will help you go Correct answer.
  3. Ask your family to attend the meeting for you
  4. Only nurses and doctors attend those meetings

Explanation

Residents have the right to take part in planning their own care. The nursing assistant supports that right and helps make attendance possible.

Question 10Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident keeps trying to climb out of bed. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Give the resident a sedative from the cart
  2. Stay with the resident and tell the nurse Correct answer.
  3. Tie a sheet around the resident's waist
  4. Place a tray table across the chair to block her

Explanation

Restraints require a physician's order and must be the last resort, after less restrictive measures are tried. The nursing assistant stays for safety and notifies the nurse.

Question 11Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident wants to file a complaint about a staff member. The nursing assistant should:

  1. show her how to file a grievance Correct answer.
  2. promise that the staff member will be fired
  3. urge her to drop it so the unit stays calm
  4. tell her complaints must come from family

Explanation

Residents have the right to voice grievances without fear of retaliation and must be told how to do so. The nursing assistant helps with the process and informs the nurse.

Question 12Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A long-term care ombudsman works to:

  1. help residents resolve complaints Correct answer.
  2. bill Medicare for resident care
  3. review the facility's medication orders
  4. supervise nursing assistants on the unit

Explanation

The ombudsman is an independent advocate who helps residents understand and exercise their rights and works to resolve their complaints.

Question 13Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident with a weak grip can feed herself but is slow. The nursing assistant should:

  1. hold the tray until she asks for help
  2. give her extra time to feed herself Correct answer.
  3. offer her only the foods she can pick up with her fingers
  4. feed her so the food does not get cold

Explanation

Promoting independence means allowing the resident to do what she can, even when it takes longer. Extra time and setup support self-care skills.

Question 14Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

Under federal law, when must a nursing home give a resident a written statement of rights?

  1. only after the resident files a complaint
  2. only when the family requests a copy
  3. at admission and whenever the rights change Correct answer.
  4. only if the resident pays privately for care

Explanation

Federal law requires the facility to inform residents of their rights in writing at admission and whenever those rights change. The notice is not tied to a request, a complaint, or how care is paid for.

Question 15Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident asks for a Bible in her room and wants to attend Sunday services. The nursing assistant should:

  1. support her request and help her attend Correct answer.
  2. tell her religious items stay in the activity room
  3. explain that services are only for residents who walk
  4. ask the family to take her to church instead

Explanation

Residents have the right to practice their religion and to keep religious items. The nursing assistant supports the request and helps the resident take part.

Question 16Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident says he does not want CPR if his heart stops. The nursing assistant should:

  1. promise that no one will ever perform CPR on him
  2. tell him the staff will decide when the time comes
  3. reassure him that CPR is always required by law
  4. tell the nurse so his wish can be documented Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents have the right to make decisions about their own treatment, including through advance directives. The nursing assistant reports the statement so the nurse can address and document it.

Question 17Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident who uses a walker insists on walking to the bathroom alone at night, though the care plan says to assist. What is the best action?

  1. stay nearby and offer help as she walks Correct answer.
  2. ask the nurse to order a restraint for nighttime
  3. tell her the bathroom is closed until morning
  4. take the walker away so she cannot get up alone

Explanation

Residents may make choices, including taking some risk, and staff should reduce risk while honoring the choice. Staying nearby and offering help respects both safety and independence.

Question 18Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A nursing assistant suspects that a coworker is taking money from a resident. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. wait until there is proof before saying anything
  2. ask other aides what they think about it
  3. confront the coworker and ask for the money back
  4. report the suspicion right away Correct answer.

Explanation

Nursing assistants must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation immediately and are not expected to investigate. The suspicion goes through the facility's reporting process.

Question 19Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident prefers to get up at 10 a.m., but the bath schedule starts at 7 a.m. What is the best action?

  1. cancel her baths since she will not cooperate
  2. arrange a bath time that fits her preference Correct answer.
  3. wake her at 6:30 so the schedule stays on time
  4. tell her bath time is a rule with no exceptions

Explanation

Residents have the right to make choices about their daily routine. The nursing assistant works with the team to fit the schedule to the resident rather than the resident to the schedule.

Question 20Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

Which statement best reflects an alert resident's right to self-determination?

  1. A resident may accept some risk after being informed of it Correct answer.
  2. Staff may limit a resident's choices whenever risk exists
  3. Family members decide how much risk a resident may take
  4. Residents must follow every safety rule the facility sets

Explanation

Alert residents have the right to make their own choices, including accepting some risk once they understand it. Staff inform and support rather than control.

Question 21Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

While giving a bed bath, which action protects the resident's privacy?

  1. uncovering the whole body to work faster
  2. letting the roommate watch to learn the skill
  3. closing the door and covering the resident Correct answer.
  4. leaving the door open so staff can see in

Explanation

Residents have the right to privacy of their body during care. The aide closes the door and keeps the resident covered except for the area being washed.

Question 22Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident must move to another room during renovation. Before the move, the resident should be:

  1. told the reason for the move Correct answer.
  2. moved first and told about it afterward
  3. moved only if the family gives written consent
  4. asked to sign a waiver of the right to complain

Explanation

Residents must be told the reason for a room change and given a chance to raise concerns. This protects the right to be informed and the right to voice grievances.

Question 23Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident who is alert says she wants to spend the weekend at her daughter's home. What is the best response?

  1. I'll tell the nurse so your visit can be planned Correct answer.
  2. You must sign a discharge form before you go
  3. Only your doctor can decide whether you may go
  4. Residents are not allowed to stay overnight anywhere

Explanation

Residents have the right to come and go for visits and to be informed about their rights. The nursing assistant supports the request by informing the nurse so arrangements can be made.

Question 24Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident chooses a blue dress that does not match. The nursing assistant should:

  1. let her wear the dress she chose Correct answer.
  2. choose an outfit that matches and dress her in it
  3. ask the family which outfit is best for her
  4. say the dress is dirty so she picks something else

Explanation

Choosing clothing is part of a resident's right to make personal decisions and keep her dignity. The nursing assistant honors the choice.

Question 25Resident Rights, Independence, and Dignity

A resident keeps a small amount of cash in a lockbox. The nursing assistant should:

  1. let her keep and use her own money Correct answer.
  2. borrow a few dollars and repay it on payday
  3. tell her cash is not allowed in resident rooms
  4. take the cash to the business office without asking

Explanation

Residents have the right to manage their own money and keep personal funds. The nursing assistant respects this right and reports any loss or theft.

Question 26Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A nursing assistant is using active listening with a resident. Which action best demonstrates active listening?

  1. Nodding and repeating key points back to the resident Correct answer.
  2. Writing notes while the resident is speaking and not looking up
  3. Finishing the resident's sentences to save time
  4. Changing the subject to keep the conversation cheerful

Explanation

Active listening involves giving full attention, nodding, and reflecting or paraphrasing key points to confirm understanding. It does not involve interrupting, distracting, or ignoring the resident's nonverbal cues.

Question 27Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which is an example of nonverbal communication?

  1. Speaking in a loud voice
  2. Writing a progress note
  3. Facial expressions and posture Correct answer.
  4. Reading the care plan aloud

Explanation

Nonverbal communication includes body language, facial expressions, gestures, posture, and tone of voice. Written and spoken words are forms of verbal communication.

Question 28Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident prefers to be called by a nickname. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Ask the resident how they prefer to be addressed and use that name Correct answer.
  2. Avoid using any name to prevent mistakes
  3. Use the resident's full legal name at all times
  4. Use the nickname only when other staff can hear

Explanation

Respecting a resident's preference for name and form of address supports dignity and autonomy. The nursing assistant should ask the resident and consistently use the preferred name.

Question 29Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A nursing assistant sees a resident's medical information on a computer screen. Which action follows confidentiality rules?

  1. Share the information with a friend who works at the facility
  2. Log off the computer and keep the information private Correct answer.
  3. Take a photo of the screen to review later
  4. Discuss the information in the hallway with coworkers

Explanation

Confidential information should only be accessed and shared as needed for care. Logging off protects privacy and limits accidental viewing by others.

Question 30Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident is calling for help from the bathroom. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Respond promptly and check on the resident Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the resident calls a second time
  3. Ask another resident to check on the person
  4. Finish the current charting before going

Explanation

Responding promptly to a call light supports resident safety and trust. Delaying a response or asking another resident to check is unsafe.

Question 31Communication and Interpersonal Skills

When speaking with a resident who has hearing impairment, which action helps communication?

  1. Face the resident and speak clearly at a normal pace Correct answer.
  2. Turn away and speak toward the wall
  3. Use long, complex sentences
  4. Speak louder while covering your mouth

Explanation

Facing the resident allows lip-reading and clearer sound, and speaking clearly at a normal pace helps understanding. Shouting or covering the mouth impairs communication.

Question 32Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A nursing assistant needs to discuss a resident's care with the nurse. Where is the best place to talk?

  1. At the nurses' station in front of visitors
  2. In the dining room during lunch
  3. In a private area away from other residents and visitors Correct answer.
  4. In the resident's room with the door open

Explanation

Care discussions should occur in a private setting to protect confidentiality and resident dignity. Public areas increase the chance that private information will be overheard.

Question 33Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which question is open-ended and encourages a resident to share feelings?

  1. Are you in pain?
  2. How are you feeling this morning? Correct answer.
  3. Did you sleep well?
  4. Do you want lunch now?

Explanation

Open-ended questions cannot be answered with a simple yes or no and invite fuller responses. This helps the nursing assistant gather information and show interest in the resident's feelings.

Question 34Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident says, 'I miss my garden at home.' Which response shows empathy?

  1. 'You should not think about home; this is your home now.'
  2. 'It sounds like you really miss being outside in your garden.' Correct answer.
  3. 'My garden is bigger than yours.'
  4. 'I do not have time to talk about gardens.'

Explanation

Empathy involves recognizing and reflecting the resident's feelings without judging or dismissing them. Acknowledging the loss supports emotional care and trust.

Question 35Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident with aphasia is struggling to find words. What is the best approach?

  1. Speak loudly and repeat the same words
  2. Give the resident time and use simple yes/no questions as needed Correct answer.
  3. Ignore the resident until speech returns
  4. Finish the resident's sentences quickly

Explanation

Aphasia affects language, not intelligence; giving time and using simple questions reduces pressure. Interrupting or shouting can increase frustration.

Question 36Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident with dementia keeps asking for a deceased spouse. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Ignore the question and walk away
  2. Respond calmly to the resident's feelings and redirect to a comforting activity Correct answer.
  3. Tell the resident sharply that the spouse is dead
  4. Argue with the resident about the facts

Explanation

In dementia care, focus on the emotion behind the question and redirect gently rather than arguing. This approach reduces distress and supports comfort.

Question 37Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident speaks little English and needs care instructions. What is the best communication strategy?

  1. Use a trained medical interpreter or language line Correct answer.
  2. Speak very loudly in English
  3. Use a family member as the only interpreter without consent
  4. Avoid explaining care to save time

Explanation

Trained interpreters ensure accurate understanding and protect privacy. Using untrained family members may cause errors or confidentiality issues.

Question 38Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident tells the nursing assistant about new chest pain. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Discuss it with other residents to see if it is normal
  2. Wait until the end of the shift to chart it
  3. Report the change to the nurse immediately Correct answer.
  4. Tell the resident to rest and check back later

Explanation

New symptoms like chest pain must be reported promptly to the nurse for assessment. Delaying or discussing the symptom with other residents is unsafe and breaches privacy.

Question 39Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Two coworkers are arguing loudly near a resident's room. What is the best action?

  1. Join the argument to settle it
  2. Move the discussion to a private area and stay calm Correct answer.
  3. Ignore it and continue working
  4. Tell the resident to close the door

Explanation

Professional conflict should be handled privately and calmly to protect residents from stress. Ignoring the conflict or involving residents is inappropriate.

Question 40Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident has clenched fists and a rigid posture. What might this nonverbal behavior indicate?

  1. The resident wants to be alone
  2. The resident is feeling relaxed
  3. The resident may be in pain or distress Correct answer.
  4. The resident is asleep

Explanation

Clenched fists and rigidity can signal pain, fear, or distress. The nursing assistant should observe the behavior and report changes to the nurse.

Question 41Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident says, 'I do not want that pill.' What is the best response?

  1. Ask the resident to explain their concern and report it to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Tell the resident they must take it or else
  3. Crush the pill into food without telling them
  4. Ignore the refusal and leave the pill

Explanation

The nursing assistant should listen to the resident's concern and notify the nurse; residents have the right to refuse. Forcing or hiding medication violates resident rights.

Question 42Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident avoids eye contact during conversation. What should the nursing assistant remember?

  1. Eye contact norms vary by culture and should be respected Correct answer.
  2. The resident is always lying
  3. Eye contact is required in all cultures
  4. The resident is being rude

Explanation

Cultural backgrounds influence eye contact and other communication behaviors. Respecting differences supports trust and effective communication.

Question 43Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Before using therapeutic touch with a resident, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Ask permission and explain what will be done Correct answer.
  2. Avoid all touch in every situation
  3. Only touch the resident when visitors are present
  4. Touch the resident without warning to save time

Explanation

Touch should be explained and consented to, respecting personal space and preferences. Unannounced touch can feel intrusive or startling.

Question 44Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A nursing assistant disagrees with a coworker's care approach. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Discuss concerns privately and follow the chain of command Correct answer.
  2. Argue with the coworker in front of the resident
  3. Post about it on social media
  4. Change the care plan without telling anyone

Explanation

Concerns should be addressed privately and through proper reporting channels. Public arguments or social media posts violate professionalism and may breach privacy.

Question 45Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident with hearing loss does not respond when called from behind. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Move into the resident's view and get attention gently Correct answer.
  2. Assume the resident is ignoring them
  3. Shout from another room
  4. Tap the resident's shoulder hard without warning

Explanation

Approaching within view and gently gaining attention respects safety and avoids startling. Shouting from behind may not be heard and can cause confusion.

Question 46Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident with limited speech becomes agitated whenever staff rush during morning care. What is the best interpretation?

  1. The resident is deliberately trying to annoy staff
  2. The behavior may be communicating discomfort or feeling rushed Correct answer.
  3. The behavior should be ignored until it stops
  4. The resident no longer needs morning care

Explanation

Behavior can be a form of communication, especially when verbal skills are limited. Staff should look for triggers and adjust the care approach.

Question 47Communication and Interpersonal Skills

When reporting a change in a resident's condition to the nurse, which information is most important to include?

  1. A story about another resident's similar problem
  2. The specific change, when it started, and any vital signs taken Correct answer.
  3. Only the resident's room number
  4. Your opinion of the resident's personality

Explanation

Effective reporting includes objective details: what changed, when it started, and relevant measurements. This helps the nurse act quickly and safely.

Question 48Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident with dementia insists it is 1965 and asks to go to work. Which response is most therapeutic?

  1. Correct the resident firmly and show a current calendar
  2. Leave the resident alone until the confusion passes
  3. Tell the resident to stop talking about the past
  4. Acknowledge the resident's feeling of needing to be productive and redirect to a safe activity Correct answer.

Explanation

Validation acknowledges the resident's emotional reality and redirects without confrontation. This reduces anxiety and supports a sense of safety.

Question 49Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A coworker repeatedly interrupts the nursing assistant during handoff. Which statement uses assertive communication?

  1. 'I will report you to the manager if you speak again.'
  2. 'You always ruin handoff; everyone knows it.'
  3. 'Whatever, I will just skip my report.'
  4. 'I need to finish my report so care is safe; please hold questions until I finish.' Correct answer.

Explanation

Assertive communication states the need clearly and respectfully without blame or threats. It focuses on the care task and invites cooperation.

Question 50Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A nursing assistant wants to post about a difficult day at work. Which approach protects resident confidentiality?

  1. Post a photo of a resident's room number
  2. Share details in a private group of coworkers
  3. Post only general feelings without names, details, or photos Correct answer.
  4. Describe the resident's diagnosis and initials

Explanation

Even without names, identifying details or photos can violate confidentiality. General posts without resident information are safer and more professional.