I85PREP
⌘ K
North Dakota CNA study materials
North Dakota CNA study resources

North Dakota CNA practice questions

One question at a time. Build your North Dakota 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.

Continue in the practice tool above to load more questions, 50 at a time.

Question 1Physical Care Skills

Before entering a resident's room to provide morning care, when should the nursing assistant perform hand hygiene?

  1. Right before touching the resident or their surroundings Correct answer.
  2. Only when the hands look or feel visibly soiled
  3. Once at the start of the shift before the first resident
  4. Only after the care task is finished and gloves are removed

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required immediately before and immediately after every episode of resident contact, including contact with the resident's surroundings. Gloves do not replace hand washing, and hands that look clean can still carry organisms.

Question 2Physical Care Skills

Which position places a resident in a semi-sitting position with the head of the bed raised about 45 to 60 degrees?

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

Explanation

Fowler's position raises the head of the bed 45 to 60 degrees with the knees slightly flexed, which helps with breathing and eating. Sims' is a side-lying position, Trendelenburg tilts the bed head-down, and prone means lying on the abdomen.

Question 3Physical Care Skills

At which site is the radial pulse best felt?

  1. On the thumb side of the wrist Correct answer.
  2. In the crease of the elbow
  3. At the side of the neck below the jaw
  4. Behind the knee

Explanation

The radial artery runs close to the surface on the thumb side of the wrist, which makes it the most common site for routine pulse counting. The neck, elbow crease, and knee are sites for other pulses.

Question 4Physical Care Skills

How often should an immobile resident usually be repositioned to help prevent pressure injuries?

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

Explanation

Immobile residents are usually turned at least every two hours, and more often if the skin shows signs of breakdown. A two-hour schedule spreads pressure so that no one area is deprived of blood flow for long.

Question 5Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when removing soiled gloves?

  1. Remove gloves only after leaving the room
  2. Grasp the outside of one glove and pull it off Correct answer.
  3. Pull each glove off by the fingertips
  4. Blow into the glove to loosen it

Explanation

The first glove is peeled off by grasping its outside with the other gloved hand, then bare fingers slide under the wrist of the second glove so skin never touches the contaminated outside. Hands are washed immediately afterward.

Question 6Physical Care Skills

Which item is counted as fluid intake when recording a resident's intake and output?

  1. Soup, gelatin, and ice cream served at meals Correct answer.
  2. Water used to rinse the mouth and spit out
  3. Urine emptied from the drainage bag
  4. Vomit collected in an emesis basin

Explanation

Any liquid taken by mouth counts as intake, including soup, gelatin, ice cream, and ice chips that melt. Urine, vomit, and drainage are recorded as output.

Question 7Physical Care Skills

When giving a bed bath, which body area should the nursing assistant wash first?

  1. The perineal area
  2. The back and buttocks
  3. The face and neck Correct answer.
  4. The legs and feet

Explanation

Bathing moves from the cleanest areas to the dirtiest, so the face and neck are washed first with fresh water. The perineal area is washed last with separate supplies.

Question 8Physical Care Skills

At what angle should a toothbrush be held against the gum line when brushing a resident's natural teeth?

  1. At a 45-degree angle Correct answer.
  2. At a 90-degree angle
  3. Straight up and down
  4. Flat against the teeth

Explanation

Angling the bristles about 45 degrees lets them reach the gum line and the space between the teeth and gums. Pressing the brush flat or at a right angle can injure gum tissue and misses the sulcus.

Question 9Physical Care Skills

During passive range-of-motion exercises, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Move only the joints the resident requests
  2. Ask the resident to move the joint without help
  3. Support the limb while moving each joint gently Correct answer.
  4. Push the joint slightly past the point of pain

Explanation

In passive range of motion the nursing assistant does the work while the resident stays relaxed, moving each joint slowly and stopping at resistance or pain. Forcing a joint can tear tissue or cause a fracture.

Question 10Physical Care Skills

How should a gait belt be applied before assisting a resident to walk?

  1. Loose around the chest under the arms
  2. Around the upper thighs above the knees
  3. Over bare skin just below the waist
  4. Snugly around the waist over clothing Correct answer.

Explanation

A gait belt goes around the waist over clothing, snug enough to grip but not tight enough to restrict breathing. It is never placed on bare skin, under the arms, or around the thighs.

Question 11Physical Care Skills

Where should a blood pressure cuff be placed when measuring pressure in the upper arm?

  1. Directly over the elbow joint
  2. One inch above the bend of the elbow Correct answer.
  3. At the top of the shoulder
  4. Over the forearm near the wrist

Explanation

The cuff goes on the bare upper arm with its lower edge about one inch above the bend of the elbow, centered over the brachial artery. A cuff placed too low or too high gives an inaccurate reading.

Question 12Physical Care Skills

When counting a resident's respirations, which approach is best?

  1. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by four
  2. Tell the resident you are counting their breaths
  3. Count for a full minute without announcing it Correct answer.
  4. Ask the resident to breathe deeply and evenly

Explanation

Respirations are counted for a full minute without telling the resident, because awareness changes the breathing pattern. The count is done right after the pulse without changing the resident's position.

Question 13Physical Care Skills

When applying elastic compression stockings, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Roll the stocking down to the ankle and leave it bunched
  2. Apply them only on the leg that appears swollen
  3. Put them on over lotion to help them slide up
  4. Smooth out wrinkles and check the skin first Correct answer.

Explanation

Stockings must be wrinkle-free and the skin inspected before and after application, because bunched fabric creates pressure points that can damage skin. They are usually applied in the morning before swelling develops.

Question 14Physical Care Skills

A resident must provide a midstream urine specimen. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Have the resident begin urinating, then collect Correct answer.
  2. Take the specimen from the bedpan afterwards
  3. Collect the urine from the drainage bag
  4. Add water to the container to reach the fill line

Explanation

A midstream, or clean-catch, specimen is collected after the resident has started urinating so the first portion flushes the urethra. The sample must never come from a drainage bag or a bedpan.

Question 15Physical Care Skills

When feeding a resident who has difficulty swallowing, which action is appropriate?

  1. Offer thin liquids through a straw
  2. Encourage the resident to talk during the meal
  3. Have the resident lie flat while eating
  4. Place food on the stronger side of the mouth Correct answer.

Explanation

Placing food on the stronger side lets the resident control the bolus and reduces the chance of aspiration. Thin liquids by straw, talking during meals, and lying flat all increase choking risk.

Question 16Physical Care Skills

How should a hearing aid be cared for?

  1. Store it in direct sunlight to dry
  2. Leave the battery in place when not in use
  3. Wipe it with a dry cloth and keep it dry Correct answer.
  4. Wash it in warm soapy water each night

Explanation

Hearing aids are wiped with a dry cloth and kept away from water, heat, and moisture, since moisture and heat damage the electronics. The battery is removed when the aid is not in use to prevent corrosion and battery drain.

Question 17Physical Care Skills

When providing indwelling catheter care, which action is correct?

  1. Clean from the meatus outward along the catheter Correct answer.
  2. Pull gently on the tubing to be sure it is secure
  3. Hold the drainage bag above the bladder level
  4. Clean the tubing with alcohol each shift

Explanation

Catheter care always cleans away from the urinary meatus toward the tubing so organisms are not pushed toward the bladder. The tubing is never pulled, and the drainage bag stays below bladder level.

Question 18Physical Care Skills

When emptying a urinary drainage bag, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Rinse the bag with tap water and reconnect it wet
  2. Let the spout touch the inside of the toilet bowl
  3. Wear gloves and keep the spout off the container Correct answer.
  4. Empty the bag into the resident's water pitcher

Explanation

The spout is kept from touching the toilet or collection container, and gloves are worn, to prevent organisms from traveling back up the tubing into the bladder. The bag is emptied before it becomes overfull.

Question 19Physical Care Skills

Which position is usually recommended when giving a cleansing enema?

  1. Left side-lying with the right knee bent Correct answer.
  2. Sitting upright in a chair
  3. Prone with the legs straight
  4. Flat on the back with the legs raised

Explanation

Left side-lying with the right knee drawn up lets the solution flow by gravity along the descending colon, which is on the left side. The resident is usually asked to hold the solution for several minutes before expelling it.

Question 20Physical Care Skills

Which action is safe when a resident is using supplemental oxygen?

  1. Place the tank near a heater to keep it warm
  2. Use petroleum jelly on the nostrils
  3. Keep the tank upright and away from heat Correct answer.
  4. Store the tank lying flat on the floor

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so tanks are secured upright and kept away from heat, sparks, and open flames. Petroleum products and oil-based lotions are never used near oxygen.

Question 21Physical Care Skills

The nursing assistant observes a shallow, open pink area on a resident's sacrum, and no fat is visible in the wound bed. How should this be reported to the nurse?

  1. As a stage 3 pressure injury
  2. As a stage 2 pressure injury Correct answer.
  3. As a stage 1 pressure injury
  4. As a deep tissue pressure injury

Explanation

A stage 2 pressure injury is a partial-thickness loss of skin with a shallow pink or red wound bed, and subcutaneous fat is not visible. Stage 1 is intact skin with non-blanchable redness, stage 3 exposes fat, and a deep tissue injury shows a purple or maroon area under intact or damaged skin.

Question 22Physical Care Skills

How should mouth care be given to an unconscious resident?

  1. Place the resident flat and use a large glass of water
  2. Sweep the mouth with fingers wrapped in gauze
  3. Turn the head to the side and use a small amount of fluid Correct answer.
  4. Use a soft toothbrush with toothpaste and rinse with water

Explanation

An unconscious resident cannot swallow or protect the airway, so the head is turned to the side and only a small amount of fluid is used, allowing it to drain out. Fingers and hard objects are never inserted into the mouth of an unconscious person.

Question 23Physical Care Skills

Which finding at the site of a hot compress application must be reported right away?

  1. The pad has cooled after fifteen minutes
  2. The resident reports the heat is relaxing
  3. The skin is red, blistered, or painful Correct answer.
  4. The area feels warm to the touch

Explanation

Heat and cold can burn or damage tissue, so redness, blistering, pain, or numbness means the application is stopped and reported. Warmth at the site and cooling of the pad are expected effects.

Question 24Physical Care Skills

When helping a resident whose right side is weak to get dressed, which order is correct?

  1. Put the right sleeve on last and take it off first
  2. Ask the resident to dress the weak arm without help
  3. Dress both arms at the same time
  4. Put the right sleeve on first and take it off last Correct answer.

Explanation

Clothing goes on the weak side first and comes off the weak side last, so the strong arm does the work of pulling and pushing the fabric. The resident is encouraged to do as much as possible but is not left to manage the weak limb alone.

Question 25Physical Care Skills

A resident begins to fall while walking with the nursing assistant. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Lower the resident to the floor and protect the head Correct answer.
  2. Step back and let the resident slide down alone
  3. Catch the resident under the arms and lift them upright
  4. Grab the gait belt and twist the resident into a chair

Explanation

When a resident starts to fall, the nursing assistant protects the head and lowers the resident gently to the floor rather than trying to catch or lift the body, which can injure both people. The nurse is notified and the resident is assessed before being moved.

Question 26Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant's hands are visibly soiled with body fluids. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Wipe the hands with a disposable antiseptic wipe
  2. Rub the hands with an alcohol-based hand rub
  3. Wash the hands with soap and running water Correct answer.
  4. Rinse the hands with warm water and dry them

Explanation

Hands that are visibly soiled must be washed with soap and running water because alcohol-based products do not remove dirt, blood, or other organic material effectively. The nursing assistant should use friction and wash all surfaces of the hands and wrists.

Question 27Physical Care Skills

Which action shows correct body mechanics when the nursing assistant helps move a resident up in bed?

  1. Hold the resident under the arms and lift with the back
  2. Bend at the waist and pull with the arms
  3. Twist the trunk while pulling the resident toward the head of the bed
  4. Bend the knees, keep the back straight, and ask for help Correct answer.

Explanation

Good body mechanics means keeping the back straight, bending at the knees and hips, and getting help or using equipment for heavy loads. Twisting or lifting with the back greatly increases the risk of injury.

Question 28Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant care for a resident's dentures after removing them?

  1. Place them in a tissue on the bedside table
  2. Scrub them with the resident's regular toothbrush and toothpaste
  3. Clean them over a basin of water with a soft brush Correct answer.
  4. Soak them in hot water to loosen debris

Explanation

Dentures are fragile and should be cleaned over a basin of water or a folded towel so they will not break if dropped, using a soft brush and denture cleanser. Hot water can warp them, and regular toothpaste may be abrasive.

Question 29Physical Care Skills

When measuring a radial pulse, where should the nursing assistant place the fingertips?

  1. On the little-finger side of the wrist
  2. At the side of the neck below the jaw
  3. On the thumb side of the wrist Correct answer.
  4. In the crease of the elbow

Explanation

The radial pulse is felt on the thumb side of the wrist using the pads of two fingers. The thumb should not be used because it has a pulse of its own that can be confused with the resident's pulse.

Question 30Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when taking an oral temperature with a digital thermometer?

  1. Place the probe against the inside of the cheek
  2. Place the probe under the tongue and hold it there Correct answer.
  3. Ask the resident to bite down on the probe
  4. Take it immediately after the resident drinks hot coffee

Explanation

For an oral temperature, the probe is placed under the tongue in the sublingual pocket and held gently until the thermometer signals. Hot or cold drinks, smoking, and chewing gum can alter the reading.

Question 31Physical Care Skills

When making an occupied bed, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Pull the used linens forcefully from under the resident
  2. Raise the side rail on the side opposite the nursing assistant Correct answer.
  3. Ask the resident to sit in a chair for the entire process
  4. Leave the bed raised at working height when finished

Explanation

When making an occupied bed, raise the side rail on the side opposite the nursing assistant to prevent falls while the resident is turned. Lower the bed and return rails to the ordered position when finished.

Question 32Physical Care Skills

A resident has difficulty breathing. Which position should the nursing assistant help the resident into?

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

Explanation

Fowler's position raises the head and torso, which makes breathing easier by allowing the chest to expand and reducing pressure on the diaphragm. It is commonly used for residents with shortness of breath.

Question 33Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when logrolling a resident?

  1. Ask the resident to twist the body toward the nursing assistant
  2. Keep the head, trunk, and legs aligned while turning Correct answer.
  3. Move the upper body first, then the legs
  4. Pull the resident by the arm toward the side of the bed

Explanation

Logrolling keeps the head, trunk, and legs in a straight line while the resident is turned as a unit, protecting the spine and preventing twisting. Several assistants may be needed to keep the body aligned.

Question 34Physical Care Skills

Before using a mechanical lift to transfer a resident, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Check the sling and lift for damage and confirm the resident's weight limit Correct answer.
  2. Have the resident stand and bear weight on the lift
  3. Leave the bed brakes unlocked so it can move
  4. Attach the sling while the resident is already lifted

Explanation

Before a mechanical lift transfer, inspect the sling and lift for tears or damage and verify the lift's weight limit. The resident should never be left unattended in a lift.

Question 35Physical Care Skills

When giving perineal care to a female resident, in which direction should the nursing assistant wash?

  1. From the front toward the back Correct answer.
  2. From the vagina toward the anus, then back to the vagina
  3. From the anus toward the vagina
  4. Back and forth across the area

Explanation

Perineal care for a female resident is given from the front toward the back to avoid carrying microorganisms from the anal area to the urinary opening. A clean area of the cloth is used with each stroke.

Question 36Physical Care Skills

A resident with diabetes has thickened toenails. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Refer foot care to the nurse or podiatrist and avoid cutting the toenails Correct answer.
  2. Cut the corners of the nails to prevent ingrowth
  3. Soak the feet and cut the nails straight across, then report any redness
  4. Use a sharp instrument to clean under the nails

Explanation

Residents with diabetes often have poor circulation and reduced sensation in the feet, so even small cuts can become serious infections. Toenail cutting is usually referred to a nurse or podiatrist, and any redness or injury should be reported.

Question 37Physical Care Skills

When shaving a resident with a safety razor, which action is correct?

  1. Use another resident's razor
  2. Shave over moles and broken skin
  3. Apply shaving cream and pull the skin taut Correct answer.
  4. Shave dry skin without shaving cream

Explanation

Shaving cream lubricates the skin and pulling the skin taut helps prevent nicks. A fresh safety razor should be used, and moles or broken skin should be avoided.

Question 38Physical Care Skills

A resident has a new ankle sprain. Which action is appropriate when applying a cold pack?

  1. Place the cold pack directly on the skin
  2. Apply the cold pack over an open wound
  3. Wrap the cold pack in a cloth before applying it Correct answer.
  4. Leave the cold pack in place for 60 minutes

Explanation

A cold pack should be wrapped in a cloth or towel so it does not directly contact the skin, which can cause cold injury. It is usually applied for about 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

Question 39Physical Care Skills

A resident needs to provide a sputum specimen. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Have the resident spit into a tissue and send the tissue
  2. Ask the resident to cough deeply and collect the sputum in a sterile container Correct answer.
  3. Collect the specimen after the resident eats breakfast
  4. Collect saliva from the mouth

Explanation

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

Question 40Physical Care Skills

A resident's stool specimen must be collected. Which action is correct?

  1. Collect a small amount with a clean tongue blade into a specimen container Correct answer.
  2. Mix the stool with urine to increase the sample
  3. Send the specimen in the bedpan to the laboratory
  4. Keep the specimen at room temperature for 24 hours

Explanation

A stool specimen is collected with a clean tongue blade or specimen spoon and placed in the proper container, taking care not to mix in urine. It should be sent to the laboratory promptly as facility policy directs.

Question 41Physical Care Skills

When removing personal protective equipment after resident care, which item should be removed first?

  1. Gloves Correct answer.
  2. Eye protection
  3. Gown
  4. Mask

Explanation

Gloves are the most contaminated item and are removed first, followed by eye protection or gown, and then the mask. Hand hygiene is performed after all PPE is removed.

Question 42Physical Care Skills

Standard precautions should be used when the nursing assistant has contact with which of the following?

  1. Only when the resident has a rash
  2. Only residents with a known infection
  3. Only urine and stool
  4. Blood and body fluids of any resident Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard precautions apply to blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes of every resident, regardless of known infection status.

Question 43Physical Care Skills

Which action should the nursing assistant take before giving a back massage?

  1. Massage directly over the spine
  2. Apply lotion to any reddened area
  3. Warm the lotion and check the skin for redness or breaks Correct answer.
  4. Use talc on broken skin

Explanation

Before a back massage, warm the lotion and inspect the skin for redness, breaks, or pressure injury. Massage is avoided over reddened bony areas, broken skin, and directly over the spine.

Question 44Physical Care Skills

A resident is learning to walk with a cane. On which side should the cane be held?

  1. In front of the body with both hands
  2. On the side of the stronger leg Correct answer.
  3. Alternating sides with each step
  4. On the side of the weaker leg

Explanation

A cane is held on the stronger side so it can help support the weaker leg. The resident moves the cane and the weaker leg forward together, then steps with the stronger leg.

Question 45Physical Care Skills

When helping a resident use a walker, how should the walker be positioned?

  1. Behind the resident to prevent backward falls
  2. About one step ahead of the resident Correct answer.
  3. Directly under the resident's arms as a substitute for support
  4. Several feet in front of the resident

Explanation

A walker should be placed about one step ahead of the resident with all four tips on the floor. The resident steps into the walker rather than pushing it too far away.

Question 46Physical Care Skills

A resident begins having a seizure. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Place a spoon between the teeth to keep the airway open
  2. Hold the resident's arms and legs still
  3. Give the resident water to swallow
  4. Lower the resident to the floor and protect the head Correct answer.

Explanation

During a seizure, the nursing assistant should lower the resident to the floor, protect the head, and move nearby objects away. Nothing should be placed in the mouth, and the resident should not be restrained.

Question 47Physical Care Skills

A resident is choking and cannot speak or cough. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Give the resident a glass of water
  2. Begin abdominal thrusts and call for help Correct answer.
  3. Lay the resident flat and check the mouth
  4. Leave the resident alone to get the nurse

Explanation

A resident who cannot speak or cough has a severe airway obstruction and needs abdominal thrusts and immediate help. Back blows may be used according to protocol, but the resident should not be given fluids.

Question 48Physical Care Skills

When measuring orthostatic blood pressure, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Measure pressure after the resident has exercised
  2. Measure pressure in both arms at the same time
  3. Measure pressure only while the resident is lying down
  4. Measure pressure while lying, sitting, and standing Correct answer.

Explanation

Orthostatic blood pressure is measured with the resident lying down, then sitting, then standing, waiting briefly between positions. A drop in pressure or symptoms of dizziness is reported.

Question 49Physical Care Skills

When emptying a colostomy bag, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Empty the contents into the toilet and clean the end of the pouch Correct answer.
  2. Empty the bag only when it is completely full
  3. Apply powder directly inside the pouch
  4. Flush the bag itself down the toilet

Explanation

A colostomy pouch is emptied into the toilet when it is about one-third to one-half full, and the end is cleaned before closing. The pouch itself is not flushed.

Question 50Physical Care Skills

A resident is confused and trying to climb out of bed. When is a physical restraint appropriate?

  1. When the family requests it to prevent falls
  2. Whenever the nursing assistant is too busy to watch the resident
  3. Only when ordered by a health care provider after other measures have failed Correct answer.
  4. As a routine part of care for all confused residents

Explanation

A physical restraint is used only when ordered by a health care provider for a specific reason and after less restrictive measures have failed. It is never a convenience or routine measure and requires monitoring.