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New Jersey CNA study materials
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New Jersey CNA practice questions

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Question 1Physical Care Skills

A nurse aide is about to provide mouth care for a resident. When is hand hygiene required?

  1. Only at the start of the shift
  2. Before care and again after care is finished Correct answer.
  3. Only when the hands look soiled
  4. Only after the gloves are removed

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed before contact with a resident and again after care is complete, even when gloves are worn. Gloves do not replace handwashing because they can develop small tears and contaminate hands during removal.

Question 2Physical Care Skills

Which action by the nurse aide best protects a resident's dignity during a bed bath?

  1. Leaving the door open so other staff can observe
  2. Washing the whole body at once to save time
  3. Discussing other residents during the bath
  4. Exposing only the part of the body being washed Correct answer.

Explanation

Draping the resident and uncovering one area at a time keeps the resident warm and preserves privacy. This practice also reduces embarrassment and keeps the resident in control of the experience.

Question 3Physical Care Skills

A resident who wears dentures cannot care for them. How should the nurse aide clean the dentures?

  1. Soak them overnight in household bleach
  2. Remove them and brush with a soft brush over a basin Correct answer.
  3. Scrub them with a stiff brush while they are still in the mouth
  4. Clean them with a toothpick and hot water

Explanation

Dentures are removed and cleaned with a soft brush over a basin lined with a towel or water so they will not break if dropped. Household bleach and hot water damage the denture material.

Question 4Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Wait about 20 minutes Correct answer.
  2. Wait about 10 minutes
  3. Still take it right away
  4. Wait about 5 minutes

Explanation

Hot or cold food and drinks change the temperature inside the mouth, so the aide waits roughly 15 to 30 minutes before an oral reading. Waiting gives the mouth time to return to body temperature.

Question 5Physical Care Skills

A resident cannot turn independently. How often should the nurse aide reposition this resident?

  1. At least every 2 hours, or as the care plan states Correct answer.
  2. Only when the resident requests it
  3. Once during each eight-hour shift
  4. Every 8 hours while awake

Explanation

Repositioning at least every two hours relieves pressure on the skin and helps prevent pressure injuries. The care plan may direct a different schedule based on the resident's skin condition and support surface.

Question 6Physical Care Skills

Where should the nurse aide place a gait belt on a resident?

  1. Around the neck for extra support
  2. Around the upper thighs
  3. Under the arms across the chest
  4. Around the waist over the clothing Correct answer.

Explanation

A gait belt is fastened snugly around the waist over clothing so the aide can guide the resident without pulling on the arms or shoulders. It should allow the aide to grasp it while still permitting normal breathing.

Question 7Physical Care Skills

Which item is recorded as fluid intake on the intake and output record?

  1. Vomitus
  2. Ice chips Correct answer.
  3. Wound drainage
  4. Urine

Explanation

Intake includes anything the resident takes by mouth or through a tube, and melted ice chips count as fluid. Urine, vomitus, and drainage are measured as output instead.

Question 8Physical Care Skills

In which direction should the nurse aide cleanse the catheter during catheter care?

  1. Toward the meatus with downward strokes
  2. Only at the end of each shift
  3. Back and forth across the meatus
  4. From the meatus outward, away from the body Correct answer.

Explanation

Cleansing moves from the urinary meatus outward so organisms near the anus are not carried toward the bladder. The catheter itself is also cleaned away from the body with each stroke.

Question 9Physical Care Skills

A female resident needs perineal care. In which direction should the nurse aide wash?

  1. From front to back Correct answer.
  2. In circles starting at the anus
  3. From back to front
  4. Side to side across the perineum

Explanation

Washing from the pubic area toward the rectum keeps fecal organisms away from the urethra and vagina. A clean washcloth is used for each stroke, and the far side is washed before the near side.

Question 10Physical Care Skills

A resident must collect a midstream urine specimen. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Collect the first urine of the morning from a bedpan
  2. Add tap water to the container after collection
  3. Cleanse the area, begin voiding into the toilet, then collect Correct answer.
  4. Take the sample from the catheter drainage bag

Explanation

In a midstream collection the resident cleans the genital area, starts urinating into the toilet, and then catches the middle portion in a sterile container. This reduces contamination from organisms at the opening of the urethra.

Question 11Physical Care Skills

A nurse aide counts 15 heartbeats in 15 seconds. What pulse rate should be recorded?

  1. 45 beats per minute
  2. 60 beats per minute Correct answer.
  3. 30 beats per minute
  4. 90 beats per minute

Explanation

The 15-second count is multiplied by 4 to give the rate for a full minute. Fifteen beats times four equals 60 beats per minute.

Question 12Physical Care Skills

How should the nurse aide count a resident's respirations?

  1. Ask the resident to breathe deeply while counting for 1 minute
  2. Count for 1 full minute while the resident is unaware Correct answer.
  3. Count for 10 seconds and multiply by 6 while the resident watches
  4. Announce the count so the resident can follow along

Explanation

Respirations are counted for a full minute without telling the resident, because awareness can change the breathing pattern. The aide keeps a hand on the pulse as if still counting it so the resident does not notice.

Question 13Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when the nurse aide measures blood pressure?

  1. Take the reading while the resident is walking
  2. Place the cuff on the bare upper arm at heart level Correct answer.
  3. Place the cuff over a thick sweater
  4. Use a cuff that is too small for the arm

Explanation

The cuff goes on bare skin with the artery marker over the brachial artery and the arm supported at heart level. The resident should be resting and the cuff should fit the arm properly for an accurate reading.

Question 14Physical Care Skills

When transferring a resident from bed to wheelchair, where should the nurse aide position the wheelchair?

  1. Behind the bed facing away from the resident
  2. On the weaker side with the footrests lowered
  3. At the foot of the bed with the brakes unlocked
  4. On the stronger side, angled toward the bed, brakes locked Correct answer.

Explanation

Placing the wheelchair on the resident's stronger side and angling it toward the bed shortens the pivot and uses the resident's strongest muscles. Locking the brakes prevents the chair from rolling during the transfer.

Question 15Physical Care Skills

A cold compress has been on a resident's skin for several minutes. Which finding should the nurse aide report right away?

  1. The skin is pink and warm after removal
  2. The compress feels cool to the touch
  3. The resident says the compress feels good
  4. The skin is pale, white, and numb Correct answer.

Explanation

Pale, white, numb skin signals that circulation has been reduced too much and the application must be stopped. The aide removes the compress and reports the finding to the nurse promptly.

Question 16Physical Care Skills

How often must a resident who is in a restraint be checked by staff?

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

Explanation

Residents in restraints require frequent checks, commonly every 15 minutes, for safety, circulation, and needs such as toileting. The care plan and facility policy specify the exact schedule and documentation.

Question 17Physical Care Skills

Which area is at greatest risk of a pressure injury in a resident who lies on the back?

  1. The sacrum Correct answer.
  2. The forehead
  3. The abdomen
  4. The inner knee

Explanation

The sacrum and coccyx press against the mattress when a resident lies supine, so they are common pressure injury sites. Heels and elbows are also at risk in this position.

Question 18Physical Care Skills

What should the nurse aide do when applying elastic stockings to a resident?

  1. Roll the top down if the stockings feel tight
  2. Check the skin and smooth out any wrinkles Correct answer.
  3. Apply them over lotion so they slide on easily
  4. Put them on only when the resident walks

Explanation

The aide inspects the skin for redness or breaks and makes sure the stocking lies smooth, because wrinkles can press into the skin and reduce circulation. Stockings are usually worn as ordered throughout the day, not just for walking.

Question 19Physical Care Skills

A resident has a colostomy. Which finding should the nurse aide report to the nurse?

  1. Stool has collected in the pouch
  2. The stoma is pink and moist
  3. The stoma looks blue-black and dry Correct answer.
  4. The pouch contains a small amount of gas

Explanation

A healthy stoma is pink or red and moist; a blue-black, dry stoma suggests poor blood flow and is an emergency. Normal stool and gas in the pouch do not require reporting.

Question 20Physical Care Skills

A resident's wound dressing is soaked with drainage. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Remove the dressing and leave the wound open to the air
  2. Wash the wound with alcohol and reapply the same dressing
  3. Cover the old dressing with a new one without cleaning
  4. Report the drainage and follow the care plan for the change Correct answer.

Explanation

The aide reports heavy drainage because it may signal infection or a change in the wound, and only follows the care plan for dressing changes. Wound cleaning and dressing selection are done according to the nurse's directions and sterile technique.

Question 21Physical Care Skills

A resident with swallowing problems is eating lunch. Which action by the nurse aide lowers the risk of aspiration?

  1. Give thin fluids through a straw while the resident lies flat
  2. Place food on the weaker side of the mouth
  3. Encourage the resident to talk while chewing food
  4. Have the resident sit upright during and after the meal Correct answer.

Explanation

Sitting upright keeps food moving down the esophagus and prevents it from entering the airway. The resident should remain upright for a period after eating as directed by the care plan.

Question 22Physical Care Skills

A resident suddenly begins having a seizure. What should the nurse aide do first?

  1. Leave the resident and finish the assigned task
  2. Hold the resident's arms and legs still
  3. Lower the resident to the floor and protect the head Correct answer.
  4. Place a spoon between the resident's teeth

Explanation

The aide eases the resident to the floor, moves nearby objects away, and cushions the head while timing the seizure. Nothing is placed in the mouth, and the resident is not restrained during the movement.

Question 23Physical Care Skills

A resident is using oxygen through a nasal cannula. Which action by the nurse aide is safe?

  1. Lay the tank flat near a space heater
  2. Keep the tank upright and away from heat sources Correct answer.
  3. Apply petroleum jelly to the nostrils
  4. Smoke only when the flow rate is turned low

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so tanks are secured upright and kept away from flames, heaters, and flammable products. Oil-based substances such as petroleum jelly are avoided on the face and nares.

Question 24Physical Care Skills

A resident is weighed every morning. Which practice gives the most accurate weight?

  1. Use any available scale after a large meal
  2. Estimate the weight from last week's record
  3. Use the same scale at the same time each day Correct answer.
  4. Weigh the resident with shoes and a coat on

Explanation

Consistency in scale, time of day, and clothing allows real changes in weight to be seen rather than differences caused by equipment or clothing. Daily weights are typically taken before breakfast after voiding.

Question 25Physical Care Skills

How should the nurse aide measure urine from a catheter drainage bag?

  1. Pour it into a graduated container and read at eye level Correct answer.
  2. Add the rinse water to the amount recorded
  3. Record the total capacity printed on the bag
  4. Measure the urine left in the tubing

Explanation

Output is emptied into a graduated cylinder and read at eye level on a flat surface for an accurate measurement. The amount is recorded and the bag is dated and replaced according to policy.

Question 26Physical Care Skills

A nurse aide's hands are not visibly soiled. Which method of hand hygiene is appropriate?

  1. Wash the hands with soap and water for at least 5 seconds
  2. Use an alcohol-based hand rub and rub the hands until they are dry Correct answer.
  3. Rinse the hands under warm running water only
  4. Wipe the hands with a paper towel and continue with care

Explanation

When hands are not visibly soiled, an alcohol-based hand rub is acceptable and should be rubbed in until dry. Soap and water is required when hands are visibly dirty or contaminated with body fluids.

Question 27Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when the nurse aide removes soiled gloves?

  1. Grasp the fingertips of one glove with the other gloved hand and pull it off, leaving the second glove on
  2. Wash the gloved hands with soap and water before pulling the gloves off
  3. Peel the first glove off inside out, then remove the second glove by hooking bare fingers inside it Correct answer.
  4. Remove both gloves at once by pulling them off together, then wash the hands

Explanation

Gloves are removed so that the bare skin never touches the contaminated outside; the first glove is peeled off inside out and the second is removed by hooking bare fingers under its cuff. Hands are washed immediately afterward.

Question 28Physical Care Skills

How should the nurse aide wash a resident's eyes during a bed bath?

  1. In small circles over the closed eyelid using soapy water
  2. From the eyebrows down over the closed eyes using the face cloth
  3. From the outer corner toward the inner corner, pressing firmly on the eyelid
  4. Inner corner to outer corner, with a clean part of the cloth for each eye Correct answer.

Explanation

Eyes are cleaned from the inner corner outward so debris moves away from the tear duct, and a clean area of cloth is used for each eye to prevent spreading drainage. Soap is not used in the eye area.

Question 29Physical Care Skills

How should the nurse aide care for a resident's dentures?

  1. Clean them with a hard-bristle brush and scouring powder
  2. Soak them in a bleach solution for at least one hour
  3. Scrub them with hot water while holding them over the bare sink
  4. Hold them over a cloth-lined basin and brush with denture cleanser Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentures are fragile and slippery, so the sink or basin is lined or filled with water to cushion a drop, and a denture brush with cleanser is used. Hot water and bleach damage denture material.

Question 30Physical Care Skills

A resident is unconscious. Which action is safest when the nurse aide provides mouth care?

  1. Turn the resident's head to the side and use a small amount of water Correct answer.
  2. Place the resident flat on the back and use a large amount of water to rinse
  3. Skip mouth care until the resident is awake and can hold a toothbrush
  4. Insert fingers wrapped in gauze to scrub the back of the tongue

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 to limit aspiration risk. Mouth care is still needed regularly for comfort and hygiene.

Question 31Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Soak the feet first, then cut the corners of the nails
  2. Trim the nails straight across and file the corners smooth
  3. Trim the nails and apply lotion between the toes afterward
  4. Tell the resident a podiatrist should trim the toenails and tell the nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents with diabetes have poor circulation and sensation in the feet, so nail trimming is done by a podiatrist to prevent injury and infection. The nurse aide reports the request and does not cut the nails.

Question 32Physical Care Skills

A resident who takes a blood-thinning medication needs a shave. Which action should the nurse aide take?

  1. Apply a hot towel first and shave without shaving cream
  2. Use a razor with a new double blade and shave against the grain
  3. Use an electric razor for the shave Correct answer.
  4. Use a disposable razor and stretch the skin tight

Explanation

Residents who take anticoagulants bleed easily, so an electric razor is used because it cuts hair without nicking the skin. Any cut can bleed excessively and lead to infection.

Question 33Physical Care Skills

A resident has weakness on the right side. In what order should the nurse aide help the resident put on a shirt?

  1. Left sleeve first, then the right sleeve
  2. Left sleeve first, and remove the right sleeve first when undressing
  3. Both sleeves at the same time to save the resident's energy
  4. Right sleeve first, and remove the right sleeve first when undressing Correct answer.

Explanation

Clothing is put on the weak side first and taken off the weak side first, so the resident does not have to move the weak arm more than necessary. This protects the weaker limb and promotes independence.

Question 34Physical Care Skills

A resident is lying on the back in bed. Where should the nurse aide place a pillow for comfort and safety?

  1. Under the lower back to raise the hips off the mattress
  2. Under the knees only, so the legs stay bent
  3. Under the head only, so the chin rests on the chest
  4. Under the lower legs to keep the heels off the bed Correct answer.

Explanation

Placing a pillow under the lower legs lifts the heels off the mattress and prevents pressure on the heels, a common pressure injury site. The head should be supported so the chin does not press toward the chest.

Question 35Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when the nurse aide performs range-of-motion exercises?

  1. Force the joint a little past the point of resistance each time
  2. Exercise only the joints on the resident's stronger side
  3. Move the joint quickly through its full range to save time and effort
  4. Support the limb and move the joint slowly to the point of resistance Correct answer.

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercise is done slowly with the limb supported, stopping at the point of resistance or pain to prevent injury. Fast or forced movement can damage joints and muscles.

Question 36Physical Care Skills

A resident who is walking with a gait belt begins to fall. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Catch the resident under the arms and hold the resident upright
  2. Grab the resident's arm and pull the resident back toward the chair
  3. Lower the resident to the floor while holding the gait belt and protect the head Correct answer.
  4. Step back and let the resident slide to the floor without touching or guiding the resident

Explanation

Holding the gait belt lets the nurse aide control the descent and ease the resident to the floor while protecting the head, which prevents injury to both people. The nurse then stays with the resident and reports the fall.

Question 37Physical Care Skills

Before using a mechanical lift to transfer a resident, what should the nurse aide check?

  1. That the resident can bear weight on both legs before the lift is used
  2. That the lift's wheels are locked only after the resident is lifted
  3. That the resident is wearing shoes with nonskid soles
  4. That the sling fits, is not torn, and the straps are secure Correct answer.

Explanation

A mechanical lift is used only after confirming the sling is the right size and in good repair and the straps are properly attached, since a torn sling or loose strap can drop the resident. The resident's ability to bear weight is not the deciding factor for lift use.

Question 38Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when the nurse aide gives a resident a bedpan?

  1. Place the bedpan while the resident lies flat on the back
  2. Warm the bedpan with warm water and dry it before placing it Correct answer.
  3. Powder the rim of the bedpan heavily before use
  4. Leave the resident alone until the call light is used

Explanation

Warming and drying a cold bedpan improves comfort and helps the resident relax so elimination can occur. The head of the bed is raised and the resident's knees are bent for placement.

Question 39Physical Care Skills

A male resident needs to use a urinal. How should the nurse aide position the urinal?

  1. Put the penis in the urinal with the urinal lower than the penis Correct answer.
  2. Place the urinal between the resident's thighs while the resident lies flat
  3. Hold the urinal upright against the resident's abdomen
  4. Rest the urinal on the bed between the legs and leave the room

Explanation

The urinal is placed with its bottom lower than the penis so urine flows in and does not spill back onto the resident. Privacy is provided while the nurse aide remains nearby.

Question 40Physical Care Skills

A resident has had an incontinent episode of stool. Which action should the nurse aide take?

  1. Wipe from back to front, then put on a new brief
  2. Use alcohol wipes to clean the skin thoroughly before applying a brief
  3. Clean only the area that is visibly soiled to avoid irritating the skin
  4. Clean front to back, rinse, pat dry, and apply a new brief Correct answer.

Explanation

Cleaning from front to back keeps stool away from the urinary opening, and rinsing and patting dry protects the skin from breakdown. A clean brief is applied afterward.

Question 41Physical Care Skills

While repositioning a resident, the nurse aide sees a reddened area over the hip that does not turn white when pressed. What should the nurse aide do?

  1. Leave the area alone, keep pressure off it, and report it to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Massage the area firmly to improve circulation to the skin
  3. Apply a warm compress and check the area again at the next shift
  4. Cover the area with a thick layer of lotion and continue care

Explanation

Redness that does not blanch signals tissue damage from pressure, so pressure must be relieved and the nurse notified promptly. Massaging damaged tissue causes further injury.

Question 42Physical Care Skills

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

  1. At least 5 minutes after the coffee is finished
  2. At least 1 minute with the mouth closed
  3. At least 15 to 30 minutes Correct answer.
  4. No waiting is needed if an electronic thermometer is used

Explanation

Hot or cold food and drink change the temperature inside the mouth, so the nurse aide waits about 15 to 30 minutes before taking an oral temperature. If waiting is not possible, another site is used.

Question 43Physical Care Skills

Where should the nurse aide place the stethoscope to count an apical pulse?

  1. At the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line Correct answer.
  2. At the point where the neck and collarbone meet
  3. Over the second intercostal space to the right of the sternum
  4. Just below the xiphoid process at the center of the chest

Explanation

The apical pulse is heard over the apex of the heart, at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line. The nurse aide counts for a full minute and records the rate.

Question 44Physical Care Skills

Which action is best when the nurse aide wants to learn whether a resident is in pain?

  1. Check the resident's pulse rate and assume pain is present if it is fast
  2. Ask the resident directly and use a pain scale the resident understands Correct answer.
  3. Wait for the resident to complain about pain during care
  4. Ask the resident's family whether the resident seems uncomfortable

Explanation

The resident's own report is the most reliable sign of pain, so the nurse aide asks directly and uses a scale the resident can use, such as numbers or faces. Findings are then reported to the nurse.

Question 45Physical Care Skills

A resident must collect a sputum specimen. Which instruction should the nurse aide give?

  1. Collect the specimen right after the resident finishes a meal
  2. Breathe through the nose and collect the specimen over the next 24 hours
  3. Spit saliva into the cup as soon as you wake up
  4. Rinse the mouth, then cough deeply and spit into the container Correct answer.

Explanation

Sputum must come from deep in the lungs, so the resident rinses the mouth, coughs deeply, and spits into the container. Saliva is not an acceptable specimen.

Question 46Physical Care Skills

A resident needs to provide a stool specimen. Which action by the nurse aide is correct?

  1. Use a clean container and tongue blade, and keep out urine Correct answer.
  2. Collect the stool from the toilet water with a gloved hand
  3. Collect a small smear with a swab only after the resident has flushed
  4. Mix the stool with water in the container to make it easier to test

Explanation

A stool specimen is collected in a clean container using a tongue blade, and urine and toilet paper are kept out because they interfere with testing. Gloves are worn and hand hygiene follows.

Question 47Physical Care Skills

Which position is best for an adult resident who is given a cleansing enema?

  1. Lying on the left side with the right knee drawn up Correct answer.
  2. Sitting upright on a bedpan
  3. Lying flat on the stomach
  4. Lying on the right side with both legs straight

Explanation

The left side-lying position with the right knee flexed follows the curve of the lower bowel, allowing the solution to flow in and be retained. The resident is covered and given privacy.

Question 48Physical Care Skills

How should the nurse aide dry a resident's feet after foot care?

  1. Dry carefully between the toes and the rest of the foot Correct answer.
  2. Dry only the soles, so the tops can air dry
  3. Leave the feet wet so the skin stays soft
  4. Rub the toes briskly with the towel until they are red

Explanation

Moisture between the toes softens the skin and encourages fungal growth, so the feet are dried thoroughly, including between each toe. Rubbing is done gently, not briskly.

Question 49Physical Care Skills

A resident wears a hearing aid in the right ear. What should the nurse aide do when the hearing aid is not in use?

  1. Soak the hearing aid in water overnight to clean it
  2. Wrap the hearing aid in a tissue and place it in a drawer
  3. Turn it off, open the battery door, and store it in a labeled case Correct answer.
  4. Leave the hearing aid on the bedside table uncovered

Explanation

Turning the hearing aid off and opening the battery door saves the battery, and storing it in a labeled case keeps it from being lost or damaged. Hearing aids are never soaked in water.

Question 50Physical Care Skills

A resident is learning to use a walker. In what order should the resident move?

  1. Place the walker two steps ahead and walk quickly to catch up
  2. Hold the walker on the stronger side and lean toward that side while walking
  3. Move the walker first, then step with the weaker leg, then the stronger Correct answer.
  4. Step forward with the stronger leg first, then move the walker forward

Explanation

The walker is moved forward a short distance first, and the resident then steps into it leading with the weaker leg so the stronger leg can take the weight. The resident should not be hurried.