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Nevada CNA practice questions

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Question 1Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant is about to provide morning care for a resident. Which action should the assistant take first?

  1. Put on a sterile gown
  2. Raise the bed to the highest position
  3. Ask the resident to wash their own face
  4. Perform hand hygiene Correct answer.

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed immediately before any resident contact and is the most important step in preventing the spread of infection. It must come before donning supplies or beginning care tasks. Raising the bed is not the first step and creates a fall hazard if left high.

Question 2Physical Care Skills

When should a nursing assistant wear gloves?

  1. Only if the resident has a known infection
  2. Only when the resident asks for them
  3. When body fluid contact is likely Correct answer.
  4. During every pulse measurement

Explanation

Standard precautions require gloves whenever contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, non-intact skin, or mucous membranes is anticipated. Gloves are not limited to residents with diagnosed infections. Measuring a radial pulse does not involve body fluid contact.

Question 3Physical Care Skills

A resident is lying on their side. Where should the nursing assistant place a pillow to help maintain proper body alignment?

  1. Across the resident's chest and arms
  2. Between the resident's knees Correct answer.
  3. Over the resident's feet and toes
  4. Under the resident's lower back only

Explanation

In a side-lying position, a pillow placed between the knees keeps the hips and legs aligned and prevents the knees and ankles from pressing together. Pillows may also support the back and top arm, but the knee pillow is the key support for the lower body. Proper alignment reduces strain and skin breakdown.

Question 4Physical Care Skills

While performing range-of-motion exercises, a resident reports pain in the joint. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Stop and tell the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Push the joint farther to stretch it
  3. Massage the joint firmly and continue
  4. Continue the exercise through the pain

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercises should never cause pain. If pain occurs, the assistant stops the exercise, keeps the joint supported, and reports the finding to the nurse. Forcing a painful joint can cause injury.

Question 5Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Around both of the resident's wrists
  2. Around the resident's waist Correct answer.
  3. Around the resident's upper chest
  4. Under the resident's arms

Explanation

A gait belt is placed snugly around the resident's waist over clothing so the assistant can grasp it to support the resident during walking or transfers. It should not be placed under the arms or around the chest, where it could injure the resident or restrict breathing.

Question 6Physical Care Skills

Before moving a resident from the bed to a chair, the nursing assistant should...

  1. Lock the chair wheels and raise the bed high
  2. Place the chair far away from the bed
  3. Lock the chair wheels and lower the bed Correct answer.
  4. Remove the resident's shoes first

Explanation

The chair wheels must be locked for safety, and the bed should be lowered so the resident's feet can reach the floor and the resident can stand with less strain. The chair should be close to the bed, and non-skid shoes should be worn, not removed.

Question 7Physical Care Skills

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

  1. The perineal area
  2. The feet and ankles
  3. The face Correct answer.
  4. The buttocks

Explanation

Bed baths proceed from the cleanest area to the dirtiest. The face is washed first with clear water, and the perineal area and buttocks are washed last to prevent spreading microorganisms. Feet are also washed later in the bath.

Question 8Physical Care Skills

How should a nursing assistant clean a resident's dentures?

  1. Use hot water and regular toothpaste
  2. Soak them in bleach overnight
  3. Rinse them with mouthwash only
  4. Use cool water and a denture brush Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentures are cleaned with cool water and a denture brush or soft toothbrush to prevent warping and scratching. Hot water can distort the denture material, and bleach is too harsh. Dentures should be handled over a basin or towel to prevent breakage if dropped.

Question 9Physical Care Skills

When providing perineal care to a female resident, the nursing assistant should wash...

  1. From the back toward the front
  2. Only the outer labia
  3. In a circular motion starting at the anus
  4. From the front toward the back Correct answer.

Explanation

Female perineal care is performed from the front (urethra) toward the back (anus) to keep fecal microorganisms away from the urinary meatus. A separate washcloth or a clean area of the cloth is used for each stroke. Washing back to front can cause urinary tract infection.

Question 10Physical Care Skills

How often should a nursing assistant reposition a resident who is at risk for pressure ulcers?

  1. Once per shift
  2. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.
  3. Only when the resident asks
  4. Once every 8 hours

Explanation

Residents at risk for pressure ulcers should be repositioned at least every 2 hours, and more often if the care plan specifies. Frequent repositioning relieves pressure on the skin and helps prevent breakdown. Waiting for the resident to ask is not reliable because sensation may be reduced.

Question 11Physical Care Skills

While bathing a resident, the nursing assistant notices a reddened area on the resident's heel that does not blanch. What should the assistant do?

  1. Massage the reddened area firmly with lotion
  2. Apply a heating pad to the heel
  3. Report it and keep pressure off Correct answer.
  4. Cover the area with a bandage

Explanation

A non-blanchable red area is an early sign of pressure injury. The assistant should keep pressure off the area and report it to the nurse promptly. Massaging or applying heat can further damage compromised tissue.

Question 12Physical Care Skills

Which temperature is considered a normal oral temperature for an adult?

  1. 104.0°F (40.0°C)
  2. 90.0°F (32.2°C)
  3. 96.0°F (35.6°C)
  4. 98.6°F (37.0°C) Correct answer.

Explanation

Normal adult oral temperature is about 98.6°F (37.0°C), with a usual range of roughly 97.6°F to 99.6°F. Values well above or below this range indicate fever or hypothermia and must be reported.

Question 13Physical Care Skills

When counting a resident's pulse, the nursing assistant should count the beats for...

  1. 10 seconds and multiply by 6
  2. 5 seconds and multiply by 12
  3. 30 seconds and multiply by 2 Correct answer.
  4. 15 seconds and multiply by 4

Explanation

The standard method is to count the pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by 2. If the pulse is irregular, the assistant should count for a full minute. Short counts such as 10 or 15 seconds are less accurate and are not the standard practice.

Question 14Physical Care Skills

How should a nursing assistant count a resident's respirations?

  1. Ask the resident to count out loud
  2. Count only exhales for 15 seconds
  3. Count without telling the resident Correct answer.
  4. Tell the resident to breathe deeply

Explanation

Respirations should be counted without telling the resident, because awareness can change the breathing pattern. A common technique is to keep fingers on the wrist as if still counting the pulse while observing the chest rise and fall for one full minute.

Question 15Physical Care Skills

When measuring blood pressure, where should the cuff be placed?

  1. On the upper arm above the elbow Correct answer.
  2. Over the elbow joint
  3. On the forearm below the elbow
  4. On the wrist

Explanation

The blood pressure cuff is wrapped around the upper arm with the lower edge about 1 inch above the elbow and the bladder centered over the brachial artery. Placing the cuff over the joint or on the forearm gives inaccurate readings.

Question 16Physical Care Skills

Which of the following should the nursing assistant record as intake?

  1. Urine output measured in the bedpan
  2. Wound drainage from the dressing
  3. Emesis from the stomach
  4. Water taken with medications Correct answer.

Explanation

Intake includes all fluids taken by mouth, through a feeding tube, or intravenously. Water swallowed with medications counts as oral intake. Urine, emesis, and wound drainage are output.

Question 17Physical Care Skills

When collecting a clean-catch urine specimen, the nursing assistant should...

  1. Add tap water to the specimen cup
  2. Use urine that has sat in the bedpan for an hour
  3. Collect the first few drops of urine
  4. Clean the urinary area and collect midstream Correct answer.

Explanation

A clean-catch specimen requires cleansing the urinary meatus first and then collecting urine in midstream, after the first flow has washed out the urethra. This reduces contamination so the laboratory can identify the true organism. The specimen should be sent promptly.

Question 18Physical Care Skills

While giving an enema, a resident reports cramping. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Continue the enema at the same steady rate
  2. Raise the enema container higher
  3. Stop the flow and let the resident rest Correct answer.
  4. Add more solution to the bag

Explanation

Cramping during an enema is a sign that the solution is entering too quickly or the bowel is irritated. The assistant should stop the flow, let the resident rest, and resume slowly only if appropriate. If cramping continues, the nurse should be notified.

Question 19Physical Care Skills

When providing catheter care, the nursing assistant should...

  1. Wash the catheter tubing from the meatus outward Correct answer.
  2. Pull gently on the catheter to check that it is secure
  3. Use the same washcloth for the catheter and anal area
  4. Clean in a back-and-forth motion around the meatus

Explanation

Catheter care is performed by washing from the urinary meatus outward along the catheter tubing to move microorganisms away from the opening. The catheter should never be pulled, and a separate clean cloth is used for the anal area. This helps prevent urinary tract infection.

Question 20Physical Care Skills

When emptying a colostomy pouch, the nursing assistant should...

  1. Remove the pouch from the skin first
  2. Rinse the pouch with hot water and bleach
  3. Drain it into a bedpan or toilet Correct answer.
  4. Have the resident lie flat during emptying

Explanation

The pouch is emptied by opening the bottom clamp and draining the contents into a bedpan or toilet, then cleaning the end of the pouch. The pouch itself is not removed from the skin for routine emptying. The resident may sit or stand as tolerated.

Question 21Physical Care Skills

When applying elastic stockings (TED hose), the nursing assistant should...

  1. Pull them up by the toe opening
  2. Roll them down to the ankle and leave them there
  3. Apply them only after the resident has walked
  4. Put them on before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.

Explanation

Elastic stockings are applied before the resident gets out of bed, when swelling is least, to promote venous return. They should be smooth and free of wrinkles. Rolling them down or pulling on the toe opening can create a tourniquet effect or damage the stocking.

Question 22Physical Care Skills

A resident is receiving a cold compress. Which is a correct safety measure?

  1. Check the skin every 5 to 10 minutes Correct answer.
  2. Apply the compress directly to bare skin
  3. Place the compress over the resident's eyes
  4. Leave the compress in place for 60 minutes

Explanation

Cold applications are checked every 5 to 10 minutes for skin color, temperature, and comfort because cold can cause tissue damage. The compress should be wrapped in a cloth rather than placed directly on skin. Treatments are usually limited to 20 minutes at a time.

Question 23Physical Care Skills

When a resident has an ordered restraint, how often should the nursing assistant check the resident?

  1. At least every 15 minutes Correct answer.
  2. Once at the start of each shift
  3. Only when meals are served
  4. Every 4 hours during the shift

Explanation

A resident in a restraint must be monitored frequently, at least every 15 minutes, for signs of distress, circulation, breathing, and positioning. The restraint must also be released and the resident repositioned according to the care plan. Frequent checks protect the resident's safety and rights.

Question 24Physical Care Skills

A resident has difficulty swallowing. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Offer thin liquids through a drinking straw
  2. Feed quickly so the resident does not tire
  3. Place food in the mouth while lying flat
  4. Sit the resident up and feed slowly Correct answer.

Explanation

A resident with dysphagia should be positioned upright, preferably at 90 degrees, and fed small amounts slowly with time to chew and swallow. Thin liquids and straws may increase the risk of aspiration unless specifically allowed. The assistant should also check for pocketing of food.

Question 25Physical Care Skills

Which action helps prevent falls for a resident who uses a walker?

  1. Keep the call light within reach Correct answer.
  2. Encourage hurrying without the walker
  3. Leave the side rails down at all times
  4. Keep the bed in the highest position

Explanation

Keeping the call light within reach allows the resident to ask for help rather than trying to get up alone, which reduces fall risk. The bed should be kept low and locked, and the walker should be within reach. Encouraging the resident to hurry without the walker is unsafe.

Question 26Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant is about to help a resident who needs feeding assistance. Which action should the assistant take first?

  1. Ask the resident to wash their hands
  2. Lower the head of the bed
  3. Wash hands with soap and water Correct answer.
  4. Put on sterile gloves

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed before any direct resident contact and before assisting with eating, because it is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. The head of the bed should be raised for safe eating, and sterile gloves are not required for feeding.

Question 27Physical Care Skills

Before helping a resident move from the bed into a wheelchair, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Drape a folded blanket over the seat
  2. Lock the wheels and move the footrests Correct answer.
  3. Tip the chair backward onto its rear wheels
  4. Take the armrests off the wheelchair

Explanation

A wheelchair must be stationary before a transfer, so the wheels are locked and the footrests are moved out of the way to prevent tripping. Tipping the chair or removing its supports makes the transfer unsafe.

Question 28Physical Care Skills

A resident is to be weighed on a standing scale. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Estimate the weight if the resident is unsteady
  2. Let the resident stand without holding the grab bar
  3. Zero the scale before the resident steps on Correct answer.
  4. Weigh the resident right after a large meal

Explanation

The scale is zeroed before the resident steps on so the reading reflects only the resident's weight. The resident should hold the grab bar for balance, and weights are usually taken at the same time each day, such as before breakfast after voiding.

Question 29Physical Care Skills

A resident is being positioned on the side. Where should the nursing assistant place a pillow?

  1. Under the resident's feet
  2. Under the resident's head only
  3. Between the resident's knees Correct answer.
  4. Across the resident's chest

Explanation

A pillow placed between the knees keeps the hips and legs aligned and prevents the knees and ankles from pressing together. Pillows behind the back and under the upper arm are also used, but a head pillow alone does not protect the knees.

Question 30Physical Care Skills

Which item is used to prevent foot drop in a resident who is on bed rest?

  1. A pillow under the lower back
  2. A rolled towel under the knees
  3. An abduction pillow between the legs
  4. High-top sneakers or a footboard Correct answer.

Explanation

Foot drop is prevented by holding the foot at a right angle to the leg, which high-top sneakers or a footboard accomplish. Support under the knees or back does not affect the position of the ankle.

Question 31Physical Care Skills

Which of the following should the nursing assistant record as output?

  1. Ice chips eaten by the resident
  2. Urine emptied from the bedpan Correct answer.
  3. A bowl of soup the resident ate
  4. A cup of tea the resident drank

Explanation

Output is fluid that leaves the body, such as urine, vomitus, or wound drainage. Foods and fluids taken by mouth, including ice chips, are recorded as intake.

Question 32Physical Care Skills

A resident is using a nasal cannula. How should the nursing assistant position the tubing?

  1. Across the forehead with the prongs at the mouth
  2. Loose around the neck with the prongs at the cheek
  3. Over the ears and under the chin
  4. Behind the ears with prongs in the nostrils Correct answer.

Explanation

The prongs sit just inside the nostrils and the tubing loops behind the ears so the device stays in place without pressure. Tubing that is tight around the neck or lying loosely at the cheek does not deliver oxygen reliably.

Question 33Physical Care Skills

Before giving a resident a back massage, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Warm the lotion and inspect the skin Correct answer.
  2. Massage firmly over any reddened area
  3. Apply lotion straight from a cold bottle
  4. Place the resident flat on the back

Explanation

Warm lotion is more comfortable and the skin is inspected first so that any redness, bruising, or break can be reported instead of massaged. Massaging over a reddened bony area can damage tissue that is already compromised.

Question 34Physical Care Skills

A rectal temperature is ordered for a resident. How should the resident be positioned?

  1. Sitting upright in a chair
  2. On the abdomen with legs together
  3. On the back with legs straight
  4. On the side with the upper knee bent Correct answer.

Explanation

The side-lying position with the upper knee flexed, sometimes called Sims' position, exposes the rectum and allows safe insertion. Rectal temperatures are avoided when the resident has diarrhea or recent rectal surgery.

Question 35Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Apply a hot towel before shaving
  2. Use a razor with a fresh blade
  3. Use an electric razor Correct answer.
  4. Stretch the skin and shave against the grain

Explanation

Residents who take blood thinners bleed easily, so an electric razor is used because it trims hair without cutting skin. Blade razors, hot towels, and stretching the skin all raise the risk of bleeding.

Question 36Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Wait until the resident wakes up
  2. Lay the resident on the back and rinse well
  3. Use plenty of water and a soft toothbrush
  4. Turn the resident to the side first Correct answer.

Explanation

An unresponsive resident cannot swallow or cough, so turning to the side lets fluid drain out and prevents aspiration. Small amounts of fluid and a soft applicator are used, and mouth care is still provided on schedule.

Question 37Physical Care Skills

When dressing a resident whose right arm is weak, the nursing assistant should put the shirt on:

  1. The right arm first Correct answer.
  2. The left arm first
  3. Over the head before either arm
  4. Both arms at the same time

Explanation

Clothing is applied to the weak or affected side first and removed from that side last, so the resident can use the strong arm to help. This reduces strain on the weak arm and makes dressing easier.

Question 38Physical 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 through the pain
  2. Stop and report the pain to the nurse Correct answer.
  3. Move the joint faster to finish quickly
  4. Apply extra pressure to the joint

Explanation

Pain during range-of-motion exercise may signal an injury or a new problem, so the movement is stopped and the nurse is told. Forcing or speeding up a painful joint can cause damage.

Question 39Physical Care Skills

Where should the nursing assistant place a gait belt on a resident?

  1. Around the waist over the clothing Correct answer.
  2. Around the hips below the buttocks
  3. Over the shoulders like a vest
  4. Under the arms across the chest

Explanation

A gait belt is worn around the waist over clothing so the assistant has a firm grip without pulling on the resident's arms or clothing. It should be snug enough to be secure but not tight enough to restrict breathing.

Question 40Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when logrolling a resident?

  1. Turn the resident alone without help
  2. Turn the head first, then the body
  3. Keep head, trunk, and legs aligned Correct answer.
  4. Pull the resident by the arms

Explanation

Logrolling keeps the spine straight by moving the head, trunk, and legs as one unit, which protects the spine after surgery or injury. Two assistants and a draw sheet are used, and no one pulls on the resident's arms.

Question 41Physical Care Skills

A resident is receiving a warm soak to the hand. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Check the water temperature and the skin Correct answer.
  2. Cover the hand and leave it for an hour
  3. Add more hot water every few minutes
  4. Use water as hot as the resident can tolerate

Explanation

The water temperature is checked before the soak and the skin is inspected often for redness or blistering, especially when sensation is reduced. Water that is too hot or applied for too long can burn the skin.

Question 42Physical Care Skills

A resident's pulse oximeter reading seems low. Which action should the nursing assistant take first?

  1. Report the reading as a critical value at once
  2. Move the probe to the earlobe
  3. Ask the resident to hold their breath
  4. Check the probe placement and remove nail polish Correct answer.

Explanation

Poor probe placement, cold fingers, and nail polish can falsely lower a pulse oximeter reading, so these are corrected and the reading repeated before it is reported. A reading that stays low is reported to the nurse promptly.

Question 43Physical Care Skills

A resident is on a fluid restriction. How should the nursing assistant offer fluids?

  1. Give all the fluid with breakfast
  2. Offer the allowed amount at set times Correct answer.
  3. Let the resident drink as much as they want
  4. Withhold all fluids until the doctor visits

Explanation

Fluids on a restriction are spaced through the day so the resident stays comfortable while staying within the ordered total. Each amount is measured and recorded.

Question 44Physical Care Skills

A sputum specimen is ordered. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Collect the specimen after a meal
  2. Use a sterile swab to wipe the tongue
  3. Have the resident cough into the cup Correct answer.
  4. Collect saliva from the mouth

Explanation

Sputum is mucus coughed up from the lungs, so the resident is asked to cough deeply and spit into the container. Saliva is not an acceptable specimen, and the collection is usually done in the early morning before eating.

Question 45Physical Care Skills

When inserting a rectal suppository, how far should it be inserted?

  1. Past the internal sphincter Correct answer.
  2. Just inside the anal opening
  3. All the way to the sigmoid colon
  4. Only after a bowel movement

Explanation

The suppository is placed past the internal sphincter so it is not pushed out and can be absorbed against the rectal wall. The resident usually stays lying down for a while afterward.

Question 46Physical Care Skills

A resident's radial pulse is irregular. How should the nursing assistant count the apical pulse?

  1. For one full minute Correct answer.
  2. For 15 seconds and multiply by four
  3. For 30 seconds and multiply by two
  4. For 10 seconds and multiply by six

Explanation

An irregular pulse must be counted for a full minute so that the varying beats are not missed or counted twice. The apical pulse is heard at the fifth intercostal space at the left midclavicular line.

Question 47Physical Care Skills

The nursing assistant obtains a blood pressure of 168/96 mm Hg on a resident who has no history of high blood pressure. What should the assistant do?

  1. Lower the head of the bed and recheck in one hour
  2. Recheck the pressure and report it to the nurse Correct answer.
  3. Record the value and wait until the next scheduled check
  4. Tell the resident to lie down and check again tomorrow

Explanation

An unexpected high reading is rechecked to rule out equipment or positioning error, then reported promptly because a sudden rise can be serious. The assistant does not wait for the next routine check before telling the nurse.

Question 48Physical Care Skills

A resident with severe shortness of breath is most comfortable in which position?

  1. On the side with the head flat
  2. Flat on the back
  3. Sitting up and leaning forward Correct answer.
  4. Lying on the stomach

Explanation

In the orthopneic position the resident sits upright and leans forward, often on an overbed table, which lets the chest expand and uses gravity to ease breathing. Lying flat makes breathlessness worse.

Question 49Physical Care Skills

A resident begins to have a seizure. Which action should the nursing assistant take?

  1. Protect the head and turn to the side Correct answer.
  2. Put a spoon between the teeth
  3. Hold the arms and legs still during the seizure
  4. Leave the room to call for help

Explanation

During a seizure the head is protected and the resident is turned to the side so secretions drain and the airway stays open. Nothing is placed in the mouth and the limbs are not restrained.

Question 50Physical Care Skills

When using a mechanical lift to move a resident, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Use the lift alone to save time
  2. Raise the resident as quickly as possible
  3. Leave the resident suspended while getting supplies
  4. Check the sling and straps before lifting Correct answer.

Explanation

The sling, straps, and hooks are checked before lifting so the resident is secure, and the lift is moved smoothly with the resident never left unattended. Two trained staff usually perform the transfer.