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Rhode Island CNA study materials
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Rhode Island CNA practice questions

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Question 1Physical Care Skills

How long should a nursing assistant rub soapy hands together when washing hands with soap and water?

  1. At least 20 seconds Correct answer.
  2. Until the soap lather has completely disappeared
  3. Exactly 10 seconds with warm running water
  4. About 5 seconds, as long as all surfaces are touched

Explanation

Handwashing with soap and water must last at least 20 seconds, with friction covering the palms, backs of the hands, between the fingers, and under the nails. Shorter scrubs do not remove enough organisms, and the lather disappearing is not a reliable guide to cleanliness.

Question 2Physical Care Skills

Which action shows correct body mechanics when moving a resident up in bed?

  1. Bending the knees, keeping the back straight, and pulling with the legs Correct answer.
  2. Holding the resident at arm's length so the feet stay still
  3. Bending at the waist with the legs held straight and close together
  4. Twisting the upper body while pulling the resident toward the head of the bed

Explanation

Good body mechanics means using the strong leg muscles while keeping the back straight and the load close to the body, and avoiding twisting. This protects both the aide and the resident from strain and injury.

Question 3Physical Care Skills

What does passive range-of-motion exercise mean?

  1. The resident tightens muscles against resistance from the aide
  2. The resident performs the exercises only after a warm bath
  3. The resident moves each joint through its full range without help
  4. The aide moves the resident's joints through their range Correct answer.

Explanation

In passive range of motion the aide does the work, moving each joint through its full range because the resident cannot do it. Active range of motion is when the resident performs the movements without assistance.

Question 4Physical Care Skills

Where is the radial pulse felt?

  1. At the side of the neck, below the jaw
  2. On the thumb side of the wrist Correct answer.
  3. On the top of the foot, between the tendons
  4. Behind the knee, in the crease

Explanation

The radial pulse is felt on the thumb side of the wrist, where the radial artery runs close to the surface. It is the site most often used for routine pulse counting.

Question 5Physical Care Skills

For which resident should the nursing assistant avoid taking an oral temperature?

  1. A resident who wears a hearing aid in one ear
  2. A resident who is receiving a clear liquid diet
  3. A resident who is confused and may bite down Correct answer.
  4. A resident who has just finished a light meal

Explanation

Oral temperatures are unsafe when a resident cannot hold the thermometer safely or keep the mouth closed, such as someone who is confused, unconscious, or likely to bite. A different route, such as axillary or temporal, should be used instead.

Question 6Physical Care Skills

Which item is recorded as intake on a fluid balance record?

  1. Drainage from a wound
  2. Voided urine
  3. Ice chips eaten Correct answer.
  4. Emesis (vomit)

Explanation

Intake includes anything taken into the body by mouth or tube, such as water, juice, ice chips, and IV fluids. Urine, vomit, and wound drainage are measured as output and recorded separately.

Question 7Physical Care Skills

What should the nursing assistant do before cleaning a resident's dentures?

  1. Wrap them in a paper towel and set them on the bedside table
  2. Soak them in boiling water for one minute
  3. Place them in the resident's mouth while scrubbing
  4. Line the sink or fill it with water to cushion a fall Correct answer.

Explanation

Dentures are fragile and break easily, so the aide lines the sink with a towel or fills it with water and holds the dentures over the basin. They are cleaned with a brush and denture cleanser, never with boiling water.

Question 8Physical Care Skills

Why is a gait belt used when walking with a resident?

  1. It gives the aide a firm grip to steady the resident Correct answer.
  2. It replaces the need for the resident to use a walker
  3. It allows the resident to be lifted off the floor
  4. It keeps the resident's knees from bending during the walk

Explanation

A gait belt gives the aide a secure handhold so the resident can be steadied, guided, or eased to the floor if a fall begins. It is not a lifting device and does not take the place of an assistive device like a walker.

Question 9Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when making an occupied bed?

  1. Turn the resident without raising any side rail first
  2. Keep the resident covered and explain each step Correct answer.
  3. Shake the soiled linens in the air to remove the crumbs
  4. Place the clean sheets on the floor while you arrange them

Explanation

While making an occupied bed, the aide keeps the resident covered for privacy and warmth and explains each step before turning them. The far side rail is raised before the turn, and linens are never shaken or set on the floor.

Question 10Physical Care Skills

Where should the blood pressure cuff be placed?

  1. On the bare upper arm, an inch above the elbow crease Correct answer.
  2. On the forearm, just below the wrist and above the thumb joint
  3. Around the wrist, with the tubing crossing the palm
  4. Over the resident's sleeve, centered on the elbow crease

Explanation

The cuff goes on the bare upper arm with its lower edge about one inch above the elbow crease and at the level of the heart. Clothing, wrist placement, and the wrong height all produce inaccurate readings.

Question 11Physical Care Skills

When counting a resident's respirations, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Ask the resident to take several deep breaths during the count
  2. Tell the resident to breathe normally while counting out loud
  3. Count for 15 seconds and multiply the number by four
  4. Keep fingers on the wrist and count one full minute Correct answer.

Explanation

Respirations are counted without letting the resident know, so the breathing stays natural, and an adult count is taken for a full minute. Keeping the fingers on the wrist makes it appear the pulse is still being counted.

Question 12Physical Care Skills

When should elastic stockings be applied?

  1. Whenever the resident complains that both legs feel heavy
  2. At bedtime, after the legs have been elevated all day
  3. In the morning, before the resident gets up Correct answer.
  4. After the resident has walked to the bathroom and back

Explanation

Elastic stockings are applied in the morning before the resident gets out of bed, while the legs are least swollen, and are removed for skin care as ordered. Applying them after the legs have been dependent reduces their benefit.

Question 13Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant clean around an indwelling urinary catheter?

  1. Scrub the tubing with a washcloth and warm tap water
  2. Wash away from the meatus with soap and water Correct answer.
  3. Wipe toward the meatus from the surrounding skin
  4. Use alcohol wipes on the meatus and the catheter tubing

Explanation

Catheter care cleans from the urinary meatus outward, front to back, using mild soap and water so bacteria are not carried toward the opening. The tubing is not scrubbed, and alcohol is not used on delicate tissue.

Question 14Physical Care Skills

How often should the nursing assistant check the skin under a hot pack?

  1. Only once, about twenty minutes after the pack is applied
  2. Only before the pack is applied and after it is removed
  3. Every 30 minutes during the entire treatment
  4. Every 5 to 15 minutes while it is in place Correct answer.

Explanation

Heat and cold can damage skin even when the resident does not feel it, so the aide checks the skin every 5 to 15 minutes and removes the application at the first sign of redness, blisters, or pain. The area is also checked before and after the treatment.

Question 15Physical Care Skills

How should an unconscious resident be positioned for mouth care?

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

Explanation

An unconscious resident cannot swallow or protect the airway, so mouth care is given in a side-lying position with the head turned toward the aide and fluid allowed to drain out. Suction equipment must be nearby.

Question 16Physical Care Skills

Which shaving method is safest for a resident who takes a blood thinner?

  1. A straight razor with plenty of shaving cream
  2. An electric razor Correct answer.
  3. A disposable razor used with warm water only
  4. A safety razor followed by an alcohol wipe

Explanation

A resident on a blood thinner bleeds easily, so an electric razor, which cuts hair without touching the skin, is the safest choice. Blades are used only when the resident has no increased bleeding risk.

Question 17Physical Care Skills

A resident with dysphagia is eating lunch. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Keep the resident sitting upright during and after the meal Correct answer.
  2. Have the resident lean back in bed to make swallowing easier
  3. Encourage the resident to eat quickly while food is warm
  4. Offer thin liquids through a straw between bites

Explanation

Residents with dysphagia are kept upright during the meal and for about 30 minutes afterward so food does not reflux or enter the airway. Thin liquids and straws are often restricted by the speech therapist.

Question 18Physical Care Skills

Which safety rule applies when a resident is using oxygen?

  1. Keep flames and smoking materials out of the room Correct answer.
  2. Store the oxygen tank flat inside the bedside drawer
  3. Rub petroleum jelly inside the nostrils before each meal
  4. Use woollen blankets to keep the resident warm at night

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, so open flames, smoking, and oil-based products must be kept away from the resident and the equipment. Tanks are stored upright and secured so they cannot fall or roll.

Question 19Physical Care Skills

Before moving a resident from bed into a wheelchair, the aide should:

  1. Place the chair on the side of the weaker leg first
  2. Lock the wheels and swing the footrests aside Correct answer.
  3. Leave the bed at its highest level for an easier transfer
  4. Raise the footrests so the resident's feet rest on them

Explanation

The wheelchair is locked, the footrests are swung aside, and the chair is placed on the resident's stronger side so they can help with the transfer. The bed is kept low enough that the resident's feet reach the floor.

Question 20Physical Care Skills

How should a hearing aid be stored when the resident is not wearing it?

  1. In a glass of water so the ear mold stays soft
  2. Wrapped in a tissue on the overbed table
  3. In the bedside drawer with the battery left inside
  4. Off, with the battery out, in a labeled case Correct answer.

Explanation

The hearing aid is turned off, the battery is removed so it does not corrode or drain, and the device is kept in a labeled case. Hearing aids are never cleaned or stored in water.

Question 21Physical Care Skills

The aide finds a reddened area over a resident's tailbone that does not turn white when pressed. What does this most likely indicate?

  1. A fungal skin infection
  2. A healing bruise
  3. A normal finding in older adults
  4. A stage 1 pressure injury Correct answer.

Explanation

Skin that stays red after pressure is released, over a bony area such as the tailbone, is the defining sign of a stage 1 pressure injury. It must be reported promptly, and the resident should be repositioned off that area.

Question 22Physical Care Skills

The aide counts a resident's radial pulse for 30 seconds and notices the rhythm is uneven. What should the aide do?

  1. Wait 10 minutes and count for 15 seconds
  2. Ask the resident to hold their breath and count again
  3. Restart and count the pulse for a full minute Correct answer.
  4. Record the 30-second count and then multiply it by two

Explanation

An irregular pulse must be counted for a full minute so that skipped and extra beats are all included. Multiplying a short count by two assumes a regular rhythm and can give a false result.

Question 23Physical Care Skills

To obtain the most accurate daily weight, the aide should:

  1. Weigh the resident at different times so the results average out
  2. Weigh the resident right after breakfast and before toileting
  3. Use any available scale as long as the resident is weighed
  4. Use the same scale, at the same time, in similar clothing Correct answer.

Explanation

Daily weights are compared over time, so the aide uses the same scale, at the same time of day, with the resident in similar clothing and after voiding. Consistency matters more than any single reading.

Question 24Physical Care Skills

A resident with diabetes and poor circulation asks the aide to trim their toenails. What is the best action?

  1. Soak the feet first, then cut the nails as short as possible
  2. Report it and let a nurse or podiatrist trim the nails Correct answer.
  3. Trim the nails straight across and file the corners smooth
  4. Trim only the nail edges that catch on the socks

Explanation

Residents with diabetes or poor circulation have reduced sensation and heal slowly, so nail trimming is left to a nurse or podiatrist. The aide inspects the feet and reports redness, breaks in the skin, or swelling.

Question 25Physical Care Skills

A resident drinks 4 ounces of apple juice. How many milliliters should the aide record?

  1. 120 mL Correct answer.
  2. 240 mL
  3. 400 mL
  4. 40 mL

Explanation

One fluid ounce equals 30 mL, so 4 ounces is 4 × 30 = 120 mL. Accurate intake records require converting household measures into milliliters.

Question 26Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant's hands are visibly soiled with feces after providing perineal care. Which action should the assistant take?

  1. Wipe the hands with a disposable antiseptic wipe
  2. Rinse the hands with warm water only and dry them
  3. Use soap and running water to wash the hands Correct answer.
  4. Use an alcohol-based hand rub after removing gloves

Explanation

Hands that are visibly soiled with blood, body fluids, or feces must be washed with soap and running water, because alcohol-based rubs do not remove organic material. The hands should be washed for at least 20 seconds, including under the nails and between the fingers.

Question 27Physical Care Skills

When making an unoccupied bed, where should the nursing assistant place the clean linens?

  1. On top of the soiled linen bag
  2. Draped over the side rail of the bed
  3. On the floor beneath the bed
  4. On a clean chair beside the bed Correct answer.

Explanation

Clean linens should be kept off the floor and away from contaminated surfaces, such as the side rail or soiled linen bag. A clean chair or linen cart at the bedside is an appropriate holding place.

Question 28Physical Care Skills

How often should a nursing assistant reposition a resident who is unable to move independently?

  1. Once each shift
  2. Every 30 minutes
  3. Every hour
  4. At least every 2 hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents who cannot reposition themselves need to be turned at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure over bony prominences and help prevent pressure injuries. The schedule may be more frequent if the resident's skin condition requires it.

Question 29Physical Care Skills

When transporting a resident in a wheelchair, where should the resident's feet be placed?

  1. Flat on the footrests Correct answer.
  2. Crossed at the ankles
  3. Resting on the front wheels
  4. Hanging free below the seat

Explanation

The resident's feet should be supported flat on the footrests during transport to prevent them from dragging or catching on the floor or wheels. Feet should never be left dangling or placed where they can interfere with movement.

Question 30Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant check the temperature of bath water?

  1. By adding hot water until steam appears
  2. By testing it with the inner wrist Correct answer.
  3. By asking the resident to step in first
  4. By measuring the water depth with a ruler

Explanation

Bath water should be tested with the inner wrist or a bath thermometer, and it should feel warm, not hot. Residents with decreased sensation may not feel water that is too hot, so the assistant must check it before the resident gets in.

Question 31Physical Care Skills

Which action best protects the nursing assistant's back when lifting a heavy object?

  1. Twisting the trunk while lifting
  2. Keeping the object close to the body Correct answer.
  3. Bending forward at the waist
  4. Holding the object at arm's length

Explanation

Keeping the object close to the body reduces the strain on the back by shortening the lever arm. The assistant should also bend the knees, keep the back straight, and avoid twisting while lifting.

Question 32Physical Care Skills

After settling a resident into bed, where should the nursing assistant place the call light?

  1. On the bedside table out of the resident's reach
  2. Hanging on the wall behind the bed
  3. In the nurses' station
  4. Within the resident's reach Correct answer.

Explanation

The call light must be placed within the resident's reach so the resident can call for help without stretching, climbing out of bed, or falling. This is a basic safety measure for every resident who is left in bed or a chair.

Question 33Physical Care Skills

How often should routine mouth care be offered to a dependent resident?

  1. Only when the resident complains
  2. Once a week during bathing
  3. Once every other day
  4. At least twice daily and after meals Correct answer.

Explanation

Routine mouth care should be provided at least twice daily and after meals to keep the mouth clean and comfortable. Dependent residents need the nursing assistant to offer and assist with this care.

Question 34Physical Care Skills

When positioning a resident in the lateral (side-lying) position, where should the nursing assistant place a pillow?

  1. Between the knees Correct answer.
  2. Over the resident's face
  3. Behind the resident's head only
  4. Under the lower back

Explanation

A pillow placed between the knees keeps the legs aligned and prevents the knees and ankles from pressing against each other. Pillows may also support the back and head, but the knee pillow is a key part of safe lateral positioning.

Question 35Physical Care Skills

During passive range-of-motion exercises, the resident reports pain. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Move the joint faster to finish quickly
  2. Stop the movement and report the pain Correct answer.
  3. Apply force until the joint loosens
  4. Continue the exercise through the pain

Explanation

Range-of-motion exercises should never cause pain. If pain occurs, the assistant should stop the movement, keep the joint supported, and report the finding to the nurse.

Question 36Physical Care Skills

In which direction should the nursing assistant wash a female resident's perineal area?

  1. From the vagina outward to the thighs
  2. From the anus toward the vagina
  3. From the front toward the anus Correct answer.
  4. Back and forth across the area

Explanation

Washing from the front toward the anus moves bacteria away from the urinary opening and vagina, reducing the risk of infection. A clean part of the washcloth should be used for each stroke.

Question 37Physical Care Skills

How should an indwelling urinary catheter drainage bag be positioned?

  1. Below the level of the bladder Correct answer.
  2. Above the level of the bladder
  3. Hanging from the side rail
  4. Resting on the floor beside the bed

Explanation

The drainage bag must stay below the level of the bladder so urine flows by gravity and does not back up into the bladder. The bag should also be kept off the floor to reduce contamination.

Question 38Physical Care Skills

When dressing a resident who has weakness on one side, which side should be dressed first?

  1. The affected (weak) side Correct answer.
  2. Both sides at the same time
  3. It does not matter which side
  4. The unaffected (strong) side

Explanation

Clothing is applied to the affected side first and removed from the affected side last, which makes dressing easier and safer for a resident with one-sided weakness. This approach reduces pulling and struggling with the weak limb.

Question 39Physical Care Skills

Which action is correct when emptying a urinary drainage bag?

  1. Store the urine in the drainage bag for 24 hours
  2. Let the drain spout rest on the rim of the measuring container
  3. Empty into a clean container, keeping the spout off the rim Correct answer.
  4. Raise the bag above the bladder level while emptying

Explanation

The drain spout should not touch the measuring container or the floor, because contact can transfer bacteria to the spout and then to the bag. The urine is measured in a clean container and discarded according to facility policy.

Question 40Physical Care Skills

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

  1. 60 minutes
  2. 5 minutes
  3. 15 to 30 minutes Correct answer.
  4. 1 to 2 minutes

Explanation

Hot or cold foods and liquids can change the reading of an oral thermometer. The assistant should wait about 15 to 30 minutes, or use another route as allowed by facility policy.

Question 41Physical Care Skills

A resident has a cold pack on the knee. Which finding should the nursing assistant report immediately?

  1. Cool skin at the site
  2. Mild redness that fades
  3. A damp towel around the pack
  4. Numbness and pale skin Correct answer.

Explanation

Numbness and pale skin suggest that circulation to the area is being impaired, so the cold application should be removed and the nurse notified. Cold applications should be checked frequently for signs of tissue damage.

Question 42Physical Care Skills

A resident wears elastic stockings. How should the nursing assistant provide skin care?

  1. Remove for 30 minutes twice daily Correct answer.
  2. Leave them in place for 24 hours each day
  3. Remove them only during the weekly bath
  4. Roll them down to the ankle between checks

Explanation

Elastic stockings should be removed at least twice daily for about 30 minutes so the skin can be cleaned, inspected, and allowed to rest. Rolling stockings down can create a tourniquet effect and impair circulation.

Question 43Physical Care Skills

When should an ostomy pouch be emptied?

  1. Once a week, whether or not it is full
  2. Only when stool is leaking around the seal
  3. When the pouch is stretched tight and heavy
  4. When it is one-third to one-half full Correct answer.

Explanation

Emptying the pouch when it is about one-third to one-half full prevents it from becoming heavy and pulling away from the skin. A full pouch is more likely to leak or cause skin irritation.

Question 44Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant care for a resident's fingernails?

  1. Use scissors to trim close to the skin
  2. File back and forth quickly
  3. Cut into the corners to prevent ingrowth
  4. File in one direction after soaking Correct answer.

Explanation

Soaking softens the nails, and filing in one direction helps prevent splitting and jagged edges. Cutting into the corners or trimming too close to the skin can cause injury or ingrown nails.

Question 45Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant clean a resident's eyeglasses?

  1. With hot water and a small amount of bleach
  2. With mild soap and warm water; dry with a soft cloth Correct answer.
  3. With a dry paper towel, rubbing firmly
  4. By breathing on the lenses and wiping them with a tissue

Explanation

Eyeglasses should be washed with mild soap and warm water, then dried with a soft cloth to avoid scratching the lenses. Hot water can damage the frames or lens coatings.

Question 46Physical Care Skills

A resident uses a cane because of right leg weakness. On which side should the cane be held?

  1. On the right (weak) side
  2. Alternating sides each step
  3. On the left (strong) side Correct answer.
  4. In front with both hands

Explanation

A cane is held on the side opposite the weak leg so it can help support the body while the weak leg steps forward. The cane and the weak leg move together, followed by the strong leg.

Question 47Physical Care Skills

In which position should a resident be placed for an enema, if able?

  1. Left side-lying (Sims') Correct answer.
  2. Supine with legs flat
  3. Prone
  4. Right side-lying

Explanation

The left side-lying (Sims') position follows the natural curve of the colon and helps the solution flow into the bowel. The solution should be given slowly, and the resident should be told to retain it as directed.

Question 48Physical Care Skills

A resident is in a vest restraint. How often should the restraint be removed for repositioning and exercise?

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

Explanation

Restraints must be released and the resident repositioned, exercised, and offered toileting at least every 2 hours. Circulation and skin should be checked more frequently, usually every 15 minutes, according to facility policy.

Question 49Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Run to get the mechanical lift before helping
  2. Ease the resident to the floor, protecting the head Correct answer.
  3. Let go and step back so neither person is injured
  4. Catch the resident under the arms and hold them upright

Explanation

Trying to hold a falling person upright can injure both the resident and the assistant. The safer action is to ease the resident down to the floor while protecting the head, then call for help.

Question 50Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Cleanse front to back, then collect the middle of the stream Correct answer.
  2. Take the specimen from the catheter drainage bag
  3. Ask the resident to limit fluids for 12 hours first
  4. Collect the very first urine that comes out into the container

Explanation

A midstream specimen is collected after the resident cleans the area and begins voiding, so the middle portion of the stream is caught in the container. This reduces contamination from the skin and urethra.