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South Carolina CNA study materials
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South Carolina CNA practice questions

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Question 1Physical Care Skills

How long should a nursing assistant scrub with soap and water when performing routine hand hygiene?

  1. About 5 seconds
  2. At least 20 seconds Correct answer.
  3. Until the wrists are wet
  4. At least 3 minutes

Explanation

Routine hand hygiene with soap and water requires at least 20 seconds of scrubbing, covering all surfaces of the hands, wrists, and between the fingers. That contact time is what removes most transient organisms.

Question 2Physical Care Skills

When removing personal protective equipment after resident care, which item should the nursing assistant remove first?

  1. Gloves Correct answer.
  2. Mask
  3. Gown
  4. Goggles

Explanation

Gloves are the most heavily contaminated piece of PPE, so they come off first while the hands are still covered. The mask is removed last, after leaving the room, and is handled only by its ties.

Question 3Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant position a resident who is unconscious before giving mouth care?

  1. On the abdomen with the head raised
  2. On the side with the head turned Correct answer.
  3. Flat on the back with the head level
  4. Sitting upright in a chair

Explanation

An unconscious resident cannot swallow or protect the airway, so mouth care is given in a side-lying position with the head turned so fluid drains out of the mouth. Suction equipment should be available nearby.

Question 4Physical Care Skills

How should a nursing assistant store a resident's dentures when they are not being worn?

  1. In a labeled cup filled with water Correct answer.
  2. Wrapped in a paper towel on the bedside table
  3. In the resident's water pitcher
  4. Dry in a drawer with the resident's name on the outside

Explanation

Dentures must stay moist so they do not warp, and they must be labeled so they are not lost or confused with another resident's. A labeled cup of water or denture solution at the bedside meets both requirements.

Question 5Physical Care Skills

Which artery does a nursing assistant usually use to measure an adult resident's pulse?

  1. Popliteal artery
  2. Radial artery Correct answer.
  3. Brachial artery
  4. Carotid artery

Explanation

The radial artery on the thumb side of the wrist is the standard site for a routine adult pulse because it is easy to reach and does not require exposing the resident. The carotid is reserved for emergencies such as CPR.

Question 6Physical Care Skills

What water temperature should the nursing assistant use for a bed bath?

  1. As hot as the resident can tolerate
  2. Cold, to lower a fever
  3. Warm but not hot Correct answer.
  4. Hot enough to loosen soil quickly

Explanation

Bath water should be comfortably warm, not hot, because hot water dries and can burn fragile skin while cold water chills the resident. Comfort and skin condition guide the temperature.

Question 7Physical Care Skills

Where should a gait belt be placed on a resident?

  1. Snug around the waist over clothing Correct answer.
  2. Over the shoulders and across the back
  3. Loose around the hips below the buttocks
  4. Under the arms around the chest

Explanation

A gait belt is worn snug around the waist over the resident's clothing so the assistant can grip it to steady and guide the resident. It is never placed on bare skin, under the arms, or so loosely that it slides.

Question 8Physical Care Skills

Which item is counted as fluid intake on an intake and output record?

  1. Gelatin Correct answer.
  2. Wound drainage
  3. Vomitus
  4. Urine

Explanation

Anything that is liquid at room temperature counts as intake, including gelatin, ice cream, ice chips, and soup. Urine, vomitus, and drainage are measured and recorded as output.

Question 9Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Every 15 minutes
  2. Every 6 hours
  3. Once per shift
  4. Every 2 hours Correct answer.

Explanation

Turning and repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure before it damages skin and underlying tissue. Residents on a specialty mattress may be turned less often if the care plan directs it.

Question 10Physical Care Skills

A resident who must stay flat on the back is at highest risk for a pressure injury over which area?

  1. The sacrum Correct answer.
  2. The top of the feet
  3. The abdomen
  4. The knees

Explanation

In the supine position, body weight presses the sacrum and coccyx against the mattress, making this a common site of pressure injury. The heels and the back of the head are also at risk in this position.

Question 11Physical Care Skills

Logrolling is the safest way to move a resident who has which condition?

  1. Difficulty hearing
  2. A fractured hip
  3. A spinal injury Correct answer.
  4. A urinary catheter

Explanation

Logrolling keeps the head, spine, and hips in a straight line, so it is used when the spine must not twist, such as after a spinal injury or spinal surgery. At least two assistants are needed to keep the body aligned.

Question 12Physical Care Skills

In which direction should a nursing assistant cleanse an indwelling catheter during catheter care?

  1. In a circle at the tip
  2. Toward the meatus
  3. Only near the drainage bag
  4. Downward, away from the body Correct answer.

Explanation

Cleansing moves from the urinary meatus down the tubing, away from the body, so organisms are not carried into the bladder. A clean area of the washcloth is used for each stroke.

Question 13Physical Care Skills

Which action should the nursing assistant take before leaving a resident in bed?

  1. Leave the bed at waist height for the next shift
  2. Raise both side rails and keep them up
  3. Set the call light on the far bedside table
  4. Lower the bed to its lowest position Correct answer.

Explanation

A bed left in the lowest position shortens the distance and reduces injury if the resident falls out. The call light must be within the resident's reach, and side rails are used only when the care plan orders them.

Question 14Physical Care Skills

How should a nursing assistant perform passive range-of-motion exercises?

  1. Bounce the joint at the end of its range
  2. Do each exercise once a week
  3. Push the joint past the point where it hurts
  4. Move the joint gently until resistance is felt Correct answer.

Explanation

Passive range of motion moves the joint slowly through its available range and stops when resistance is met. Forcing or bouncing a joint can cause pain and injury.

Question 15Physical Care Skills

After a resident finishes a hot drink, how long should the nursing assistant wait before taking an oral temperature?

  1. 5 minutes
  2. 1 minute
  3. 2 hours
  4. 20 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Hot or cold food and drink change the temperature inside the mouth, so the assistant waits about 15 to 30 minutes before taking an oral temperature. Twenty minutes falls within that range and gives an accurate reading.

Question 16Physical Care Skills

At what level should the blood pressure cuff be placed on a seated resident's arm?

  1. At heart level Correct answer.
  2. Over a thick sleeve
  3. Below the elbow
  4. Above the head

Explanation

The cuff must sit at heart level on bare skin so the reading reflects true arterial pressure. A cuff placed too high, too low, or over clothing gives an inaccurate result.

Question 17Physical Care Skills

A nursing assistant collects a urine specimen from a bedpan. What should be done with it next?

  1. Store it in the resident's bedside drawer
  2. Keep it at room temperature until the end of the shift
  3. Label it and send it to the lab promptly Correct answer.
  4. Add water if the amount looks small

Explanation

The specimen must be labeled with the resident's information and sent to the laboratory promptly so organisms neither multiply nor die and change the results. If a delay is unavoidable, the nurse may direct that it be refrigerated.

Question 18Physical Care Skills

How often should the nursing assistant check the skin while a warm compress is in place?

  1. Once, before it is applied
  2. Every 30 minutes
  3. Only when the resident complains
  4. Every 5 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Heat can burn skin that is thin, numb, or has poor circulation, so the skin under a compress is checked about every 5 minutes. The compress is removed at once if the skin becomes red, pale, or blistered.

Question 19Physical Care Skills

When is the best time to apply elastic compression stockings to a resident?

  1. Before getting out of bed Correct answer.
  2. At bedtime
  3. After the resident has walked
  4. Only when the legs look swollen

Explanation

Stockings are applied before the resident gets up, while the legs are least swollen, so they can prevent fluid from pooling in the lower legs. They are removed for bathing and skin checks as the care plan directs.

Question 20Physical Care Skills

A resident who had a stroke has weakness on the right side. When transferring to a wheelchair, on which side should the chair be placed?

  1. The resident's left side Correct answer.
  2. Directly in front of the bed
  3. The resident's right side
  4. At the foot of the bed

Explanation

The wheelchair goes on the resident's stronger, unaffected side so the resident can stand and pivot toward the chair using the strong arm and leg. The weaker side is then supported and guided by the assistant.

Question 21Physical Care Skills

Which item should be removed from the bedside of a resident receiving oxygen?

  1. Cotton sheets
  2. Petroleum jelly Correct answer.
  3. Water-based lotion
  4. A plastic water pitcher

Explanation

Oxygen supports combustion, and petroleum-based products can ignite or burn rapidly, especially when used near the face. Oil-free, water-based products are used instead, and no one smokes or uses flames near oxygen.

Question 22Physical Care Skills

When should a nursing assistant empty a resident's colostomy pouch?

  1. When it is completely full
  2. Only when the resident asks
  3. After each shift, regardless of size
  4. When it is one-third full Correct answer.

Explanation

A colostomy pouch is emptied when it is about one-third to one-half full, before the weight of the contents pulls the seal loose or causes leakage. The stoma and surrounding skin are checked at the same time.

Question 23Physical Care Skills

In which position is a resident usually placed for an enema?

  1. Right side-lying
  2. High Fowler's
  3. Supine
  4. Left side-lying Correct answer.

Explanation

The left side-lying position follows the path of the descending colon, allowing the solution to flow into the bowel more easily. The head of the bed may be slightly raised for comfort.

Question 24Physical Care Skills

A resident becomes dizzy when standing, and the blood pressure reads 88/54. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Offer the resident a cup of coffee
  2. Wait an hour and recheck the blood pressure
  3. Help the resident lie down and report the reading Correct answer.
  4. Help the resident keep walking to adjust

Explanation

A low reading with dizziness suggests the brain is not receiving enough blood, so the resident is helped down safely before a fall occurs. The nurse is told right away so the cause can be evaluated.

Question 25Physical Care Skills

The nursing assistant finds a reddened area on a resident's heel that stays red when pressed. What is the best action?

  1. Rub the area with alcohol
  2. Apply a heating pad to the spot
  3. Massage the reddened area firmly
  4. Relieve the pressure and report it Correct answer.

Explanation

Redness that does not blanch is an early sign of pressure injury, so the pressure must be relieved and the nurse informed. Massaging or heating the area further damages tissue that is already injured.

Question 26Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Over a lined sink or basin Correct answer.
  2. In a dishwasher with the regular dishes
  3. In the toilet and then rinsed with mouthwash
  4. In the bathroom sink without a towel or basin

Explanation

Dentures are slippery and can break if dropped. Cleaning over a lined sink or basin of water protects them if they slip. Use denture cleanser and a soft brush, then rinse well.

Question 27Physical Care Skills

After washing a resident's feet, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Dry carefully between the toes Correct answer.
  2. Cut the toenails short and rounded
  3. Apply lotion between the toes
  4. Leave the feet wet to soften the skin

Explanation

Moisture trapped between toes encourages fungal growth, so the area must be dried thoroughly. Lotion between toes also traps moisture. Nail trimming may require nurse approval, especially for high-risk residents.

Question 28Physical Care Skills

After feeding a resident who has trouble swallowing, how long should the resident stay upright?

  1. Until the next meal
  2. For about 30 minutes Correct answer.
  3. For 5 minutes
  4. For 15 minutes

Explanation

Staying upright after meals helps prevent aspiration and reflux. About 30 minutes is a common minimum unless the care plan says otherwise. The resident should not be laid flat right after eating.

Question 29Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant take an axillary temperature?

  1. Dry the armpit, then place it centrally Correct answer.
  2. Leave the thermometer in place for 30 seconds
  3. Insert the thermometer into the ear canal
  4. Place the thermometer over the resident's shirt

Explanation

An axillary temperature is taken by placing the thermometer in the center of a dry armpit and holding the arm against the body. Moisture can alter the reading. It is not an ear or oral method.

Question 30Physical Care Skills

Which action helps a resident relax before using a bedpan?

  1. Asking the resident to stand up
  2. Lowering the head of the bed flat
  3. Warming the bedpan with water Correct answer.
  4. Placing the bedpan cold and quickly

Explanation

A cold bedpan can cause discomfort and muscle tension, making use harder. Warming and drying it first helps the resident relax. Privacy and proper positioning also help.

Question 31Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant feed a resident who needs help?

  1. Feed quickly so the meal stays warm
  2. Mix all foods together in one bowl
  3. Place food in the mouth with a syringe
  4. Offer small bites and allow time to chew Correct answer.

Explanation

Small bites and a relaxed pace reduce choking risk and help the resident enjoy the meal. The resident needs time to chew and swallow. Food should not be hurried or mixed together.

Question 32Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Use alcohol wipes on both lenses
  2. Use mild soap and a soft cloth Correct answer.
  3. Use hot water and dry with a paper towel
  4. Rinse them in a bleach solution

Explanation

Mild soap and a soft cloth clean lenses without scratching or damaging coatings. Hot water and harsh chemicals can harm lenses. Dry gently.

Question 33Physical Care Skills

When combing a resident's tangled hair, where should the nursing assistant begin?

  1. At the ends, working toward the scalp Correct answer.
  2. By cutting out the tangled sections
  3. At the scalp and pull downward
  4. With a fine-tooth comb from the top

Explanation

Starting at the ends and working upward prevents pulling and scalp discomfort. A wide-tooth comb is gentler on tangles. Cutting hair is not a nursing assistant task without specific permission.

Question 34Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Place the resident flat on the back and pour water
  2. Turn the head sideways and use little fluid Correct answer.
  3. Use a hard toothbrush and scrub quickly
  4. Force the mouth open with fingers

Explanation

An unresponsive resident cannot swallow or protect the airway, so the head is turned to allow fluid to drain. Only a small amount of fluid should be used. Never force the mouth open with fingers.

Question 35Physical Care Skills

A resident has weakness on the left side. Which sleeve should be put on first when dressing?

  1. Either sleeve, in any order
  2. The right sleeve
  3. Neither sleeve; use a cape
  4. The left sleeve Correct answer.

Explanation

The general rule is to dress the affected side first and undress it last. This makes dressing easier and protects the weak limb. The left side is the affected side in this resident.

Question 36Physical Care Skills

Where should the nursing assistant place food in the mouth of a resident with one-sided facial weakness?

  1. Under the tongue
  2. Against the weak cheek
  3. On the weak side of the mouth
  4. On the stronger side Correct answer.

Explanation

Food placed on the stronger side is easier to chew and swallow and is less likely to pocket. The weak side may not sense or move food well. Check for pocketing after meals.

Question 37Physical Care Skills

The nursing assistant is counting a resident's pulse and notices it is irregular. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Count for a full minute Correct answer.
  2. Count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2
  3. Stop counting and report at once
  4. Count for 15 seconds and multiply by 4

Explanation

An irregular pulse must be counted for a full minute to get an accurate rate and rhythm. A shorter count can miss irregular beats. The finding should also be reported.

Question 38Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant count an adult resident's respirations?

  1. Count only the inhales for one full minute
  2. Count for 10 seconds and multiply the number by 6
  3. Tell the resident to take deep breaths while counting
  4. Count rise and fall for 30 seconds, then double Correct answer.

Explanation

Respirations are counted without the resident knowing, because changing breathing affects accuracy. A regular rate can be counted for 30 seconds and doubled. Count one rise and fall as one breath.

Question 39Physical Care Skills

When taking a blood pressure, how high should the nursing assistant inflate the cuff?

  1. Always to 200 mm Hg
  2. Until the resident says it is tight
  3. About 30 mm Hg above pulse loss Correct answer.
  4. Only 10 mm Hg above the first sound

Explanation

Inflating about 30 mm Hg above the point where the pulse disappears ensures the artery is fully compressed. This allows the first sound to be heard accurately. Inflating too high or too low can cause errors or discomfort.

Question 40Physical Care Skills

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

  1. From the front toward the back Correct answer.
  2. From side to side
  3. From the back toward the front
  4. In circles around the anus first

Explanation

Washing from front to back moves bacteria away from the urethra and reduces urinary tract infection risk. The area should be cleaned gently with a fresh part of the washcloth. Rinsing and drying follow.

Question 41Physical Care Skills

Where should a resident's urine drainage bag be kept?

  1. On the bed beside the resident
  2. Above the bladder on an IV pole
  3. Between the resident's legs
  4. Below the level of the bladder Correct answer.

Explanation

Keeping the bag below the bladder allows gravity drainage and prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder. Backflow can cause infection. The bag should also be kept off the floor.

Question 42Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant clean a resident's hearing aid?

  1. Wash it with soap and water
  2. Soak it in warm water
  3. Use alcohol on the microphone
  4. Wipe it with a soft dry cloth Correct answer.

Explanation

Hearing aids contain electronic parts and should not be soaked or washed with water. Wiping with a soft dry cloth removes earwax and moisture from the case. The battery is usually removed first.

Question 43Physical Care Skills

How can the nursing assistant obtain an accurate resident weight?

  1. Weigh the resident while wearing shoes
  2. Use one scale at the same time daily Correct answer.
  3. Use a different scale for each weighing
  4. Weigh the resident right after a large meal

Explanation

Consistency in scale, time, and clothing makes weight changes meaningful. A large meal or shoes can falsely raise the reading. Record the weight according to facility policy.

Question 44Physical Care Skills

When collecting a stool specimen, what should the nursing assistant avoid?

  1. Wearing gloves
  2. Using a clean container
  3. Labeling the container
  4. Mixing urine with the stool Correct answer.

Explanation

Urine contaminates the stool specimen and can make test results unreliable. The specimen should be collected in a clean container and labeled. Gloves are worn for infection control.

Question 45Physical Care Skills

In which direction should the nursing assistant wrap an elastic bandage on a resident's leg?

  1. From the thigh downward to the toes
  2. As tightly as possible from the ankle
  3. Back and forth over the knee
  4. From the toes upward toward the heart Correct answer.

Explanation

Wrapping from distal to proximal supports circulation and helps prevent swelling from pooling. The bandage should be snug but not tight enough to cut off circulation. Check the toes for color and warmth.

Question 46Physical Care Skills

A resident who takes a blood thinner needs a shave. Which razor should the nursing assistant use?

  1. A razor with cold water only
  2. A straight razor
  3. A disposable razor with a new blade
  4. An electric razor Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents on anticoagulants bleed more easily, so an electric razor reduces the risk of nicks and bleeding. A facility may require the nurse's approval before shaving. Any cut should be reported.

Question 47Physical Care Skills

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

  1. Use a nail clipper and file the corners
  2. Soak the feet and cut the cuticles
  3. Report the nails to the nurse Correct answer.
  4. Cut the nails with scissors

Explanation

Diabetes increases the risk of infection and poor healing, so nail trimming may be restricted to a nurse or podiatrist. The nursing assistant should report the condition and follow the care plan. Cutting cuticles can cause infection.

Question 48Physical Care Skills

How should the nursing assistant provide perineal care to an uncircumcised male resident?

  1. Retract the foreskin, wash, and replace it Correct answer.
  2. Retract the foreskin and leave it back
  3. Wash only the tip with alcohol
  4. Leave the foreskin in place and wash outside

Explanation

The foreskin must be gently retracted to clean beneath it, then replaced over the glans. Leaving it retracted can cause swelling and injury. Use a gentle washing motion and rinse well.

Question 49Physical Care Skills

For which resident should the nursing assistant avoid taking a rectal temperature?

  1. A resident who has diarrhea Correct answer.
  2. A resident with a leg cast
  3. A resident who is sleeping
  4. A resident with a dry mouth

Explanation

Rectal temperatures are avoided when the rectum is irritated or injured, such as with diarrhea or rectal surgery. Insertion can cause discomfort or injury. An alternate route should be used.

Question 50Physical Care Skills

A resident has an indwelling catheter and no urine has drained for 2 hours. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. Give the resident extra fluids
  2. Check the tubing for kinks Correct answer.
  3. Push the catheter farther in
  4. Irrigate the catheter

Explanation

The first step is to check for simple causes such as kinks, a low bag, or the resident lying on the tubing. Irrigation and catheter adjustment are not nursing assistant tasks. If no urine flows, report to the nurse.