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South Dakota CNA study materials
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South Dakota CNA practice questions

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Question 1Basic Nursing Skills

A nursing assistant's hands are visibly soiled with body fluid. What should the assistant do?

  1. Wash the hands with soap and running water Correct answer.
  2. Wipe the hands with a dry paper towel
  3. Spray the hands with a disinfectant
  4. Rub the hands with an alcohol-based hand rub

Explanation

Alcohol-based rubs do not remove visible dirt, blood, or body fluids, so soap and running water are required whenever hands are visibly soiled. Washing physically removes the organic material and reduces the spread of organisms.

Question 2Basic Nursing Skills

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

  1. Count for 10 seconds and multiply the number by 6
  2. Ask the resident to take deep breaths during the count
  3. Tell the resident that breathing is being counted
  4. Keep fingers on the wrist and count for a full minute Correct answer.

Explanation

Respirations are counted without the resident's awareness because knowing they are being watched can change the rate and depth. Counting for one full minute gives an accurate rate and lets the assistant note rhythm and character.

Question 3Basic Nursing Skills

Which route gives a temperature closest to the body's core temperature?

  1. Axillary
  2. Rectal Correct answer.
  3. Oral
  4. Temporal artery

Explanation

The rectum is a closed cavity with a rich blood supply, so a rectal reading reflects core temperature more closely than surface sites. Oral, axillary, and temporal readings are affected by breathing, ambient air, and placement technique.

Question 4Basic Nursing Skills

When measuring a blood pressure, the resident's arm should be:

  1. Supported at the level of the heart Correct answer.
  2. Raised above the head
  3. Hanging down over the side of the bed
  4. Crossed over the resident's chest

Explanation

The cuff must sit at heart level so gravity neither adds to nor subtracts from the reading. The arm should be relaxed and supported rather than held up by the resident.

Question 5Basic Nursing Skills

Which item is recorded as fluid intake?

  1. Vomitus collected in an emesis basin
  2. Drainage from a surgical wound
  3. Urine emptied from a catheter bag
  4. Ice chips that the resident eats Correct answer.

Explanation

Intake includes anything that enters the body by mouth, and ice chips count as fluid, usually recorded at half their volume when melted. Urine, vomitus, and wound drainage all leave the body and are recorded as output.

Question 6Basic Nursing Skills

To obtain the most accurate daily weight, the nursing assistant should weigh the resident:

  1. After the evening meal each day
  2. At the same time daily, before breakfast and after voiding Correct answer.
  3. With the resident wearing shoes and a robe
  4. On whichever scale happens to be nearest the resident's room

Explanation

Keeping the time, scale, and conditions the same makes day-to-day weights comparable, which is how fluid gain or loss is detected. Weighing before breakfast and after voiding removes food and bladder volume as variables.

Question 7Basic Nursing Skills

The nursing assistant is counting a radial pulse and notices that the rhythm is irregular. What should the assistant do?

  1. Count the pulse for a full minute Correct answer.
  2. Take an apical pulse for 30 seconds instead
  3. Record the pulse as normal and continue care
  4. Count the pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 4

Explanation

An irregular pulse must be counted for a full minute because the gaps between beats vary, so a short count multiplied out would be inaccurate. The rhythm and character are also documented and reported.

Question 8Basic Nursing Skills

Passive range of motion exercises are appropriate when the resident:

  1. Can move each joint through its full range alone
  2. Cannot move a joint without assistance Correct answer.
  3. Is unwilling to take part in any exercise
  4. Has full strength but is on bed rest

Explanation

Passive range of motion means the assistant moves the joint because the resident is unable to do it. Active range of motion is used when the resident can move the joint independently.

Question 9Basic Nursing Skills

A resident who cannot reposition himself should be turned at least every:

  1. 4 hours
  2. 2 hours Correct answer.
  3. 8 hours
  4. 6 hours

Explanation

Unrelieved pressure on the same area cuts off circulation and leads to skin breakdown, so dependent residents are repositioned at least every 2 hours and more often if skin is fragile. The turning schedule is individualized and documented.

Question 10Basic Nursing Skills

The nursing assistant places a resident in Fowler's position. This means the resident is:

  1. Lying on the left side with the knees drawn up
  2. Sitting up with the head of the bed elevated Correct answer.
  3. Lying with the head lower than the level of the feet
  4. Lying flat on the abdomen

Explanation

Fowler's position is a semi-sitting position with the head of the bed raised about 45 to 60 degrees, which aids breathing and eating. The side-lying position is Sims', and the head-down position is Trendelenburg.

Question 11Basic Nursing Skills

Before assisting a resident from bed into a wheelchair, the assistant should:

  1. Raise the bed to its highest position
  2. Lock the brakes and swing the footrests away Correct answer.
  3. Remove the resident's nonskid shoes
  4. Park the wheelchair several feet away from the edge of the bed

Explanation

A locked chair cannot roll away, and moving the footrests aside keeps the resident's feet from catching during the transfer. The bed is lowered so the resident's feet reach the floor, and nonskid shoes stay on for traction.

Question 12Basic Nursing Skills

A gait belt should be applied:

  1. Around the resident's upper chest
  2. Snugly around the waist over the clothing Correct answer.
  3. Around the resident's arms and back
  4. Directly against the resident's bare skin

Explanation

The belt goes around the waist over clothing so the assistant can grasp it without pulling on the resident's arms or clothing and without pinching skin. It should be snug enough not to slide but loose enough for comfortable breathing.

Question 13Basic Nursing Skills

Which action is safe when caring for a resident who is receiving oxygen?

  1. Securing the cylinder upright in a holder Correct answer.
  2. Applying petroleum jelly to cracked lips
  3. Allowing visitors to smoke across the room
  4. Using an electric razor to shave the resident

Explanation

Oxygen cylinders must be secured upright so they cannot fall and rupture. Because oxygen supports combustion, petroleum products, sparks, and open flames must be kept away from the resident and the equipment.

Question 14Basic Nursing Skills

A pulse oximeter shows a reading of 91% on a resident who measured 97% earlier. The assistant should:

  1. Turn off the device and check again tomorrow
  2. Increase the resident's oxygen flow
  3. Report the change to the nurse right away Correct answer.
  4. Record the reading as normal

Explanation

A drop in oxygen saturation below the resident's usual range is an abnormal finding that must be reported promptly. Adjusting oxygen flow is a nursing responsibility and outside the assistant's scope.

Question 15Basic Nursing Skills

A stool specimen has been obtained from a resident. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Discard it and collect another sample the next day
  2. Send it to the lab in a labeled, lidded container Correct answer.
  3. Leave it in the bedpan until the end of the shift
  4. Store it at room temperature for 24 hours

Explanation

Specimens must be covered, labeled, and transported promptly so results are accurate and staff are protected from exposure. Delays and room-temperature storage can change the sample and allow organisms to overgrow.

Question 16Basic Nursing Skills

An indwelling urinary catheter drainage bag should be kept:

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

Explanation

Urine drains by gravity, so the bag must stay below the bladder, which also prevents backflow of urine that can cause infection. The bag is kept off the floor and the tubing is kept free of kinks.

Question 17Basic Nursing Skills

A cleansing enema is ordered for a resident. In which position should the resident be placed?

  1. Flat on the back with a pillow under the head
  2. Left side-lying with the right knee flexed Correct answer.
  3. Sitting upright with the feet flat on the floor
  4. Lying on the right side with both legs straight

Explanation

The left side-lying position follows the curve of the descending colon, so the solution flows with gravity into the bowel. The resident is then asked to hold the solution as long as comfortably possible.

Question 18Basic Nursing Skills

When applying a hot pack to a resident, the assistant should check the skin:

  1. Once, at the end of the treatment
  2. Only if the resident says it hurts
  3. Every 5 minutes during the treatment Correct answer.
  4. Every 30 minutes during the treatment

Explanation

Heat can burn skin quickly, especially in older adults with reduced sensation, so the skin is checked at least every 5 minutes. The pack is removed at once if the skin becomes red, pale, blistered, or painful.

Question 19Basic Nursing Skills

Elastic stockings ordered for a resident should be applied:

  1. At bedtime after the evening bath
  2. In the morning before the resident gets out of bed Correct answer.
  3. Only on days when the resident complains of leg pain
  4. Over lotion applied to the legs and feet

Explanation

Stockings are applied before the legs become dependent so swelling has not yet built up, and they are removed as ordered for skin care. They must lie smooth with no wrinkles or rolls.

Question 20Basic Nursing Skills

During a tonic-clonic seizure, the assistant should:

  1. Give the resident sips of water
  2. Hold the resident's arms and legs firmly still
  3. Protect the head and move hard objects away Correct answer.
  4. Place a spoon between the resident's teeth

Explanation

The goal during a seizure is to prevent injury by cushioning the head, clearing nearby objects, and loosening tight clothing, then turning the resident to the side afterward. Restraint and objects in the mouth can cause serious harm.

Question 21Basic Nursing Skills

Gloves should be worn by the nursing assistant when:

  1. Serving meal trays to residents in their rooms
  2. Contact with blood or body fluids is likely Correct answer.
  3. Making an unoccupied bed with clean linen
  4. Answering the telephone at the nurses' station

Explanation

Gloves are a barrier against bloodborne and other pathogens and are worn whenever contact with blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, or nonintact skin is anticipated. Hands are washed immediately after the gloves are removed.

Question 22Basic Nursing Skills

Which instruction is correct when a resident uses an incentive spirometer?

  1. Use the device while lying flat in bed
  2. Breathe in as quickly and as forcefully as you can
  3. Use the device right after eating a full meal
  4. Sit upright, take a slow deep breath, and hold it Correct answer.

Explanation

Slow, deep breaths held for a few seconds open the small airways and help prevent atelectasis. An upright position and rest between attempts make the exercise more effective.

Question 23Basic Nursing Skills

Which action best reduces the risk of aspiration when feeding a resident who has trouble swallowing?

  1. Offering fluids through a straw
  2. Sitting upright with the chin tucked when swallowing Correct answer.
  3. Having the resident lie flat on the back during the meal
  4. Encouraging the resident to talk while eating

Explanation

An upright posture lets gravity help move food down, and a slightly tucked chin narrows the airway opening so food is more likely to enter the esophagus. The assistant also offers small bites and checks that the mouth is empty before the next bite.

Question 24Basic Nursing Skills

When a restraint is required, the nursing assistant should attach it:

  1. To the bed frame with a quick-release knot Correct answer.
  2. Loosely enough that the resident can slip free
  3. To the side rail of the bed with a secure knot
  4. With a hard knot that cannot slip or be released

Explanation

Tying to the bed frame keeps the restraint stable, and a quick-release knot allows immediate removal in an emergency. A restraint must never interfere with circulation, breathing, or the ability to move the bed.

Question 25Basic Nursing Skills

After caring for a resident on contact precautions, in what order should the assistant remove personal protective equipment?

  1. Gloves, then goggles, then gown, then mask Correct answer.
  2. Gown, then mask, then gloves, then goggles
  3. Mask first, then gloves, then the gown, and goggles last
  4. Goggles, then mask, then gown, then gloves

Explanation

PPE is removed from the most contaminated item to the least contaminated: gloves, then eye protection, then gown, then mask, with hand hygiene afterward. Removing the mask last keeps contaminated hands away from the face.

Question 26Basic Nursing Skills

At which point should the nursing assistant perform hand hygiene during resident care?

  1. Before contact and after glove removal Correct answer.
  2. Only before contact with the resident
  3. Only when visible soil is present on the hands
  4. Only after the resident's care is complete

Explanation

Hand hygiene is required before and after every resident contact and after removing gloves. Gloves do not replace hand hygiene.

Question 27Basic Nursing Skills

When measuring a blood pressure, where should the nursing assistant place the cuff?

  1. On the forearm just below the elbow
  2. Tightly enough to leave a deep mark on the skin
  3. At heart level over the brachial artery Correct answer.
  4. Over the resident's sleeve on the upper arm

Explanation

The cuff bladder must sit at heart level over the brachial artery for an accurate reading. Clothing, poor position, or excessive tightness can distort the measurement.

Question 28Basic Nursing Skills

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

  1. 30 minutes
  2. 1 minute
  3. 15 minutes Correct answer.
  4. No waiting period is needed

Explanation

Hot or cold liquids, smoking, and chewing gum can change oral readings, so the assistant waits at least 15 minutes. One minute is too short, and 30 minutes is longer than needed.

Question 29Basic Nursing Skills

How should the nursing assistant count respirations?

  1. Count one rise and fall as one respiration Correct answer.
  2. Ask the resident to breathe deeply during the count
  3. Count only exhalations for 15 seconds
  4. Tell the resident the count is being taken

Explanation

One respiration is one complete rise and fall of the chest. Counting without alerting the resident helps prevent voluntary changes in breathing.

Question 30Basic Nursing Skills

Which action shows correct body mechanics when lifting a heavy object?

  1. Holding the object away from the body
  2. Bending at the waist with the feet close together
  3. Twisting the torso while lifting
  4. Bending the knees and keeping the back straight Correct answer.

Explanation

Bending the knees and keeping the back straight uses the stronger leg muscles and reduces strain. The load should also be held close to the body.

Question 31Basic Nursing Skills

How should the nursing assistant measure urine emptied from a urinary drainage bag?

  1. Estimate the amount from the bag's shape
  2. Read the markings on the hanging bag
  3. Measure it in a graduated cylinder at eye level Correct answer.
  4. Add water to the bag before measuring

Explanation

A graduated cylinder gives an accurate measurement when read at eye level. Bag markings are only estimates.

Question 32Basic Nursing Skills

When placing a bedpan under a resident, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Place the bedpan and then raise the head of the bed flat
  2. Warm the bedpan before placing it under the resident Correct answer.
  3. Leave the resident alone immediately after placement
  4. Ask the resident to bear down before the bedpan is in place

Explanation

Warming the bedpan improves comfort and reduces muscle tension. The head of the bed is usually raised, and the resident should not be left unsafely.

Question 33Basic Nursing Skills

Before assisting a resident with a meal, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Lower the head of the bed flat
  2. Remove the resident's glasses
  3. Place the tray within the resident's reach Correct answer.
  4. Feed the resident quickly so the food stays warm

Explanation

The tray should be positioned so the resident can see and reach the food safely. A flat bed position and quick feeding increase risk.

Question 34Basic Nursing Skills

When taking a blood pressure by auscultation, the first sound heard through the stethoscope indicates the:

  1. Systolic pressure Correct answer.
  2. Diastolic pressure
  3. Mean arterial pressure
  4. Pulse deficit

Explanation

The first Korotkoff sound corresponds to the systolic pressure; the last sound corresponds to diastolic. Pulse deficit and mean arterial pressure are different measures.

Question 35Basic Nursing Skills

When a cold compress is applied to a resident's skin, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Place it directly over a bony prominence
  2. Apply it to an area that is already numb
  3. Leave it in place for 60 minutes without checking
  4. Check the skin every 5 to 10 minutes Correct answer.

Explanation

Cold applications can injure skin, so the area is checked every 5 to 10 minutes. Bony prominences and numb areas are at higher risk and should be avoided or protected.

Question 36Basic Nursing Skills

During a nasogastric tube feeding, the head of the bed should be elevated at least:

  1. 10 to 15 degrees
  2. Flat
  3. 90 degrees
  4. 30 to 45 degrees Correct answer.

Explanation

An elevated head of bed of at least 30 to 45 degrees helps prevent aspiration during and after tube feeding. A flat or low position increases reflux risk.

Question 37Basic Nursing Skills

When collecting a sputum specimen, the nursing assistant should obtain the specimen:

  1. By swabbing the inside of the cheek
  2. After the resident uses mouthwash
  3. Immediately after a meal
  4. Early morning before breakfast Correct answer.

Explanation

Sputum is usually easiest to collect early in the morning before breakfast. The specimen should come from the lungs, not the mouth.

Question 38Basic Nursing Skills

When collecting a midstream urine specimen, the nursing assistant should instruct the resident to:

  1. Drink 1 liter of water before voiding
  2. Collect the first urine of the morning only
  3. Void a little first, then collect the next portion Correct answer.
  4. Collect urine from the drainage bag

Explanation

A midstream specimen reduces contamination by flushing the urethra first. The first portion is discarded and the next portion is collected.

Question 39Basic Nursing Skills

A resident moves an arm away from the midline of the body. This motion is called:

  1. Adduction
  2. Flexion
  3. Abduction Correct answer.
  4. Rotation

Explanation

Abduction moves a limb away from the midline; adduction moves it toward the midline. Flexion and rotation describe different joint motions.

Question 40Basic Nursing Skills

Before using a mechanical lift to transfer a resident, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Raise the bed to its highest position before lifting
  2. Check the sling placement and strap security Correct answer.
  3. Use the lift without another staff member present
  4. Leave the lift brakes unlocked

Explanation

The sling and straps must be secure before lifting to prevent falls or injury. Brakes should be locked and help should be available.

Question 41Basic Nursing Skills

Which finding on a resident's heel should be reported as a possible pressure injury?

  1. A dry, flaky area
  2. A small callus
  3. A non-blanchable red area Correct answer.
  4. Redness that fades when pressed

Explanation

Non-blanchable redness is an early sign of pressure injury because the skin does not refill after pressure. Blanchable redness, dryness, and calluses are not the same warning sign.

Question 42Basic Nursing Skills

When a resident has a restraint, the nursing assistant should release the restraint:

  1. Once per shift
  2. Only when family visits
  3. Every 2 hours to check skin Correct answer.
  4. Only when the resident requests it

Explanation

Restraints must be released, the skin checked, and movement allowed at least every 2 hours. Release only on request or once per shift is not frequent enough.

Question 43Basic Nursing Skills

When performing perineal care for a resident with an indwelling catheter, the nursing assistant should clean:

  1. With downward strokes toward the meatus
  2. From the urinary meatus toward the anus Correct answer.
  3. Only the outside of the catheter
  4. From the anus toward the urinary meatus

Explanation

Cleaning from the meatus toward the anus prevents bringing fecal bacteria to the urinary opening. The catheter itself is also cleaned gently.

Question 44Basic Nursing Skills

A urine specimen is collected from a resident. The nursing assistant should label the container:

  1. Only if the resident asks
  2. In the resident's room at collection Correct answer.
  3. After the specimen reaches the laboratory
  4. At the nurses' station after leaving the room

Explanation

Specimen containers should be labeled in the resident's presence at the time of collection to prevent errors. Delayed labeling increases the risk of misidentification.

Question 45Basic Nursing Skills

When a resident is placed in Sims' position, the resident is:

  1. Sitting upright at 90 degrees
  2. On the side with the upper leg flexed Correct answer.
  3. Lying flat on the back
  4. Lying on the abdomen with the head turned

Explanation

Sims' position is a side-lying position with the upper leg flexed. It is used for procedures such as enemas and some examinations.

Question 46Basic Nursing Skills

To determine a pulse deficit, the nursing assistant should:

  1. Measure the pulse at the wrist and the ankle
  2. Count the pulse before and after exercise
  3. Count the radial pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by four
  4. Compare the radial and apical pulses counted together Correct answer.

Explanation

A pulse deficit is the difference between the apical and radial rates counted at the same time. It can occur when some heartbeats do not produce a peripheral pulse.

Question 47Basic Nursing Skills

A resident drinks 6 ounces of juice and 240 mL of water. What is the total intake in milliliters?

  1. 300 mL
  2. 600 mL
  3. 420 mL Correct answer.
  4. 180 mL

Explanation

Six ounces is about 180 mL, and 180 plus 240 equals 420 mL. Converting ounces to milliliters before adding gives the correct total.

Question 48Basic Nursing Skills

Which action helps prevent orthostatic hypotension when a resident gets out of bed?

  1. Give a hot shower before ambulating
  2. Keep the resident's legs lower than the heart
  3. Stand the resident quickly to save energy
  4. Sit the resident on the bed edge before standing Correct answer.

Explanation

Sitting on the edge of the bed allows the body to adjust to position changes and reduces dizziness from orthostatic hypotension. Rapid standing increases the risk of falls.

Question 49Basic Nursing Skills

The nursing assistant records 1,500 mL intake and 1,200 mL output for a resident over 24 hours. What is the appropriate action?

  1. Report the totals to the nurse Correct answer.
  2. Wait until the next day to report
  3. Record only the intake
  4. Add 300 mL to the output

Explanation

The nursing assistant records intake and output accurately and reports the totals to the nurse, who interprets the balance. The assistant does not adjust or withhold fluids independently.

Question 50Basic Nursing Skills

A resident's respirations are 8 per minute and shallow. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Continue to monitor and recheck in 1 hour
  2. Report the finding to the nurse now Correct answer.
  3. Give the resident a drink of water
  4. Place the resident flat on the back

Explanation

A respiratory rate of 8 per minute with shallow breathing is abnormally low and should be reported promptly. The nurse can assess for hypoxia and intervene.