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Wisconsin CNA study materials
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Wisconsin CNA practice questions

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Question 1Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident is telling the nurse aide about a recent family visit. Which action best shows active listening?

  1. Nodding and facing the resident while she speaks Correct answer.
  2. Checking the hallway for other residents while listening
  3. Changing the subject to the aide's own family
  4. Finishing the resident's sentences to save time

Explanation

Active listening includes facing the speaker, giving full attention, and acknowledging what is said. These actions help the resident feel respected and help the aide understand the message accurately. Interrupting or multitasking sends the message that the resident is not important.

Question 2Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident says, "I don't want that." The aide is not sure what "that" means. What is the best response?

  1. Tell the resident she must cooperate
  2. Ignore the comment and continue the task
  3. Ask the resident what she does not want Correct answer.
  4. Assume she means the food and remove the tray

Explanation

When a message is unclear, the aide should ask the resident to explain rather than guessing. Clarifying prevents mistakes in care and shows respect for the resident's wishes. Continuing without understanding can lead to care that the resident does not want.

Question 3Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which action is an example of nonverbal communication?

  1. Smiling and making eye contact Correct answer.
  2. Reading a policy in the manual
  3. Saying good morning to a resident
  4. Writing a note in the care record

Explanation

Nonverbal communication includes facial expressions, posture, gestures, and eye contact. Smiling and eye contact send messages without words. Writing, speaking, and reading are verbal or written forms.

Question 4Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which wording shows respect for the resident?

  1. That blind lady down the hall
  2. The confused one at the table
  3. Person who uses a wheelchair Correct answer.
  4. The diabetic in room 12

Explanation

Person-first language puts the person before the disability or condition. It treats residents as individuals rather than labels. Terms such as "the diabetic" or "the blind lady" focus on the condition and can feel disrespectful.

Question 5Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A friend asks the aide about a resident's diagnosis. What is the best response?

  1. Explain that resident information cannot be shared Correct answer.
  2. Share only the diagnosis, not the room number
  3. Look up the chart and read the details aloud
  4. Tell the friend if she promises not to tell others

Explanation

Resident health information is confidential and may be shared only with those who need it for care. The aide should not confirm or discuss a diagnosis with friends or family without proper authorization. Polite refusal protects the resident's privacy and the aide's professional obligations.

Question 6Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident reports new chest pain. What should the aide do first?

  1. Wait until the end of the shift to report it
  2. Give the resident an aspirin from the drawer
  3. Write it in the log and check back later
  4. Stay with the resident and notify the nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

New chest pain can signal a serious emergency, so the nurse must be told right away. The aide should stay with the resident and keep the resident calm while help is obtained. The aide does not give medication or wait until the end of the shift for a new symptom.

Question 7Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which care record entry is written objectively?

  1. Resident seems angry and upset
  2. Resident probably slept poorly last night
  3. Resident is being difficult today
  4. Ate half of breakfast, drank 4 oz juice Correct answer.

Explanation

Objective documentation describes what can be directly observed or measured, such as intake and percentages. Subjective impressions, guesses, and judgments are not appropriate in the care record. Clear facts help other staff provide consistent care.

Question 8Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident is hard of hearing. What is the best way for the aide to communicate?

  1. Speak rapidly to finish the task sooner
  2. Shout from the doorway
  3. Cover your mouth while speaking
  4. Face the resident and speak clearly Correct answer.

Explanation

For a resident who is hard of hearing, facing the person and speaking clearly improves lip reading and sound quality. Shouting can distort speech and embarrass the resident. Covering the mouth or rushing makes understanding harder.

Question 9Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident with aphasia struggles to find words. What is the best approach?

  1. Finish the resident's sentences quickly
  2. Ask several questions at once
  3. Speak louder until the resident answers
  4. Allow extra time and let the resident try Correct answer.

Explanation

Aphasia affects the ability to express or understand language, but thinking is often intact. Giving the resident time and letting the resident try supports dignity and communication. Finishing sentences, shouting, or asking many questions at once increases frustration.

Question 10Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident with dementia repeatedly asks where her husband is. What is the best response?

  1. Ignore the question until she stops
  2. Tell her he died and she must accept it
  3. Argue that she already knows the answer
  4. Redirect gently to a calming activity Correct answer.

Explanation

A resident with dementia may ask the same question repeatedly because of memory loss, not stubbornness. Gentle redirection can reduce distress without arguing about the facts. Arguing or ignoring the resident can increase agitation.

Question 11Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident from another culture refuses a food item. What is the best response?

  1. Ask about food preferences and report Correct answer.
  2. Tell the resident the food is normal here
  3. Remove all food until the resident agrees
  4. Insist that the resident eat it

Explanation

Food choices are often tied to culture, religion, and personal preference. Asking about preferences and reporting them allows the care team to meet the resident's needs. Insisting or removing food ignores the resident's rights.

Question 12Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident speaks little English. What is the best way to ensure the resident understands care information?

  1. Speak louder in English
  2. Use a family child to interpret
  3. Skip teaching and just do the care
  4. Arrange a qualified interpreter Correct answer.

Explanation

A qualified medical interpreter ensures accurate communication about care and consent. Children and untrained family members may misunderstand or change medical information. Speaking louder in English does not make it understandable.

Question 13Communication and Interpersonal Skills

When entering the room of a resident who is blind, the aide should:

  1. Push the resident from behind
  2. Move furniture without telling anyone
  3. Speak only when leaving the room
  4. Identify herself as she enters Correct answer.

Explanation

A resident who is blind cannot see the aide enter, so the aide should identify herself and say what she is doing. This prevents startling the resident and supports safe care. Moving furniture or pushing the resident without warning can cause injury or fear.

Question 14Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident is deaf and reads lips. What is the best way to communicate?

  1. Write every word on a small pad only
  2. Cover the mouth and whisper
  3. Face the resident with good lighting Correct answer.
  4. Speak into the resident's ear

Explanation

A resident who reads lips needs to see the speaker's face and mouth clearly. Good lighting and normal speech help the resident understand. Whispering, covering the mouth, or speaking into the ear makes lip reading impossible.

Question 15Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Two aides disagree about how to transfer a resident. What is the best action?

  1. Discuss it privately and follow the care plan Correct answer.
  2. Report the other aide to the administrator first
  3. Refuse to work with the other aide
  4. Argue in front of the resident

Explanation

Disagreements between staff should be handled privately so residents are not upset or put at risk. The care plan is the agreed standard and should guide the transfer. Arguing in front of a resident or refusing to work together harms teamwork and care.

Question 16Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident complains that a call light was ignored. What should the aide do?

  1. Say the resident is mistaken
  2. Tell the resident it was not ignored
  3. Promise it will never happen again
  4. Listen, apologize, and report it Correct answer.

Explanation

A complaint about a call light is a resident rights issue and should be taken seriously. Listening, apologizing for the experience, and reporting the concern allows the facility to respond. Denying or dismissing the complaint can escalate the problem.

Question 17Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Before providing personal care, the aide should:

  1. Explain the care and ask permission Correct answer.
  2. Begin care without speaking
  3. Tell the resident to hurry up
  4. Close the door and turn off lights

Explanation

Personal care requires the resident's consent and an explanation of what will happen. Explaining and asking permission respects dignity and the resident's right to choose. Starting care without speaking or rushing the resident violates that right.

Question 18Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which question is open-ended?

  1. Are you in pain?
  2. How are you feeling today? Correct answer.
  3. Do you want juice?
  4. Did you sleep well?

Explanation

Open-ended questions invite the resident to describe feelings or concerns in their own words. They usually begin with words like "how" or "what" and cannot be answered with yes or no. Closed questions limit the response and may hide important information.

Question 19Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Why should an aide avoid medical jargon when speaking with residents?

  1. Jargon is too short
  2. Jargon is only for doctors
  3. Residents may not know it Correct answer.
  4. Jargon is always incorrect

Explanation

Medical jargon can confuse residents and family members who do not know the terms. Clear, everyday language helps residents understand and participate in their care. Jargon is not wrong in itself, but it should be avoided when speaking with residents.

Question 20Communication and Interpersonal Skills

An aide is documenting care. Which practice is best?

  1. Use pencil so it can be changed
  2. Leave blank lines to fill later
  3. Write personal opinions about the resident
  4. Record care promptly and factually Correct answer.

Explanation

Documentation should be accurate, factual, and completed promptly after care. Records are legal documents that guide other staff and protect the resident. Pencil, blank lines, and personal opinions reduce reliability and can be altered improperly.

Question 21Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A family member calls and asks about a resident's test results. What should the aide do?

  1. Confirm whether the resident is there
  2. Discuss the care plan in detail
  3. Give the results over the phone
  4. Take a message for the nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

The aide should not release resident information by phone without authorization. Taking a message and having the nurse return the call protects confidentiality and ensures accurate information. Lab results and care plans are shared only by appropriate staff.

Question 22Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident uses a communication board. What should the aide do?

  1. Use the board only for emergencies
  2. Answer for the resident to save time
  3. Allow time and keep the board nearby Correct answer.
  4. Remove the board during meals only

Explanation

A communication board is the resident's voice and must remain available at all times. The aide should allow extra time and let the resident express needs. Answering for the resident or limiting the board removes the resident's ability to communicate.

Question 23Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident begins to cry after a phone call. What is the best response?

  1. Sit nearby and ask what would help Correct answer.
  2. Promise the problem will be fixed
  3. Leave the room without speaking
  4. Tell the resident to stop crying

Explanation

Crying is a normal expression of emotion, and the resident needs support rather than judgment. Sitting nearby and asking what would help shows empathy and respect. Promising outcomes or telling the resident to stop crying dismisses the resident's feelings.

Question 24Infection Control

A nursing assistant is about to provide morning care to a resident. When should the assistant perform hand hygiene?

  1. Only when the resident asks the assistant to wash hands
  2. Before resident contact and after glove removal Correct answer.
  3. Only after using the toilet
  4. Only after completing all care tasks for the shift

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed before contact with a resident and after removing gloves, as well as after contact with body fluids or contaminated items. It is not limited to shift changes or resident requests.

Question 25Infection Control

Which situation requires soap and water rather than an alcohol-based hand rub?

  1. Hands are dry but the assistant just entered the room
  2. Hands touched intact skin of a resident
  3. Hands are visibly soiled with blood Correct answer.
  4. Hands are free of visible dirt after removing gloves

Explanation

Alcohol-based rubs are less effective when hands are visibly soiled or contaminated with blood or body fluids, so soap and water are used. Alcohol rub is acceptable for routine decontamination when hands are not visibly dirty.

Question 26Infection Control

Gloves are worn during a dressing change. What hand hygiene action is required after the gloves are removed?

  1. Rinse hands with water only
  2. Wipe hands on a clean towel
  3. No action is needed because gloves protected the hands
  4. Wash hands or use alcohol rub Correct answer.

Explanation

Gloves can have small defects and can contaminate hands during removal, so hand hygiene is required after glove removal. Hand hygiene is also required before gloving.

Question 27Infection Control

Standard precautions should be used when caring for which residents?

  1. Only residents in isolation rooms
  2. Only residents with a known infection
  3. Only residents who have a fever
  4. All residents, regardless of diagnosis Correct answer.

Explanation

Standard precautions treat all blood, body fluids, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious, so they apply to every resident. Additional transmission-based precautions are used when a specific infection is known or suspected.

Question 28Infection Control

Where should a used lancet be placed after a blood glucose check?

  1. In the regular trash can
  2. In the resident's bedside drawer
  3. In a puncture-resistant sharps container Correct answer.
  4. In a biohazard bag with the linen

Explanation

Used needles and lancets are placed in puncture-resistant, closable sharps containers immediately after use. This prevents needlestick injuries and exposure to bloodborne pathogens.

Question 29Infection Control

How should a nursing assistant handle soiled bed linens?

  1. Place them on the floor until the cart arrives
  2. Carry them against the uniform to keep them contained
  3. Shake them out to remove loose debris
  4. Hold away from the body; bag them Correct answer.

Explanation

Soiled linens are held away from the uniform and placed directly into the linen bag to avoid contaminating clothing and the environment. Shaking linens releases microorganisms into the air.

Question 30Infection Control

A resident is coughing and sneezing. What is the best respiratory hygiene practice?

  1. Cough into both hands and continue care
  2. Suppress the cough until the assistant leaves
  3. Cover the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow Correct answer.
  4. Cover the mouth with a bare hand and then touch equipment

Explanation

Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette means covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or the elbow, then performing hand hygiene. This reduces droplet spread to others and to surfaces.

Question 31Infection Control

A nursing assistant is removing PPE after resident care. Which item is removed first?

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

Explanation

Gloves are the most contaminated item and are removed first, followed by hand hygiene. The remaining PPE is then removed in a sequence that avoids touching contaminated surfaces.

Question 32Infection Control

In what order does a nursing assistant put on PPE before entering a room on contact precautions?

  1. Goggles, gloves, mask, gown
  2. Mask, gloves, gown, goggles
  3. Gloves, gown, mask, goggles
  4. Gown, mask, goggles, gloves Correct answer.

Explanation

The gown goes on first, then the mask or respirator, then goggles or face shield, and gloves last. Gloves are placed over the gown cuffs to cover the wrists.

Question 33Infection Control

A resident has Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) diarrhea. Which action is correct?

  1. Wear only gloves because C. diff is spread by blood
  2. Use alcohol-based hand rub after care
  3. Gown, gloves, and soap-and-water handwashing Correct answer.
  4. Place the resident in a room with a roommate who has no symptoms

Explanation

C. diff spores are not reliably killed by alcohol, so soap-and-water handwashing is required after care. Gown and gloves are used because contact with stool spreads the organism.

Question 34Infection Control

A resident is on airborne precautions for suspected tuberculosis. Which PPE is required when entering the room?

  1. A gown only
  2. N95 respirator Correct answer.
  3. A face shield only
  4. A surgical mask

Explanation

Tuberculosis is spread by airborne particles, so an N95 or higher respirator is required along with a negative-pressure room. A surgical mask does not provide adequate protection for airborne precautions.

Question 35Infection Control

A resident is on droplet precautions. What is the correct approach for close care?

  1. Wear no mask if the resident is afebrile
  2. Surgical mask within about 3 feet Correct answer.
  3. Wear an N95 respirator for all contact
  4. Wear a surgical mask and keep the door open

Explanation

Droplet precautions require a surgical mask when working within about 3 feet of the resident, plus gloves and gown if splashes are likely. Droplets travel a short distance and do not require an N95 for routine care.

Question 36Infection Control

A nursing assistant is stuck by a contaminated needle. What should be done first?

  1. Wait to see if symptoms develop
  2. Apply a tight bandage and finish the shift
  3. Ignore it if the needle was not visibly bloody
  4. Wash the site and report it right away Correct answer.

Explanation

After a needlestick or other exposure, wash the site with soap and water and report the exposure immediately so post-exposure evaluation can begin. Delay increases risk and complicates documentation.

Question 37Infection Control

A small amount of blood spills on the floor. What is the correct cleanup step?

  1. Use a mop and then return the mop to the closet
  2. Gloves on; absorb and disinfect Correct answer.
  3. Wipe it up with a paper towel and bare hands
  4. Rinse the area with water only

Explanation

Blood spills are cleaned by wearing gloves, absorbing the spill, and disinfecting the area with an approved disinfectant. Bare hands or water alone do not remove pathogens.

Question 38Infection Control

A resident has a MRSA wound infection. Which precautions are indicated?

  1. No precautions because MRSA is not contagious
  2. Contact precautions with gown and gloves Correct answer.
  3. Droplet precautions only when coughing
  4. Airborne precautions with an N95 respirator

Explanation

MRSA is spread by contact, so contact precautions with gown and gloves are used. Airborne or droplet precautions are not indicated for MRSA wound infections.

Question 39Infection Control

How should the drainage bag of an indwelling urinary catheter be positioned?

  1. Above the bladder on the bed rail
  2. Between the resident's legs on the mattress
  3. On the floor beside the bed
  4. Below bladder level, off the floor Correct answer.

Explanation

Keeping the drainage bag below bladder level prevents urine from flowing back into the bladder, and keeping it off the floor reduces contamination. The bag should not be placed on the bed or between the legs.

Question 40Infection Control

A urine specimen must be sent to the lab. How should it be handled?

  1. Carry the open cup through the hallway
  2. Put the container in the break room refrigerator
  3. Seal it in a biohazard bag Correct answer.
  4. Wrap the container in a used towel

Explanation

Specimens are placed in a leakproof container and transported in a biohazard bag to prevent spills and exposure. They should not be carried open or stored with food.

Question 41Infection Control

A resident uses a nebulizer mask. What is the correct infection control practice?

  1. Store the mask damp in a closed bag
  2. Rinse the mask in the kitchen sink with bare hands
  3. Clean and store the equipment for that resident only Correct answer.
  4. Share the mask with the roommate after rinsing

Explanation

Respiratory equipment is cleaned and stored for single-resident use to prevent cross-contamination. Sharing equipment or storing it damp promotes microbial growth.

Question 42Infection Control

Which statement best distinguishes disinfection from sterilization?

  1. Sterilization is used only on bed linens
  2. They are identical processes with different names
  3. Disinfection kills all spores and sterilization kills only bacteria
  4. Sterilization kills spores; disinfection does not Correct answer.

Explanation

Sterilization destroys all microorganisms, including bacterial spores, while disinfection reduces or eliminates many pathogens but not necessarily spores. Sterilization is used for items that enter sterile body areas.

Question 43Infection Control

Which practice is acceptable for a nursing assistant providing direct resident care?

  1. Wearing rings with stones during care
  2. Short natural nails without chipped polish Correct answer.
  3. Using long sculptured nails under gloves
  4. Wearing artificial nails if they are short

Explanation

Direct-care staff should keep natural nails short and free of chipped polish because artificial nails and long nails harbor pathogens and can tear gloves. Rings with stones also interfere with hand hygiene.

Question 44Infection Control

A nursing assistant changes a dressing on an infected wound. Which action best prevents contamination?

  1. Remove the old dressing while wearing gloves Correct answer.
  2. Clean from the surrounding skin toward the wound
  3. Reuse the same gauze after it touches the skin
  4. Change the dressing without gloves to improve control

Explanation

The old dressing is removed with gloved hands and discarded as contaminated waste, then hands are cleaned before applying a new dressing. Clean technique avoids touching contaminated materials to the wound.

Question 45Infection Control

A multi-dose vial of medication is used for several residents. Which practice is correct?

  1. Clean the vial top and use a new needle each time Correct answer.
  2. Store the vial in the resident's drawer after use
  3. Use the same needle for each draw if it is not visibly dirty
  4. Draw medication for all residents at once and leave syringes on the cart

Explanation

Multi-dose vials require cleaning the top and using a new needle and syringe for each entry to prevent contamination. Storing vials improperly or reusing needles can transmit bloodborne pathogens.

Question 46Infection Control

A resident asks the nursing assistant for antibiotics because the resident has a cold. What is the best response?

  1. Give the resident leftover antibiotics from a previous prescription
  2. Ask a coworker to borrow antibiotics for the resident
  3. Tell the resident that antibiotics prevent every infection
  4. Explain that antibiotics do not treat colds Correct answer.

Explanation

Antibiotics treat bacterial infections, not viral colds, and unnecessary use promotes resistant organisms. The assistant should educate and refer the resident to the nurse for evaluation.

Question 47Safety and Emergency Procedures

A fire starts in a resident's room. What should the CNA do first?

  1. Close the doors along the hallway
  2. Pull the nearest fire alarm
  3. Get the fire extinguisher from the hall
  4. Move the resident out of the room Correct answer.

Explanation

Fire response follows the RACE sequence: rescue anyone in immediate danger, then alarm, confine the fire, and extinguish or evacuate. The resident in the room is at the greatest immediate risk. Moving the resident away first protects life before other steps are taken.

Question 48Safety and Emergency Procedures

A resident is choking, cannot speak, and has a weak cough. What should the CNA do?

  1. Call for help and start abdominal thrusts Correct answer.
  2. Give the resident a glass of water to sip
  3. Lay the resident flat on the floor to rest
  4. Sweep the mouth with a finger to find the object

Explanation

A weak or silent cough with inability to speak indicates severe airway obstruction. The CNA should call for help and begin abdominal thrusts to force air out of the lungs. Blind finger sweeps are avoided because they can push the object deeper.

Question 49Safety and Emergency Procedures

During a tonic-clonic seizure, what is the CNA's priority?

  1. Place a spoon between the teeth
  2. Hold the resident's arms and legs still
  3. Protect the head and clear nearby objects Correct answer.
  4. Give the prescribed seizure medicine by mouth

Explanation

During a seizure, the goal is to prevent injury by supporting the head and removing hard or sharp objects nearby. Restraining movements can cause fractures or injury, and nothing should be placed in the mouth. Oral medicines are not safe while the resident is seizing.

Question 50Safety and Emergency Procedures

A confused resident keeps trying to climb out of bed. Which action should the CNA try first?

  1. Apply wrist restraints to both of the resident's arms
  2. Offer toileting and orient the resident to the room Correct answer.
  3. Raise all four side rails on the bed
  4. Tuck the bed sheets in very tightly around the resident

Explanation

Restraints are used only when less restrictive measures have failed and a physician orders them. The CNA should first address likely causes, such as needing to toilet or being disoriented. Offering toileting and reorientation is a safe, least-restrictive intervention.