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West Virginia CNA study materials
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West Virginia CNA practice questions

One question at a time. Build your West Virginia CNA understanding.

First 50 of 199 questions. Each one lists the choices, the correct answer, and an explanation. The checker at the top of this page saves progress in this browser when it is available.

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Question 1Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which action best demonstrates active listening to a resident?

  1. Facing the resident and nodding while the resident speaks Correct answer.
  2. Continuing to chart on the computer while the resident talks
  3. Correcting small details as soon as the resident makes an error
  4. Changing the subject to something more cheerful and safe

Explanation

Active listening means giving full attention: facing the person, making eye contact, nodding, and not interrupting. It shows the resident that the message matters. Completing other tasks or steering the conversation away signals that the resident is not being heard.

Question 2Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A CNA stands with arms crossed and a frown while a resident describes a worry. What is the resident most likely to think?

  1. That the CNA does not want to listen Correct answer.
  2. That the CNA is listening closely to every word
  3. That the CNA agrees with the concern
  4. That the CNA wants to hear more details

Explanation

Body language carries much of the meaning in a conversation, and crossed arms with a frown usually read as closed or disapproving. Residents often respond to the nonverbal message more than to the words spoken. An open posture and relaxed face invite the resident to continue.

Question 3Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which of these questions is open-ended?

  1. Do you want cream or lotion?
  2. Are you ready for your shower?
  3. How are you feeling about your therapy today? Correct answer.
  4. Did you sleep well last night?

Explanation

An open-ended question cannot be answered with a simple yes, no, or a single word, so it invites the resident to explain. Questions that begin with how, what, or tell me about encourage fuller answers. Closed questions are useful for facts but do not invite discussion.

Question 4Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A visitor stops a CNA in the hallway and asks what diagnosis a resident has. What is the best response?

  1. Give a brief summary of the resident's condition and prognosis
  2. Hand the visitor the resident's chart from the desk
  3. Confirm only that the resident is a patient on the unit
  4. Say the information is private and offer to get the nurse Correct answer.

Explanation

A resident's health information may only be shared with people the resident has authorized, so the CNA must protect confidentiality. Redirecting the visitor to the nurse keeps the request in the proper channel without confirming or denying anything. Even confirming that someone is a patient can reveal private information.

Question 5Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident has hearing loss in both ears. How should the CNA communicate?

  1. Exaggerate mouth movements and slow speech as much as possible
  2. Face the resident and speak clearly at a normal volume Correct answer.
  3. Speak from behind the resident so the voice carries better
  4. Shout directly into the resident's ear so the sound is louder

Explanation

Facing the resident allows lip reading and facial cues, and clear speech at a normal volume is easiest to understand. Shouting distorts sound and can seem angry, while over-exaggerated mouth movements make lip reading harder. Speaking from behind removes visual cues entirely.

Question 6Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident with aphasia is struggling to find a word. What should the CNA do?

  1. Speak more loudly so the resident understands
  2. Allow time and gently encourage the resident to continue Correct answer.
  3. Finish the resident's sentences to save time
  4. Ask the resident to write every message down instead of speaking

Explanation

Aphasia affects the ability to find and form words, not intelligence, so the resident needs unhurried time to express thoughts. Gentle encouragement supports continued effort and dignity. Completing sentences or changing the method entirely can frustrate the resident and reduce practice.

Question 7Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident with dementia says, "I have to go home and feed my chickens." Which response is best?

  1. "You're worried about your chickens. Tell me about them." Correct answer.
  2. "Let's talk about something happier instead of the chickens."
  3. "Your chickens are long gone, so please stop worrying about them."
  4. "You don't have any chickens now that you live here with us."

Explanation

Acknowledging the feeling behind the statement and inviting the resident to talk validates the emotion without arguing about facts the resident cannot verify. This approach reduces distress and keeps the interaction calm. Correcting or dismissing the resident usually increases agitation.

Question 8Communication and Interpersonal Skills

When giving an SBAR report to the nurse, what should the CNA state first?

  1. The resident's full medical history in order
  2. The CNA's opinion about what caused the change
  3. The treatment the CNA thinks the resident needs
  4. The resident's main problem right now Correct answer.

Explanation

In SBAR, the S stands for Situation, which is a short statement of the resident's current problem and identity. Background, Assessment, and Recommendation follow in that order. Leading with the situation lets the nurse grasp the urgency immediately.

Question 9Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident begins to cry after a phone call. Which response shows empathy?

  1. "We should get you to the dining room now."
  2. "Don't cry; everything will be fine soon."
  3. "That sounds upsetting. Want to tell me about it?" Correct answer.
  4. "My grandmother used to get phone calls like that too."

Explanation

Empathy means recognizing the resident's feeling and offering a chance to share it without judgment. Naming the emotion and inviting the resident to talk keeps the focus on the resident. Minimizing, redirecting, or turning to one's own story shifts the focus away.

Question 10Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident says, "I'm not taking that pill." What should the CNA do first?

  1. Ask the resident to explain what is bothering them about it Correct answer.
  2. Crush the pill into applesauce without asking
  3. Set the pill aside and document a refusal without telling anyone
  4. Insist, because the doctor ordered the medication

Explanation

Residents have the right to refuse medication, but the CNA should first find out why the resident is objecting so the nurse can address the concern. A refusal must always be reported to the nurse. Hiding medication or forcing it violates the resident's rights.

Question 11Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which statement uses words a resident is most likely to understand?

  1. "This medication is your antihypertensive for your hypertension."
  2. "Your labs will be drawn for a CBC and BMP tomorrow."
  3. "This pill helps keep your blood pressure in a safe range." Correct answer.
  4. "We need to ambulate you to the commode now."

Explanation

Plain language uses everyday words instead of medical terms, so the resident can understand and take part in care. Explaining the purpose in familiar terms supports informed choices. Clinical abbreviations and jargon often mean nothing to residents.

Question 12Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident speaks very little English and needs to discuss care. What is the best approach?

  1. Speak louder and repeat the same English words
  2. Arrange for a qualified medical interpreter Correct answer.
  3. Use hand gestures alone for all instructions
  4. Ask the resident's grandchild to interpret during care

Explanation

Care discussions require accurate two-way understanding, which a qualified medical interpreter provides. Untrained interpreters, including family members, may mistranslate medical content or filter what is said. Repeating louder or gesturing alone cannot convey complex information.

Question 13Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Before beginning perineal care, the CNA should:

  1. Close the curtain and begin care to save time
  2. Explain the procedure and ask the resident's permission Correct answer.
  3. Begin the care and explain it afterward
  4. Tell the resident the care is required and begin

Explanation

Residents have the right to know what care will be given and to agree to it, especially for intimate procedures. Explaining first and obtaining consent respects dignity and privacy. Starting without consent, or explaining only afterward, removes the resident's choice.

Question 14Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident reports pain rated 8 out of 10. What should the CNA do?

  1. Report the pain to the nurse right away Correct answer.
  2. Tell the resident to wait until the next medication round
  3. Give the resident an over-the-counter pain reliever
  4. Wait and include the report at the end of the shift

Explanation

A change or complaint of severe pain must be reported promptly so the nurse can assess and treat it. Reporting is a core CNA responsibility because pain can signal a new problem. Delaying the report or acting beyond the role puts the resident at risk.

Question 15Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Two residents argue loudly over which television channel to watch. What should the CNA do?

  1. Take the side of the resident who has lived there longer
  2. Leave the room and let the residents settle it themselves
  3. Listen to both residents and help them agree on a solution Correct answer.
  4. Turn off the television and tell both residents to be quiet

Explanation

Conflict resolution begins with hearing each person's concern and then guiding them toward a workable agreement. This keeps both residents respected and teaches a fair process. Punishing, favoring, or ignoring residents escalates the conflict.

Question 16Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Which situation is most likely to make communication with a resident difficult?

  1. Facing the resident while speaking
  2. A loud television in the dayroom Correct answer.
  3. Sitting at eye level with the resident
  4. Using a quiet room with the door closed

Explanation

Background noise competes with speech and makes it hard for residents, especially those with hearing loss, to follow a conversation. Reducing noise is a basic step in effective communication. Eye-level positioning, facing the resident, and a quiet room all support understanding.

Question 17Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident becomes quiet and tearful while talking about a lost spouse. What is the best action by the CNA?

  1. Stay nearby quietly and give the resident time Correct answer.
  2. Fill the silence with cheerful small talk
  3. Leave the room so the resident can be alone
  4. Ask the resident to talk about something more pleasant

Explanation

Silence used therapeutically gives the resident space to feel and to continue when ready, and quiet presence shows support. Rushing to fill the silence or changing the subject can close down expression. Leaving abruptly may feel like abandonment.

Question 18Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident says, "Nobody ever comes when I call." Which response reflects the resident's feelings?

  1. "It sounds like you feel ignored when you have to wait." Correct answer.
  2. "Press your call light earlier next time."
  3. "That isn't true; I answered your light an hour ago."
  4. "We are very short-staffed today, so you will have to wait."

Explanation

Reflecting means restating the feeling behind the resident's words so the resident knows the message was understood. It invites further discussion without arguing about facts. Explaining staffing, disputing the claim, or giving advice all block the conversation.

Question 19Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A CNA answers the phone and takes a message for the nurse. What should the CNA do?

  1. Write down the message and read it back to the caller Correct answer.
  2. Give the caller the nurse's personal cell phone number
  3. Tell the caller the nurse is too busy to talk now
  4. Rely on memory and give the message when the nurse returns

Explanation

Messages must be accurate, so writing down the details and reading them back confirms what was heard. The written note then goes to the right person promptly. Relying on memory, releasing private numbers, or brushing off the caller all risk errors or poor service.

Question 20Communication and Interpersonal Skills

A resident asks to see their medical record. What should the CNA do?

  1. Hand the resident the chart from the nurses' station
  2. Refuse, because residents are not allowed to see records
  3. Explain that the record is for staff only
  4. Tell the nurse so the resident can be helped with the request Correct answer.

Explanation

Residents have a legal right of access to their own records, and the request must be handled through the proper process by the nurse or administrator. The CNA should not release or withhold the chart personally. Reporting the request ensures the resident's right is honored correctly.

Question 21Infection Control

When should a nursing assistant perform hand hygiene during resident care?

  1. Before and after every contact with a resident Correct answer.
  2. At the start of the shift and again at the end
  3. Only after care that involves body fluids
  4. Only when the resident has a known infection

Explanation

Hand hygiene is performed before and after every contact with a resident, and also after touching the resident's surroundings. This removes organisms picked up from the person or the environment so they are not carried to the next person. The trigger is contact, not the diagnosis or whether gloves were worn.

Question 22Infection Control

In what order does a nursing assistant apply personal protective equipment before entering a resident's room?

  1. Gloves, gown, mask, eye protection
  2. Eye protection, mask, gloves, gown
  3. Gown, mask, eye protection, gloves Correct answer.
  4. Mask, gloves, gown, eye protection

Explanation

Equipment is applied so the most contaminated items go on last and come off first: gown first, then mask or respirator, then eye protection, then gloves. Gloves go on last and are pulled over the gown cuffs so the wrists stay covered.

Question 23Infection Control

To which residents do standard precautions apply?

  1. Only residents placed in an isolation room
  2. All residents, regardless of diagnosis Correct answer.
  3. Only residents with visible body fluids
  4. Only residents with a confirmed infection

Explanation

Standard precautions treat all blood, body fluids, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious, so they apply to every resident every time. Transmission-based precautions are added only when a specific organism is known or suspected.

Question 24Infection Control

Which precautions are required for a resident with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis?

  1. Airborne precautions plus an N95 mask Correct answer.
  2. Contact precautions with gown and gloves
  3. Droplet precautions with a surgical mask
  4. Standard precautions only

Explanation

Tuberculosis spreads through tiny droplet nuclei that stay suspended in air and travel on air currents, so airborne precautions are used. These include an N95 respirator for staff, a closed door, and negative-pressure ventilation when available.

Question 25Infection Control

A resident has frequent diarrhea caused by Clostridioides difficile. Which approach is correct?

  1. Mask and gloves, then alcohol hand rub
  2. Gown and gloves, then a soap-and-water hand wash Correct answer.
  3. Gown only, then alcohol hand rub
  4. Gloves only, then alcohol hand rub

Explanation

C. difficile is spread by spores that survive on surfaces and are not killed by alcohol, so a gown and gloves are worn and hands are washed with soap and water. Mechanical washing removes the spores that alcohol leaves behind.

Question 26Infection Control

Which condition calls for droplet precautions?

  1. Tuberculosis
  2. Scabies
  3. Clostridioides difficile infection
  4. Influenza Correct answer.

Explanation

Droplet precautions apply to organisms carried in large respiratory droplets produced by coughing or sneezing, such as influenza, and include a surgical mask for close contact. Tuberculosis is airborne, while scabies and C. difficile require contact precautions.

Question 27Infection Control

How does a nursing assistant safely remove contaminated gloves?

  1. Wash the gloves with soap and water before removing them
  2. Grasp the outside of one glove and peel it off inside out Correct answer.
  3. Pull the gloves off by the fingertips and set them on the bed
  4. Remove the gloves after leaving the resident's room

Explanation

The first glove is grasped on the outside and peeled off inside out, trapping the soiled surface inside; the second glove is then removed by hooking a finger under the wrist of the remaining glove. The bare hand never touches the contaminated outer surface, and hand hygiene follows right away.

Question 28Infection Control

A nursing assistant is stuck by a used needle while cleaning a resident's room. What should be done first?

  1. Squeeze the wound to make it bleed, then finish the shift
  2. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage
  3. Wash with soap and water, then report it at once Correct answer.
  4. Soak the site in bleach solution for five minutes

Explanation

After a needlestick the site is washed promptly with soap and water, and the exposure is reported immediately so post-exposure evaluation and preventive treatment for HIV and hepatitis B can begin. Neither bleach nor squeezing the wound is recommended first aid.

Question 29Infection Control

Bloodborne viruses such as hepatitis B and HIV are spread mainly by which route?

  1. Hugging an infected resident
  2. Inhaled droplets from coughing
  3. Sharing a dining table
  4. Contact with infected blood Correct answer.

Explanation

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV are transmitted through infected blood and other body fluids entering the body, most often in healthcare through needlesticks or splashes. Everyday contact such as hugging or eating at the same table does not transmit these viruses.

Question 30Infection Control

A bedpan is soiled with urine and will be used again by the resident. What is the correct action?

  1. Rinse it in the sink and return it to the bedside
  2. Store it in the resident's drawer until morning
  3. Wipe it with a paper towel and reuse it
  4. Clean it with a disinfectant and let it air dry Correct answer.

Explanation

Reusable equipment is cleaned of visible soil, then disinfected with a facility-approved product and allowed to air dry before reuse, because drying time is part of how disinfectants work. Rinsing or wiping alone leaves organisms on the surface.

Question 31Infection Control

How should a nursing assistant handle linens soiled with urine or stool?

  1. Shake them out over the bed to remove crumbs
  2. Hold them away from the body and bag them where used Correct answer.
  3. Set them on the hallway floor until the cart arrives
  4. Carry them pressed against the chest to the laundry

Explanation

Soiled linen is handled as little as possible, held away from the uniform to avoid contamination, and placed directly into the designated bag or hamper in the room where it was used. Shaking or carrying linen against the body spreads organisms into the air and onto clothing.

Question 32Infection Control

A resident is on airborne precautions. How is the room door kept during care?

  1. Closed at all times Correct answer.
  2. Open for easy observation
  3. Open unless the resident is sleeping
  4. Propped open during shift change

Explanation

Airborne precautions require the door to stay closed so particles do not escape into the corridor; staff and visitors enter only while wearing an N95 respirator. An open door defeats the ventilation controls that protect everyone outside the room.

Question 33Infection Control

What must be done each time an N95 respirator is put on before entering an isolation room?

  1. Place a surgical mask over the respirator for extra protection
  2. Trim the straps so the mask fits more snugly
  3. Wear the respirator only while providing direct care
  4. Check the seal of the respirator against the face Correct answer.

Explanation

Each time an N95 respirator is donned, the wearer exhales gently and feels around the edges for leaks; a poor seal means the respirator provides no protection. Respirators are never altered, and adding a second mask does not correct a bad fit.

Question 34Infection Control

A resident has a frequent cough. Which guidance should the nursing assistant give?

  1. Suppress the cough until the nursing assistant leaves
  2. Cough into both cupped hands and continue the activity
  3. Cover the mouth with a bare hand, then use hand rub
  4. Cover with a tissue or sleeve, then clean hands Correct answer.

Explanation

Respiratory hygiene means covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or the upper sleeve, throwing the tissue away, and cleaning hands afterwards. Hands that catch droplets carry organisms to rails, phones, and other residents.

Question 35Infection Control

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

  1. Nail polish that is chipped
  2. Artificial nails with a smooth finish
  3. Natural nails kept short and clean Correct answer.
  4. A ring with stones on the ring finger

Explanation

Short, clean, natural nails are the only acceptable style for staff giving direct care, because long nails, chipped polish, and artificial nails harbor organisms and have been linked to outbreaks. Jewelry with stones or ridges cannot be cleaned well and is generally limited to a plain band, if allowed.

Question 36Infection Control

A small amount of blood is spilled on the floor. How should it be handled?

  1. Let it dry and report it to housekeeping later
  2. Rinse the area with hot water only
  3. Wipe it up with a paper towel and finish the task
  4. Don gloves, absorb it, then disinfect the area Correct answer.

Explanation

Blood spills are handled while wearing gloves: absorb the bulk of the fluid, then clean and disinfect the area with a facility-approved product or spill kit. Blood can carry hepatitis and HIV, so wiping with a towel or rinsing with water alone leaves organisms behind.

Question 37Infection Control

How does a nursing assistant keep a supply bag clean while giving care at the bedside?

  1. Hang the bag on the bed rail beside the resident
  2. Set the bag on the bed while care is given
  3. Store soiled supplies in the outside pocket of the bag
  4. Keep the bag off the floor and handle it with clean hands Correct answer.

Explanation

The bag stays off the floor and its outside remains clean; hands are cleaned before reaching inside, and anything that touched the resident goes into a separate soiled area. This keeps clean supplies from being contaminated by whatever the bag touches.

Question 38Infection Control

A resident with a draining MRSA wound is on contact precautions. Which action is correct?

  1. Room the resident with someone who has a new surgical incision
  2. Use the same blood pressure cuff for all residents on the hall
  3. Keep a dedicated stethoscope and cuff in the resident's room Correct answer.
  4. Wear gloves only when the wound is visibly draining

Explanation

Contact precautions include keeping dedicated equipment such as a stethoscope and blood pressure cuff in the room so resistant organisms like MRSA are not carried to other residents. Gloves and gown are worn for every contact with the resident and the room, not just when drainage is visible.

Question 39Infection Control

When is a sharps container closed and replaced?

  1. When it is about three-quarters full Correct answer.
  2. At the end of each calendar month
  3. When the lid no longer closes easily
  4. When it is completely full and items stick out

Explanation

A sharps container is closed and replaced before it is full, roughly when it reaches three-quarters capacity, so that no one has to force an item in or risk a stick from something protruding. Containers are never emptied and reused.

Question 40Infection Control

When should a nursing assistant change gloves while caring for one resident?

  1. Only after care is finished for every resident on the hall
  2. Only when the gloves are visibly torn or dirty
  3. Between dirty and clean tasks for the same resident Correct answer.
  4. At the end of the shift before going home

Explanation

Gloves are removed and replaced when moving from a soiled task, such as perineal care, to a clean one, such as oral care, and hands are cleaned each time. Wearing one pair through an entire shift moves organisms from soiled areas to clean sites and to other residents.

Question 41Infection Control

In which situation must a nursing assistant use soap and water instead of alcohol-based hand rub?

  1. After touching a bed rail
  2. Before entering a resident's room
  3. After caring for a resident with norovirus Correct answer.
  4. After removing gloves following a bed bath

Explanation

Alcohol-based rub does not reliably kill the spores of C. difficile or the hardy norovirus, so soap and water washing is required after caring for a resident with either. In the other listed situations an alcohol rub is appropriate and is less drying to the skin.

Question 42Infection Control

A nursing assistant wore gloves for a bed bath. What hand hygiene is required after the gloves are removed?

  1. Only rinse the hands under running water
  2. None, because the gloves protected the hands
  3. Hand hygiene is still required after removing gloves Correct answer.
  4. Only if the gloves were torn during care

Explanation

Gloves can have tiny defects and can become contaminated during removal, so hand hygiene is required after every glove removal. Gloves are an addition to hand hygiene, never a replacement for it.

Question 43Infection Control

A resident on contact precautions needs a chest X-ray in another department. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. Remove all PPE so the resident feels less embarrassed
  2. Leave the resident in the hallway while waiting
  3. Cancel the X-ray until the precautions are over
  4. Tell the receiving department which precautions apply Correct answer.

Explanation

The nursing assistant notifies the receiving department of the precautions in use so staff there can prepare, and keeps any draining or contaminated areas covered during transport. Precautions continue during transport; PPE is not removed to spare embarrassment.

Question 44Infection Control

A resident has an indwelling urinary catheter. Which action helps prevent a urinary tract infection?

  1. Clean the catheter tubing with alcohol each shift
  2. Disconnect the tubing to empty the bag each shift
  3. Rest the drainage bag on the bed beside the resident
  4. Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder Correct answer.

Explanation

Keeping the drainage bag below the level of the bladder prevents urine from flowing backward up the tubing into the bladder, which is a common route for catheter-associated infection. The bag is emptied regularly and kept off the floor.

Question 45Safety and Emergency Procedures

According to the RACE acronym for fire response, what does the letter R stand for?

  1. Remove objects
  2. Restrict access
  3. Rescue Correct answer.
  4. Report to the supervisor

Explanation

RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish or Evacuate. The first priority is removing anyone in immediate danger from the fire area.

Question 46Safety and Emergency Procedures

When using a fire extinguisher, what is the first step in the PASS technique?

  1. Pull the pin Correct answer.
  2. Push the tank toward the fire
  3. Point the nozzle at the base of the fire
  4. Press the handle down

Explanation

PASS stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep. The pin must be pulled first so the extinguisher can discharge.

Question 47Safety and Emergency Procedures

A resident is at high risk for falls. After finishing morning care, how should the CNA leave the bed?

  1. In the lowest position with the wheels locked Correct answer.
  2. Raised to waist height for the next caregiver
  3. With the head of the bed fully raised
  4. At the same height used during care

Explanation

A bed left in the lowest position with locked wheels lowers the distance and impact if a resident climbs out. Fall-risk residents should never be left with the bed raised.

Question 48Safety and Emergency Procedures

A resident has an ordered wrist restraint. How often should the CNA check the circulation in that hand?

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

Explanation

Circulation, color, warmth, and sensation in a restrained limb are checked at least every 15 minutes. The restraint is also released and the resident repositioned at least every 2 hours.

Question 49Safety and Emergency Procedures

A resident who is eating suddenly cannot speak or breathe but is still conscious. What should the CNA do?

  1. Offer a glass of water
  2. Give abdominal thrusts Correct answer.
  3. Lay the resident flat on the floor
  4. Sweep the mouth with a finger

Explanation

Abdominal thrusts force air from the lungs to expel the object when a conscious adult has a complete airway obstruction. If the person can still cough forcefully, encourage coughing instead.

Question 50Safety and Emergency Procedures

A resident begins to have a generalized seizure. What is the CNA's priority action?

  1. Give sips of water
  2. Protect the head from injury Correct answer.
  3. Hold the arms and legs still
  4. Place a spoon between the teeth

Explanation

During a seizure the CNA protects the head and clears hard objects away so the person is not injured. Nothing is placed in the mouth and the limbs are never restrained.