Certified Nurses Assistant Test
Pre-employment assessment for CNAs
Questions and Answers
- 1.
The immediate supervisor of the nursing assistant is:
- A.
The RN
- B.
The LPN
- C.
The experienced nursing assistant
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
A. The RNExplanation
The immediate supervisor of the nursing assistant is the Registered Nurse (RN). The RN is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the work of the nursing assistant, providing guidance, and ensuring that tasks are carried out safely and effectively. The LPN and experienced nursing assistant may also provide supervision and support, but ultimately, the RN holds the highest level of authority and responsibility in the nursing assistant's chain of command.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of the following is NOT a responsibility of the nursing assistant?
- A.
Obtaining vital signs on the assigned patients
- B.
Providing personal hygiene to the assigned patients
- C.
Taking telephone orders from the physician for the assigned patients
- D.
Assisting the assigned patients with meals
Correct Answer
C. Taking telephone orders from the physician for the assigned patientsExplanation
The nursing assistant is not responsible for taking telephone orders from the physician for the assigned patients. This task is usually performed by a nurse or other healthcare professional who is qualified to interpret and communicate medical orders. The nursing assistant's responsibilities typically include obtaining vital signs, providing personal hygiene, and assisting with meals for the assigned patients.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Care of the patient includes all of the following EXCEPT:
- A.
Assisting in their physical needs
- B.
Assisting in their spiritual needs
- C.
Assisting in their financial needs
- D.
Assisting in their psychosocial needs
Correct Answer
C. Assisting in their financial needsExplanation
The care of the patient includes assisting in their physical needs, spiritual needs, and psychosocial needs. However, it does not include assisting in their financial needs. Financial needs are usually addressed by other professionals such as social workers or financial counselors. The focus of the care team is typically on the patient's overall well-being and providing support in various aspects of their life, but financial assistance is not typically within their scope of practice.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is the most effective means of preventing the spread of germs?
- A.
Wearing gloves for all procedures
- B.
Washing hands briskly with soap and water or alcohol based agent
- C.
Wearing a gown
- D.
Wearing a mask
Correct Answer
B. Washing hands briskly with soap and water or alcohol based agentExplanation
Washing hands briskly with soap and water or alcohol-based agent is the most effective means of preventing the spread of germs. This is because washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based agent helps to remove and kill germs that may be present on the hands. Wearing gloves, a gown, or a mask may provide some level of protection, but they do not eliminate the germs from the hands like proper hand hygiene does.Rate this question:
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- 5.
You are walking with a client in the hallway. The client suddenly becomes weak and starts to fall. What is your first action?
- A.
Catch the patient and prevent the fall
- B.
Scream for help
- C.
Ease the patient to the floor, preventing them from injuring themselves
- D.
Hold the patient upright until a wheelchair arrives
Correct Answer
C. Ease the patient to the floor, preventing them from injuring themselvesExplanation
When the client suddenly becomes weak and starts to fall, the first action should be to ease the patient to the floor, preventing them from injuring themselves. This is the most immediate and appropriate response to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. Catching the patient and preventing the fall may not be feasible or safe in all situations. Screaming for help can be done after ensuring the patient's safety. Holding the patient upright until a wheelchair arrives may not be the best option as it can increase the risk of injury.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following pieces of information would require the RN to be notified immediately?
- A.
Temperature of 103 F, BP 200/100, Blood Sugar of 250
- B.
Temperature of 100 F, BP 150/88, Blood Sugar of 150
- C.
Temperature of 99 F, BP 120/80, Blood Sugar of 120
- D.
Temperature of 98.6 F, BP 110/70, Blood Sugar of 90
Correct Answer
A. Temperature of 103 F, BP 200/100, Blood Sugar of 250Explanation
The combination of a high temperature (103 F), high blood pressure (200/100), and high blood sugar (250) indicates a potential medical emergency. These values suggest that the patient may be experiencing an infection or other serious condition that requires immediate attention from the RN.Rate this question:
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- 7.
You enter a patient’s room and notice that he is not breathing. Which of the following should you do first?
- A.
Elevate the head of the bed
- B.
Open the airway by using the jaw thrust movement
- C.
Check for a carotid pulse
- D.
Turn the patient on their side
Correct Answer
B. Open the airway by using the jaw thrust movementExplanation
The first thing you should do when you notice a patient is not breathing is to open the airway by using the jaw thrust movement. This technique helps to ensure that the patient's airway is clear and allows for proper ventilation. Elevating the head of the bed, checking for a carotid pulse, and turning the patient on their side can be important steps in managing a non-breathing patient, but opening the airway takes priority as it is crucial for the patient's survival.Rate this question:
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- 8.
You are assisting a patient to eat. The patient suddenly becomes choked and starts to cough. Which action should you take?
- A.
Encourage the patient to continue coughing
- B.
Pound the patient on the back
- C.
Stand behind the patient, put you arms around the patient, make a fist with your hands and deliver three blows using a downward motion
- D.
Place the patient on the floor
Correct Answer
A. Encourage the patient to continue coughingExplanation
When a patient becomes choked and starts to cough, the best action to take is to encourage the patient to continue coughing. Coughing is the body's natural reflex to clear the airway and dislodge the obstruction. By encouraging the patient to cough, you are supporting their natural response and allowing them to try to clear the blockage on their own. It is important to avoid pounding the patient on the back or delivering blows, as these actions can cause further harm or push the obstruction deeper into the airway. Placing the patient on the floor is also not necessary in this situation.Rate this question:
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- 9.
You are bathing an unconscious patient. Which of the following should be reported to the nurse immediately?
- A.
Urine in the foley bag appears cloudy
- B.
The patient is incontinent of stool
- C.
The patient appears to be trying to talk
- D.
There is redness and swelling at the IV insertion site
Correct Answer
D. There is redness and swelling at the IV insertion siteExplanation
Redness and swelling at the IV insertion site should be reported to the nurse immediately because it could indicate an infection or infiltration at the site. Infections can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly, and infiltration can cause damage to the surrounding tissues. Therefore, it is important to notify the nurse so that appropriate interventions can be taken to prevent further harm to the patient.Rate this question:
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- 10.
A patient is receiving continuous tube feedings via a nasogastric tube. Which of the following findings requires an immediate intervention?
- A.
The patient is lying flat in bed
- B.
The patient’s head is on 1 pillow
- C.
The patient is positioned on their right side
- D.
The patient is in high Fowler’s position
Correct Answer
A. The patient is lying flat in bedExplanation
Lying flat in bed can increase the risk of aspiration in a patient receiving continuous tube feedings via a nasogastric tube. Aspiration occurs when the contents of the stomach, including the tube feeding, enter the lungs. This can lead to pneumonia or other respiratory complications. Therefore, immediate intervention is required to elevate the head of the bed to at least 30 degrees to prevent aspiration.Rate this question:
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- 11.
You are assisting a Parkinson’s patient with the bath. You should:
- A.
Complete the total bath for the patient
- B.
Encourage the patient to bathe as much of his body as possible
- C.
Leave the patient on the side of the bed and unattended while he completes the bath
- D.
Bathe the patient in silence
Correct Answer
B. Encourage the patient to bathe as much of his body as possibleExplanation
The correct answer is to encourage the patient to bathe as much of his body as possible. This is because Parkinson's disease can cause difficulties with movement and coordination, and the patient may struggle to bathe certain parts of their body independently. By encouraging them to do as much as they can, it promotes independence and helps maintain their dignity. It also allows the caregiver to assist with the parts that the patient is unable to reach or do on their own. Leaving the patient unattended or bathing them in silence would not be appropriate or safe.Rate this question:
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- 12.
You are providing care to a patient who is hearing impaired. The best method for communicating with the patient is to:
- A.
Provide paper and pencil to the patient
- B.
Speak loudly into the patient’s ear
- C.
Position yourself directly in front of the patient and speak slowly and clearly in a normal tone
- D.
Ask the patient which ear is their “good” ear
Correct Answer
C. Position yourself directly in front of the patient and speak slowly and clearly in a normal toneExplanation
The best method for communicating with a hearing impaired patient is to position yourself directly in front of them and speak slowly and clearly in a normal tone. This allows the patient to see your facial expressions and lip movements, which can aid in understanding. Speaking loudly into the patient's ear may distort the sound and make it more difficult for them to comprehend. Providing paper and pencil may be helpful for written communication, but it should not be assumed that all hearing impaired individuals are able to read or write. Asking about the patient's "good" ear is not relevant to effective communication.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Which of the following requests is outside the responsibilities of a CNA?
- A.
Administration of medications
- B.
Auscultation of breathing sounds
- C.
Performing procedures requiring the use of sterile technique
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
The correct answer is "All of the above". This means that all of the requests mentioned in the options are outside the responsibilities of a CNA. A CNA is not authorized to administer medications, auscultate breathing sounds, or perform procedures requiring the use of sterile technique. These tasks are typically performed by licensed nurses or other healthcare professionals with specialized training.Rate this question:
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- 14.
A nurse has just left a patient’s room when you enter to take the vital signs. You find the patient flat in bed and the bed in high position and all side rails down. You should:
- A.
Take the vital signs
- B.
Position the patient on their left side and lower the bed
- C.
Raise the side rails and consult with the nurse regarding your findings
- D.
Document your findings
Correct Answer
C. Raise the side rails and consult with the nurse regarding your findingsExplanation
The correct answer is to raise the side rails and consult with the nurse regarding your findings. This is the appropriate action to ensure patient safety. The patient is in an unsafe position with the bed in a high position and all side rails down. Raising the side rails will help prevent the patient from falling out of bed. Consulting with the nurse is important to inform them of the situation and discuss any necessary interventions or changes in patient care. Taking vital signs and documenting findings can be done after ensuring the patient's safety.Rate this question:
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- 15.
15. A patient has wrist restraints on, secondary to having pulled out their nasogastric tube 5 times. As the nursing assistant, your responsibility regarding restraints is to:
- A.
Tie the restraints to the side rails
- B.
Release the restraints every two hours and put the extremities through range of motion
- C.
Evaluate the need for the restraints every 4 hours
- D.
Maintain all 4 side rails up
Correct Answer
B. Release the restraints every two hours and put the extremities through range of motionExplanation
The correct answer is to release the restraints every two hours and put the extremities through range of motion. This is because wrist restraints should not be used as a form of punishment or convenience, but rather as a last resort to prevent harm to the patient or others. Releasing the restraints every two hours and performing range of motion exercises helps to prevent complications such as muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and skin breakdown. It also allows the nursing assistant to assess the patient's condition and evaluate the need for continued use of the restraints.Rate this question:
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- 16.
You have been pulled from the acute care floor to a psych floor to sit with a patient requiring constant observation. You recognize you have been given this assignment because the patient:
- A.
Has threatened to hurt himself or others
- B.
Is loud and disruptive to the other patients
- C.
Requires assistance with eating and toileting
- D.
Requires too much time from the nurses
Correct Answer
A. Has threatened to hurt himself or othersExplanation
The correct answer is "Has threatened to hurt himself or others." This is because patients who pose a risk of harm to themselves or others require constant observation to ensure their safety and the safety of those around them. This assignment is necessary to prevent any potential harm or violence that may occur.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What four areas of the body can you use to obtain a body temperature reading?
- A.
Oral, rectal, axilla, ear canal
- B.
Rectal, behind the ear, axilla, nostril
- C.
Oral, sole of foot, thigh, bladder
Correct Answer
A. Oral, rectal, axilla, ear canalExplanation
The four areas of the body that can be used to obtain a body temperature reading are the oral cavity (mouth), rectum, axilla (armpit), and ear canal. These areas are commonly used because they provide accurate and reliable measurements of body temperature. The oral cavity is easily accessible and provides a convenient method for temperature measurement. The rectum is a highly accurate site for temperature measurement, especially in infants. The axilla is commonly used for screening purposes and provides a quick and non-invasive method for temperature measurement. The ear canal is another non-invasive method that provides a fast and accurate measurement of body temperature.Rate this question:
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- 18.
What is normal body temperature?
- A.
101º F
- B.
96.8º F
- C.
98.6º F
Correct Answer
C. 98.6º FExplanation
The normal body temperature is generally considered to be 98.6º F. This is the average temperature that most people have when they are healthy. However, it is important to note that individual body temperatures can vary slightly, and what is considered normal can range between 97º F and 99º F.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Poor skin turgor and a dry mouth are symptoms of:
- A.
Diabetes
- B.
CVA
- C.
Dehydration
Correct Answer
C. DehydrationExplanation
Poor skin turgor and a dry mouth are symptoms commonly associated with dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to a decrease in the body's water content. Poor skin turgor refers to the skin's elasticity, which is reduced when there is insufficient hydration. A dry mouth is another common sign of dehydration as the body tries to conserve water by reducing saliva production. Although diabetes and CVA (cerebrovascular accident) can have various symptoms, they are not typically associated with poor skin turgor and a dry mouth.Rate this question:
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- 20.
A rectal temperature reading is usually more accurate than an oral temperature.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
Rectal temperature readings are generally considered to be more accurate than oral temperature readings because the rectum provides a closer reflection of the body's core temperature. This is because the rectum is located internally and is less affected by external factors such as breathing, eating, or drinking. Additionally, rectal thermometers are designed to provide more precise readings and are less likely to be influenced by factors like mouth breathing or the presence of food or drink in the mouth. Therefore, it is generally recommended to use rectal temperature readings for more accurate results.Rate this question:
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- 21.
Which of the following can contribute to the development of decubitus ulcers?
- A.
Pressure on one body area
- B.
Poor skin care
- C.
Compromised nutrition status
- D.
All of the above
Correct Answer
D. All of the aboveExplanation
All of the mentioned factors can contribute to the development of decubitus ulcers. Pressure on one body area, poor skin care, and compromised nutrition status can all increase the risk of developing decubitus ulcers. Pressure on a specific body area can restrict blood flow and cause tissue damage, poor skin care can lead to skin breakdown and vulnerability to ulcers, and compromised nutrition status can weaken the skin and impair the body's ability to heal. Therefore, all of these factors can play a role in the development of decubitus ulcers.Rate this question:
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- 22.
The higher of the two numbers on a blood pressure is the systolic.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
The higher number on a blood pressure reading is known as the systolic pressure. This represents the pressure in the arteries when the heart is contracting and pumping blood. The systolic pressure is usually the first number recorded in a blood pressure measurement and is an important indicator of cardiovascular health. Therefore, the statement "The higher of the two numbers on a blood pressure is the systolic" is true.Rate this question:
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- 23.
Edema is a condition caused by retention of body fluid and usually occurs in what areas of the body?
- A.
Feet, ankles, hands, face
- B.
Hips, hands, face
- C.
Neck, legs, feet
Correct Answer
A. Feet, ankles, hands, faceExplanation
Edema is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excess fluid in the body tissues. It commonly occurs in areas where gravity causes fluid to pool, such as the feet, ankles, hands, and face. This pooling of fluid can be caused by various factors, including heart failure, kidney disease, liver disease, and certain medications. The swelling in these areas is often due to the increased pressure from the retained fluid, which can cause discomfort and reduced mobility.Rate this question:
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Feb 23, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 01, 2012Quiz Created by
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