Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge worksheet with answers

What is muscle atrophy?

1. ASwelling of a muscle after an injury
2. BSudden tightening of a muscle
3. CGrowth of a muscle in size and strength from extra exercise
4. DWasting or shrinking of a muscle from lack of use

According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which needs must usually be met first?

1. AThe need for self-esteem and respect
2. BThe need to feel loved and to belong
3. CPhysical needs such as air, water, food and sleep
4. DThe need to reach one's full potential and personal goals

How is tangled hair best combed?

1. AStarting at the scalp and pulling straight down to the ends
2. BStarting at the ends and working up toward the scalp
3. CCutting out the tangles with scissors
4. DPulling the comb quickly through the whole length

While measuring blood pressure with a stethoscope, which sound gives the systolic reading?

1. AThe first clear sound heard as the cuff deflates
2. BThe loudest sound heard during deflation
3. CThe sound heard when the cuff is fully inflated
4. DThe last sound heard before silence

Which measure often helps a resident with osteoarthritis?

1. ALifting heavy weights to strengthen the joints
2. BKeeping the painful joints still in one position all day long
3. CComplete bed rest for several weeks
4. DWarm baths or showers and gentle range-of-motion exercise

A resident has diabetes and long toenails. What should the nursing assistant do?

1. ASoak the feet in hot water, then cut the nails
2. BCut the nails short and round off the corners
3. CFile the nails deeply into the corners
4. DNot cut the nails, and tell the nurse

The care plan says "NPO after midnight" for a morning test. At 6 a.m., the resident asks for a cup of coffee. What should the nursing assistant do?

1. AGive her coffee and tell the nurse afterward
2. BGive her a small cup of black coffee, because coffee is not food
3. CExplain she cannot eat or drink yet, and tell the nurse
4. DGive her water instead because water is always allowed

A resident tells the nursing assistant that her tightly curled hair needs special care. What is the best approach?

1. AWash it every day with strong shampoo
2. BBrush it hard each day with a fine-tooth comb to straighten out the curls
3. CAsk about her usual products and routine, and use a wide-tooth comb
4. DUse the same routine as for every other resident