Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge worksheet with answers

Free printable Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge worksheet: 8 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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Name: ____________________   Date: ____________

1.Easy

What is aspiration?

  1. AVomiting shortly after a meal
  2. BSwallowing air while eating quickly
  3. CBreathing food, fluid or vomit into the lungs
  4. DCoughing up mucus from the lungs
2.Easy

When is a sputum specimen usually best collected?

  1. AEarly in the morning, after the resident wakes up
  2. BRight after the resident eats lunch
  3. CLate at night, just before sleep
  4. DRight after the resident uses mouthwash at bedtime
3.Easy

A resident has weakness on one side of the body. Which arm goes into the shirt sleeve first?

  1. AThe weak (affected) arm
  2. BBoth arms at the same time
  3. CThe strong (unaffected) arm
  4. DWhichever arm is closer to the nursing assistant
4.Medium

How can a nursing assistant make daily weights as accurate as possible?

  1. AAny time of day, as long as the scale is checked beforehand
  2. BRight after breakfast, so the resident has more energy
  3. CWearing shoes and a coat, so the clothing is always the same
  4. DSame time, same scale, similar clothing, after urinating
5.Medium

Which device helps a resident with a weak grip eat independently?

  1. AVery thin, lightweight plastic forks
  2. BA blindfold to improve focus
  3. CUtensils with built-up, large handles
  4. DA drinking straw only
6.Medium

Which vital sign should be reported to the nurse right away?

  1. AA blood pressure of 118/76 mmHg
  2. BAn oral temperature of 98.2 °F (36.8 °C) taken before breakfast
  3. CRespirations of 30 per minute in a resting adult
  4. DA pulse of 76 beats per minute
7.Hard

A resident cuts her arm and it is bleeding heavily. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. APut on gloves, press firmly on the wound and call for help
  2. BWrap a tight cord around the arm and leave to get the nurse
  3. CLet the wound bleed to clean out germs
  4. DWash the wound under running water until the bleeding stops
8.Hard

A resident with an anxiety disorder is breathing fast and says her heart is pounding and she feels she is going to die. What should the nursing assistant do first?

  1. AHave her breathe into a plastic bag
  2. BTell her it is only anxiety and leave the room
  3. CStay with her, speak calmly and call the nurse to check her
  4. DAsk her to walk around the hallway quickly to calm herself down

Answer key

  1. 1. C · Breathing food, fluid or vomit into the lungs
  2. 2. A · Early in the morning, after the resident wakes up
  3. 3. A · The weak (affected) arm
  4. 4. D · Same time, same scale, similar clothing, after urinating
  5. 5. C · Utensils with built-up, large handles
  6. 6. C · Respirations of 30 per minute in a resting adult
  7. 7. A · Put on gloves, press firmly on the wound and call for help
  8. 8. C · Stay with her, speak calmly and call the nurse to check her

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