CNA Practice Test 2026: 100 Questions and Answers (Free CNA Exam Preparation Guide)
Introduction
Are you preparing for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam in 2026? One of the most effective ways to pass the CNA exam is by practicing realistic multiple-choice questions that cover patient care, infection control, safety procedures, communication skills, vital signs, nutrition, documentation, and resident rights.
This free CNA practice test contains carefully selected exam-style questions designed to help you understand the format of the CNA examination and improve your confidence before test day.
Whether you are taking the NNAAP examination or another state CNA certification test, these questions will help strengthen your nursing assistant knowledge and identify areas that need improvement.
CNA Practice Test Questions and Answers
Question 1
What is the normal adult pulse rate?
A. 40–60 bpm
B. 60–100 bpm
C. 110–130 bpm
D. 140–180 bpm
Correct Answer
✅ B. 60–100 bpm
Explanation
The normal resting pulse rate for healthy adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
Question 2
When should a nursing assistant wash their hands?
A. Before patient care only
B. After patient care only
C. Before and after patient care
D. Once every shift
Correct Answer
✅ C. Before and after patient care
Explanation
Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Question 3
Which personal protective equipment protects the hands?
A. Mask
B. Goggles
C. Gloves
D. Gown
Correct Answer
✅ C. Gloves
Explanation
Gloves provide protection from blood, body fluids, and infectious materials.
Question 4
How often should an immobile patient be repositioned?
A. Every 8 hours
B. Every 6 hours
C. Every 4 hours
D. Every 2 hours
Correct Answer
✅ D. Every 2 hours
Explanation
Frequent repositioning helps prevent pressure ulcers and improves circulation.
Question 5
A CNA notices a patient suddenly becomes confused. What should be done first?
A. Ignore the behavior
B. Document later
C. Report immediately to the nurse
D. Ask another patient
Correct Answer
✅ C. Report immediately to the nurse
Explanation
Sudden confusion may indicate a serious medical condition requiring immediate attention.
Question 6
What does PPE stand for?
A. Patient Protection Equipment
B. Personal Protective Equipment
C. Patient Procedure Equipment
D. Personal Prevention Environment
Correct Answer
✅ B. Personal Protective Equipment
Explanation
PPE includes gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection used to prevent infection transmission.
Question 7
Which vital sign measures breathing?
A. Pulse
B. Temperature
C. Respirations
D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer
✅ C. Respirations
Explanation
Respirations measure the number of breaths a person takes per minute.
Question 8
What should a CNA do before helping a patient stand?
A. Lock wheelchair wheels
B. Remove footwear
C. Turn off lights
D. Raise side rails
Correct Answer
✅ A. Lock wheelchair wheels
Explanation
Locking wheels prevents accidents and promotes patient safety.
Question 9
Why is documentation important?
A. Creates extra work
B. Maintains accurate patient records
C. Replaces nursing care
D. Delays communication
Correct Answer
✅ B. Maintains accurate patient records
Explanation
Documentation allows healthcare professionals to monitor patient progress and communicate effectively.
Question 10
Which nutrient is most important for wound healing?
A. Sugar
B. Protein
C. Soda
D. Candy
Correct Answer
✅ B. Protein
Explanation
Protein is necessary for tissue repair and wound healing.
Question 11
A CNA should always respect a resident’s:
A. Privacy and dignity
B. Favorite television show
C. Personal opinions only
D. Visiting schedule
Correct Answer
✅ A. Privacy and dignity
Explanation
Residents have the right to privacy, respect, and dignified care.
Question 12
What is the normal adult respiratory rate?
A. 4–8 breaths/minute
B. 12–20 breaths/minute
C. 25–40 breaths/minute
D. 50–60 breaths/minute
Correct Answer
✅ B. 12–20 breaths/minute
Explanation
Healthy adults typically breathe between 12 and 20 times per minute.
Question 13
When should gloves be worn?
A. During contact with blood or body fluids
B. During every conversation
C. Only during meals
D. Only at night
Correct Answer
✅ A. During contact with blood or body fluids
Explanation
Gloves protect both patients and healthcare workers from infection.
Question 14
Which action helps prevent falls?
A. Cluttered walkways
B. Wet floors
C. Proper footwear
D. Poor lighting
Correct Answer
✅ C. Proper footwear
Explanation
Non-slip footwear helps reduce fall risk.
Question 15
What should a CNA do if a patient refuses care?
A. Force the patient
B. Respect the decision and report it
C. Ignore the patient
D. Leave without documentation
Correct Answer
✅ B. Respect the decision and report it
Explanation
Patients have the right to refuse care. The refusal should be reported and documented.
Most Important CNA Topics for 2026
Infection Control
- Hand hygiene
- PPE
- Isolation precautions
- Standard precautions
Patient Care
- Bathing
- Grooming
- Oral hygiene
- Feeding assistance
Vital Signs
- Temperature
- Pulse
- Respirations
- Blood pressure
- Oxygen saturation
Communication
- Active listening
- Reporting changes
- Documentation
- Therapeutic communication
Safety
- Fall prevention
- Wheelchair safety
- Transfer techniques
- Body mechanics
Resident Rights
- Privacy
- Dignity
- Confidentiality
- Informed consent
How to Pass the CNA Exam in 2026
Study Daily
Spend at least 30–60 minutes reviewing notes and practice questions.
Learn the Skills
Practice handwashing, ambulation, feeding, transfers, and vital signs.
Take Mock Exams
Full-length tests help identify weak areas and improve confidence.
Review Incorrect Answers
Understanding mistakes helps prevent future errors.
Focus on Patient Safety
Safety questions appear frequently on CNA exams.
Get the Complete CNA Study Guide
The free questions above are only a sample.
Our Complete CNA Study Guide and Practice Question Book includes:
✅ 1000+ CNA practice questions
✅ Detailed answer explanations
✅ CNA skills checklist
✅ Infection control review
✅ Vital signs charts
✅ NNAAP exam preparation
✅ Mock exams
✅ Quick revision notes
Perfect for first-time CNA candidates and nursing assistant students preparing for the 2026 certification exam.
Question 16
A CNA is helping a resident walk. Which device provides support during ambulation?
A. Thermometer
B. Walker
C. Stethoscope
D. Bedpan
Correct Answer
✅ B. Walker
Explanation
Walkers provide stability and help prevent falls during ambulation.
Question 17
What should a CNA do before measuring blood pressure?
A. Ask the patient to exercise
B. Ensure the patient is relaxed
C. Give a large meal
D. Have the patient stand
Correct Answer
✅ B. Ensure the patient is relaxed
Explanation
A relaxed patient helps ensure an accurate blood pressure reading.
Question 18
Which action demonstrates patient confidentiality?
A. Discussing patient information in public
B. Sharing records with friends
C. Protecting private health information
D. Posting patient details online
Correct Answer
✅ C. Protecting private health information
Explanation
Patient information should only be shared with authorized healthcare personnel.
Question 19
What is the normal adult oral temperature range?
A. 92°F–95°F
B. 97°F–99°F
C. 100°F–104°F
D. 105°F–108°F
Correct Answer
✅ B. 97°F–99°F
Explanation
Normal oral body temperature is generally between 97°F and 99°F.
Question 20
Which position helps a patient breathe more easily?
A. Supine position
B. Prone position
C. Fowler’s position
D. Trendelenburg position
Correct Answer
✅ C. Fowler’s position
Explanation
Fowler’s position promotes lung expansion and easier breathing.
Question 21
What should be done if bed linens become wet?
A. Leave them unchanged
B. Replace immediately
C. Cover with a blanket
D. Wait until next shift
Correct Answer
✅ B. Replace immediately
Explanation
Wet linens can cause skin breakdown and discomfort.
Question 22
What is the purpose of standard precautions?
A. Treat only infected patients
B. Prevent transmission of infection
C. Increase workload
D. Reduce communication
Correct Answer
✅ B. Prevent transmission of infection
Explanation
Standard precautions assume all blood and body fluids may be infectious.
Question 23
A patient reports chest pain. What should the CNA do?
A. Ignore it
B. Tell another patient
C. Notify the nurse immediately
D. Give medication
Correct Answer
✅ C. Notify the nurse immediately
Explanation
Chest pain may indicate a serious emergency requiring prompt evaluation.
Question 24
Why are side rails used?
A. Decoration
B. Fall prevention
C. Increase room temperature
D. Improve lighting
Correct Answer
✅ B. Fall prevention
Explanation
Side rails may help prevent accidental falls when used appropriately.
Question 25
Which food is a good source of protein?
A. Chicken
B. Candy
C. Soda
D. Chips
Correct Answer
✅ A. Chicken
Explanation
Protein supports tissue repair, muscle maintenance, and healing.
Question 26
What should a CNA do before entering an isolation room?
A. Review required precautions
B. Ignore posted signs
C. Remove PPE
D. Leave equipment outside
Correct Answer
✅ A. Review required precautions
Explanation
Isolation signs provide instructions for safe patient care.
Question 27
What is the first step in handwashing?
A. Dry hands
B. Apply lotion
C. Wet hands with water
D. Put on gloves
Correct Answer
✅ C. Wet hands with water
Explanation
Handwashing begins by wetting hands before applying soap.
Question 28
Which observation should be reported immediately?
A. Mild hunger
B. New difficulty breathing
C. Favorite TV program
D. Preferred meal
Correct Answer
✅ B. New difficulty breathing
Explanation
Breathing problems may indicate a medical emergency.
Question 29
What should a CNA use when lifting a heavy object?
A. Back muscles only
B. Proper body mechanics
C. Twisting movements
D. Sudden jerking motions
Correct Answer
✅ B. Proper body mechanics
Explanation
Using leg muscles and proper posture helps prevent injuries.
Question 30
Which statement reflects professional behavior?
A. Arguing with residents
B. Ignoring policies
C. Being respectful and responsible
D. Sharing confidential information
Correct Answer
✅ C. Being respectful and responsible
Explanation
Professionalism improves patient trust and quality of care.
Free CNA Practice Test Topics Included
Fundamentals of Nursing
- Basic patient care
- Hygiene
- Grooming
- Bed making
Infection Control
- Hand hygiene
- PPE
- Isolation precautions
- Standard precautions
Vital Signs
- Temperature
- Pulse
- Respirations
- Blood pressure
- Oxygen saturation
Patient Safety
- Fall prevention
- Emergency situations
- Wheelchair safety
- Transfer techniques
Communication
- Active listening
- Patient interaction
- Documentation
- Reporting observations
Nutrition and Hydration
- Balanced diet
- Fluid intake
- Feeding assistance
- Special diets
Resident Rights
- Privacy
- Dignity
- Respect
- Confidentiality
Get the Complete 100-Question CNA Practice Test
Want more CNA exam questions?
Our Complete CNA Study Guide and Practice Question Book includes:
✔ 100+ CNA practice questions
✔ Detailed answer explanations
✔ NNAAP exam preparation
✔ CNA skills checklist
✔ Infection control review
✔ Vital signs reference charts
✔ Mock exams and self-assessment tests
✔ Quick revision notes
The complete guide is designed to help nursing assistant students prepare confidently for the CNA certification exam and improve their chances of passing on the first attempt.
USA CNA (CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT) NNAAP EXAM PRACTICE BOOK
