CNA Drill

CNA exam practice question: Self-Care and Independence

Self-Care and IndependenceDifficulty 3/5

When performing passive range of motion, how far should a joint be moved?

  1. ASlightly past the point of resistance to improve flexibility
  2. BThrough the full normal range regardless of resistance felt
  3. COnly as far as the resident can move the joint unaided
  4. DTo the point of resistance, and never into pain
Show answer and rationale

Correct: D. Resistance is the stopping point, and pain means stop and report. This is why the NNAAP skill has the aide instruct the resident to report any pain before the exercise begins.

  • A — Forcing past resistance risks injury to the joint and surrounding tissue.
  • B — Ignoring resistance to reach a textbook range is how injuries occur.
  • C — If the resident could move it unaided, the exercise would be active, not passive.

Concept being tested

4 of the 60 scored items. Promoting the resident's independence, training in self-care within the resident's abilities, assistive devices for transferring, ambulation, eating and dressing, maintenance of range of motion, and bowel and bladder training. — 7% of the exam. Study guide for Self-Care and Independence.

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Primary references

  1. Colorado Nurse Aide Written (or Oral) Examination and Skills Evaluation Candidate Handbook — Credentia Services LLC, in partnership with the Colorado Board of Nursing · primary · retrieved 2026-09-22, verified 2026-09-22
  2. 42 CFR Part 483 Subpart D — Requirements That Must Be Met by States and State Agencies, Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation — Office of the Federal Register (eCFR) · government · retrieved 2026-09-22, verified 2026-09-22
Last reviewed: 2026-10-07Reviewed by: Sarah Jenkins, BSN, RN, Nurse aide educator & clinical skills reviewHow we verify facts