CNA Drill

Activities of Daily Living: practice questions

4 original questions · 4 editor-approved · every choice explained.

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Blueprint-mapped questions with full rationales for every choice.

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Activities of Daily LivingDifficulty 2/5

A resident has a weak right arm and needs help putting on a shirt. Which arm goes in first?

  1. ABoth arms together, to reduce the time the resident is uncovered
  2. BThe right arm, because the affected side is dressed first
  3. CThe left arm, because the stronger side is dressed first
  4. DEither arm, provided the resident is seated upright throughout
Show answer and rationale

Correct: B. The affected limb has less range, so it goes in while the garment is still loose and unobstructed. Undressing reverses it: the stronger side comes out first. The NNAAP skill is written around exactly this.

  • C — Dressing the strong side first leaves the weak arm to be forced into a tightened sleeve.
  • D — Position matters but does not remove the rule about which side leads.
  • A — Dressing both arms at once is not achievable and risks injuring the affected limb.
Activities of Daily LivingDifficulty 3/5

When providing perineal care, in which direction should the aide clean?

  1. AIn a circular motion outward, reusing the same area of the cloth
  2. BFrom back to front, using a clean area of the cloth for each stroke
  3. CAway from the meatus, using a clean area of the cloth for each stroke
  4. DToward the meatus, using a clean area of the cloth for each stroke
Show answer and rationale

Correct: C. Cleaning away from the urinary meatus, with a fresh area of the cloth each time, prevents carrying organisms toward the urethra. Both halves are scored steps in the NNAAP checklist.

  • D — Cleaning toward the meatus carries organisms directly toward the urethra.
  • A — Reusing the same area of the cloth redeposits what was just removed.
  • B — Back to front moves organisms from the anal area toward the urethra.
Activities of Daily LivingDifficulty 2/5

Before feeding a resident who cannot feed themselves, what should the aide do first?

  1. APosition the resident flat and check the tray against the diet card
  2. BBegin with fluids to moisten the mouth before offering any solid food
  3. CAsk a family member to confirm which foods the resident prefers today
  4. DPosition the resident upright and check the tray against the diet card
Show answer and rationale

Correct: D. An upright position reduces aspiration risk, and checking the tray against the diet card catches a wrong tray before the resident eats from it. Proper feeding technique is named in the federal curriculum.

  • A — Feeding a resident lying flat creates a serious aspiration risk.
  • B — Fluids may be appropriate, but position and the correct tray come first.
  • C — Preference matters, but it does not replace verifying the prescribed diet.
Activities of Daily LivingDifficulty 2/5

Providing a curtain, screen or door during personal care is best described as what?

  1. AA resident right, and a scored step in the skills evaluation
  2. BA courtesy, offered when the resident specifically asks for it
  3. CAn infection control measure limiting airborne transmission
  4. DA facility preference that varies by state and by employer
Show answer and rationale

Correct: A. Section 483.152(b)(7)(i) names providing privacy among residents' rights, and privacy appears as a scored step in the NNAAP skill checklists. It is an entitlement, not a favour.

  • B — It is provided as standard; the resident should not have to request it.
  • C — Privacy protects dignity rather than controlling airborne transmission.
  • D — It is a federal resident right, not a local preference.

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