Basic Nursing Skills Practice Test

“airway, breathing, circulation.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “action before calling.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “airway before circulation.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “action, benefits, contact.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“respiration” is correct. Measure vital signs correctly with the proper site/technique, and report abnormalities to the nurse. “blood pressure” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “temperature” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “pulse” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“close and lock the door from the outside.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “place an emergency signaling device with reach of the client.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “ensure that potentially dangerous items are put away and secured.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “check to see that the client is comfortable.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“objective.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “subjective.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “primary.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “secondary.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“transfer belt.” is correct. Safe transfers and equipment use follow the care plan; position/lock equipment, use ordered devices, and protect the client from falls. “wheelchair a few steps behind him.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “Hoyer lift.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “nurse or doctor ready for emergencies.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“discussing this with the charge nurse.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “leaving the client on a padded bedpan.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “placing the client in bed with a waterproof
underpad.” is incorrect because it introduces water where it can spread contamination or, with electricity, cause shock. “giving the client some time to rest.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“remove the opposite arm from the gown first.” is correct. Provide prompt hygiene and toileting to protect skin integrity, reduce infection risk, and preserve dignity. “have the nurse remove the IV needle.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “disconnect the bag and tubing.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “slip the gown over the IV solution bag.” is incorrect because it does not match standard precautions/PPE sequence for the task.

“wipe it up immediately.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “cover it with a towel.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “notify the charge nurse.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “contact housekeeping.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“fold the cranks under the bed” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “elevate the client's head at all times” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “lock the wheels when the cranks are folded” is incorrect because it allows equipment to roll during a transfer and increases fall risk. “keep the bed in a neutral position” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“in the dirty linen container” is correct. Provide prompt hygiene and toileting to protect skin integrity, reduce infection risk, and preserve dignity. “on the floor” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “on the chair” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “on the bedside table” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“spread bacteria.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “tear the pillowcase.” is incorrect because it administering medications is not within the CNA scope; the nurse manages meds. “drop the pillowcase.” is incorrect because it administering medications is not within the CNA scope; the nurse manages meds. “dampen the pillowcase.” is incorrect because it administering medications is not within the CNA scope; the nurse manages meds.

“leave the call light within reach.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “lock the door to promote privacy.” is incorrect because it fails to protect privacy and dignity; always provide privacy. “stand next to the client until the client is finished.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “restrain the client to prevent a fall.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“explain the procedure to the client” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “put on gloves” is incorrect because it does not match standard precautions/PPE sequence for the task. “wash hands” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “wash the area around the stoma” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“proper body mechanics.” is correct. Safe transfers and equipment use follow the care plan; position/lock equipment, use ordered devices, and protect the client from falls. “a Hoyer lift.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “a minimum of three coworkers.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “a mobility mattress.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“after client care” is correct. Infection control requires proper hand hygiene and task‑appropriate PPE, using clean‑to‑dirty technique. “before eating” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “before using the bathroom” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “before cleaning a bedpan” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“tell the charge nurse so she can check it.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “wash the area with soap and water and apply alcohol.” is incorrect because it introduces water where it can spread contamination or, with electricity, cause shock. “ask another nursing assistant to look at it and give his opinion.” is incorrect because it administering medications is not within the CNA scope; the nurse manages meds. “check it again at the same time the next day.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“upon awakening in the morning.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “just before bedtime.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “in the afternoon.” is incorrect because it delays needed care and can worsen the problem; timely action prevents harm. “anytime.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“listening for the last clear sound.” is correct. Measure vital signs correctly with the proper site/technique, and report abnormalities to the nurse. “listening for the first clear sound.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “subtracting the lower number from the top.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “adding the top and bottom numbers.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“keeping the feet comfortably apart.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “keeping knees locked in place.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “holding objects away from the body.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “holding feet and hands as far from the body
as possible.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“report it immediately.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “dispose of it immediately.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “use it until new equipment arrives.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “repair it herself and then use it.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“do perineal care from front to back as needed.” is correct. Infection control requires proper hand hygiene and task‑appropriate PPE, using clean‑to‑dirty technique. “keep the drainage bag higher than the bladder.” is incorrect because it risks urine backflow and infection; drainage bags must stay below bladder level. “let the tubing make a U loop below the bed.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “do perineal care every other night.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“at the side of the bed, facing the foot of
the bed.” is correct. Safe transfers and equipment use follow the care plan; position/lock equipment, use ordered devices, and protect the client from falls. “at the side of the bed, facing the head of
the bed.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “at the foot of the bed.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “at the head of the bed.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“perform the Heimlich maneuver.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “call for help.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “offer her a drink of water.” is incorrect because it introduces water where it can spread contamination or, with electricity, cause shock. “hit her on the back.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“clean.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “wet.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “dry.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “new.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“have the client do as much as she can.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “move the joints until the resident feels pain.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “keep the body exposed to prevent
overheating.” is incorrect because it fails to protect privacy and dignity; always provide privacy. “minimize proper body mechanics.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“remove the water pitcher and all items of food and drink.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “encourage the client not to think about food and water.” is incorrect because it introduces water where it can spread contamination or, with electricity, cause shock. “encourage the client to eat and drink.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “give the client meticulous mouth care.” is incorrect because it administering medications is not within the CNA scope; the nurse manages meds.

“take the client’s rectal temperature as planned.” is correct. Measure vital signs correctly with the proper site/technique, and report abnormalities to the nurse. “wait 15 minutes before taking the temperature.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “give the client some warm water to counter the effect of the cold.” is incorrect because it introduces water where it can spread contamination or, with electricity, cause shock. “report this to the charge nurse.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“being sneezed on.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “cleaning a bedpan.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “touching used linens.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “using a doorknob.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“rash that appears suddenly” is correct. Report concerns through the nursing chain of command—usually to the charge nurse/supervisor first. “warm, dry, pink skin” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “tough skin on the feet” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “scarred skin” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“wear gloves.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “ensure that a family member is present.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “have a coworker assist her.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “contact the funeral director for instructions.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“is independent with balanced periods of rest and activity.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “is not permitted out of bed.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “is out of bed at mealtime only.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “will need assistance for all activities of daily living.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“supporting ambulatory clients.” is correct. Safe transfers and equipment use follow the care plan; position/lock equipment, use ordered devices, and protect the client from falls. “preventing injuries to healthcare workers.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “moving clients who are heavy.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “moving clients who are weak.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“radial pulse.” is correct. Measure vital signs correctly with the proper site/technique, and report abnormalities to the nurse. “carotid pulse.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “apical pulse.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “femoral pulse” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“0 ml” is correct. Measure vital signs correctly with the proper site/technique, and report abnormalities to the nurse. “1 ml” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “2 ml” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “3 ml” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“report it to the charge nurse.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “put alcohol on the nick.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “report it to the physician.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “ignore it, since it is just a nick.” is incorrect because it delays needed care and can worsen the problem; timely action prevents harm.

“use a clean surface of the cloth each time he
wipes.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “clean it from the outer corner to the inner
corner.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “clean it with hydrogen peroxide.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “clean the eye with exudates first.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“away from the meatus.” is correct. Maintain a closed urinary drainage system with the bag below bladder level to prevent backflow and infection. “toward the meatus.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “with Betadine soap.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “with alcohol.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“before going to the bathroom.” is correct. Infection control requires proper hand hygiene and task‑appropriate PPE, using clean‑to‑dirty technique. “after each client contact.” is incorrect because it delays needed care and can worsen the problem; timely action prevents harm. “before eating” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “after changing dressings.” is incorrect because it delays needed care and can worsen the problem; timely action prevents harm.

“keep the hip in alignment.” is correct. Follow the care plan, prioritize safety, maintain infection control, and stay within the CNA scope of practice. “keep the arm straight.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “keep the patient on the side.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “keep the leg flexed.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.

“knees, keeping your back straight.” is correct. Safe transfers and equipment use follow the care plan; position/lock equipment, use ordered devices, and protect the client from falls. “waist, keeping your legs straight.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “waist, rounding your shoulders.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care. “knees and waist.” is not the best practice for this situation; it conflicts with safety, scope, or the plan of care.