Headmaster CNA Practice Test – 2025 Edition
Question 1 A resident begins to choke while eating and cannot speak or cough. The nurse aid should:
- Offer water to help the food pass
- Call the nurse and wait for help
- Pat the resident on the back or
- Begin abdominal thrust immediately
Correct answer: D. Begin abdominal thrust immediately
Rationale: Inability to cough or speak means a complete airway obstruction—perform abdominal thrusts (formerly “Heimlich”) at once while summoning help.
Question 2 A resident who is visually impaired requests assistance finding their coal light. The CNA should:
- Tell them it's next to their pillow
- Place it in their hand and explain its function
- Ignore the request if the resident seems fine
- Turn on all the lights in the room
Correct answer: B. Place it in their hand and explain its function
Rationale: Tactile guidance plus clear instruction ensures the resident can locate and use the call-light independently.
Question 3 Which vital sign change should be reported immediately?
- Oral temperature of 98.9
- Blood pressure of 120 over 80
- Respiratory rate of eight breaths per minute
- Pulse of 76 BPM
Correct answer: C. Respiratory rate of eight breaths per minute
Rationale: An adult respiratory rate below 12 is abnormally low (bradypnea) and may signal respiratory depression or distress.
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Question 4
When documenting care in the medical record, the CNA must:
- Use only red ink for accuracy
- Erase errors completely and rewrite
- Record observations objectively and in ink
- Record observations subjectively and in ink
Correct answer: C. Record observations objectively and in ink
Rationale: All entries must be factual, objective, and permanent.
Question 5 A resident with Alzheimer's begins to wonder. What is the best action for the CAN?
- Lack the resident in their room
- Follow the resident and redirect them calmly
- Scold the resident to stop walking
- Restrain the resident in a wheelchair
Correct answer: B. Follow the resident and redirect them calmly
Rationale: Safe, respectful redirection preserves dignity while preventing wandering-related harm.
Question 6
When applying a gate belt to assist with ambulation, the CNA should:
- Fasten it snugly around the waist over clothing
- Apply it loosely over bulky clothing
- Place it under the resident's arms
- Tie it in a double knot
Correct answer: A. Fasten it snugly around the waist over clothing
Rationale: A snug belt (two-finger gap) gives secure support without cutting off circulation.
Question 7 Which statement best describes standard precautions?
- used only for residents with visible signs of infection
- Required only when handling food
- Infection control practices used with all residents
- Applied only in isolation rooms
Correct answer: C. Infection control practices used with all residents
Rationale: Treat all blood/body fluids as potentially infectious to prevent spread. 2 / 3
Question 8 Which of the following is an example of a psychosocial need?
- Clean linens
- Nutritious meals
- Adequate hydration
- Emotional support
Correct answer: D. Emotional support
Rationale: Psychosocial needs involve mental, emotional, and social well-being.
Question 9 The CNA notices that the hands of a resident with Parkinson's disease are trembling during breakfast. What should the CNA do?
- Ignore the tremors
- Offer assistance with feeding
- Take away the utensils
- Call the resident's family
Correct answer: B. Offer assistance with feeding
Rationale: Supportive help preserves independence and dignity despite tremors.
Question 10 When feeding a resident who is sitting in bed, the bed should be at what angle?
- Any position a resident prefers
- 30 degrees
- 45 to 60 degrees
- 60 to 90 degrees
Correct answer: D. 60 to 90 degrees
Rationale: Upright positioning (60–90°) reduces aspiration risk during meals.
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