CNA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CNA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) is used in long-term care facilities primarily to: → Standardize comprehensive resident assessments for care planning and reimbursement
2. A patient who is confused attempts to climb over the bed rail. What is the BEST immediate intervention? → Stay with the patient, calmly reorient them, and notify the nurse
3. A CNA is asked to perform a task that is outside their scope of practice. What should they do? → Decline and inform the nurse that the task is outside their scope
4. A resident's urine output is 250 mL over 8 hours. The CNA should: → Report this low output to the nurse immediately
5. The normal heart rate/pulse rate for an adult human is 60-100 bpm. An elevated heart rate can be expected with → uncontrolled bleeding
6. Negligence in nursing assistant practice occurs when: → A CNA fails to provide the standard of care, resulting in harm to a resident
7. A resident is learning to dress herself after a stroke affecting her right arm. The CNA should assist her to dress the affected arm: → First, before the unaffected arm
8. The diastolic blood pressure represents: → Pressure in the arteries between heartbeats
9. How many hours of clinical training are required within the federal minimum 75-hour CNA training program? → 16 hours
10. You observe two adult residents sharing the same bed after lunch. You know these residents are capable of exercising their own rights. This means → all of the above.
11. When performing passive range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, the CNA should: → Support the joint above and below while moving through the pain-free range
12. When is it appropriate for a CNA to apply a physical restraint? → Only when a physician has written an order and consent is obtained
13. When using a gait belt to assist a resident to walk, where should the CNA position themselves? → On the resident's weaker side and slightly behind
14. The term 'scope of practice' as it applies to a CNA refers to: → The range of tasks and responsibilities a CNA is legally trained and permitted to perform
15. A resident is found unconscious and not breathing. After calling for help, what should the CNA do next? → Begin CPR immediately
16. A resident tells the CNA they are hearing voices telling them to hurt themselves. The CNA should: → Report this to the nurse immediately
17. The nurse aide knows to wear which of the following to perform resident care? → All of the above
18. A CNA notices a resident has a new skin tear. What should the CNA do first? → Document and report to the nurse immediately
19. A resident's care plan indicates they are on a 1,500 mL fluid restriction. By 6 PM the resident has consumed 1,350 mL. The CNA should: → Notify the nurse so remaining fluids can be managed appropriately for the evening
20. A CNA notices an older resident takes longer to react when spoken to. This may be due to which age-related neurological change? → Decreased nerve conduction velocity and slower processing speed
21. The nervous system is divided into two main parts. Which of the following correctly identifies these two divisions? → Central and peripheral nervous systems
22. What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for contact precautions? → Gloves and gowns.
23. A resident has a new order for elastic compression stockings. The correct time to apply them is: → In the morning before the resident gets out of bed
24. A resident who has been cheerful suddenly gives away personal belongings and says 'I won't need these anymore.' The CNA should: → Recognize this as a possible warning sign of suicide and report to the nurse immediately
25. A CNA trainee is shown a resident with a reddened area over a bony prominence that blanches with finger pressure. What stage of pressure injury is this? → Stage 1
26. Which layer of skin contains sweat glands, hair follicles, and blood vessels? → Dermis
27. After accidentally sustaining a needlestick injury from a used lancet, what is the CNA's IMMEDIATE priority? → Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.
28. The circulatory system consists of the → heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
29. Which of the following is an example of a valid use of reality orientation for a resident with dementia? → Using a daily calendar and news board to gently orient residents to current events
30. A resident on oxygen therapy has nasal cannula prongs that have become displaced. What should the CNA do? → Reposition the cannula prongs in the nostrils and adjust the tubing for comfort