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. 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
2. The normal heart rate/pulse rate for an adult human is 60-100 bpm. An elevated heart rate can be expected with → uncontrolled bleeding
3. Negligence in nursing assistant practice occurs when: → A CNA fails to provide the standard of care, resulting in harm to a resident
4. How many hours of clinical training are required within the federal minimum 75-hour CNA training program? → 16 hours
5. 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.
6. Which of the following best explains why the CNA exam uses multiple exam forms with different question sets? → To prevent score comparisons between candidates and minimize cheating
7. A resident is found unconscious and not breathing. After calling for help, what should the CNA do next? → Begin CPR immediately
8. The nurse aide knows to wear which of the following to perform resident care? → All of the above
9. 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
10. 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
11. The nervous system is divided into two main parts. Which of the following correctly identifies these two divisions? → Central and peripheral nervous systems
12. What type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for contact precautions? → Gloves and gowns.
13. A multinational company asks its CNA accountant to assess transfer pricing between subsidiaries. The arm's-length principle requires that intercompany prices: → Reflect prices that unrelated parties would negotiate in similar transactions
14. 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.
15. The circulatory system consists of the → heart, arteries, veins and capillaries.
16. 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
17. 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
18. How often should range of motion exercises typically be performed for a resident? → 2-3 times daily.
19. Which of these statements about sexuality and elderly residents is TRUE? → Sexuality can be important to the elderly.
20. When providing perineal care for a female patient, the CNA should clean: → Front to back using a clean stroke each time
21. What is a risk matrix used for in CNA practice? → Evaluating risks by plotting likelihood against impact severity
22. The nurse aide finds a resident sobbing. What is the best thing for the nurse aide to say? → “You seem sad. Can you tell me about it?”
23. When assisting with ambulation, the CNA should stand: → On the resident's weak side, slightly behind
24. A condom (external) catheter is used for: → Male residents with urinary incontinence who can void on their own
25. When helping a disabled person with ADLs, the nursing assistant should → Encourage as much participation as possible
26. What is the normal range for adult blood pressure? → 120\/80 mmHg
27. Which symptom is most indicative of a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)? → Foul-smelling, cloudy urine with patient complaints of fever and chills
28. The purpose of elevating a resident's legs with a pillow when supine is to: → Reduce edema by promoting venous return from the feet
29. If a resident on a thickened-liquid diet receives a regular glass of water, what should the CNA do? → Remove the regular water and offer a thickened beverage per the care plan
30. Using touch as a way to communicate with a client → depends on the client's culture.