Question 1

Physical Care Skills (45% of the Exam)

Accepted Answer

Physical Care Skills is the most heavily tested section on the NNAAP written exam. Nearly half of all questions come from this topic.

Key areas to know:

• Bathing: The correct water temperature for a bed bath is 105–115°F (warm, not hot). Always test the water before applying it to a resident. Wash from cleanest to dirtiest areas.

• Oral Care: For unconscious residents, position them on their side to prevent aspiration. Use a toothbrush with toothpaste and rinse with a small amount of water.

Question 2

Safety & Emergency Procedures (14% of the Exam)

Accepted Answer

Safety questions test your knowledge of fall prevention, fire response, and emergency procedures.

• RACE Protocol for fires: Rescue (move residents away from fire), Alarm (pull the fire alarm), Confine (close doors and windows), Extinguish or Evacuate. The first step is always Rescue.

• Fire extinguisher use follows the PASS acronym: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side.

• Fall prevention: Keep call lights within reach. Keep the bed in the lowest p

Question 3

Infection Control (14% of the Exam)

Accepted Answer

Infection control questions focus heavily on handwashing and PPE.

• Hand hygiene: Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Use the full technique — palm to palm, between fingers, back of hands, thumbs, and fingernails. Use alcohol-based hand rub when hands are not visibly soiled.

• When to wash hands: Before and after patient contact, before putting on gloves, after removing gloves, before and after eating, after using the restroom.

• PPE donning order (putting on): Gown first,

Question 4

Resident Rights (11% of the Exam)

Accepted Answer

Resident rights are protected under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987. The NNAAP exam tests whether you know how to uphold these rights.

• Right to refuse care: If a resident refuses a bath, treatment, or procedure, the CNA must respect that refusal and report it to the charge nurse. You cannot force care.

• Privacy and dignity: Knock before entering a resident's room. Provide privacy during care. Use the resident's preferred name.

• Confidentiality: Do not discuss resident

Question 5

Psychosocial Care Skills (8% of the Exam)

Accepted Answer

Psychosocial care questions test communication skills and emotional support.

• Therapeutic communication: Use open-ended questions, active listening, and empathy. Avoid giving advice, arguing, or using medical jargon.

• What NOT to say: Never say "I know how you feel" or "Everything will be okay." These dismiss the resident's emotions.

• Dementia care: Use a calm, reassuring tone. Redirect rather than correct. Do not argue with a confused resident about what is real.

• Stages of grief (Küble

Question 6

Role of the Nurse Aide (8% of the Exam)

Accepted Answer

These questions test your understanding of your legal scope of practice and your responsibilities on the healthcare team.

• Scope of practice: CNAs assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) — bathing, dressing, grooming, feeding, and mobility. CNAs do NOT administer medications, insert catheters, perform wound care, or take physician orders.

• Chain of command: CNAs report to licensed nurses (LPN or RN). If you are asked to do something outside your scope, politely decline and report it to

CNA Exam Study Guide: All 6 NNAAP Topics Explained

Physical Care Skills (45% of the Exam)

Safety & Emergency Procedures (14% of the Exam)

Infection Control (14% of the Exam)

Resident Rights (11% of the Exam)

Psychosocial Care Skills (8% of the Exam)

Role of the Nurse Aide (8% of the Exam)

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