Question 1

How the NNAAP Exam Is Organized

Accepted Answer

The NNAAP written exam is divided into six content categories. Each category has a defined percentage of the total exam, which determines how many of the 70 questions come from that topic. Knowing the weight of each category helps you allocate study time effectively.

Here is the complete breakdown:

• Physical Care Skills: 45%
• Safety & Emergency Procedures: 14%
• Infection Control: 14%
• Resident Rights: 11%
• Psychosocial Care Skills: 8%
• Role of the Nurse Aide: 8%

The two largest categori

Question 2

Physical Care Skills (45%)

Accepted Answer

Physical Care Skills is the dominant category on the NNAAP exam. Approximately 31 of the 70 questions come from this section.

Subtopics covered:
• Personal hygiene: bathing, oral care, hair care, shaving, nail care, perineal care
• Dressing and grooming assistance
• Feeding: positioning for meals, feeding techniques, aspiration prevention
• Fluid and nutritional intake monitoring
• Elimination care: bedpan and commode use, catheter care, ostomy care
• Positioning: Fowler's, semi-Fowler's, later

Question 3

Safety & Emergency Procedures (14%)

Accepted Answer

Safety questions test your knowledge of how to prevent accidents and respond to emergencies. Approximately 10 questions come from this category.

Subtopics covered:
• Fall prevention: identifying fall risk factors, bed position, call light placement, non-slip footwear
• Side rail use and restraint policy
• Restraint alternatives: toileting schedules, bed alarms, diversional activities
• Fire safety: RACE protocol (Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish/Evacuate), PASS for fire extinguishers
• Chokin

Question 4

Infection Control (14%)

Accepted Answer

Infection control questions focus on preventing the spread of disease. Approximately 10 questions come from this category.

Subtopics covered:
• Hand hygiene: technique, timing, soap and water vs. alcohol-based hand rub
• Standard precautions: applies to all residents, all body fluids
• PPE: types, when to use, correct donning order (gown, mask, eye protection, gloves) and doffing order (gloves, eye protection, gown, mask)
• Transmission-based precautions:
  - Airborne precautions: TB, varicella

Question 5

Resident Rights (11%)

Accepted Answer

Resident rights are legally protected under OBRA 1987. Approximately 8 questions test your knowledge of these rights.

Subtopics covered:
• The right to privacy and dignity
• The right to refuse care or treatment
• Informed consent
• Confidentiality and HIPAA basics
• Grievance procedures
• Freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
• Recognizing and reporting abuse (physical, emotional, financial, sexual)
• The right to personal property
• The right to visitors and communication
• Advance di

Question 6

Psychosocial Care Skills (8%)

Accepted Answer

Psychosocial care questions test communication and emotional support skills. Approximately 6 questions come from this category.

Subtopics covered:
• Therapeutic communication: active listening, open-ended questions, silence, reflection
• Barriers to communication: cultural differences, language, hearing impairment, dementia
• Mental health conditions: depression, anxiety, dementia, delirium
• Dementia care techniques: redirection, reminiscence, validation therapy
• Cultural and spiritual sensit

Question 7

Role of the Nurse Aide (8%)

Accepted Answer

Role of the Nurse Aide questions test professional, legal, and ethical responsibilities. Approximately 5–6 questions come from this category.

Subtopics covered:
• Scope of practice: what CNAs can and cannot do
• Chain of command: reporting structure, when to escalate
• Observation and reporting: what to report, to whom, how quickly
• Documentation: objectivity, accuracy, timeliness, confidentiality
• Legal responsibilities: mandated reporting, patient rights, advance directives
• Ethical princi

CNA Exam Topics: Complete NNAAP Category Breakdown