CNA Test Prep: Mastering Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Personal Care – 15 Practice Questions
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Personal Care represent one of the most frequently tested and practically applied areas of certified nursing assistant competency, forming the cornerstone of quality patient care in healthcare facilities. This domain encompasses essential daily care activities that maintain patient dignity, promote independence, and ensure basic human needs are met with compassion and professionalism. CNAs spend the majority of their work day assisting residents with bathing, oral hygiene, hair and nail care, dressing and undressing, toileting, and incontinence management, making mastery of these skills critical for both exam success and effective patient care. Understanding proper techniques for personal care not only ensures patient safety and comfort but also demonstrates respect for individual preferences, cultural considerations, and privacy rights that are fundamental to person-centered care. The principles of “affected side first when undressing, unaffected side first when dressing” for patients with mobility limitations reflect the type of detailed procedural knowledge that appears frequently on CNA examinations and requires consistent practice to master. Proper body mechanics during ADL assistance protects both the CNA and the resident from injury, while techniques such as encouraging independence and providing only necessary assistance promote resident autonomy and self-esteem. Knowledge of adaptive equipment, positioning techniques, and environmental modifications enables CNAs to customize care approaches for residents with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities. The integration of infection control principles during personal care activities, including proper handwashing, use of personal protective equipment, and maintaining clean versus dirty technique, demonstrates the interconnected nature of CNA competencies. Documentation requirements for ADL assistance, including noting changes in skin condition, mobility, or cognitive status, reflect the CNA’s important role in the healthcare team communication process. Cultural sensitivity during intimate personal care activities requires understanding diverse backgrounds, religious considerations, and individual comfort levels that affect how care is provided and received. Time management skills for completing ADLs efficiently while maintaining quality and thoroughness are essential competencies that distinguish skilled CNAs from those still developing professional proficiency. Mastery of ADL and personal care techniques provides the foundation for advancing to more complex nursing assistant responsibilities and demonstrates the caring, competent approach that makes CNAs valued members of the healthcare team.
Practice Questions
1. When helping a resident with one-sided weakness get dressed, which principle should you follow?
A) Dress the strong side first, undress the weak side first
B) Dress the weak side first, undress the strong side first
C) Always dress both sides simultaneously
D) Let the resident choose which side to dress first
2. How often should you provide oral care for an unconscious resident?
A) Once daily
B) Every 2 hours
C) Every 4 hours
D) Only when family requests it
3. When assisting with a bed bath, the water temperature should be:
A) As hot as possible
B) Room temperature
C) 100-104°F (37-40°C)
D) Cool to prevent bacteria growth
4. What is the correct order for washing body parts during a bed bath?
A) Feet, legs, arms, face
B) Face, arms, chest, legs, back, perineal area
C) Perineal area, face, arms, legs
D) Arms, legs, back, face, chest
5. When providing perineal care for a female resident, you should:
A) Wipe from back to front
B) Wipe from front to back
C) Use the same washcloth for the entire area
D) Clean the rectal area first
6. A resident’s dentures should be cleaned:
A) Only when visibly dirty
B) Once a week
C) After each meal and at bedtime
D) Only by the dentist
7. When helping a resident with toileting, you should:
A) Leave them alone completely for privacy
B) Stay within hearing distance for safety
C) Rush them to save time
D) Discuss their personal business with other staff
8. Hair should be brushed or combed:
A) Only when it looks messy
B) Once a week
C) Daily, starting from the scalp
D) Daily, starting from the ends and working up
9. When cutting a resident’s fingernails, you should:
A) Cut them as short as possible
B) Cut them straight across
C) Round the corners smoothly
D) Only cut them if they’re very long
10. What should you do if a resident refuses personal care?
A) Force them to comply
B) Skip the care and don’t document it
C) Respect their right to refuse and report to the nurse
D) Threaten to tell their family
11. When helping a resident shave, you should:
A) Shave against the direction of hair growth
B) Use long, quick strokes
C) Shave in the direction of hair growth with short strokes
D) Apply maximum pressure for a close shave
12. Proper foot care includes:
A) Cutting toenails very short
B) Soaking feet in hot water for 30 minutes
C) Washing, drying thoroughly, and inspecting for problems
D) Applying lotion between the toes
13. When assisting with dressing, you should:
A) Choose clothes for the resident
B) Allow the resident to choose when possible
C) Dress them in whatever is easiest
D) Use only hospital gowns
14. After providing personal care, you should always:
A) Wash your hands
B) Document the care provided
C) Report any changes observed
D) All of the above
15. When helping with incontinence care, the most important principle is:
A) Speed to minimize embarrassment
B) Maintaining dignity and privacy
C) Using the strongest cleaning products
D) Discussing the situation with other residents
Answer Key
1. B) Dress the weak side first, undress the strong side first – This technique makes dressing easier and prevents injury to the affected limb.
2. B) Every 2 hours – Unconscious residents require frequent oral care to prevent infection and maintain oral health.
3. C) 100-104°F (37-40°C) – This temperature range is comfortable and safe for bathing without causing burns or chills.
4. B) Face, arms, chest, legs, back, perineal area – This order goes from cleanest to dirtiest areas to prevent cross-contamination.
5. B) Wipe from front to back – This prevents bacteria from the rectal area from entering the urinary tract.
6. C) After each meal and at bedtime – Regular denture cleaning prevents oral infections and maintains oral hygiene.
7. B) Stay within hearing distance for safety – This balances privacy needs with safety requirements for fall prevention.
8. D) Daily, starting from the ends and working up – This technique prevents pulling and breakage of tangled hair.
9. B) Cut them straight across – Straight cuts prevent ingrown nails and injury to the nail bed.
10. C) Respect their right to refuse and report to the nurse – Residents have the right to refuse care, but the nurse must be informed.
11. C) Shave in the direction of hair growth with short strokes – This technique prevents skin irritation and cuts.
12. C) Washing, drying thoroughly, and inspecting for problems – Proper foot care includes cleanliness and observation for skin breakdown or infections.
13. B) Allow the resident to choose when possible – Promoting independence and personal choice maintains dignity and autonomy.
14. D) All of the above – Hand hygiene, documentation, and reporting changes are all essential components of quality care.
15. B) Maintaining dignity and privacy – Preserving resident dignity is the most important aspect of incontinence care.