Free CNA Practice Test
Body Systems and Common Conditions
22 NNAAP-style questions, one at a time — just like exam day. Score and full explanations at the end.
Free CNA practice test on body systems and common conditions — diabetes, heart failure, COPD, stroke, dementia, arthritis, Parkinson disease, and the major changes of aging in each body system. Provides anatomy and disease grounding for the NNAAP written exam.
Need a refresher first? Read our free Body Systems & Common Conditions study guide before taking the test.
Exam-simulator mode: picking an answer saves it and automatically moves you to the next question. You will not see right/wrong until you finish — just like the real NNAAP.
Question 1 of 22.A resident with diabetes is shaky, sweaty, and confused. The CNA should suspect:
Prefer to read? All 22 questions with answers
A resident with diabetes is shaky, sweaty, and confused. The CNA should suspect:
- Hyperglycemia
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) (correct answer)
- Normal
- A cold
Hypoglycemia presents with shakiness, sweating, confusion, hunger, fast pulse, and possibly slurred speech. Notify the nurse immediately. If the resident can swallow, give a fast-acting carbohydrate per facility policy.
Which is a sign of a stroke (FAST)?
- Headache only
- Face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, time to call 911 (correct answer)
- Normal speech
- Strong handshake
FAST identifies stroke: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911. Rapid intervention preserves brain function.
Which is the BEST positioning to relieve breathing in a resident with COPD?
- Supine flat
- High Fowler's with the resident leaning forward on a bedside table (tripod position) (correct answer)
- Prone
- Trendelenburg
Residents with COPD breathe more easily upright or leaning forward (tripod position), which lowers the diaphragm and recruits accessory muscles.
Which is a sign of congestive heart failure (CHF)?
- Decreased weight
- Edema in the ankles, shortness of breath, weight gain of more than 2 lb in a day, and difficulty breathing when lying down (correct answer)
- Increased energy
- No symptoms
CHF causes fluid buildup: edema (ankles, legs, sacrum), weight gain, dyspnea on exertion or lying down (orthopnea), crackles in the lungs, and fatigue. Report any of these promptly.
Parkinson disease is characterized by:
- High energy
- Tremor (often pill-rolling), rigidity, slow movement, and shuffling gait (correct answer)
- Rapid speech
- No symptoms
Parkinson disease features tremor at rest, rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), shuffling gait, mask-like face, and postural instability. Fall risk is high.
Which is a normal age-related change in vision?
- Improved night vision
- Decreased lens accommodation (presbyopia) and decreased pupil response to light (correct answer)
- 20/20 vision returns
- Bright color perception
Aging causes presbyopia (difficulty seeing up close), slower pupil response, decreased night vision, and reduced color discrimination. Bright lighting and large print help.
Which is a sign of dehydration in an elderly resident?
- Moist mucous membranes
- Dry mucous membranes, tongue with deep furrows, sunken eyes, low BP, dark concentrated urine (correct answer)
- Strong urine output
- Pink skin
Elderly residents are especially vulnerable to dehydration. Signs include dry mucous membranes, dark urine, decreased urine output, low BP, dizziness, and confusion.
Which lifestyle measure helps reduce constipation?
- Decreased fluid
- Increased fluid intake, fiber, and physical activity (correct answer)
- No exercise
- Skipping meals
Constipation in the elderly is reduced by adequate fluids, fiber, ambulation, regular toileting, and reviewing medications. Report no BM for 3 or more days.
Which is true about pressure injury (bedsore) prevention?
- Repositioning every 8 hours is enough
- Reposition at least every 2 hours, keep skin clean and dry, offload heels, and inspect skin daily (correct answer)
- Massage red areas
- Limit fluids
Prevention basics: reposition every 2 hours, keep skin clean and dry, manage moisture (incontinence), offload heels, ensure adequate nutrition and hydration, and inspect bony prominences daily. NEVER massage reddened areas.
Which is true about urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the elderly?
- They always cause classic burning and frequency
- They often present with confusion, lethargy, or new incontinence — not always classic symptoms (correct answer)
- They are rare
- They never cause fever
UTIs in older adults often present atypically with confusion, falls, decreased appetite, or new incontinence. Any new mental-status change should be reported and worked up.
Which is the BEST positioning for a resident with a hip replacement?
- Cross legs
- Avoid hip flexion greater than 90 degrees, do NOT cross the legs, and use an abductor pillow as ordered (correct answer)
- Squat to pick things up
- Bend deeply at the waist
Total hip precautions for the standard posterior approach: no hip flexion past 90 degrees, no crossing the legs (no adduction), no internal rotation, and use of an abductor pillow per orders. Use a raised toilet seat.
Which is a sign of approaching pulmonary embolism (PE) or DVT in an immobile resident?
- Cool, dry skin and normal breathing
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, calf pain, redness, or swelling (correct answer)
- No symptoms
- Improved comfort
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause unilateral calf pain, swelling, redness, and warmth. If a clot travels to the lungs (PE), the resident has sudden dyspnea, chest pain, and a fast heart rate. Report immediately.
Which is true about hearing changes in aging?
- High-pitched sounds are heard easily
- High-frequency hearing is lost first; speech may sound muffled (correct answer)
- Hearing improves with age
- No change occurs
Presbycusis is age-related hearing loss starting with high frequencies. Speak slowly in a lower-pitched voice, face the resident, and reduce background noise.
A resident's BP is 198/108. The CNA should:
- Do nothing
- Recheck in 5 minutes, report to the nurse immediately, and monitor for headache, blurry vision, or chest pain (correct answer)
- Tell the family only
- Wait until next shift
A BP of 198/108 is severe hypertension. Recheck, report to the nurse immediately, and observe for headache, vision changes, chest pain, or new confusion — all signs of hypertensive crisis.
Which is the correct CNA action when a resident with diabetes refuses dinner?
- Ignore it
- Report the refusal to the nurse immediately because skipping food while on diabetes medication can cause hypoglycemia (correct answer)
- Tell the resident they cannot refuse
- Hide the medication
Diabetic residents on insulin or oral hypoglycemics who skip meals are at high risk for hypoglycemia. Report meal refusal promptly so the nurse can adjust care or check blood sugar.
Which is true about arthritis?
- It only affects children
- It commonly causes joint pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion, especially in the morning (correct answer)
- It cures itself
- It has no impact on ADLs
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis both cause joint pain, stiffness (often worst in the morning for RA), and decreased function. ROM, heat (per orders), pacing of activity, and joint protection help.
Which is the LARGEST organ in the body?
- Heart
- Liver
- Skin (correct answer)
- Lungs
The skin is the body's largest organ and the first line of defense against infection. It also regulates temperature, prevents fluid loss, and provides sensation.
Which is a normal age-related change in the musculoskeletal system?
- Increased muscle mass
- Loss of muscle mass, decreased bone density (osteoporosis), and shorter stature (correct answer)
- No change
- Stronger reflexes
Aging brings sarcopenia (muscle loss), osteoporosis (especially in postmenopausal women), thinning intervertebral discs, and decreased balance. Falls and fractures become much more common.
Which is a normal age-related change in the urinary system?
- Increased bladder capacity
- Decreased bladder capacity, weaker pelvic floor, and increased frequency or urgency (correct answer)
- Stronger urine stream
- No change
Aging reduces bladder capacity, weakens pelvic floor muscles, slows the urge-to-void signal, and often causes nocturia. Scheduled toileting and easy bathroom access reduce incontinence.
Which is a normal age-related change in the gastrointestinal system?
- Stronger digestion
- Slower peristalsis, decreased taste, less saliva, and increased risk of constipation (correct answer)
- No change
- Faster nutrient absorption
Aging causes slower peristalsis (constipation), decreased taste and smell (reduced appetite), less saliva (dry mouth, dental issues), and reduced nutrient absorption.
Which is a sign of a possible heart attack in a female resident?
- Crushing chest pain only
- Atypical symptoms: fatigue, indigestion, jaw pain, shortness of breath, and nausea (correct answer)
- Severe headache
- Strong appetite
Women and elderly often present atypically with fatigue, indigestion, jaw/back pain, dyspnea, and nausea. Any new chest discomfort or unexplained dyspnea should be reported immediately.
Which is the correct CNA action when a resident has a new productive cough and fever?
- Ignore
- Report to the nurse and use respiratory hygiene (mask the resident if appropriate, hand hygiene) (correct answer)
- Send the resident outside
- Cover with a heavy blanket
A new fever and cough may indicate pneumonia or influenza. Report promptly, follow respiratory hygiene, apply a mask if appropriate, and isolate per facility policy while awaiting evaluation.
FAQ: Body Systems and Common Conditions on the CNA Exam
How many body systems and common conditions questions are on the actual NNAAP exam?
The NNAAP written exam has 60 scored questions distributed across eight content areas. Body Systems and Common Conditions is one of the most heavily tested categories, with several questions appearing on every form of the exam. Drilling these questions repeatedly until you can explain why each correct answer is correct is the best way to lock in the material.
What should I do if I miss several questions on this body systems and common conditions practice test?
Re-read the corresponding free study guide (linked above and below) before retaking the test. Take notes on the exact concept you missed — for example, 'I confused contact and droplet precautions' — and review the explanations until the pattern is clear. Most students need 2 to 3 cycles of test, review, and retake before consistently scoring above 80%.
Are these questions identical to the real CNA exam?
No. The actual NNAAP, Prometric, Headmaster, and PSI exams are confidential and only the official testing vendors have access to live items. Our questions are written by us to mirror NNAAP style, difficulty, and content distribution based on the publicly available NNAAP content outline. Performing well here is a strong predictor of passing the real test.
Do I have to pay or sign up to take this practice test?
No. Every practice test, study guide, and resource on freecnatraining.org is 100% free, with no signup or paywall. Most other CNA practice test sites charge $30 to $100 per month for access; we are funded by our nursing-school directory and keep the study material free for students.