Free CNA Practice Test
Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment
22 NNAAP-style questions with instant answers and explanations.
Free CNA practice test on emotional and mental-health needs — depression, anxiety, dementia stages, sundowning, validation therapy, and behavioral interventions. Emotional and Mental Health Needs is one of the most frequently weighted NNAAP topics.
Need a refresher first? Read our free Mental Health & Cognitive Impairment study guide before taking the test.
Which BEST describes dementia?
Which is the difference between dementia and delirium?
Sundowning is BEST described as:
Which is an appropriate response to a dementia resident who is agitated?
A resident with Alzheimer's keeps insisting she has to go to work. The CNA should:
Which is a sign of depression in an elderly resident?
Which statement requires the CNA to report IMMEDIATELY to the nurse?
Which intervention BEST helps an anxious resident?
Which approach is appropriate for combative behavior in a resident with dementia?
Which is the BEST way to support a resident with mild cognitive impairment during meals?
Which is true about reminiscence therapy?
A resident in late-stage Alzheimer's no longer recognizes family. The CNA should:
Wandering in dementia is BEST managed with:
Which is a defense mechanism?
Which environmental change helps reduce sundowning?
A resident with Alzheimer's tries to leave the unit at night and says 'I have to pick up my kids.' The CNA should:
Which is true about the use of antipsychotic medications in dementia?
Which is the BEST environment for a resident with dementia?
A resident is grieving the recent death of a spouse. The CNA should:
Which is a sign of possible elder ABUSE in a resident with dementia?
Which approach is recommended for a resident with paranoid delusions ('They're stealing from me!')?
Which is a stage of Alzheimer's disease?
FAQ: Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment on the CNA Exam
How many mental health and cognitive impairment questions are on the actual NNAAP exam?
The NNAAP written exam has 60 scored questions distributed across eight content areas. Mental Health and Cognitive Impairment 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 mental health and cognitive impairment 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.