New York Nurse Aide Practice Test Questions and Answers

A. Ask the resident to hold the wheelchair armrest while standing.
B. Make sure the wheelchair is locked and positioned appropriately.
C. Place the wheelchair several feet away from the bed.
D. Have the resident stand before explaining the transfer.

Correct Answer: B

Answer Explanation: Option B is correct because securing and positioning the wheelchair properly helps reduce the risk of a fall during the transfer. The nurse aide should follow the resident’s individualized transfer plan and make sure the environment and equipment are ready before asking the resident to move. Leaving the wheelchair unlocked could allow it to roll unexpectedly. Positioning it too far away may force the resident to take unsafe steps. The aide should explain the procedure and provide appropriate assistance before movement begins. Safe transfers depend on preparation, correct equipment positioning, communication, and following the resident’s care plan rather than rushing through the procedure.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A may not provide safe support during the transfer.
Option C creates unnecessary distance and increases fall risk.
Option D begins movement before the resident is properly prepared.

Study Guide: Lock and position the wheelchair before a transfer. Follow the resident’s prescribed transfer technique.

Question 2. A resident with dementia repeatedly asks, “When is my daughter coming?” even though the aide has already answered several times. What is the BEST response?

A. “I already told you three times.”
B. “Your daughter isn’t coming today, so stop asking.”
C. “You seem concerned about your daughter. Let’s look at the activity schedule together.”
D. “You need to remember what I told you.”

Correct Answer: C

Answer Explanation: Option C is correct because a calm, supportive response acknowledges the resident’s emotion without criticizing the resident for repetitive questioning. Dementia can affect short-term memory, so repeatedly asking the same question may not be intentional or controllable. Saying “I already told you” can create frustration or embarrassment. Telling the resident to stop asking is dismissive, while demanding that the resident remember information may increase distress. The aide can acknowledge the concern, provide simple reassurance, redirect attention, and use familiar information or activities to reduce anxiety. If repetitive questioning is a new or significant change from the resident’s usual behavior, it should also be reported according to facility procedures.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A expresses frustration.
Option B may increase anxiety.
Option D is unrealistic and may embarrass the resident.

Study Guide: For dementia-related repetition, remain calm, validate feelings, reassure, and redirect when appropriate.

Question 3. During lunch, a resident begins coughing repeatedly while drinking thin liquids. The resident has a prescribed swallowing plan. What should the aide do?

A. Encourage the resident to drink faster.
B. Follow the prescribed swallowing precautions and report the coughing episode.
C. Add ice to the drink.
D. Give the resident a larger amount of liquid.

Correct Answer: B

Answer Explanation: Option B is correct because repeated coughing while drinking may indicate difficulty safely managing liquids and requires attention, particularly when the resident already has a prescribed swallowing plan. The aide should follow the established precautions rather than changing the liquid consistency or encouraging the resident to drink faster. Adding ice or increasing the amount of liquid could conflict with the care plan and may increase the risk of aspiration. The aide should report the episode and communicate what the resident was drinking, what happened, and whether other signs such as choking, throat clearing, or a wet-sounding voice occurred. Following individualized swallowing instructions is essential for safe feeding assistance.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A may increase aspiration risk.
Option C changes the prescribed beverage without authorization.
Option D may increase swallowing difficulty.

Study Guide: Follow prescribed swallowing precautions exactly. Report coughing or choking during meals and fluids.

Question 4. A resident has just returned from the bathroom and says, “I feel dizzy and need to sit down.” What should the nurse aide do FIRST?

A. Encourage the resident to continue walking.
B. Leave to get the resident’s belongings.
C. Assist the resident to a safe position and obtain appropriate help.
D. Tell the resident to stand still until the dizziness passes.

Correct Answer: C

Answer Explanation: Option C is correct because dizziness creates an immediate risk of falling, especially after walking from the bathroom. The aide should prioritize the resident’s immediate safety by assisting the resident to a safe position according to the care plan and obtaining appropriate assistance. Encouraging continued walking could result in a fall. Leaving the resident unattended while dizzy could also create a safety hazard. Asking the resident to remain standing does not adequately protect against loss of balance or fainting. After the resident is safe, the aide should promptly report the dizziness and describe when it occurred and whether other symptoms were present.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A increases the risk of falling.
Option B leaves the resident potentially unsafe.
Option D does not provide adequate support.

Study Guide: When a resident becomes dizzy, protect against falls first. Then report the symptom promptly.

Question 5. A resident refuses a scheduled shower and says, “I don’t want one today.” What should the aide do?

A. Force the resident to shower.
B. Tell the resident that refusal is not permitted.
C. Respect the refusal, explore the reason if appropriate, and report it according to the care plan.
D. Tell the resident that the shower will be cancelled permanently.

Correct Answer: C

Answer Explanation: Option C is correct because residents have the right to participate in decisions about their care and may refuse care. The aide should not use threats, force, or intimidation. A respectful approach is to ask whether there is a reason for the refusal and determine whether another appropriate time or alternative can be offered according to the care plan. The refusal should be communicated to the appropriate staff when required. Forcing the shower violates resident autonomy and may cause distress. Telling the resident that refusal is prohibited is inappropriate. Permanently cancelling bathing is also not appropriate because the care team may need to address the reason for refusal and establish another plan.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A violates resident autonomy.
Option B is coercive.
Option D does not address the underlying concern.

Study Guide: Residents may refuse care. Never force care; follow facility procedures for documenting and reporting refusals.

Question 6. While assisting with dressing, the aide notices a new open area on the resident’s lower leg. The resident says, “I didn’t know that was there.” What should the aide do?

A. Cover it with any available adhesive bandage.
B. Clean it with alcohol without direction.
C. Report the new skin opening and follow the resident’s care plan.
D. Ignore it because the resident has no pain.

Correct Answer: C

Answer Explanation: Option C is correct because a new open area in the skin should be reported so the appropriate healthcare professional can assess it and determine treatment. The nurse aide should not independently select wound products or use substances such as alcohol unless specifically directed. Lack of pain does not mean the wound is insignificant, particularly in residents who may have impaired sensation. Covering the area with an arbitrary bandage may interfere with assessment or treatment. The aide should communicate the location and appearance of the area and any relevant observations permitted within the aide’s role. Prompt reporting supports proper wound care and helps prevent complications.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A may interfere with appropriate treatment.
Option B is an unauthorized treatment.
Option D ignores an important skin change.

Study Guide: Report new open areas promptly. Do not independently select wound treatments.

Question 7. A resident asks the aide, “Could you close my curtain? I need some privacy while I change clothes.” What should the aide do?

A. Leave the curtain open so staff can see the resident.
B. Close the curtain and provide privacy while remaining available as needed.
C. Tell the resident privacy is unnecessary during care.
D. Ask another resident to help with the clothing.

Correct Answer: B

Answer Explanation: Option B is correct because maintaining privacy during personal care protects the resident’s dignity and is a fundamental part of respectful care. The aide should close the curtain or door as appropriate and provide assistance while maintaining the resident’s privacy. Leaving the curtain open unnecessarily exposes the resident to others. Telling the resident that privacy is unnecessary is disrespectful. Asking another resident to assist with personal dressing is inappropriate and could compromise confidentiality and dignity. The aide should use appropriate privacy measures while ensuring that the resident can still receive necessary assistance and that safety is maintained throughout the activity.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A unnecessarily exposes the resident.
Option C disregards the resident’s dignity.
Option D compromises privacy and is inappropriate.

Study Guide: Protect privacy during bathing, dressing, toileting, and other personal-care activities.

Question 8. A resident’s call light is on, but the aide is assisting another resident who is in the middle of a transfer. What should the aide do?

A. Abandon the current transfer immediately.
B. Ignore the call light until the end of the shift.
C. Maintain the first resident’s immediate safety and obtain appropriate assistance for the call light if needed.
D. Tell the resident using the call light to wait without checking.

Correct Answer: C

Answer Explanation: Option C is correct because a resident who is in the middle of a transfer may be at immediate risk of falling if the aide suddenly leaves. The aide should complete or safely pause the current task as appropriate while obtaining assistance for the resident who is calling. Ignoring the call light for an extended period is inappropriate because the aide does not yet know why the resident needs help. Leaving a resident unsupported during a transfer can result in serious injury. Telling the resident to wait without assessing the need also fails to prioritize appropriately. Safe care requires balancing competing needs while protecting residents from immediate hazards.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A may cause a fall.
Option B unnecessarily delays assistance.
Option D assumes the request is nonurgent.

Study Guide: When multiple residents need help, protect against immediate hazards first and obtain assistance when necessary.

Question 9. A resident tells the aide, “My stool was black this morning, and that has never happened before.” What should the aide do?

A. Tell the resident to eat more fiber.
B. Report the unusual stool color to the nurse.
C. Give the resident a laxative.
D. Tell the resident that black stool is always normal.

Correct Answer: B

Answer Explanation: Option B is correct because a new change in stool color can be clinically significant and should be reported for appropriate assessment. The aide should communicate the resident’s observation rather than attempting to determine the cause. Giving a laxative does not address an unexplained color change and is outside the aide’s role unless specifically authorized. Telling the resident to increase fiber does not address the immediate concern. Saying that black stool is always normal is inaccurate because stool color can vary for different reasons, some of which require professional evaluation. The aide should report when the change occurred and any accompanying symptoms such as abdominal pain, weakness, dizziness, or vomiting.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A does not address the new finding.
Option C is an unauthorized intervention.
Option D dismisses a potentially significant change.

Study Guide: Report unusual changes in elimination. Avoid diagnosing the cause or independently treating the symptom.

Question 10. A resident who is hard of hearing keeps answering questions incorrectly because several people are talking nearby. What should the aide do?

A. Speak louder from across the room.
B. Move to a quieter area and speak clearly while facing the resident.
C. Ask another resident to translate.
D. Repeat the question rapidly several times.

Correct Answer: B

Answer Explanation: Option B is correct because reducing background noise and facing the resident can improve communication for someone with hearing difficulty. Speaking clearly at a normal pace while maintaining appropriate eye contact can make it easier for the resident to understand the conversation. Shouting from across the room may distort speech and can be uncomfortable. Asking another resident to interpret private communication is inappropriate and may compromise confidentiality. Repeating questions rapidly can increase confusion rather than improving understanding. The aide should give the resident adequate time to respond and use the resident’s prescribed communication methods or hearing assistance devices when appropriate.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A may distort speech and does not reduce background noise.
Option C compromises privacy.
Option D may increase confusion.

Study Guide: Reduce background noise, face the resident, and speak clearly when communicating with a person who has hearing loss.

Question 11. A resident’s family member asks the aide, “Did my father receive his pain medication this morning?” What should the aide do?

A. Tell the family member exactly which medication was given.
B. Show the family member the medication record.
C. Refer the medication question to the appropriate authorized staff member.
D. Ask another aide whether the medication was given.

Correct Answer: C

Answer Explanation: Option C is correct because medication information is private health information and should only be disclosed according to applicable authorization and facility procedures. The nurse aide should not independently disclose medication details to a visitor or family member simply because the person claims a relationship with the resident. Showing the medication record would expose confidential information. Asking another aide does not resolve the authorization issue. The appropriate response is to respectfully direct the family member to the nurse or other authorized staff member who can determine what information may be shared. Protecting confidentiality helps maintain resident trust and complies with professional responsibilities.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A may disclose private health information.
Option B exposes confidential records.
Option D does not address authorization.

Study Guide: Protect resident health information. Refer medication questions to authorized staff.

Question 12. A resident with a prescribed low-sodium diet says, “My friend brought me a bag of salty chips. Can I eat them?” What should the aide do?

A. Give the resident the chips because they are a gift.
B. Hide the chips.
C. Follow the dietary plan and refer the question to appropriate nursing or dietary staff.
D. Tell the resident that all snacks are forbidden.

Correct Answer: C

Answer Explanation: Option C is correct because a prescribed low-sodium diet may be part of the resident’s treatment plan, so the aide should not independently decide that a high-sodium snack is appropriate. The resident’s preference should be respected, but the dietary restriction must also be followed. Giving the chips without checking could conflict with the care plan. Hiding the food unnecessarily interferes with the resident’s property and does not address the issue appropriately. Telling the resident that all snacks are forbidden is overly broad and may be inaccurate. The aide should refer the question to appropriate staff who can determine whether the food is permitted or suggest an acceptable alternative.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A may violate the prescribed diet.
Option B improperly interferes with personal property.
Option D makes an unnecessary blanket restriction.

Study Guide: Follow therapeutic diets. Refer questions about outside food to nursing or dietary staff.

Question 13. During a room check, an aide finds that the resident’s bed is raised high while the resident is resting alone. What should the aide do?

A. Leave it because the resident may prefer it.
B. Lower the bed to the safe position specified by the care plan or facility procedure.
C. Raise it even higher.
D. Remove the bed controls.

Correct Answer: B

Answer Explanation: Option B is correct because bed height can affect resident safety, particularly when the resident is resting without staff assistance. The aide should follow the resident’s care plan and facility procedures for safe bed positioning. A bed that is unnecessarily high may increase injury risk if the resident attempts to get out independently. Raising it further would worsen the concern. Removing the controls is inappropriate and could interfere with safe equipment operation. Simply leaving the bed elevated because the resident may prefer it ignores established safety procedures. The aide should also report any equipment malfunction or inability to position the bed correctly.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A may ignore a fall risk.
Option C increases the potential hazard.
Option D improperly alters equipment.

Study Guide: Follow prescribed bed-height procedures. Safe positioning helps reduce fall and injury risks.

Question 14. A resident tells the aide, “I am suddenly having trouble lifting my right arm.” The resident was using both arms normally earlier in the day. What should the aide do?

A. Encourage repeated arm exercises.
B. Massage the arm.
C. Report the sudden weakness immediately and maintain the resident’s safety.
D. Tell the resident to sleep and see whether it improves.

Correct Answer: C

Answer Explanation: Option C is correct because sudden weakness affecting one arm is an important change from the resident’s baseline and may require urgent assessment. The aide should maintain safety and immediately notify the nurse or follow emergency procedures according to facility policy. Encouraging exercises or massage is inappropriate because the cause of the weakness is unknown. Telling the resident to sleep could delay evaluation of a potentially serious condition. The aide should communicate when the weakness began and whether other symptoms are present, such as facial changes, speech difficulty, dizziness, numbness, confusion, or difficulty walking. Prompt reporting is essential when neurological changes occur suddenly.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A may be unsafe before assessment.
Option B does not address the sudden weakness.
Option D could delay urgent evaluation.

Study Guide: Sudden one-sided weakness is a significant warning sign. Maintain safety and report immediately.

Question 15. A resident tells the aide, “I am embarrassed because I accidentally called you by the wrong name.” What is the BEST response?

A. “You should remember staff names.”
B. “Don’t worry about it. Take your time.”
C. “I’ll correct you every time you make that mistake.”
D. “Maybe you should write everyone’s name down.”

Correct Answer: B

Answer Explanation: Option B is correct because a reassuring response helps preserve the resident’s dignity and reduces unnecessary embarrassment. Residents may have difficulty remembering names because of normal aging, cognitive changes, stress, or other factors. The aide should avoid making the resident feel ashamed or inadequate. Telling the resident that they should remember names is judgmental. Promising to correct every mistake could increase anxiety and make communication less comfortable. Suggesting that the resident write everyone’s name down may be useful in some circumstances, but it does not directly address the resident’s emotional concern. A calm, accepting response supports respectful communication and person-centered care.

Why the other options are incorrect:
Option A is judgmental.
Option C may increase embarrassment.
Option D does not directly address the resident’s feelings.

Study Guide: Protect dignity during communication. Respond patiently when residents have memory or recall difficulties.