Saturday, June 20, 2026

Free CNA Question of the Day

Practice one CNA exam-style question, choose an answer, then review the rationale before moving into a full practice test.

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Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Depression, Grief & Loss
Multiple Choice

Ms. Fleming, a resident who has recently been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, has accused the nursing assistants in her unit of taking poor care of her and causing her disease to get worse. What stage of grief is Ms. Fleming in?

Press A B C D to select, Enter to submit
Hint: You may hear the resident say, "It's not fair!"

Rationale

Correct answer: B. Anger

When Dr. Elisabeth Kubler-Ross postulated the five stages of grief and dying, she stated that anger is the only stage that everyone goes through. Residents can show anger in different ways. They can be angry with themselves or with others, especially those close to them or those who try to help them. If a resident becomes angry, understand why. When experiencing the anger of someone who is very upset, remain detached and non-judgmental.

Practice more Mental Health and Social Services Needs questions

Why Daily CNA Practice Works

A single focused question keeps CNA exam topics active without turning every study session into a long test.

Recall improves with repetition

Short daily review helps common procedures, safety rules, and resident rights stay easier to retrieve.

Rationales expose weak spots

Checking the explanation shows whether you missed the fact, the wording, or the exam logic.

Small habits lower friction

One question is easy to finish, so it can become a warm-up before deeper CNA practice.

Past Daily CNA Questions

Missed a day? Review recent CNA practice questions with choices, answer, and rationale.

Delusions are defined as Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Depression, Grief & Loss
  1. A reactions to natural catastrophes.
  2. B false beliefs based on misinterpretations.
  3. C invalid sensory information within the brain.
  4. D depression caused by ongoing heavy rainstorms.

Answer: B. false beliefs based on misinterpretations.

Rationale: Delusions are false beliefs that involve a misinterpretation of experiences. A person may believe that he or she is being followed, tricked, or spied on. The person may also be convinced that songs or books contain special information meant for him or her. Attempts to show the person that the beliefs are wrong or irrational will not be accepted by the person.

Mr. Schwartz is concerned about his son and asks to speak to his rabbi. The nurse aide should Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Psychosocial Needs & Activities
  1. A ask the nurse if rabbis are allowed to visit the facility.
  2. B ask the nurse to contact Mr. Schwartz’s rabbi and invite him to visit.
  3. C tell Mr. Schwartz not to worry; his son is going to be fine.
  4. D report Mr. Schwartz’s concern and request to his family.

Answer: B. ask the nurse to contact Mr. Schwartz’s rabbi and invite him to visit.

Rationale: Spiritual care can be as important as physical care. However, every client has different religious needs. If a client asks to speak with a rabbi, pastor, imam, or other spiritual leader, the nurse aide should help arrange the visit. Notify the nurse or social worker who can contact the clergy.

A patient visits a care facility for only a short period to give his or her usual caregivers a "break." What is this called? Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Cultural, Spiritual & Family Needs
  1. A Respite care
  2. B Therapeutic care
  3. C Constant care
  4. D Hospice care

Answer: A. Respite care

Rationale: Caregiving is demanding, both physically and mentally. Respite care gives the family and caregivers a chance to rest temporarily while the patient is cared for in a facility. Respite care can be during the day, for a weekend, or for a few days. It can also take place in the patient's home.

Which question is best for getting a client engaged in a conversation? Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Psychosocial Needs & Activities
  1. A "Is it true that you were born in London?"
  2. B "Would you like some cake and ice cream?"
  3. C "What did you like best about your career?"
  4. D "Can I help you with that?"

Answer: C. "What did you like best about your career?"

Rationale: When you're trying to engage a client in a conversation, avoid asking closed-ended questions (questions that are answered with either "Yes" or "No"). Ask open-ended questions (questions that require more than just a one-word answer) to get answers that require some thought on the part of the client. The answers can provide information about the client. Good conversations require open-ended questions.

Sexuality includes all of the following EXCEPT Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Emotional Support & Coping
  1. A caring about your appearance.
  2. B cultural and religious expectations.
  3. C how you speak and smile.
  4. D holding hands when you are in pain.

Answer: D. holding hands when you are in pain.

Rationale: Sexuality is expressed in many ways besides having sex. People are molded by their cultural and religious beliefs as well as by how they see themselves. Sexuality develops through all relationships. It includes how we look, dress, walk, smile, laugh, and cry. Sexuality continues to develop throughout our entire lives.

Which of the following are the parts that make up the whole person? Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Psychosocial Needs & Activities
  1. A Physical, social, religious, psychological, education
  2. B Emotional, social, historical, cognitive, health
  3. C Spiritual, physical, emotional, cognitive, social
  4. D Spiritual, social, physical, psychological, relationships

Answer: C. Spiritual, physical, emotional, cognitive, social

Rationale: Each human being has five parts that make up the entire person: 1. Social: relationships, friendships, and community; 2. Physical: health, illness, hygiene, fitness, diet, disability, and disease; 3. Emotional: awareness of feelings and how they impact behavior; 4. Cognitive: thinking and learning; and 5. Spiritual: personal beliefs about religion and ethics.

Which of the following is a way to care for residents suffering from depression? Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Depression, Grief & Loss
  1. A Encourage them to avoid activities until they are better.
  2. B Get them to cheer up and stop talking about their feelings.
  3. C Make sure the residents wear their glasses and hearing aids.
  4. D Let them stay in their room and think about their situation.

Answer: C. Make sure the residents wear their glasses and hearing aids.

Rationale: Residents who are depressed may tend to withdraw and avoid activities. If their symptoms last more than a week, tell the nurse. Encourage the residents to sit in a common space, even if they don't actively participate. Make sure they have their glasses and hearing aids so they are not isolated from communication. Another important thing the staff can do is to allow residents with depression to express their feelings. Use active listening and respond in a kind tone of voice. Studies have shown that depressed people remember the tone of voice more than the words that were spoken.

Repeating a phrase or action over and over is called Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Boundaries & Inappropriate Behavior
  1. A perseveration.
  2. B repetition.
  3. C senility.
  4. D persistence.

Answer: A. perseveration.

Rationale: Perseveration is the repetition of a word, phrase, or gesture. The person cannot control the repetition and continues to say or do it even after the reason to say or do it has stopped. For example, a person may answer a question but then repeats that answer for every other question or even after questioning stops. Perseveration can be caused by a brain injury or schizophrenia.

Which of the following actions by the nursing assistant can help meet a male resident’s social needs? Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Psychosocial Needs & Activities
  1. A Serve his meal tray promptly while the food is hot.
  2. B Keep his bed's side rails up and use postural supports as necessary.
  3. C Keep his room clean and neat, with personal items put away.
  4. D Praise him for his accomplishments and for trying new things.

Answer: D. Praise him for his accomplishments and for trying new things.

Rationale: Social rewards such as praise and attention are meaningful to everyone. When using praise to reinforce positive behavior and accomplishments, be specific and sincere. Tell the client what you liked: "I'm glad you went to the woodworking class this morning." "Thank you for trying the zucchini at lunch today." Use praise for behaviors and skills that the client is able to change.

A resident with dementia needs Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Psychosocial Needs & Activities
  1. A increased activity to stay alert.
  2. B to be isolated from others.
  3. C a structured environment.
  4. D freedom from rules and regulations.

Answer: C. a structured environment.

Rationale: Daily routines can keep clients with dementia calm and focused. These clients require as much familiarity as possible in their environment. Try to include their favorite activities: Did they like to wake up early? Did they watch the evening news? Did they enjoy playing cards? Keep the daily schedule consistent: mealtimes, grooming, naps, toileting, and medications are small ways to help the clients stay anchored.

A nurse aide is caring for a client whose religious beliefs do not allow the person to eat certain foods. The nurse aide should report this information to the Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Cultural, Spiritual & Family Needs
  1. A dietitian.
  2. B other nurse aides.
  3. C charge nurse.
  4. D client’s family.

Answer: C. charge nurse.

Rationale: Notify the nurse if you learn that a client requires a special diet. The diet should have been specified on admission, but if not, the nurse can obtain an order and contact the dietitian. Reasons for special diets include religion, medical conditions, and food allergies.

All behavior has meaning to the Mental Health and Social Services Needs: Cultural, Spiritual & Family Needs
  1. A facility psychologist.
  2. B person doing the behavior.
  3. C person observing the behavior.
  4. D person who is talking.

Answer: B. person doing the behavior.

Rationale: When a client's behavior seems puzzling or challenging, try to understand what the person is trying to achieve. Is the client afraid? Hungry? Cold? Ill? Clients with dementia or other brain conditions may only be aware that they are uncomfortable. Ask the client's family if the behavior makes sense or if there are any triggers for the behavior. As you become more familiar with the client, you will learn how to interpret the behavior and assist the client.

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One practice question each morning with the answer and rationale. Use it as a small daily habit, then come back here for the archive.