Florida CNA Exam Flashcards

Q: Who administers the Florida CNA exam and maintains the registry?

Prometric administers the Florida CNA competency exam on behalf of the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). AHCA maintains the Florida Nurse Aide Registry; after you pass both the written test and skills evaluation, your name is added to the registry and you are legally cleared to work as a CNA in Florida.

Q: How is the Florida CNA exam structured?

The Florida CNA exam has two parts: a 60-question written test with a 90-minute limit, and a clinical skills evaluation of 5 skills observed by an evaluator. Hand washing is always one of the 5 skills; the other 4 are randomly selected from the remaining skills. You must pass both parts, and every step of each assigned skill must be performed correctly.

Q: What training does Florida require before the CNA exam?

Florida requires a minimum of 120 hours of AHCA-approved CNA training, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. This exceeds the 75-hour federal minimum, which is one reason Florida reports a high first-time written pass rate of about 87%. You must apply for the registry within 24 months of completing training.

Q: How does a Florida CNA keep certification active?

A Florida CNA must complete 24 hours of in-service training every 2-year biennium and must perform at least one day of nursing or nursing-related services for pay during the period. AHCA tracks this through the Nurse Aide Registry. Failing to meet the in-service and work requirements results in removal from the registry and loss of the ability to work as a CNA.

Q: What is the Florida background screening requirement for CNAs?

Florida requires a Level 2 background screening through the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, which includes FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) state checks and FBI national fingerprint checks. A disqualifying offense under Florida Statutes Chapter 435, such as abuse, neglect, or theft, prevents CNA certification and employment in a Florida health care facility.

Q: How does a Florida CNA report suspected abuse?

Florida CNAs are mandatory reporters under Florida Statutes Chapter 415. Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult must be reported immediately to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, and also to the supervisor or nurse. Failure to report when required is a crime in Florida, and the CNA does not need proof or to investigate before reporting.

Q: What happens if a Florida CNA candidate fails part of the exam?

Florida allows up to 3 attempts within 24 months of completing training. You retake only the portion you failed, written or skills, not both, and your passed portion remains valid during that window. After 3 failed attempts or once the 24-month window closes, you must complete a new approved training program before testing again.

Question 1

Which agency maintains the Florida Nurse Aide Registry?

Accepted Answer

The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) maintains the registry. A CNA must appear on the AHCA registry to legally work in a Florida nursing facility, and any substantiated finding of abuse or neglect is recorded there.

Question 2

Who administers the Florida CNA competency exam?

Accepted Answer

Prometric administers the Florida written test and clinical skills evaluation on behalf of AHCA. Scheduling, the candidate handbook, and scoring run through Prometric, while registry placement and eligibility are controlled by AHCA.

Question 3

What are the two parts of the Florida CNA exam, and must you pass both?

Accepted Answer

A written test and a clinical skills evaluation. You must pass both to be placed on the registry. If you fail one part, you generally retake only that part within the allowed window, not the whole exam.

Question 4

How is the Florida CNA written test scored, and what is the passing standard?

Accepted Answer

The written test has 60 questions with a 90-minute limit; a score of 70% is the passing standard. The skills portion is separate and requires every step of each assigned skill to be done correctly.

Question 5

How many skills are tested on the Florida CNA skills evaluation, and which one is always included?

Accepted Answer

Five skills are tested before an evaluator. Hand washing is always required; the other four are randomly selected. Missing a critical step, especially on hand hygiene, typically fails the skills portion.

Question 6

How many training hours does Florida require before a candidate can test for the CNA?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of 120 hours of AHCA-approved training, including at least 40 hours of supervised clinical practice. This exceeds the 75-hour federal minimum and helps explain Florida's high first-time written pass rate.

Question 7

Within what time frame must a Florida candidate apply for the registry after training?

Accepted Answer

The candidate must apply for the registry and pass the competency exam within 24 months of completing the approved training program. Missing this window means the training is no longer valid and must be repeated.

Question 8

How does a Florida CNA maintain certification on the registry?

Accepted Answer

Complete 24 hours of in-service training each 2-year biennium and perform at least one day of paid nursing or nursing-related work during the period. Failing either requirement removes the CNA from the registry.

Question 9

What background screening does Florida require for CNAs?

Accepted Answer

A Level 2 background screening through the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse, including FDLE state checks and FBI fingerprint checks. A disqualifying offense under Florida Statutes Chapter 435 blocks certification and employment.

Question 10

What does it mean if a CNA has a substantiated finding of neglect on the Florida Nurse Aide Registry?

Accepted Answer

The finding is permanently noted on the registry, and Florida facilities are prohibited from employing that person as a nurse aide. Employers must check the registry before hiring, so the finding effectively ends CNA employment.

Question 11

Under Florida law, who is a mandatory reporter of vulnerable-adult abuse, and how fast must they report?

Accepted Answer

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 415, any person who knows or suspects abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, including every CNA, must report immediately. Reporting is required even without proof; investigating first is not the CNA's job.

Question 12

Where does a Florida CNA report suspected resident abuse?

Accepted Answer

Report immediately to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873 and also notify the supervisor or nurse. Failure to report when required is a crime in Florida, and retaliation against a good-faith reporter is prohibited.

Question 13

What is the role of the Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program?

Accepted Answer

It is a resident-rights advocacy program that investigates and resolves complaints made by or for long-term care residents. The ombudsman protects resident interests but is independent of the facility and does not employ or supervise the CNA.

Question 14

A grateful family offers a Florida CNA a $50 gift. What is the appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline and explain that accepting gifts is against policy. Accepting money or valuables risks accusations of exploitation and can lead to disciplinary or registry action. Thank the family without taking the gift.

Question 15

A resident asks a Florida CNA to witness a personal legal document. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Decline and refer the request to the nurse or facility administration. Witnessing legal documents such as wills is outside the CNA role and may create a conflict of interest or legal liability.

Question 16

What federal law sets minimum resident-rights and training standards that Florida facilities must follow?

Accepted Answer

OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987). It guarantees dignity, privacy, choice, freedom from abuse and unnecessary restraints, and grievance rights; Florida layers stricter training and reporting rules on top of it.

Question 17

Define the CNA scope of practice in a Florida facility.

Accepted Answer

The CNA observes, assists with care, measures, records, and reports under licensed nurse supervision. The CNA does not diagnose, give medications, perform sterile procedures, take verbal orders, or change the care plan.

Question 18

A nurse delegates a task a Florida CNA was not trained to perform. What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Decline the specific task and tell the nurse you have not been trained for it. A CNA is accountable for accepting only tasks within training, scope, the care plan, and facility policy; performing an unsafe task is not protected by being told to do it.

Question 19

Can a Florida CNA collect a urine specimen from an indwelling catheter port?

Accepted Answer

Specimen collection from a catheter port is delegated only when the CNA is trained and it is allowed by facility policy and the care plan. The CNA never inserts the catheter or changes the system; when unsure, ask the nurse first.

Question 20

A resident asks a Florida CNA for lab results while the charge nurse is busy. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Tell the resident the nurse will discuss the results and relay the request to the nurse. Interpreting or sharing clinical results is outside CNA scope, even when the nurse is unavailable.

Question 21

Reporting versus diagnosing: what does a Florida CNA do when a resident shows a change?

Accepted Answer

Report objective observations such as fever, swelling, new confusion, drainage, or shortness of breath to the nurse. The CNA describes what was seen or measured and never names the condition or predicts a diagnosis.

Question 22

Why are standard precautions used with every resident?

Accepted Answer

Because any resident's blood and body fluids may carry infection regardless of diagnosis. Standard precautions, hand hygiene, gloves, masks, gowns, and eye protection chosen by expected exposure, are used with all residents at all times.

Question 23

When is soap-and-water hand washing required instead of alcohol rub?

Accepted Answer

Use soap and water when hands are visibly soiled, after caring for residents with spore-forming infections such as C. difficile, after using the restroom, and whenever the skill checklist requires it. Wash at least 20 seconds and avoid recontaminating clean hands.

Question 24

Do gloves replace hand hygiene?

Accepted Answer

No. Clean hands before applying gloves and again after removing them, and change gloves when moving from a dirty to a clean task. Gloves can have unseen defects and can spread organisms if reused.

Question 25

What is the correct order for putting on and removing PPE?

Accepted Answer

Don in this order: gown, mask, goggles, gloves. Doff in this order: gloves, goggles, gown, mask, removing the most contaminated item first and performing hand hygiene after. Most exposure errors happen during removal.

Question 26

How should a Florida CNA handle soiled linen?

Accepted Answer

Hold soiled linen away from the uniform, never shake it, and place it directly in the proper container at the point of use. Shaking linen aerosolizes microorganisms and can contaminate the room and the CNA.

Question 27

Match each transmission-based precaution to its key barrier: contact, droplet, airborne.

Accepted Answer

Contact (MRSA, C. diff): gown and gloves. Droplet (influenza, pertussis): surgical mask within about 3-6 feet. Airborne (TB, measles): N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room. Always check door signage before entering.

Question 28

What does RACE stand for in a facility fire, and what is the first step?

Accepted Answer

Rescue, Alarm, Confine (Contain), Extinguish or Evacuate. The first priority is to rescue anyone in immediate danger, then activate the alarm. Confine the fire by closing doors before attempting to extinguish a small fire.

Question 29

What does PASS stand for when using a fire extinguisher?

Accepted Answer

Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. Only use an extinguisher on a small contained fire after people are safe and the alarm is sounded.

Question 30

A Florida resident is found unresponsive and not breathing. After confirming the scene is safe and calling for help, what is the next action?

Accepted Answer

Begin CPR with chest compressions if the resident is a full code, and stay with the resident until help arrives. Check the care plan and code status; honor a valid DNR by withholding resuscitation while still providing comfort.

Question 31

What is the universal sign of choking, and what does a conscious adult need?

Accepted Answer

Clutching the throat with inability to speak, cough, or breathe. A conscious choking adult needs abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) until the object clears or the person becomes unconscious, at which point CPR is started.

Question 32

List core fall-prevention measures for a high-risk Florida resident.

Accepted Answer

Bed in lowest position with wheels locked, call light within reach, non-skid footwear, clear and lit pathways, prompt response to call lights, and transfer help per the care plan. Restraints are not a first-line fall measure.

Question 33

What should a CNA do immediately after a resident falls?

Accepted Answer

Stay with the resident, call the nurse, and do not move the resident unless there is immediate danger, since movement can worsen an unseen injury. The nurse assesses before the resident is moved or returned to bed.

Question 34

What are the rules for physical restraints in a Florida facility?

Accepted Answer

Restraints are a last resort, never for staff convenience, and require an order or care plan, the least restrictive option, and documented alternatives. Check the resident at least every 15-30 minutes and release every 2 hours for repositioning, toileting, and range of motion.

Question 35

List normal adult vital sign ranges a Florida CNA should report against.

Accepted Answer

Temperature about 97.8-99.1°F oral, pulse 60-100 bpm, respirations 12-20/min, blood pressure roughly 90-140 systolic over 60-90 diastolic. Report values outside the resident's normal range to the nurse promptly.

Question 36

How should a CNA count respirations accurately?

Accepted Answer

Count without telling the resident, ideally right after taking the pulse while still holding the wrist, so breathing stays natural. Note rate, rhythm, depth, and effort, and report distress or abnormal patterns.

Question 37

What positioning supports an accurate manual blood pressure?

Accepted Answer

Use the correctly sized cuff on a bare upper arm, support the arm at heart level, and keep the resident still and quiet. An oversized cuff reads falsely low and an undersized cuff reads falsely high; report sudden or extreme changes.

Question 38

In what units is intake and output recorded, and how is it measured?

Accepted Answer

Record in milliliters (mL). Measure output at eye level on a flat surface and document the actual amount, not a rounded guess. Minimum acceptable urine output is generally about 30 mL per hour; report less.

Question 39

What is the correct sequence and water temperature for a complete bed bath?

Accepted Answer

Wash from clean to dirty: face first, perineum last. Keep the resident covered for warmth and dignity, change water when cool or soiled, and keep bath water around 105-110°F. Report any skin changes seen during the bath.

Question 40

Describe correct perineal care technique.

Accepted Answer

Provide privacy, wear gloves, and clean from front to back (clean to dirty) using a fresh area of the cloth each stroke. For an uncircumcised male, retract the foreskin to clean and then replace it. Report redness, discharge, or odor.

Question 41

How should a urinary drainage bag be positioned and managed?

Accepted Answer

Keep the bag below bladder level and off the floor, never disconnect the tubing, and avoid tugging the catheter. Report decreased output, leaking, blood, cloudiness, pain, or signs of infection to the nurse.

Question 42

What is the dressing rule for a resident with a weak or affected side?

Accepted Answer

Dress the weak or affected side first and undress the strong or unaffected side first. This reduces pulling, joint strain, and discomfort, and supports the resident's remaining ability to participate.

Question 43

List safe body-mechanics principles for moving a resident.

Accepted Answer

Wide base of support, bend at the knees not the waist, keep the back straight, hold the load close to the body, push rather than lift when possible, and turn the whole body instead of twisting. Get help for heavy or dependent transfers.

Question 44

How is a gait (transfer) belt applied and used safely, and when is it contraindicated?

Accepted Answer

Apply snugly over clothing at the waist, grip from underneath, and stand on the resident's weak side during ambulation. Do not use a gait belt with recent abdominal or chest surgery, a colostomy, rib fractures, or severe respiratory distress.

Question 45

If a resident begins to fall during a transfer, what should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Do not try to hold the full weight. Widen your stance, protect the resident's head, and ease the resident down your body to the floor in a controlled way, then call for help. Catching a falling resident injures both people.

Question 46

What objective versus subjective data should a CNA document and report?

Accepted Answer

Objective data is measurable and observed (vital signs, intake, skin color, behavior). Subjective data is what the resident states (pain, nausea, dizziness). Chart facts only, attribute resident statements with quotation or 'resident states,' and avoid opinions or blame.

Question 47

What should a Florida CNA report to the nurse immediately?

Accepted Answer

Falls, injuries, abnormal or changing vital signs, new pain, skin breakdown, behavioral or mental-status changes, refusal of care, and abnormal output. Timely reporting protects the resident and is part of the CNA observe-and-report role.

Question 48

How should a CNA communicate with and respond to a resident with dementia who is confused or having delusions?

Accepted Answer

Approach calmly from the front, use the resident's name, give one simple instruction at a time, and allow extra time. Do not argue or correct false beliefs; acknowledge feelings, redirect to a safe activity, and report sudden changes in confusion.

Question 49

Why should a Florida CNA give a dysphagia resident only the prescribed thickened liquids, even when asked for plain water?

Accepted Answer

Thin liquids can be aspirated into the lungs and cause choking or pneumonia in a resident with swallowing difficulty. The CNA follows the ordered consistency, keeps the resident upright, and reports the request to the nurse rather than overriding the diet.

Question 50

What is the purpose of restorative care, and how does a Florida CNA support it?

Accepted Answer

Restorative care helps residents maintain or regain function and independence. The CNA follows the care plan, encourages the resident to do as much as safely possible, reinforces prescribed exercises and range of motion, and reports progress or decline.

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