Minnesota CNA Exam Flashcards

Q: What is the passing score for the Minnesota CNA knowledge exam?

The Minnesota CNA knowledge exam requires 74% to pass, meaning at least 52 of 70 multiple-choice questions answered correctly. Candidates have 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the knowledge portion, and must separately pass a clinical skills evaluation.

Q: Who administers the Minnesota CNA exam?

The exam is administered by Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) on behalf of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH). Headmaster delivers both the 70-question knowledge test and the hands-on skills evaluation, and candidates schedule through Headmaster's TestMaster Universe (TMU) system.

Q: How many training hours does Minnesota require for CNA certification?

Minnesota requires completion of an MDH-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) totaling at least 75 hours, including a minimum of 16 hours of supervised clinical instruction and 16 hours of lab instruction.

Q: How long is a Minnesota CNA certification valid?

A Minnesota CNA certification is valid for 24 months. To renew, the aide must document at least 8 hours of paid employment performing nursing-related services under a licensed nurse during the certification period, processed through the Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry.

Q: How do Minnesota CNAs report suspected abuse of a vulnerable adult?

Minnesota CNAs are mandatory reporters. Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult is reported to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC), and the supervising nurse must also be notified. In an emergency, call 911.

Q: What is a Minnesota CNA Challenge Candidate?

A Challenge Candidate is someone who has not completed a Minnesota state-approved CNA program but is eligible to test based on other qualifications, such as nursing students who finished a fundamentals course or military-trained medics. They arrange testing directly with a Headmaster test site.

Question 1

Minnesota Nurse Aide Registry

Accepted Answer

The MDH-maintained list of nurse aides eligible to work in Minnesota long-term care. You must be listed before working as a CNA, and listing requires passing both the knowledge and skills exams after approved training.

Question 2

Minnesota NATCEP minimum training hours

Accepted Answer

Minnesota requires an MDH-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program of at least 75 hours, including a minimum of 16 supervised clinical hours and 16 lab hours.

Question 3

Minnesota CNA knowledge exam passing standard

Accepted Answer

You must score 74%, which is 52 of 70 multiple-choice questions correct, within the 120-minute limit. The skills evaluation is scored separately and must also be passed.

Question 4

CNA scope of practice

Accepted Answer

A CNA assists with basic care and reports observations. CNAs do NOT diagnose, give medications (unless trained/delegated where allowed), perform sterile procedures, or change a care plan. Unsure tasks go to the nurse first.

Question 5

Delegation

Accepted Answer

A licensed nurse assigns a specific task to a CNA who is trained and competent for it. The CNA may accept or decline based on training. The nurse remains accountable for the delegation decision.

Question 6

OBRA resident rights

Accepted Answer

Federal nursing home law guaranteeing rights such as dignity, privacy, freedom from abuse and restraints, the right to refuse care, to be informed, to manage personal finances, and to voice grievances without retaliation.

Question 7

Right to refuse care

Accepted Answer

A competent resident may refuse any treatment or task, even if it seems unwise. The CNA stops, does not argue, documents the refusal, and reports it to the nurse rather than forcing care.

Question 8

Informed consent

Accepted Answer

A resident must understand a procedure and agree before it is done. CNAs explain care in plain language and confirm cooperation before each task; consent can be withdrawn at any time.

Question 9

HIPAA / confidentiality for CNAs

Accepted Answer

Resident health information is private. Discuss it only with the care team and only as needed. Do not share details with family, friends, or on social media, and keep records and screens out of public view.

Question 10

Minnesota CNA as a mandatory reporter

Accepted Answer

Minnesota CNAs must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult to the Minnesota Adult Abuse Reporting Center (MAARC) and notify the supervising nurse. Failure to report can carry legal consequences.

Question 11

Hand hygiene as the #1 infection control measure

Accepted Answer

Handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Wash before and after every resident contact, after removing gloves, and after contact with body fluids or contaminated surfaces.

Question 12

Proper handwashing technique

Accepted Answer

Wet hands, apply soap, and rub all surfaces with friction for at least 20 seconds. Keep hands below the elbows, rinse fingertips down, dry with a paper towel, and use the towel to turn off the faucet.

Question 13

Standard precautions

Accepted Answer

Treat all blood, body fluids, secretions, non-intact skin, and mucous membranes as potentially infectious for every resident, regardless of diagnosis. Includes hand hygiene, gloves, and other PPE as needed.

Question 14

Order for putting ON PPE (donning)

Accepted Answer

Gown first, then mask or respirator, then goggles or face shield, then gloves last. Gloves go over the gown cuffs.

Question 15

Order for taking OFF PPE (doffing)

Accepted Answer

Remove the most contaminated items first: gloves, then goggles or face shield, then gown, then mask or respirator last. Perform hand hygiene immediately after.

Question 16

Transmission-based precautions

Accepted Answer

Extra precautions added to standard precautions: Contact (gown and gloves), Droplet (surgical mask within ~6 feet), and Airborne (N95 respirator and negative-pressure room) based on how an organism spreads.

Question 17

Bloodborne pathogens

Accepted Answer

Infectious organisms such as HIV and hepatitis B and C carried in blood and certain body fluids. Use gloves, avoid recapping sharps, and report any needlestick or fluid exposure to the nurse immediately.

Question 18

Normal adult vital sign ranges

Accepted Answer

Oral temperature about 97.6-99.6 degrees F, pulse 60-100 beats per minute, respirations 12-20 per minute, and blood pressure around 120/80 mmHg. Report values outside these ranges to the nurse.

Question 19

Counting respirations correctly

Accepted Answer

Count respirations without telling the resident, ideally right after taking the pulse while still holding the wrist, so breathing stays natural. One rise and fall equals one respiration.

Question 20

Apical pulse

Accepted Answer

The heartbeat heard with a stethoscope over the apex of the heart, just below the left nipple. Counted for a full 60 seconds and used when a pulse is irregular or hard to feel at the wrist.

Question 21

Orthostatic (postural) hypotension

Accepted Answer

A drop in blood pressure when a resident moves from lying to sitting or standing, causing dizziness and fall risk. Have the resident change positions slowly and sit at the bed edge before standing.

Question 22

Measuring intake and output (I&O)

Accepted Answer

Record all fluids taken in (drinks, IVs, foods that are liquid at room temperature) and all output (urine, emesis, drainage) in milliliters. Used to monitor hydration and kidney function.

Question 23

Reporting abnormal vital signs

Accepted Answer

A CNA measures and records vital signs but does not interpret them. Report any reading outside the resident's normal range to the nurse promptly, including the exact value and the time taken.

Question 24

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Accepted Answer

Basic self-care tasks: bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, transferring, and continence. CNAs assist only as much as needed and document the resident's level: independent, partial, or total assist.

Question 25

Perineal (peri) care direction

Accepted Answer

Always clean from front to back (clean to dirty), away from the urethra, to prevent spreading bacteria and urinary tract infections. Use a clean section of cloth for each stroke.

Question 26

Mouth care for an unconscious resident

Accepted Answer

Turn the head to the side and use minimal fluid to prevent aspiration. Use swabs, keep suction available, and never put fingers between the teeth. Provide oral care at least every 2 hours.

Question 27

Dressing a resident with a weak (affected) side

Accepted Answer

Dress the weak or affected arm or leg FIRST and undress it LAST. This reduces strain and discomfort on the impaired limb.

Question 28

Safe bath water temperature

Accepted Answer

Test bath water before use; comfortable bathing water is generally about 105 degrees F (around 41 degrees C). Always check with a thermometer or your wrist and confirm with the resident to prevent burns.

Question 29

Foot care precaution for residents with diabetes

Accepted Answer

Inspect feet daily for sores, dry between the toes, and keep skin moisturized. Do NOT cut a diabetic resident's toenails or trim corns; report any redness, breaks, or sores to the nurse.

Question 30

Proper body mechanics

Accepted Answer

Keep a wide base of support, bend at the knees and hips (not the waist), hold the load close, and push or pull rather than lift. This prevents back injury when moving residents.

Question 31

Using a gait (transfer) belt

Accepted Answer

A belt placed around the resident's waist that gives the CNA a secure hold during transfers and walking. Apply it over clothing, snug but with room for fingers, and never lift by the resident's arms.

Question 32

Fall prevention basics

Accepted Answer

Keep the bed low and locked, call light within reach, non-skid footwear on, floors dry and clutter-free, and answer call lights promptly. Report any fall to the nurse and do not move a resident who has fallen until assessed.

Question 33

RACE fire response

Accepted Answer

Rescue anyone in danger, Activate the alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate. Protecting residents and sounding the alarm come before fighting the fire.

Question 34

PASS fire extinguisher use

Accepted Answer

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

Question 35

Physical restraints

Accepted Answer

Restraints require a physician order, must be the least restrictive option, and are only for safety, never for staff convenience or discipline. Check and release per protocol; restraint-free care is the goal.

Question 36

Choking response for a conscious adult

Accepted Answer

If the resident cannot speak, cough, or breathe, give abdominal thrusts (Heimlich) until the object is expelled or the person becomes unconscious. Call for help; a forceful cough means let them keep coughing.

Question 37

Range-of-motion (ROM) exercises

Accepted Answer

Moving joints through their normal motion to prevent stiffness and contractures. Active ROM is done by the resident; passive ROM is done by the CNA. Move slowly, support the joint, and stop at the point of pain.

Question 38

Preventing contractures

Accepted Answer

A contracture is a permanent shortening of a muscle or tendon from lack of movement. Prevent it with regular ROM, proper positioning, and the use of supportive devices to keep joints functional.

Question 39

Goal of restorative care

Accepted Answer

To help residents regain or maintain the highest level of independence and function. CNAs encourage residents to do as much as they safely can rather than doing everything for them.

Question 40

Repositioning to prevent pressure injuries

Accepted Answer

Reposition immobile residents at least every 2 hours, keep skin clean and dry, and relieve pressure over bony areas such as heels, hips, and the sacrum. Report any reddened or broken skin to the nurse.

Question 41

Aspiration prevention during meals

Accepted Answer

Position the resident upright at about 90 degrees, allow small bites, do not rush, and keep them upright for 30 minutes after eating. Follow any thickened-liquid or texture orders for residents with swallowing problems.

Question 42

Therapeutic (special) diets

Accepted Answer

Diets ordered for medical needs, such as low-sodium for heart conditions, diabetic/controlled-carbohydrate, pureed for swallowing trouble, or renal diets. CNAs serve the correct tray and report poor intake.

Question 43

Promoting hydration

Accepted Answer

Offer fluids frequently, keep water within reach, and honor preferences. Watch for signs of dehydration: dry mouth, dark urine, confusion, and poor skin turgor. Report inadequate intake to the nurse.

Question 44

Objective vs. subjective observation

Accepted Answer

Objective data is measured or seen (temperature 101 F, a rash, refused lunch). Subjective data is what the resident reports (pain, nausea). CNAs report both, using the resident's exact words for subjective findings.

Question 45

SBAR communication

Accepted Answer

A structured handoff format: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation. It helps a CNA report a concern to the nurse clearly and completely without leaving out key information.

Question 46

Therapeutic communication

Accepted Answer

Techniques that encourage a resident to share: open-ended questions, active listening, eye contact, allowing silence, and reflecting feelings. Avoid 'why' questions, false reassurance, and changing the subject.

Question 47

Communicating with a hearing-impaired resident

Accepted Answer

Face the resident at eye level, reduce background noise, speak clearly at a normal pace (do not shout), and make sure hearing aids are in place and working. Use writing or gestures if needed.

Question 48

Preserving dignity and privacy

Accepted Answer

Knock before entering, close doors and curtains, drape during care, address residents by their preferred name, and explain care before touching. Treat residents as adults and protect their modesty at all times.

Question 49

Communicating with a resident who has dementia

Accepted Answer

Approach calmly from the front, use short simple sentences, offer one step at a time, and avoid arguing or correcting. Use validation and redirection, and respond to the resident's emotion rather than the facts.

Question 50

Sundowning

Accepted Answer

Increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in residents with dementia during late afternoon and evening. Reduce noise and shadows, keep a calm routine, provide good lighting, and report worsening behavior to the nurse.

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