CNA Skills Test: Vital Signs & Measurements — Certified Nursing Assistant Practice Test

This Certified Nursing Assistant CNA Skills Test: Vital Signs & Measurements practice set has 52 practice questions based on the official exam materials, each with an instant explanation.

Sample questions

Three questions from the CNA Skills Test: Vital Signs & Measurements bank with the correct answer and an explanation. The practice quiz above draws 30 questions at random from the same bank.

1. When taking a radial pulse, where do you locate the radial artery?

   • On the thumb side of the wrist, just below the base of the thumb — Correct answer
   • On the little-finger side of the wrist
   • In the bend of the elbow
   • On the side of the neck

   Explanation: The radial artery is felt on the thumb side of the wrist, just below the base of the thumb. (Source: NNAAP radial pulse checklist; NCBI Bookshelf Nursing Skills, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK593195/)

   Handbook: Skills: Vital Signs & Measurements — Counts and records radial pulse

2. Which fingers should you use to feel the radial pulse?

   • Two or three fingertips (not the thumb) — Correct answer
   • The thumb only
   • The palm of your hand
   • The back of your hand

   Explanation: Use two or three fingertips; do not use your thumb, which has its own pulse and can give a false count. (Source: NNAAP radial pulse checklist; The CNA Guide, https://thecnaguide.com/cna-study-guide/cna-skills-checklist/)

   Handbook: Skills: Vital Signs & Measurements — Counts and records radial pulse

3. For how long should you count the radial pulse on the NNAAP skill?

   • One full minute (60 seconds) — Correct answer
   • 10 seconds and multiply by 6
   • 5 seconds
   • Until you feel three beats

   Explanation: Count the radial pulse for one full minute (60 seconds) for an accurate rate. (Source: NNAAP radial pulse checklist; NCBI Bookshelf Nursing Skills, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK593195/)

   Handbook: Skills: Vital Signs & Measurements — Counts and records radial pulse