Observation questions test what you notice, what you report to the nurse right away, and how you describe a change without guessing a diagnosis.
On the D&S Diversified Technologies (Headmaster) California knowledge test, the Data Collection area has 4 of the 75 questions. Other California testing vendors may group topics differently. Source: California Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook, October 2026 (checked October 23, 2026).
5 free observation and reporting practice questions
Choose your answer first, then open the answer to check it.
1. Following the skills checklist, how long should the CNA count a resident's radial pulse?
A. 5 seconds
B. 10 seconds
C. 15 seconds
D. 60 seconds
Show the answer to question 1
Answer: D. 60 seconds Locate the radial pulse with your fingertips on the thumb side of the wrist and count for 60 seconds. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
2. Which temperature is the average normal body temperature for an adult?
A. 95.0°F (35°C)
B. 98.6°F (37°C)
C. 101.0°F (38.3°C)
D. 103.0°F (39.4°C)
Show the answer to question 2
Answer: B. 98.6°F (37°C) The average body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C). Normal ranges from about 97°F to 99°F. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
3. A resident just drank hot coffee. How long should the CNA wait before taking an oral temperature?
A. 1 to 2 minutes
B. 5 minutes
C. 15 to 25 minutes
D. 2 hours
Show the answer to question 3
Answer: C. 15 to 25 minutes Take an oral temperature 15 to 25 minutes after hot or cold food or drink, or 5 minutes after chewing gum or smoking. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
4. What is the normal resting pulse range for an adult?
A. 12 to 20 beats per minute
B. 30 to 50 beats per minute
C. 60 to 100 beats per minute
D. 100 to 140 beats per minute
Show the answer to question 4
Answer: C. 60 to 100 beats per minute A normal resting heart rate for adults, including older adults, is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine (verified 2026-10-21).
5. Which bowel finding should the CNA report to the nurse?
A. Loose or liquid stools.
B. Soft, formed stool once a day.
C. A bowel movement every other day.
D. A medium, soft stool after breakfast.
Show the answer to question 5
Answer: A. Loose or liquid stools. Stool should be soft and formed. Loose or liquid stool may mean infection or another bowel problem. A typical range is twice a day to once every other day. Source: WisTech Open / Open RN (CC BY 4.0) (verified 2026-10-21).
Practice more observation and reporting questions
Start with 10 free questions in the practice app, with no account. A plan unlocks every question by topic, quick drills and a review list of the questions you miss.
More CNA practice by topic
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- Daily Care (ADLs) practice questions
- Role and Responsibilities practice questions
- Nutrition and Fluids practice questions
- Mobility and Restorative Care practice questions
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Care practice questions
- End-of-Life Care practice questions
Questions are written from public nursing and health sources and checked through AI editorial review. They have not been reviewed by a licensed clinician. How we write and review questions