Certified Nursing Assistant Examination (CNA) Anatomy, Physiology, and Common Health Conditions Syllabus

What are the five special senses and their primary sensory organs?

Sight (eyes), hearing (ears), taste (tongue), smell (nose), and touch (skin).

What is the main function of the digestive system?

To break down food into nutrients for absorption and to eliminate solid waste.

In order, name the major organs food passes through in the digestive tract.

Mouth -> esophagus -> stomach -> small intestine -> large intestine -> rectum -> anus.

What is the main function of the urinary system?

To filter waste and excess fluid from the blood, forming urine to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

What is the functional filtering unit of the kidney?

The nephron.

What is the normal range for adult urine output, and what is concerning?

About 1,500 mL/day (at least 30 mL/hour); output below 30 mL/hour should be reported.

What is angina pectoris?

Chest pain caused by reduced blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle, often triggered by exertion or stress.

What is a myocardial infarction (heart attack)?

Death of heart muscle tissue caused by blocked blood flow to part of the heart; a medical emergency.

What are common signs and symptoms of a heart attack?

Chest pain/pressure, pain radiating to arm/jaw, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, and indigestion (may differ in women and diabetics).

What is congestive heart failure (CHF)?

A condition in which the heart cannot pump effectively, causing fluid buildup in the lungs and extremities (edema, shortness of breath).

What is hypertension and why is it called the 'silent killer'?

Hypertension is chronically high blood pressure (generally 130/80 mmHg or higher); it is called the silent killer because it often has no symptoms while damaging organs.

What is COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)?

A progressive lung disease that obstructs airflow, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing shortness of breath and chronic cough.

What is pneumonia?

An infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, which may fill with fluid, causing cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.

What is the difference between asthma and emphysema?

Asthma is reversible airway narrowing from inflammation/spasm triggered by allergens; emphysema is permanent destruction of alveoli, usually from smoking.

What is diabetes mellitus?

A chronic disease in which the body cannot properly produce or use insulin, resulting in high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia).

What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes?

Type 1: the body produces little or no insulin (requires insulin); Type 2: the body resists or underproduces insulin, often linked to lifestyle and managed with diet/medication.

What are the signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in a diabetic?

Shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, hunger, rapid pulse, and possible loss of consciousness; needs fast-acting sugar quickly.

What are the signs of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)?

Excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and fruity-smelling breath.

What is arthritis, and what is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

Arthritis is joint inflammation; osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear cartilage breakdown, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing joint inflammation.

What is osteoporosis?

A condition of weak, brittle, porous bones due to loss of bone density, increasing fracture risk (common in older women).

What is a fracture, and what does the CNA do for a suspected fracture?

A fracture is a broken bone; the CNA should keep the area immobile, not move the resident, and report it immediately.

What is cancer?

A disease in which abnormal cells grow and divide uncontrollably, potentially invading nearby tissue and spreading (metastasizing) to other body parts.

What is the difference between a benign and a malignant tumor?

Benign tumors are non-cancerous and do not spread; malignant tumors are cancerous and can invade and spread to other tissues.

What is the chain of infection?

Causative agent -> reservoir -> portal of exit -> mode of transmission -> portal of entry -> susceptible host; breaking any link prevents infection.

What is an autoimmune disorder?

A condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis).

What general signs and symptoms may indicate that a resident is becoming ill?

Fever, changes in appetite, pain, changes in skin color, confusion, changes in vital signs, unusual drainage, and changes in behavior or mobility.

Which acute changes in a resident must a CNA report to the nurse immediately?

Chest pain, difficulty breathing, sudden confusion, severe bleeding, falls, loss of consciousness, slurred speech or weakness (signs of stroke), and seizures.

What does the acronym FAST stand for in recognizing a stroke?

Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call for emergency help.

Why is monitoring and documenting trends in a resident's condition important?

Trends over time (e.g., gradual weight loss, rising temperature, declining intake) help detect developing problems early so care can be adjusted before a crisis.

What are the rules for accurate documentation by a CNA?

Record objective, factual, and timely information; document only what you observed or did, be specific, and never record care before it is given.