CNA practice test (nurse aide knowledge exam practice): cram pack

Formula sheets, the key method steps for every topic and 4 practice problems, with full solutions at the back.

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1Formulas and methods

Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Method

  1. Check whether the resident is in danger right now (not breathing, choking, a fall, chest pain, stroke signs); if so, keep them safe and get the nurse at once.
  2. Ask whether the task is within the nursing assistant’s scope and training; if not, decline politely and tell the nurse.
  3. Respect the resident’s rights: privacy, choice, refusal of care, dignity and freedom from abuse and unneeded restraints.
  4. Apply the basic rules: hand hygiene, body mechanics, bed low and call light within reach, weak side first when dressing.
  5. Observe and report: compare with the resident’s usual state and report changes promptly and objectively.

Nursing math & unit conversions

Metric steps
1 kg = 1000 g, 1 g = 1000 mg, 1 mg = 1000 mcg, 1 L = 1000 mL
Weight and length
1 kg = 2.2 lb, 1 lb = 16 oz, 1 in = 2.54 cm, 1 ft = 12 in
Household measures
1 tsp = 5 mL, 1 tbsp = 15 mL, 1 fl oz = 30 mL, 1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL
Temperature
°C = (°F − 32)·5/9, °F = °C·9/5 + 32
24-hour clock
PM hours 1–11: add 12; 12 AM = 00:xx; 12 PM = 12:xx
Dose rate
mcg/min × 60/1000 = mg/h
Laboratory factors
glucose 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL; creatinine 1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L; Hb 1 g/dL = 10 g/L

Method

  1. Write the given quantity with its unit and the unit you want.
  2. Pick the equivalent: 1000 between kg, g, mg and mcg or L and mL; 1 kg = 2.2 lb; 1 tsp = 5 mL, 1 tbsp = 15 mL, 1 fl oz = 30 mL, 1 cup = 240 mL.
  3. Write it as a fraction so that the unwanted unit cancels; for a rate, use one fraction per unit that changes.
  4. Check the direction: a smaller unit gives a bigger number.
  5. Round only the final answer, to the precision the question names.

2Practice problems

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeMedium

How can a nursing assistant make daily weights as accurate as possible?

  1. ASame time, same scale, similar clothing, after urinating
  2. BAny time of day, as long as the scale is checked beforehand
  3. CRight after breakfast, so the resident has more energy
  4. DWearing shoes and a coat, so the clothing is always the same
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

While emptying an ostomy pouch, the nursing assistant notices that the stoma is dark purple-black. What should be done?

  1. AReport it to the nurse immediately
  2. BApply a new pouch and check again tomorrow
  3. CClean it with soap and water and record it
  4. DCover it with a gauze pad and tell the next shift
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
94969810010210410635363738394041°F°C98.1 °F? °C

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 98.1 °F. Convert it to degrees Celsius T with °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Round to one decimal place.

98.1 °F
T = °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
1½ tsp · 4/day · 7 d? mL1 tsp = 5 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads 1½ tsp of an oral suspension four times a day for 7 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?

1½ tspfour times a day7 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Same time, same scale, similar clothing, after urinating

Why this is the answer

Weight is measured at the same time of day, on the same scale, in similar clothing and after the resident has emptied the bladder. A sudden change is reported because it may mean fluid gain or loss.

Answer

A · Same time, same scale, similar clothing, after urinating
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Report it to the nurse immediately

Why this is the answer

A healthy stoma is pink to red. A dark purple or black stoma can mean poor blood supply to the tissue and is reported to the nurse immediately.

Answer

A · Report it to the nurse immediately
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: T = 36.7 °C

Temperature: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 and °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Subtract 32 before you multiply when going from °F, and add 32 after you multiply when going from °C. A quick check: 37 °C is 98.6 °F, and every 1 °C is 1.8 °F.

Subtract 32

98.1 − 32 = 66.1

Multiply by 5/9

T = 66.1·5/9 = 36.72 ≈ 36.7 °C

Answer

T = 36.7 °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 210 mL

Dimensional analysis: write the given quantity, then multiply by conversion factors written as fractions (for example 60 min/1 h or 1 mg/1000 mcg) so that each unwanted unit appears once on top and once underneath and cancels. When only the wanted unit is left, calculate. Use the equivalents the question gives and round only the final answer.

Volume per dose

1½ tsp = 1.5·5 = 7.5 mL

Whole course

V = 7.5 mL × 4/day × 7 = 210 mL

Answer

V = 210 mL

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