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

Which device helps a resident with a weak grip eat independently?

  1. AVery thin, lightweight plastic forks
  2. BA drinking straw only
  3. CA blindfold to improve focus
  4. DUtensils with built-up, large handles
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A nursing assistant hears a coworker yelling at a resident and threatening to skip the resident's dinner. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. ASpeak with the coworker privately later and not report it
  2. BTell the resident not to make the coworker angry again
  3. CWait to see whether it happens again before reporting
  4. DMake sure the resident is safe and report it to the nurse or supervisor at once
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
186 cm1 in = 2.54 cmh = ? in

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 186 cm tall. Using 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in inches. Round to one decimal place.

186 cm1 in = 2.54 cm
h = in
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0021:5508:00t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 21:55 and finishes at 08:00 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

21:5508:00
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Utensils with built-up, large handles

Why this is the answer

Built-up or padded handles are easier to grasp for residents with arthritis or weakness. Other aids include plate guards, scoop dishes and cups with handles. The occupational therapist often recommends them.

Answer

D · Utensils with built-up, large handles
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Make sure the resident is safe and report it to the nurse or supervisor at once

Why this is the answer

Threatening to withhold food and yelling are verbal and psychological abuse. The nursing assistant first makes sure the resident is safe, then reports immediately as the facility's policy and the law require. Reporting is required even when the abuser is a colleague.

Answer

D · Make sure the resident is safe and report it to the nurse or supervisor at once
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: h = 73.2 in

Household measures and weight: nursing exams use rounded equivalents: 1 teaspoon (tsp) = 5 mL, 1 tablespoon (tbsp) = 15 mL = 3 tsp, 1 fluid ounce (fl oz) = 30 mL = 2 tbsp, and 1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL. For weight, 1 kg = 2.2 lb and 1 lb = 16 oz; for length, 1 inch = 2.54 cm. Set the conversion up so that the unit you do not want cancels out.

Centimetres to inches

h = 186/2.54 = 73.23 ≈ 73.2 in

Answer

h = 73.2 in
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 605 min

24-hour clock: from 1 PM onwards add 12 to the hour (3:45 PM = 15:45). Midnight to 12:59 AM is 00:00–00:59, and 12:00–12:59 PM stays 12:00–12:59. Going back, subtract 12 from hours 13–23 and add PM; hours 00 become 12 AM. Count time across midnight in two parts: up to 24:00 (00:00), then from 00:00 on.

Before midnight

21:55 → 24:00 = 125 min

After midnight

00:00 → 08:00 = 480 min

Total

t = 125 + 480 = 605 min

Answer

t = 605 min

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