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

Why does the nursing assistant report to the nurse at the end of a shift?

  1. ASo the team knows about care given and any changes in residents
  2. BSo the nurse can complete the nursing assistant's paperwork
  3. CBecause reporting during the shift is not allowed
  4. DSo the nurse can decide whether the nursing assistant may go home
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

The care plan says a heavy resident needs two staff to reposition him. The other nursing assistant is busy. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. ASkip the repositioning for this shift
  2. BWait for, or ask for, a second staff member
  3. CReposition the resident alone, because it is time
  4. DAsk the resident's visitor to help lift him
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
6 ft 7 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cmh = ? cm

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 6 ft 7 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.

6 ft 7 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
304 µmol/L? mg/dL1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A serum creatinine result is 304 µmol/L. Using 1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L for creatinine, find c in mg/dL. Round to two decimal places.

304 µmol/L1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L
c = mg/dL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · So the team knows about care given and any changes in residents

Why this is the answer

End-of-shift reporting passes on what care was given and any changes, so the next shift can continue care safely. Urgent changes are reported right away, not saved for the end of the shift.

Answer

A · So the team knows about care given and any changes in residents
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Wait for, or ask for, a second staff member

Why this is the answer

Working alone against the care plan risks injury to the resident and the nursing assistant. The safe choice is to get trained help, or tell the nurse if no one is free, so the repositioning is done safely and on time.

Answer

B · Wait for, or ask for, a second staff member
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: h = 201 cm

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.

Height in inches

6·12 + 7 = 79 in

Inches to centimetres

h = 79·2.54 = 200.7 ≈ 201 cm

Answer

h = 201 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: c = 3.44 mg/dL

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.

Convert

c = 304/88.4 = 3.439 ≈ 3.44 mg/dL

Answer

c = 3.44 mg/dL

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