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.

New problemsBack to the course

In the print window, choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy on your device.

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

When a new resident is admitted, which task is often done by the nursing assistant?

  1. AExplaining the resident's diagnosis to the family
  2. BMeasuring height, weight and vital signs and listing belongings
  3. CWriting the resident's care plan and the first nursing assessment
  4. DDeciding which medicines the resident will take each day
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident with dementia accuses the nursing assistant of stealing her purse, which is in her closet. What is the best response?

  1. ATell her firmly that she is wrong and you are not a thief
  2. BLeave the room and refuse to care for her
  3. CStay calm, do not argue and offer to help her look for it
  4. DReport her to the police for making false accusations
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
4 ft 4 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cmh = ? cm

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 4 ft 4 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.

4 ft 4 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0020:2502:45t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 20:25 and finishes at 02:45 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

20:2502:45
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Measuring height, weight and vital signs and listing belongings

Why this is the answer

On admission, nursing assistants often take baseline measurements, list belongings on an inventory form and help the resident settle in. The nurse assesses the resident and plans care.

Answer

B · Measuring height, weight and vital signs and listing belongings
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Stay calm, do not argue and offer to help her look for it

Why this is the answer

Accusations of theft are common in dementia because the resident forgets where things are. Calmly helping her look avoids an argument and solves the problem. Real allegations of theft are still reported according to policy.

Answer

C · Stay calm, do not argue and offer to help her look for it
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: h = 132 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

4·12 + 4 = 52 in

Inches to centimetres

h = 52·2.54 = 132.1 ≈ 132 cm

Answer

h = 132 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 380 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

20:25 → 24:00 = 215 min

After midnight

00:00 → 02:45 = 165 min

Total

t = 215 + 165 = 380 min

Answer

t = 380 min

This is independent practice material. ExamProblems is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organisation that runs this exam, and the exam name is used only to describe the content.

ExamProblems · examproblems.com/courses/cna-practice-test