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

When a resident is discharged, what does the nursing assistant usually do?

  1. AGive the resident instructions about new medicines to take at home
  2. BKeep the resident's belongings at the facility until the family asks for them
  3. CDecide whether the resident is ready to go home and sign the discharge
  4. DHelp pack, check belongings against the list and help the resident out safely
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident who is choking becomes unresponsive while the nursing assistant gives abdominal thrusts. What should the nursing assistant do next?

  1. AProp the resident in a chair and give sips of water
  2. BKeep giving abdominal thrusts while holding the resident upright until help comes
  3. CSweep a finger blindly through the mouth to find the object
  4. DLower the resident to the floor, call for emergency help and start CPR
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
7 lb 13 oz? kg1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 7 lb 13 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.

7 lb 13 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0019:2507:30t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 19:25 and finishes at 07:30 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

19:2507:30
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Help pack, check belongings against the list and help the resident out safely

Why this is the answer

For discharge, the nursing assistant helps collect and check belongings and assists the resident out safely, often by wheelchair, following policy. The nurse gives medical instructions.

Answer

D · Help pack, check belongings against the list and help the resident out safely
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Lower the resident to the floor, call for emergency help and start CPR

Why this is the answer

When a choking adult becomes unresponsive, ease them to the floor, call for help (activate the emergency response) and begin CPR. Look in the mouth before breaths and remove an object only if you can see it; blind finger sweeps can push it deeper.

Answer

D · Lower the resident to the floor, call for emergency help and start CPR
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: m = 3.55 kg

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.

Ounces to pounds

13 oz/16 = 0.8125 lb
7 + 0.8125 = 7.813 lb

Pounds to kilograms

m = 7.813/2.2 = 3.551 ≈ 3.55 kg

Answer

m = 3.55 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 725 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

19:25 → 24:00 = 275 min

After midnight

00:00 → 07:30 = 450 min

Total

t = 275 + 450 = 725 min

Answer

t = 725 min

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