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 feeding a resident, where should the nursing assistant sit?

  1. ABeside the bed, facing the television
  2. BBehind the resident so the resident is not distracted
  3. CAt the resident's eye level, facing the resident
  4. DStanding over the resident to reach the tray easily
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

Staff say a resident is "confused" because she does not follow instructions. She has known hearing loss. What should the nursing assistant consider first?

  1. AThat she is refusing care and should be reported for behavior
  2. BThat she may not hear well; check her hearing aid and face her
  3. CThat she should be spoken to in a shout from across the room
  4. DThat she has dementia and needs no further checking by anyone
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
220.547 gtt/min? gtt/minround to 1 gtt/min

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A drip-rate calculation gives 220.547 gtt/min. The rule in this exercise is that drip rates are rounded to the nearest whole drop. What value x do you record?

220.547 gtt/min
x = gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
80 mL/h? L/day1 day = 24 h1 L = 1000 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A maintenance infusion runs at 80 mL/h without a break. How many litres V does it deliver in 24 hours?

80 mL/h24 h
V = L

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · At the resident's eye level, facing the resident

Why this is the answer

Sitting at eye level facing the resident is respectful, allows conversation and lets the nursing assistant watch for chewing and swallowing problems. Standing over a resident can feel rushed and controlling.

Answer

C · At the resident's eye level, facing the resident
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · That she may not hear well; check her hearing aid and face her

Why this is the answer

Hearing loss can be mistaken for confusion. Checking that the hearing aid is in and working, reducing noise and speaking face to face may solve the problem. Real changes in thinking are still reported.

Answer

B · That she may not hear well; check her hearing aid and face her
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: x = 221 gtt/min

Rounding: look at the digit just after the place you round to: 5 or more rounds up, 4 or less leaves the digit as it is. Round only the final answer, never the steps. Typical exam rules: volumes of 1 mL or more to the nearest tenth, volumes below 1 mL to the nearest hundredth, drip rates to whole drops and weights to one decimal place; always follow the rule the question states.

Digit in the ones place

220.547 → 0

Only the next digit decides

220.547 → 5
5 is 5 or more, so round 0 up.
The digits after it (47) are ignored: round once, never step by step.

Round

x = 221 gtt/min

Answer

x = 221 gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 1.92 L

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 in a day

80 mL/h × 24 h = 1920 mL

In litres

V = 1920/1000 = 1.92 L

Answer

V = 1.92 L

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