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 applying a condom catheter, what is important?

  1. ALeave the same catheter on for a whole week
  2. BLeave space at the tip and never wrap tape tightly around the penis
  3. CApply it as tightly as possible so that urine cannot leak out
  4. DSecure it with regular adhesive tape wrapped around the base
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident is pale, sweaty and confused, with a fast, weak pulse and low blood pressure. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AGive the resident a hot drink and leave
  2. BCall the nurse immediately and keep the resident lying down and warm
  3. CHelp the resident walk to improve circulation
  4. DSit the resident in a chair and check the vital signs again in an hour
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
7 lb 9 oz? kg1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 7 lb 9 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 9 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
2.8 mg/dL? µmol/L1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A serum creatinine result is 2.8 mg/dL. Using 1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L for creatinine, find c in µmol/L to the nearest whole number.

2.8 mg/dL1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L
c = µmol/L

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Leave space at the tip and never wrap tape tightly around the penis

Why this is the answer

A condom catheter is applied with space at the tip to prevent irritation, and secured only with the special elastic strip in a spiral, never tight tape. The skin is checked for redness, swelling or irritation.

Answer

B · Leave space at the tip and never wrap tape tightly around the penis
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Call the nurse immediately and keep the resident lying down and warm

Why this is the answer

Pale, cool, clammy skin, confusion, a fast weak pulse and low blood pressure suggest shock, an emergency. The nursing assistant calls for the nurse, keeps the resident lying down and warm, and stays with them.

Answer

B · Call the nurse immediately and keep the resident lying down and warm
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: m = 3.44 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

9 oz/16 = 0.5625 lb
7 + 0.5625 = 7.563 lb

Pounds to kilograms

m = 7.563/2.2 = 3.437 ≈ 3.44 kg

Answer

m = 3.44 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: c = 248 µmol/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.

Convert

c = 2.8·88.4 = 247.5 ≈ 248 µmol/L

Answer

c = 248 µmol/L

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