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

Which illness is usually managed with droplet precautions?

  1. AA urinary tract infection
  2. BTuberculosis
  3. CInfluenza
  4. DMeasles
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A nursing assistant finishes care for a resident on contact precautions for C. difficile diarrhea. What should the nursing assistant do before leaving?

  1. ARemove the gown in the hallway and use alcohol hand rub
  2. BUse alcohol hand rub over the gloves and leave them on
  3. CKeep the gloves on to go to the next resident, then wash the hands
  4. DRemove the gown and gloves in the room, then wash the hands with soap and water
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
8 lb 4 oz? kg1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 8 lb 4 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.

8 lb 4 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
2.5 mcg/kg/min? mg/h58 kg1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An order reads 2.5 mcg/kg/min for a patient who weighs 58 kg. Express the dose rate D in mg/h. Round to two decimal places.

2.5 mcg/kg/min58 kg
D = mg/h

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Influenza

Why this is the answer

Influenza spreads by large droplets, so droplet precautions with a mask are used. Tuberculosis and measles are airborne diseases, and a urinary tract infection only needs standard precautions.

Answer

C · Influenza
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Remove the gown and gloves in the room, then wash the hands with soap and water

Why this is the answer

PPE is removed inside the room before leaving, and hands are washed with soap and water, because alcohol rub does not remove C. difficile spores reliably. Gloves are never worn from one resident to another.

Answer

D · Remove the gown and gloves in the room, then wash the hands with soap and water
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: m = 3.75 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

4 oz/16 = 0.25 lb
8 + 0.25 = 8.25 lb

Pounds to kilograms

m = 8.25/2.2 = 3.75 kg

Answer

m = 3.75 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: D = 8.7 mg/h

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.

Set up the chain

D = 2.5 mcg/kg/min × 58 kg × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)

Calculate

D = 2.5·58·60/1000 = 8.7 mg/h

Answer

D = 8.7 mg/h

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