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

Why is a list of personal belongings made when a resident is admitted?

  1. ATo share with other residents what she owns
  2. BTo decide which of the items the resident must send back home with family
  3. CTo keep a record of the resident's items and help prevent loss
  4. DTo estimate the resident's wealth for billing
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A nursing assistant realizes that they will not be able to finish care for all assigned residents safely this shift. What should they do?

  1. ATell the nurse early and ask for help in setting priorities
  2. BRush through every task to finish on time
  3. CSkip some care without telling anyone
  4. DRecord all care as done and quietly finish it on the next shift
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
94969810010210410635363738394041°F°C97.5 °F? °C

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 97.5 °F. Convert it to degrees Celsius T with °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Round to one decimal place.

97.5 °F
T = °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
2½ tsp? mL8 fl oz? mL1½ tbsp? mLΣ = ? mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 2½ tsp of cough syrup, 8 fl oz of juice, 1½ tbsp of liquid supplement. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.

1 tsp = 5 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · To keep a record of the resident's items and help prevent loss

Why this is the answer

An inventory records what the resident brought, such as glasses, dentures, hearing aids and clothing. It helps prevent loss and disputes and is updated when items are added or removed.

Answer

C · To keep a record of the resident's items and help prevent loss
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Tell the nurse early and ask for help in setting priorities

Why this is the answer

When a workload is unsafe, the nursing assistant tells the nurse as early as possible. The nurse can reassign tasks or help set priorities. Skipping care silently or falsifying records harms residents.

Answer

A · Tell the nurse early and ask for help in setting priorities
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: T = 36.4 °C

Temperature: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 and °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Subtract 32 before you multiply when going from °F, and add 32 after you multiply when going from °C. A quick check: 37 °C is 98.6 °F, and every 1 °C is 1.8 °F.

Subtract 32

97.5 − 32 = 65.5

Multiply by 5/9

T = 65.5·5/9 = 36.39 ≈ 36.4 °C

Answer

T = 36.4 °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 275 mL

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.

Each item in mL

2½ tsp = 2.5·5 = 12.5 mL
8 fl oz = 8·30 = 240 mL
1½ tbsp = 1.5·15 = 22.5 mL

Add

V = 12.5 + 240 + 22.5 = 275 mL

Answer

V = 275 mL

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