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

What is needed before a physical restraint may be used on a resident?

  1. AAgreement from the resident's roommate
  2. BA request from the resident's family
  3. CA doctor's order, after less restrictive measures have been tried
  4. DA decision by the nursing assistant when the unit is short-staffed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident says, "I've been saving my pills, and soon I won't be a burden to anyone." What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AStay with the resident and get the nurse immediately
  2. BTell the resident not to talk like that and leave the room
  3. CPromise to keep it secret if the resident gives up the pills
  4. DReport it at the end of the shift
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
12345678910111205:00?4:00 AM5:00 AM7:00 AM5:00 PM

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 05:00 (24-hour clock). Which entry is the same time on the 12-hour clock? Click it.

05:00
  1. 14:00 AM
  2. 25:00 AM
  3. 37:00 AM
  4. 45:00 PM
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
1.5 mg/h? mcg/min1 mg = 1000 mcg1 h = 60 min

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion delivers 1.5 mg/h. Express this dose rate D in mcg/min. Round to one decimal place.

1.5 mg/h1 mg = 1000 mcg1 h = 60 min
D = mcg/min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · A doctor's order, after less restrictive measures have been tried

Why this is the answer

Restraints need a doctor's (prescriber's) order, must be the least restrictive option and may never be used for staff convenience or discipline. Using one without an order can be false imprisonment.

Answer

C · A doctor's order, after less restrictive measures have been tried
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Stay with the resident and get the nurse immediately

Why this is the answer

Talk of being a burden together with saving pills can signal a suicide plan. The nursing assistant does not leave the resident alone, gets the nurse right away and never promises to keep it secret.

Answer

A · Stay with the resident and get the nurse immediately
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 5:00 AM

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.

Convert the hour

05 → 5 AM

Answer

5:00 AM

Answer

5:00 AM
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: D = 25 mcg/min

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 = 1.5 mg/h × (1000 mcg/1 mg) × (1 h/60 min)

Calculate

D = 1500/60 = 25 mcg/min

Answer

D = 25 mcg/min

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