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 team member usually evaluates a resident's swallowing problems?

  1. AThe speech-language pathologist
  2. BThe physical therapist
  3. CThe social worker
  4. DThe activities director
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

While walking, a resident with Parkinson's disease suddenly "freezes" and cannot move his feet. What may help?

  1. AStay calm and give a cue, such as counting a rhythm
  2. BTell him to hurry before he falls
  3. CLet go of the gait belt so he can find his balance
  4. DPull him forward firmly by the arm to restart walking
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
1234567891011125:20 AM?05:2017:2004:2006:20

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 5:20 AM. Which entry is the same time on the 24-hour clock? Click it.

5:20 AM
  1. 105:20
  2. 217:20
  3. 304:20
  4. 406:20
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
½ tsp · 4/day · 14 d? mL1 tsp = 5 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads ½ tsp of an oral suspension four times a day for 14 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?

½ tspfour times a day14 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · The speech-language pathologist

Why this is the answer

The speech-language pathologist assesses swallowing (dysphagia) and recommends safe food textures, liquid thickness and feeding techniques.

Answer

A · The speech-language pathologist
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Stay calm and give a cue, such as counting a rhythm

Why this is the answer

Freezing is common in Parkinson's disease. Calm reassurance and cues such as counting, marching in place or stepping over a target can help restart movement. Pulling or rushing can cause a fall.

Answer

A · Stay calm and give a cue, such as counting a rhythm
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 05:20

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

5 AM → 05

Answer

05:20

Answer

05:20
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 140 mL

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 per dose

½ tsp = 0.5·5 = 2.5 mL

Whole course

V = 2.5 mL × 4/day × 14 = 140 mL

Answer

V = 140 mL

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