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 cleaning dentures at a sink, why is the sink lined with a towel or partly filled with water?

  1. ATo cushion the dentures in case they are dropped
  2. BTo soak up any toothpaste that falls
  3. CTo keep the water from getting too hot
  4. DTo make the denture cleaner work faster on stains
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident whose wife died recently stays in his room, eats little and says he does not want to see anyone. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. ATell him he must cheer up because life goes on
  2. BSpend time with him, listen and report the changes
  3. CLeave him alone, because he has said that he wants to be alone
  4. DInsist that he attend every activity today
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
0.66942 mL? mLround to 0.01 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for a small injection gives 0.66942 mL. The rule in this exercise is that volumes below 1 mL are rounded to the nearest hundredth of a mL. What value x do you record?

0.66942 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
8 fl oz? mL2½ tsp? mL4 tbsp? mL¾ cup? mLΣ = ? mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 8 fl oz of juice, 2½ tsp of cough syrup, 4 tbsp of liquid supplement, ¾ cup of tea. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.

1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tsp = 5 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · To cushion the dentures in case they are dropped

Why this is the answer

Dentures can break if dropped on a hard sink. A towel or a little water in the sink cushions them. They are rinsed in cool water to avoid warping.

Answer

A · To cushion the dentures in case they are dropped
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Spend time with him, listen and report the changes

Why this is the answer

Withdrawal and poor appetite after a loss may be grief or depression. Listening and showing interest supports him, and reporting the changes lets the team assess him. Forcing or dismissing his feelings does not help.

Answer

B · Spend time with him, listen and report the changes
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: x = 0.67 mL

Rounding: look at the digit just after the place you round to: 5 or more rounds up, 4 or less leaves the digit as it is. Round only the final answer, never the steps. Typical exam rules: volumes of 1 mL or more to the nearest tenth, volumes below 1 mL to the nearest hundredth, drip rates to whole drops and weights to one decimal place; always follow the rule the question states.

Digit in the hundredths place

0.66942 → 6

Only the next digit decides

0.66942 → 9
9 is 5 or more, so round 6 up.
The digits after it (42) are ignored: round once, never step by step.

Round

x = 0.67 mL

Answer

x = 0.67 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 492.5 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

8 fl oz = 8·30 = 240 mL
2½ tsp = 2.5·5 = 12.5 mL
4 tbsp = 4·15 = 60 mL
¾ cup = 0.75·240 = 180 mL

Add

V = 240 + 12.5 + 60 + 180 = 492.5 mL

Answer

V = 492.5 mL

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