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

After abdominal surgery, a resident must cough and breathe deeply. How can the nursing assistant help?

  1. ATell the resident to cough as little as possible to protect it
  2. BPress hard on the resident's abdomen during the cough
  3. CHave the resident hold a pillow firmly over the incision
  4. DHave the resident lie flat while coughing
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

At lunch, a nursing assistant is not sure which of two residents with similar names is sitting at the table. What should the nursing assistant do before serving the tray?

  1. ACheck identity by facility policy and compare it with the diet card
  2. BServe both trays at once and let the two residents choose
  3. CAsk another resident at the table which of the two is which
  4. DGive the tray to whichever of the two residents looks most ready to eat
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
1234567891011124:35 PM?17:3515:3504:3516:35

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 4:35 PM. Which entry is the same time on the 24-hour clock? Click it.

4:35 PM
  1. 117:35
  2. 215:35
  3. 304:35
  4. 416:35
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
½ tsp · 4/day · 7 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 7 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?

½ tspfour times a day7 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Have the resident hold a pillow firmly over the incision

Why this is the answer

Holding a pillow over the incision (splinting) supports it and reduces pain when coughing. Coughing and deep breathing help clear the lungs and prevent pneumonia after surgery.

Answer

C · Have the resident hold a pillow firmly over the incision
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Check identity by facility policy and compare it with the diet card

Why this is the answer

Residents are identified by the facility's method, such as an ID band or photo, and the name is checked against the diet card. Serving the wrong diet can cause choking, allergic reactions or dangerous blood sugar changes.

Answer

A · Check identity by facility policy and compare it with the diet card
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 16:35

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

4 PM → 4 + 12 = 16

Answer

16:35

Answer

16:35
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 70 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 × 7 = 70 mL

Answer

V = 70 mL

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