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

A resident with an intellectual disability is learning to make his own bed. Which approach helps most?

  1. AMake the bed for him because it is faster
  2. BTeach one simple step at a time, praise success and be patient
  3. CCorrect every mistake in front of others
  4. DExplain all the steps at once, then leave him to try it on his own
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident has had hip replacement surgery. Which instruction is commonly part of the care plan?

  1. AAvoid crossing the legs and use an abduction pillow if ordered
  2. BKeep the legs tightly together with the knees touching
  3. CLet the resident bend forward to pick things up from the floor
  4. DHave the resident sit in low, soft chairs so that the hip can rest
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
47.0791 kg? kground to 0.1 kg

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A weight conversion gives 47.0791 kg. The rule in this exercise is that weights are rounded to the nearest tenth of a kilogram. What value x do you record?

47.0791 kg
x = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
20 mcg/min? mg/h1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion delivers 20 mcg/min. Express this dose rate D in mg/h.

20 mcg/min1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg
D = mg/h

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Teach one simple step at a time, praise success and be patient

Why this is the answer

Breaking a task into small steps, demonstrating, repeating and praising progress helps people with intellectual disabilities learn. This builds independence and self-esteem.

Answer

B · Teach one simple step at a time, praise success and be patient
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Avoid crossing the legs and use an abduction pillow if ordered

Why this is the answer

After many hip replacements, crossing the legs, bending the hip too far and turning the leg inward can dislocate the joint; the exact limits depend on the type of surgery. An abduction pillow keeps the legs apart, and raised toilet seats and firm chairs limit bending. The care plan gives the exact precautions.

Answer

A · Avoid crossing the legs and use an abduction pillow if ordered
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: x = 47.1 kg

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 tenths place

47.0791 → 0

Only the next digit decides

47.0791 → 7
7 is 5 or more, so round 0 up.
The digits after it (91) are ignored: round once, never step by step.

Round

x = 47.1 kg

Answer

x = 47.1 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: D = 1.2 mg/h

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 = 20 mcg/min × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)

Calculate

D = 20·60/1000 = 1.2 mg/h

Answer

D = 1.2 mg/h

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