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 nursing assistant wants to post a photo of a funny moment with a resident on social media. What is correct?

  1. ATo post it if no name is written under it
  2. BTo post it only for friends who do not know the resident
  3. CTo post it if the resident's face is a little blurred
  4. DNot to post it, because it violates the resident's privacy
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident chooses to wear a bright red shirt with striped pants that the nursing assistant thinks do not match. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. ATell him the clothes do not match and should be changed
  2. BHelp him dress in the clothes he chose
  3. CAsk his family to pick his clothes every day
  4. DChoose a matching outfit for him instead
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
1234567891011126:40 PM?17:4018:4019:4006:40

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 6:40 PM. Which entry is the same time on the 24-hour clock? Click it.

6:40 PM
  1. 117:40
  2. 218:40
  3. 319:40
  4. 406:40
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0022:5007:05t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 22:50 and finishes at 07:05 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many hours t did it run? Give the answer in hours as a decimal, rounded to two decimal places.

22:5007:05
t = h

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Not to post it, because it violates the resident's privacy

Why this is the answer

Posting photos or details of residents breaks confidentiality and facility policy, even with blurring or no name. It can lead to discipline and legal action.

Answer

D · Not to post it, because it violates the resident's privacy
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Help him dress in the clothes he chose

Why this is the answer

Residents have the right to make choices about their daily life, including clothing. Respecting this choice supports dignity and independence, as long as the clothing is safe and suitable for the weather.

Answer

B · Help him dress in the clothes he chose
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 18:40

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

6 PM → 6 + 12 = 18

Answer

18:40

Answer

18:40
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 8.25 h

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.

Before midnight

22:50 → 24:00 = 70 min

After midnight

00:00 → 07:05 = 425 min

Total

70 + 425 = 495 min
t = 495/60 = 8.25 h

Answer

t = 8.25 h

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