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's hearing aid keeps whistling. What is a common cause?

  1. AThe battery is brand new
  2. BThe resident is speaking too softly
  3. CThe room is too quiet
  4. DIt is not sitting correctly in the ear
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A visitor becomes very angry and threatens to hit the nursing assistant. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AShout back to show that they are not afraid
  2. BStand very close to the visitor and hold their arm to calm them down
  3. CBlock the door so the visitor cannot leave
  4. DStay calm, keep a safe distance with a clear exit and get help
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
94969810010210410635363738394041°F°C? °F35.3 °C

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 35.3 °C. Convert it to degrees Fahrenheit T with °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Round to one decimal place.

35.3 °C
T = °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
120 mL/h? L/day1 day = 24 h1 L = 1000 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A maintenance infusion runs at 120 mL/h without a break. How many litres V does it deliver in 24 hours?

120 mL/h24 h
V = L

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · It is not sitting correctly in the ear

Why this is the answer

Whistling (feedback) often happens when the hearing aid is not inserted properly, does not fit well or the ear has wax buildup. Reinserting it may fix it; ongoing problems are reported.

Answer

D · It is not sitting correctly in the ear
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Stay calm, keep a safe distance with a clear exit and get help

Why this is the answer

In a threatening situation, the nursing assistant stays calm, speaks quietly, keeps a safe distance with an exit nearby and calls for help or security. The event is reported according to policy.

Answer

D · Stay calm, keep a safe distance with a clear exit and get help
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: T = 95.5 °F

Temperature: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 and °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Subtract 32 before you multiply when going from °F, and add 32 after you multiply when going from °C. A quick check: 37 °C is 98.6 °F, and every 1 °C is 1.8 °F.

Multiply by 9/5

35.3·9/5 = 63.54

Add 32

T = 63.54 + 32 = 95.54 ≈ 95.5 °F

Answer

T = 95.5 °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 2.88 L

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 in a day

120 mL/h × 24 h = 2880 mL

In litres

V = 2880/1000 = 2.88 L

Answer

V = 2.88 L

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