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 IV line needs a clean gown. How is the old gown removed?

  1. AFrom the arm without the IV first, then the bag and tubing are slid through the sleeve
  2. BBy cutting the sleeve off the IV arm
  3. CFrom the arm with the IV first, after clamping the tubing
  4. DAfter disconnecting the IV tubing from the bag
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident's oral temperature is 101.8 °F (38.8 °C), and he says he feels cold and is shivering. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AReport the temperature to the nurse promptly
  2. BCover him with several blankets and not mention it
  3. CRecord it in the chart at the end of the shift
  4. DGive him a fever tablet from the resident's drawer
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
4 lb 12 oz? kg1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 4 lb 12 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.

4 lb 12 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
2 fl oz? mL½ tsp? mL2 cups? mLΣ = ? mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 2 fl oz of juice, ½ tsp of cough syrup, 2 cups of tea. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.

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

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · From the arm without the IV first, then the bag and tubing are slid through the sleeve

Why this is the answer

The gown comes off the free arm first, then the sleeve is slid over the IV arm and the bag is passed through it, keeping the bag above the IV site. The new gown goes on the IV arm first. Report any problem with the IV to the nurse.

Answer

A · From the arm without the IV first, then the bag and tubing are slid through the sleeve
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Report the temperature to the nurse promptly

Why this is the answer

A temperature of 101.8 °F is a fever and may signal infection, so the nurse is told promptly. Nursing assistants do not give medicines, and waiting until the end of the shift delays care.

Answer

A · Report the temperature to the nurse promptly
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: m = 2.16 kg

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.

Ounces to pounds

12 oz/16 = 0.75 lb
4 + 0.75 = 4.75 lb

Pounds to kilograms

m = 4.75/2.2 = 2.159 ≈ 2.16 kg

Answer

m = 2.16 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 542.5 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

2 fl oz = 2·30 = 60 mL
½ tsp = 0.5·5 = 2.5 mL
2 cups = 2·240 = 480 mL

Add

V = 60 + 2.5 + 480 = 542.5 mL

Answer

V = 542.5 mL

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