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

How does delirium differ from dementia?

  1. ADelirium starts suddenly and is often reversible when the cause is treated
  2. BDelirium and dementia are two names for the same condition
  3. CDelirium develops slowly over many years and can never be treated or reversed
  4. DDelirium only affects young people
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

During morning care, a usually talkative resident is quiet, her face is flushed and her skin feels hot. What should the nursing assistant report?

  1. AThat the resident is in a bad mood today and does not want to talk
  2. BNothing yet, because she may simply be tired from a poor night's sleep
  3. CThat the resident probably has the flu and should stay in her room
  4. DHer change in behavior, flushed face, hot skin and temperature if taken
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
6 ft 4 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cmh = ? cm

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 6 ft 4 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.

6 ft 4 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0017:4508:25t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 17:45 and finishes at 08:25 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

17:4508:25
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Delirium starts suddenly and is often reversible when the cause is treated

Why this is the answer

Delirium is a sudden change in attention and thinking, often caused by infection, dehydration or medicines, and can improve when the cause is treated. Dementia develops gradually and is usually permanent.

Answer

A · Delirium starts suddenly and is often reversible when the cause is treated
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Her change in behavior, flushed face, hot skin and temperature if taken

Why this is the answer

A change from a resident's usual behavior, together with flushed, hot skin, may signal fever or illness. The nursing assistant reports the observations factually, including measured vital signs, without guessing the diagnosis.

Answer

D · Her change in behavior, flushed face, hot skin and temperature if taken
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: h = 193 cm

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.

Height in inches

6·12 + 4 = 76 in

Inches to centimetres

h = 76·2.54 = 193 cm

Answer

h = 193 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 880 min

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

17:45 → 24:00 = 375 min

After midnight

00:00 → 08:25 = 505 min

Total

t = 375 + 505 = 880 min

Answer

t = 880 min

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