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

Which entry is written correctly in a resident's record?

  1. A"Ate well today."
  2. B"Resident was difficult at lunch."
  3. C"Ate 50% of lunch. Drank 240 mL of milk."
  4. D"Seemed to enjoy her lunch very much, as usual."
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A nursing assistant told the nurse that a resident seemed more short of breath, but nothing was done, and the resident is getting worse. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AGive the resident extra oxygen without telling anyone
  2. BWait until the next shift to see if someone else notices the change
  3. CReport again, then follow the chain of command if nothing is done
  4. DCall the resident's family and ask them to complain
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
12345678910111208:00?7:00 AM8:00 PM10:00 AM8:00 AM

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 08:00 (24-hour clock). Which entry is the same time on the 12-hour clock? Click it.

08:00
  1. 17:00 AM
  2. 28:00 PM
  3. 310:00 AM
  4. 48:00 AM
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0020:5000:45t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 20:50 and finishes at 00:45 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

20:5000:45
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · "Ate 50% of lunch. Drank 240 mL of milk."

Why this is the answer

Records must be factual, exact and objective. "Ate 50%" and "240 mL" can be measured, while "ate well" or "difficult" are vague opinions.

Answer

C · "Ate 50% of lunch. Drank 240 mL of milk."
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Report again, then follow the chain of command if nothing is done

Why this is the answer

If a serious concern is not addressed, the nursing assistant reports again and then goes to the next level, such as the charge nurse or supervisor. Acting outside the role or waiting puts the resident at risk.

Answer

C · Report again, then follow the chain of command if nothing is done
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 8:00 AM

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

08 → 8 AM

Answer

8:00 AM

Answer

8:00 AM
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 235 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

20:50 → 24:00 = 190 min

After midnight

00:00 → 00:45 = 45 min

Total

t = 190 + 45 = 235 min

Answer

t = 235 min

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