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

During passive range-of-motion exercises, the resident says the movement hurts. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. ARepeat the movement faster so it is over sooner
  2. BContinue gently, because some pain is normal
  3. CMove the joint further to stretch it out
  4. DStop the movement and report it to the nurse
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident who is dying is unresponsive. Her family is at the bedside. Which action by the nursing assistant is most appropriate?

  1. AAsk the family to leave every time care is given
  2. BTell the family to whisper, because she can still hear them
  3. CKeep giving mouth care and repositioning, and talk to her
  4. DStop all care now, because she can no longer feel or hear anything
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
10 lb 11 oz? kg1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 10 lb 11 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.

10 lb 11 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
1½ tsp · 2/day · 7 d? mL1 tsp = 5 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads 1½ tsp of an oral suspension twice a day for 7 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?

1½ tsptwice a day7 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Stop the movement and report it to the nurse

Why this is the answer

Each joint is moved gently only as far as it goes without pain or resistance. If the resident has pain, stop and report it to the nurse.

Answer

D · Stop the movement and report it to the nurse
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Keep giving mouth care and repositioning, and talk to her

Why this is the answer

Mouth care, repositioning, keeping the skin clean and dry, and talking to the resident continue until death. Families are encouraged to talk to her and can stay or help if they wish; the nursing assistant protects privacy as needed.

Answer

C · Keep giving mouth care and repositioning, and talk to her
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: m = 4.86 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

11 oz/16 = 0.6875 lb
10 + 0.6875 = 10.69 lb

Pounds to kilograms

m = 10.69/2.2 = 4.858 ≈ 4.86 kg

Answer

m = 4.86 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 105 mL

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 per dose

1½ tsp = 1.5·5 = 7.5 mL

Whole course

V = 7.5 mL × 2/day × 7 = 105 mL

Answer

V = 105 mL

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