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.

New problemsBack to the course

In the print window, choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy on your device.

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 says, "My stomach hurts." How should this be documented?

  1. AIt should not be documented because it cannot be seen
  2. BAs "Resident has a stomach ulcer"
  3. CIn the resident's own words, in quotation marks
  4. DAs "Resident is complaining again"
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident with dementia starts screaming during a shower when the water sprays her face. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AStop, soothe her and keep the water away from her face
  2. BFinish the shower quickly so that it is over sooner for her
  3. CHold her still until she stops screaming
  4. DTell her that she is being difficult
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
5 lb 6 oz? kg1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 5 lb 6 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.

5 lb 6 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0023:2501:50t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 23:25 and finishes at 01:50 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

23:2501:50
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · In the resident's own words, in quotation marks

Why this is the answer

Subjective information is recorded in the resident's own words, using quotation marks. The nursing assistant does not add a diagnosis or opinion and reports the complaint to the nurse.

Answer

C · In the resident's own words, in quotation marks
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Stop, soothe her and keep the water away from her face

Why this is the answer

Screaming may be a catastrophic reaction to the spray. Stopping the trigger, speaking softly and adapting the bath, for example with a handheld shower or a bed bath, helps. Forcing care can cause injury and is not respectful.

Answer

A · Stop, soothe her and keep the water away from her face
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: m = 2.44 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

6 oz/16 = 0.375 lb
5 + 0.375 = 5.375 lb

Pounds to kilograms

m = 5.375/2.2 = 2.443 ≈ 2.44 kg

Answer

m = 2.44 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 145 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

23:25 → 24:00 = 35 min

After midnight

00:00 → 01:50 = 110 min

Total

t = 35 + 110 = 145 min

Answer

t = 145 min

This is independent practice material. ExamProblems is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organisation that runs this exam, and the exam name is used only to describe the content.

ExamProblems · examproblems.com/courses/cna-practice-test