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 nursing assistant wants to post a photo of a funny moment with a resident on social media. What is correct?

  1. ATo post it if the resident's face is a little blurred
  2. BTo post it if no name is written under it
  3. CTo post it only for friends who do not know the resident
  4. DNot to post it, because it violates the resident's privacy
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident who is usually alert and oriented is suddenly confused today. Her urine is dark and has a strong smell. What should the nursing assistant report?

  1. AOnly the confusion, and only at the end of the shift
  2. BThe new confusion and the change in the urine, right away
  3. COnly the change in the urine, because confusion is normal in older people
  4. DNothing, because these changes are part of normal aging
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
94969810010210410635363738394041°F°C? °F40.4 °C

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 40.4 °C. Convert it to degrees Fahrenheit T with °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Round to one decimal place.

40.4 °C
T = °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0021:4501:45t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 21:45 and finishes at 01:45 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many hours t did it run? Give the answer in hours as a decimal, rounded to two decimal places.

21:4501:45
t = h

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Not to post it, because it violates the resident's privacy

Why this is the answer

Posting photos or details of residents breaks confidentiality and facility policy, even with blurring or no name. It can lead to discipline and legal action.

Answer

D · Not to post it, because it violates the resident's privacy
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · The new confusion and the change in the urine, right away

Why this is the answer

Sudden confusion is never just "normal aging". Combined with dark, strong-smelling urine it may point to dehydration or a urinary tract infection. Both observations are reported to the nurse at once.

Answer

B · The new confusion and the change in the urine, right away
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: T = 104.7 °F

Temperature: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 and °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Subtract 32 before you multiply when going from °F, and add 32 after you multiply when going from °C. A quick check: 37 °C is 98.6 °F, and every 1 °C is 1.8 °F.

Multiply by 9/5

40.4·9/5 = 72.72

Add 32

T = 72.72 + 32 = 104.7 °F

Answer

T = 104.7 °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 4 h

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

21:45 → 24:00 = 135 min

After midnight

00:00 → 01:45 = 105 min

Total

135 + 105 = 240 min
t = 240/60 = 4 h

Answer

t = 4 h

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