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

When should an ostomy pouch usually be emptied?

  1. AOnly when it is completely full
  2. BOnce a week, when the whole pouch is changed
  3. CWhen it is about one-third to one-half full
  4. DOnly at bedtime
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident tells the nursing assistant that a night-shift worker was rough with her and called her names. She asks the nursing assistant not to report it because she is afraid. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AReassure her and report it at once, per the abuse policy
  2. BKeep it secret, because the resident has asked you not to report it
  3. CSpeak to the night-shift worker privately first
  4. DWait to see if it happens again before reporting
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
12345678910111204:55?4:55 PM6:55 AM3:55 AM4:55 AM

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 04:55 (24-hour clock). Which entry is the same time on the 12-hour clock? Click it.

04:55
  1. 14:55 PM
  2. 26:55 AM
  3. 33:55 AM
  4. 44:55 AM
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
2 tsp · 3/day · 7 d? × 100 mL1 tsp = 5 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads 2 tsp of an oral suspension three times a day for 7 days. The suspension comes in 100 mL bottles. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many whole bottles N must be supplied so the course is complete?

2 tspthree times a day7 days100 mL1 tsp = 5 mL
N =

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · When it is about one-third to one-half full

Why this is the answer

Emptying the pouch when it is about one-third to one-half full prevents leaks and skin damage. The nursing assistant notes the amount and look of the output and reports changes.

Answer

C · When it is about one-third to one-half full
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Reassure her and report it at once, per the abuse policy

Why this is the answer

Nursing assistants must report suspected abuse immediately, even if the resident asks them not to. The resident is reassured that she will be protected from retaliation, and the facility investigates.

Answer

A · Reassure her and report it at once, per the abuse policy
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 4:55 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

04 → 4 AM

Answer

4:55 AM

Answer

4:55 AM
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: N = 3

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.

Total volume

10 mL × 3 × 7 = 210 mL

Bottles

210/100 = 2.1 → N = 3

Answer

N = 3

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