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

What is needed before a physical restraint may be used on a resident?

  1. AAgreement from the resident's roommate
  2. BA doctor's order, after less restrictive measures have been tried
  3. CA request from the resident's family
  4. DA decision by the nursing assistant when the unit is short-staffed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident on a fluid restriction asks the nursing assistant for another large glass of water. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AGive the water, because residents always have the right to make their own choices
  2. BGive the water but leave it off the intake record
  3. CExplain the plan kindly, offer mouth care and tell the nurse about the request
  4. DIgnore the request and change the subject
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
8 lb 11 oz? kg1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 8 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.

8 lb 11 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
½ tsp? mL1 fl oz? mL3 cups? mLΣ = ? mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes ½ tsp of cough syrup, 1 fl oz of juice, 3 cups of tea. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.

1 tsp = 5 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · A doctor's order, after less restrictive measures have been tried

Why this is the answer

Restraints need a doctor's (prescriber's) order, must be the least restrictive option and may never be used for staff convenience or discipline. Using one without an order can be false imprisonment.

Answer

B · A doctor's order, after less restrictive measures have been tried
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Explain the plan kindly, offer mouth care and tell the nurse about the request

Why this is the answer

The nursing assistant follows the fluid restriction, offers comfort such as mouth care and moist swabs, and tells the nurse, who can review the plan with the resident. Leaving fluids off the record would make the intake and output record false.

Answer

C · Explain the plan kindly, offer mouth care and tell the nurse about the request
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: m = 3.95 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
8 + 0.6875 = 8.688 lb

Pounds to kilograms

m = 8.688/2.2 = 3.949 ≈ 3.95 kg

Answer

m = 3.95 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 752.5 mL

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.

Each item in mL

½ tsp = 0.5·5 = 2.5 mL
1 fl oz = 1·30 = 30 mL
3 cups = 3·240 = 720 mL

Add

V = 2.5 + 30 + 720 = 752.5 mL

Answer

V = 752.5 mL

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