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

Which team member usually evaluates a resident's swallowing problems?

  1. AThe speech-language pathologist
  2. BThe social worker
  3. CThe physical therapist
  4. DThe activities director
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident chooses to wear a bright red shirt with striped pants that the nursing assistant thinks do not match. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AAsk his family to pick his clothes every day
  2. BHelp him dress in the clothes he chose
  3. CTell him the clothes do not match and should be changed
  4. DChoose a matching outfit for him instead
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
6 lb 5 oz? kg1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb

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

6 lb 5 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
3 mcg/kg/min? mg/h96 kg1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An order reads 3 mcg/kg/min for a patient who weighs 96 kg. Express the dose rate D in mg/h. Round to two decimal places.

3 mcg/kg/min96 kg
D = mg/h

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · The speech-language pathologist

Why this is the answer

The speech-language pathologist assesses swallowing (dysphagia) and recommends safe food textures, liquid thickness and feeding techniques.

Answer

A · The speech-language pathologist
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Help him dress in the clothes he chose

Why this is the answer

Residents have the right to make choices about their daily life, including clothing. Respecting this choice supports dignity and independence, as long as the clothing is safe and suitable for the weather.

Answer

B · Help him dress in the clothes he chose
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: m = 2.87 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

5 oz/16 = 0.3125 lb
6 + 0.3125 = 6.313 lb

Pounds to kilograms

m = 6.313/2.2 = 2.869 ≈ 2.87 kg

Answer

m = 2.87 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: D = 17.28 mg/h

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.

Set up the chain

D = 3 mcg/kg/min × 96 kg × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)

Calculate

D = 3·96·60/1000 = 17.28 mg/h

Answer

D = 17.28 mg/h

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