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

Why does the nursing assistant report to the nurse at the end of a shift?

  1. ASo the nurse can complete the nursing assistant's paperwork
  2. BBecause reporting during the shift is not allowed
  3. CSo the team knows about care given and any changes in residents
  4. DSo the nurse can decide whether the nursing assistant may go home
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident is pale, sweaty and confused, with a fast, weak pulse and low blood pressure. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AGive the resident a hot drink and leave
  2. BSit the resident in a chair and check the vital signs again in an hour
  3. CHelp the resident walk to improve circulation
  4. DCall the nurse immediately and keep the resident lying down and warm
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
5.4426 mL? mLround to 0.1 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 5.4426 mL. The rule in this exercise is that volumes of 1 mL or more are rounded to the nearest tenth of a mL. What value x do you record?

5.4426 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
¼ cup? mL1½ fl oz? mL1 tbsp? mL1 tsp? mLΣ = ? mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes ¼ cup of tea, 1½ fl oz of juice, 1 tbsp of liquid supplement, 1 tsp of cough syrup. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.

1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · So the team knows about care given and any changes in residents

Why this is the answer

End-of-shift reporting passes on what care was given and any changes, so the next shift can continue care safely. Urgent changes are reported right away, not saved for the end of the shift.

Answer

C · So the team knows about care given and any changes in residents
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Call the nurse immediately and keep the resident lying down and warm

Why this is the answer

Pale, cool, clammy skin, confusion, a fast weak pulse and low blood pressure suggest shock, an emergency. The nursing assistant calls for the nurse, keeps the resident lying down and warm, and stays with them.

Answer

D · Call the nurse immediately and keep the resident lying down and warm
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: x = 5.4 mL

Rounding: look at the digit just after the place you round to: 5 or more rounds up, 4 or less leaves the digit as it is. Round only the final answer, never the steps. Typical exam rules: volumes of 1 mL or more to the nearest tenth, volumes below 1 mL to the nearest hundredth, drip rates to whole drops and weights to one decimal place; always follow the rule the question states.

Digit in the tenths place

5.4426 → 4

Only the next digit decides

5.4426 → 4
4 is 4 or less, so 4 stays.
The digits after it (26) are ignored: round once, never step by step.

Round

x = 5.4 mL

Answer

x = 5.4 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 125 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

¼ cup = 0.25·240 = 60 mL
1½ fl oz = 1.5·30 = 45 mL
1 tbsp = 1·15 = 15 mL
1 tsp = 1·5 = 5 mL

Add

V = 60 + 45 + 15 + 5 = 125 mL

Answer

V = 125 mL

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