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

For how long is an apical pulse counted?

  1. AOne full minute
  2. B15 seconds, multiplied by 4
  3. C30 seconds, multiplied by 2
  4. D10 seconds, multiplied by 6
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A dying resident no longer wants to eat or drink. Her family urges the nursing assistant to make her eat. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AFeed her the whole meal even if she turns her head away from the spoon
  2. BStop offering any food or drink
  3. CTell the family that eating no longer matters and nothing can be done
  4. DOffer small amounts if she wants them, never force, and tell the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
94969810010210410635363738394041°F°C? °F39.2 °C

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 39.2 °C. Convert it to degrees Fahrenheit T with °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Round to one decimal place.

39.2 °C
T = °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0020:0000:45t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 20:00 and finishes at 00:45 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

20:0000:45
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · One full minute

Why this is the answer

The apical pulse is counted for one full minute with a stethoscope over the apex of the heart. Each "lub-dub" counts as one beat.

Answer

A · One full minute
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Offer small amounts if she wants them, never force, and tell the nurse

Why this is the answer

Near death, the body needs less food and fluid, and forcing it can cause choking and discomfort. The resident's wishes are respected, mouth care keeps her comfortable, and the nurse can talk with the family.

Answer

D · Offer small amounts if she wants them, never force, and tell the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: T = 102.6 °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

39.2·9/5 = 70.56

Add 32

T = 70.56 + 32 = 102.6 °F

Answer

T = 102.6 °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 285 min

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

20:00 → 24:00 = 240 min

After midnight

00:00 → 00:45 = 45 min

Total

t = 240 + 45 = 285 min

Answer

t = 285 min

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