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

A resident is receiving a tube feeding. How should the head of the bed be positioned?

  1. ALowered below the level of the feet
  2. BFlat, with the resident lying on the back
  3. CRaised, usually at least 30 degrees
  4. DRaised only during the night
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident with a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order starts choking on food at lunch and cannot speak. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AWait for the nurse to read the DNR order before doing anything
  2. BGive abdominal thrusts and call for help; DNR does not forbid this
  3. CGive the resident water to wash the food down
  4. DDo nothing, because the DNR order means no emergency care at all
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
12345678910111211:35 PM?23:3500:3511:3522:35

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 11:35 PM. Which entry is the same time on the 24-hour clock? Click it.

11:35 PM
  1. 123:35
  2. 200:35
  3. 311:35
  4. 422:35
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
½ cup? mL1 fl oz? mL1 tbsp? mL1½ tsp? mLΣ = ? mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes ½ cup of tea, 1 fl oz of juice, 1 tbsp of liquid supplement, 1½ 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 · Raised, usually at least 30 degrees

Why this is the answer

The head of the bed is kept raised, usually 30 degrees or more, during the feeding and for a time afterward to reduce the risk of aspiration. The nursing assistant does not adjust the tube or the pump.

Answer

C · Raised, usually at least 30 degrees
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Give abdominal thrusts and call for help; DNR does not forbid this

Why this is the answer

A DNR order means no CPR if the heart or breathing stops. It does not mean "do not treat", so a choking resident still receives abdominal thrusts and other emergency care. Help is called at once.

Answer

B · Give abdominal thrusts and call for help; DNR does not forbid this
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 23:35

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

11 PM → 11 + 12 = 23

Answer

23:35

Answer

23:35
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 172.5 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 cup = 0.5·240 = 120 mL
1 fl oz = 1·30 = 30 mL
1 tbsp = 1·15 = 15 mL
1½ tsp = 1.5·5 = 7.5 mL

Add

V = 120 + 30 + 15 + 7.5 = 172.5 mL

Answer

V = 172.5 mL

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