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

When a resident is discharged, what does the nursing assistant usually do?

  1. AHelp pack, check belongings against the list and help the resident out safely
  2. BKeep the resident's belongings at the facility until the family asks for them
  3. CGive the resident instructions about new medicines to take at home
  4. DDecide whether the resident is ready to go home and sign the discharge
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

When emptying a urinary drainage bag into a graduate, which action helps prevent infection?

  1. ALift the bag above the bladder so it drains quickly
  2. BKeep the spout from touching anything, and close it as policy directs
  3. CDisconnect the bag from the catheter so it can be emptied more quickly
  4. DRinse the drain spout with tap water and let it hang open
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
12345678910111222:50?12:50 PM10:50 PM9:50 PM10:50 AM

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 22:50 (24-hour clock). Which entry is the same time on the 12-hour clock? Click it.

22:50
  1. 112:50 PM
  2. 210:50 PM
  3. 39:50 PM
  4. 410:50 AM
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
150 mL/h? L/day1 day = 24 h1 L = 1000 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A maintenance infusion runs at 150 mL/h without a break. How many litres V does it deliver in 24 hours?

150 mL/h24 h
V = L

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Help pack, check belongings against the list and help the resident out safely

Why this is the answer

For discharge, the nursing assistant helps collect and check belongings and assists the resident out safely, often by wheelchair, following policy. The nurse gives medical instructions.

Answer

A · Help pack, check belongings against the list and help the resident out safely
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Keep the spout from touching anything, and close it as policy directs

Why this is the answer

Germs can travel from the spout up the bag and tubing into the bladder. The spout must not touch anything, it is cleaned and closed as policy directs, and the bag stays below the bladder and connected.

Answer

B · Keep the spout from touching anything, and close it as policy directs
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 10:50 PM

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

22 − 12 = 10 → PM

Answer

10:50 PM

Answer

10:50 PM
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 3.6 L

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.

Volume in a day

150 mL/h × 24 h = 3600 mL

In litres

V = 3600/1000 = 3.6 L

Answer

V = 3.6 L

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