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 uses an artificial leg (prosthesis). Which is part of the nursing assistant's care?

  1. ALeaving the prosthesis on day and night
  2. BAdjusting the fit of the prosthesis with tools when it feels loose
  3. CDeciding when the resident no longer needs the prosthesis
  4. DChecking the skin of the residual limb and reporting sores
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

In a crowded elevator, two nursing assistants discuss a resident's diagnosis by name. What is the problem?

  1. ANothing, because no paper records were shown
  2. BNothing, because they are both on the care team
  3. CThey are breaking confidentiality where others can hear
  4. DThey should have used the resident's room number instead
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
6 ft 0 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cmh = ? cm

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 6 ft 0 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.

6 ft 0 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
128 µmol/L? mg/dL1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A serum creatinine result is 128 µmol/L. Using 1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L for creatinine, find c in mg/dL. Round to two decimal places.

128 µmol/L1 mg/dL = 88.4 µmol/L
c = mg/dL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Checking the skin of the residual limb and reporting sores

Why this is the answer

The skin of the residual limb is kept clean and dry and is checked for redness, blisters or sores, which are reported. Fitting and adjusting the prosthesis is done by specialists.

Answer

D · Checking the skin of the residual limb and reporting sores
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · They are breaking confidentiality where others can hear

Why this is the answer

Resident information is discussed only with team members who need it, in private places. Talking in public areas such as elevators, hallways or cafeterias can let visitors hear private information.

Answer

C · They are breaking confidentiality where others can hear
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: h = 183 cm

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.

Height in inches

6·12 + 0 = 72 in

Inches to centimetres

h = 72·2.54 = 182.9 ≈ 183 cm

Answer

h = 183 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: c = 1.45 mg/dL

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.

Convert

c = 128/88.4 = 1.448 ≈ 1.45 mg/dL

Answer

c = 1.45 mg/dL

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