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 anxious before a medical test tomorrow. What is the best way for the nursing assistant to help?

  1. AExplain the test results that she is likely to receive
  2. BListen to her concerns calmly and tell the nurse about her worries
  3. CTell her there is nothing to worry about and change the subject
  4. DTell her that she is being silly
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

The care plan says a heavy resident needs two staff to reposition him. The other nursing assistant is busy. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AWait for, or ask for, a second staff member
  2. BSkip the repositioning for this shift
  3. CAsk the resident's visitor to help lift him
  4. DReposition the resident alone, because it is time
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
94969810010210410635363738394041°F°C? °F37.6 °C

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 37.6 °C. Convert it to degrees Fahrenheit T with °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Round to one decimal place.

37.6 °C
T = °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
1 mcg/kg/min? mg/h74 kg1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An order reads 1 mcg/kg/min for a patient who weighs 74 kg. Express the dose rate D in mg/h. Round to two decimal places.

1 mcg/kg/min74 kg
D = mg/h

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Listen to her concerns calmly and tell the nurse about her worries

Why this is the answer

Active listening and a calm presence ease anxiety. The nurse can answer questions about the test. False reassurance and dismissing the resident's feelings block communication.

Answer

B · Listen to her concerns calmly and tell the nurse about her worries
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Wait for, or ask for, a second staff member

Why this is the answer

Working alone against the care plan risks injury to the resident and the nursing assistant. The safe choice is to get trained help, or tell the nurse if no one is free, so the repositioning is done safely and on time.

Answer

A · Wait for, or ask for, a second staff member
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: T = 99.7 °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

37.6·9/5 = 67.68

Add 32

T = 67.68 + 32 = 99.68 ≈ 99.7 °F

Answer

T = 99.7 °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: D = 4.44 mg/h

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.

Set up the chain

D = 1 mcg/kg/min × 74 kg × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)

Calculate

D = 1·74·60/1000 = 4.44 mg/h

Answer

D = 4.44 mg/h

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