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

How is a resident who cannot stand usually weighed?

  1. ABy guessing the weight from the resident's height
  2. BBy weighing the resident's clothes and subtracting
  3. CBy asking the resident to stand on the upright scale anyway, with help
  4. DWith a chair, wheelchair or bed scale, as the facility provides
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident with diabetes skipped breakfast because she felt sick to her stomach. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. ATell the nurse, because a missed meal can affect her blood sugar
  2. BGive her extra sugar packets from the kitchen
  3. CSay nothing, because she will probably eat more at lunch
  4. DRecord that she ate breakfast so that her meal chart looks complete
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
1234567891011128:40 AM?09:4007:4008:4020:40

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 8:40 AM. Which entry is the same time on the 24-hour clock? Click it.

8:40 AM
  1. 109:40
  2. 207:40
  3. 308:40
  4. 420:40
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0018:3007:45t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 18:30 and finishes at 07:45 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

18:3007:45
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · With a chair, wheelchair or bed scale, as the facility provides

Why this is the answer

Residents who cannot stand are weighed with a chair scale, a wheelchair scale (subtracting the chair's weight) or a bed or lift scale. The same method is used each time for comparison.

Answer

D · With a chair, wheelchair or bed scale, as the facility provides
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Tell the nurse, because a missed meal can affect her blood sugar

Why this is the answer

For a resident with diabetes, a missed meal can lead to low blood sugar, especially if she takes insulin or other diabetes medicines. The nurse needs to know promptly, and her intake is recorded accurately.

Answer

A · Tell the nurse, because a missed meal can affect her blood sugar
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 08:40

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

8 AM → 08

Answer

08:40

Answer

08:40
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 795 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

18:30 → 24:00 = 330 min

After midnight

00:00 → 07:45 = 465 min

Total

t = 330 + 465 = 795 min

Answer

t = 795 min

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