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 wears a nasal cannula. Where should the nursing assistant check for skin irritation?

  1. AOn the soles of the feet and the heels
  2. BBehind the ears and around the nostrils
  3. COn the back of the hands
  4. DUnder the arms and around the neck
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A married resident's wife visits, and the couple ask for some private time together. What should the nursing assistant do?

  1. ALeave the door open so staff can watch from the hall
  2. BTell them that private time is not allowed for residents in the facility
  3. CGive them privacy, such as closing the door, following facility policy
  4. DStay in the room in case the resident needs help
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
94969810010210410635363738394041°F°C? °F35.8 °C

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 35.8 °C. Convert it to degrees Fahrenheit T with °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Round to one decimal place.

35.8 °C
T = °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0021:2503:30t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 21:25 and finishes at 03:30 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

21:2503:30
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Behind the ears and around the nostrils

Why this is the answer

Cannula tubing presses on the skin behind the ears, on the cheeks and in and around the nostrils. These areas can become sore and are checked often, with any irritation reported.

Answer

B · Behind the ears and around the nostrils
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Give them privacy, such as closing the door, following facility policy

Why this is the answer

Residents have the right to private visits, including with a spouse. The nursing assistant provides privacy, for example by closing the door and using a privacy sign, while following facility policy.

Answer

C · Give them privacy, such as closing the door, following facility policy
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: T = 96.4 °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

35.8·9/5 = 64.44

Add 32

T = 64.44 + 32 = 96.44 ≈ 96.4 °F

Answer

T = 96.4 °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 365 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

21:25 → 24:00 = 155 min

After midnight

00:00 → 03:30 = 210 min

Total

t = 155 + 210 = 365 min

Answer

t = 365 min

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