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 with one weaker leg uses a standard walker. What is the usual walking sequence?

  1. APush the walker as far forward as the arms reach, then hurry to catch up
  2. BStep with the stronger leg, then the weaker leg, then move the walker
  3. CMove the walker forward, step with the weaker leg, then the stronger leg
  4. DLift the walker and both legs forward at the same time
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident on airborne precautions for tuberculosis must be taken to another department for an X-ray. Which precaution is usual?

  1. AThe resident goes without a mask so breathing is easier
  2. BThe resident wears a surgical mask while out of the room
  3. CThe resident is told never to leave the room for any test
  4. DThe resident's door is left open during the trip
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
6 ft 5 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cmh = ? cm

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 6 ft 5 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 5 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
15.3 mmol/L? mg/dL1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A blood glucose result is 15.3 mmol/L. Using 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL for glucose, find c in mg/dL to the nearest whole number.

15.3 mmol/L1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL
c = mg/dL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Move the walker forward, step with the weaker leg, then the stronger leg

Why this is the answer

The walker is moved a short step ahead with all legs on the floor, the weaker leg steps into it, and then the stronger leg follows. The resident should not push the walker far ahead or lean over it.

Answer

C · Move the walker forward, step with the weaker leg, then the stronger leg
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · The resident wears a surgical mask while out of the room

Why this is the answer

When a resident on airborne precautions must leave the room, the resident wears a surgical mask to contain the particles they breathe out. Staff follow the facility's transport policy and tell the receiving department.

Answer

B · The resident wears a surgical mask while out of the room
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: h = 196 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 + 5 = 77 in

Inches to centimetres

h = 77·2.54 = 195.6 ≈ 196 cm

Answer

h = 196 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: c = 275 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 = 15.3·18 = 275.4 ≈ 275 mg/dL

Answer

c = 275 mg/dL

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