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 on contact precautions for MRSA. How should the blood pressure cuff and stethoscope be handled?

  1. AUse equipment that stays in that resident's room
  2. BWipe the cuff with plain water and take it to the next room
  3. CUse the hallway cuff on every resident in turn
  4. DShare the cuff with the roommate without cleaning it
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident with suspected kidney stones has an order to have all urine strained. What should be done with any particles found?

  1. AThrow away the strainer and the particles together
  2. BShow the particles to the resident and then discard them in the toilet
  3. CFlush them down the toilet once the urine is measured
  4. DPlace them in a labeled specimen container and give them to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
94969810010210410635363738394041°F°C98.2 °F? °C

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 98.2 °F. Convert it to degrees Celsius T with °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Round to one decimal place.

98.2 °F
T = °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
1½ tsp · 2/day · 14 d? mL1 tsp = 5 mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads 1½ tsp of an oral suspension twice a day for 14 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?

1½ tsptwice a day14 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Use equipment that stays in that resident's room

Why this is the answer

In contact precautions, dedicated equipment stays in the resident's room. If an item must be shared, it is cleaned and disinfected before it is used for another resident.

Answer

A · Use equipment that stays in that resident's room
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · Place them in a labeled specimen container and give them to the nurse

Why this is the answer

Straining catches stones or gravel so they can be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Any particles are saved in a labeled specimen container and given to the nurse.

Answer

D · Place them in a labeled specimen container and give them to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: T = 36.8 °C

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.

Subtract 32

98.2 − 32 = 66.2

Multiply by 5/9

T = 66.2·5/9 = 36.78 ≈ 36.8 °C

Answer

T = 36.8 °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 210 mL

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.

Volume per dose

1½ tsp = 1.5·5 = 7.5 mL

Whole course

V = 7.5 mL × 2/day × 14 = 210 mL

Answer

V = 210 mL

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