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 height measured for a resident who cannot stand?

  1. ABy asking the resident's family how tall the resident is
  2. BBy measuring the resident sitting in a wheelchair
  3. CBy estimating from the resident's shoe size
  4. DWith a tape measure while the resident lies flat in bed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A fire starts in a wastebasket in a resident's room. Following RACE, what does the nursing assistant do first?

  1. APhone the resident's family
  2. BClose all the doors on the unit
  3. CRemove the resident from immediate danger
  4. DSpray the fire with the nearest extinguisher
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
12345678910111210:00?12:00 AM10:00 PM10:00 AM9:00 AM

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 10:00 (24-hour clock). Which entry is the same time on the 12-hour clock? Click it.

10:00
  1. 112:00 AM
  2. 210:00 PM
  3. 310:00 AM
  4. 49:00 AM
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
2 mg/h? mcg/min1 mg = 1000 mcg1 h = 60 min

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion delivers 2 mg/h. Express this dose rate D in mcg/min. Round to one decimal place.

2 mg/h1 mg = 1000 mcg1 h = 60 min
D = mcg/min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: D · With a tape measure while the resident lies flat in bed

Why this is the answer

For a resident in bed, the bed is flat, the resident lies straight on the back, and the distance from the top of the head to the heel is measured with a tape measure.

Answer

D · With a tape measure while the resident lies flat in bed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Remove the resident from immediate danger

Why this is the answer

RACE means Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish. Moving residents away from immediate danger comes first, then the alarm is activated, doors are closed to confine the fire, and the fire is put out only if it is small and safe.

Answer

C · Remove the resident from immediate danger
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 10:00 AM

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

10 → 10 AM

Answer

10:00 AM

Answer

10:00 AM
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: D = 33.3 mcg/min

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 = 2 mg/h × (1000 mcg/1 mg) × (1 h/60 min)

Calculate

D = 2000/60 = 33.33 ≈ 33.3 mcg/min

Answer

D = 33.3 mcg/min

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