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

Which behavior may show that a resident who cannot speak is in pain?

  1. ASleeping quietly through the night
  2. BGrimacing and guarding a body part
  3. CLaughing at a television show
  4. DEating all of a meal quickly
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident who receives tube feedings takes nothing by mouth. How often does she need mouth care?

  1. AOften, because the mouth gets dry even without eating
  2. BNever, because no food or drink goes into her mouth
  3. COnce a week, at the same time her bed linen is changed
  4. DOnly when her family comes to visit
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
125.1707 kg? kground to 0.1 kg

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A weight conversion gives 125.1707 kg. The rule in this exercise is that weights are rounded to the nearest tenth of a kilogram. What value x do you record?

125.1707 kg
x = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
1½ cups? mL4 fl oz? mL3 tsp? mL4 tbsp? mLΣ = ? mL

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 1½ cups of tea, 4 fl oz of juice, 3 tsp of cough syrup, 4 tbsp of liquid supplement. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.

1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tsp = 5 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL
V = mL

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: B · Grimacing and guarding a body part

Why this is the answer

Nonverbal signs of pain include grimacing, moaning, guarding or rubbing a body part, restlessness and refusing to move. These signs are reported to the nurse.

Answer

B · Grimacing and guarding a body part
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Often, because the mouth gets dry even without eating

Why this is the answer

Residents who are NPO or tube-fed still need frequent mouth care. Without food and drinks, the mouth and lips become dry and coated, which can cause sores, infection and discomfort.

Answer

A · Often, because the mouth gets dry even without eating
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: x = 125.2 kg

Rounding: look at the digit just after the place you round to: 5 or more rounds up, 4 or less leaves the digit as it is. Round only the final answer, never the steps. Typical exam rules: volumes of 1 mL or more to the nearest tenth, volumes below 1 mL to the nearest hundredth, drip rates to whole drops and weights to one decimal place; always follow the rule the question states.

Digit in the tenths place

125.1707 → 1

Only the next digit decides

125.1707 → 7
7 is 5 or more, so round 1 up.
The digits after it (07) are ignored: round once, never step by step.

Round

x = 125.2 kg

Answer

x = 125.2 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: V = 555 mL

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.

Each item in mL

1½ cups = 1.5·240 = 360 mL
4 fl oz = 4·30 = 120 mL
3 tsp = 3·5 = 15 mL
4 tbsp = 4·15 = 60 mL

Add

V = 360 + 120 + 15 + 60 = 555 mL

Answer

V = 555 mL

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