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

When is log rolling used to turn a resident?

  1. AWhen the resident is about to walk to the bathroom
  2. BWhen the resident is strong enough to turn alone without any help
  3. CWhen the spine must stay straight, such as after spinal surgery
  4. DWhen the resident is sitting in a wheelchair
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident has had several watery stools today. Besides reporting this to the nurse, what should the nursing assistant do?

  1. AHold all fluids so that the stools become less watery
  2. BGive her an anti-diarrhea tablet from the nurse's cart
  3. CGive prompt perineal care, record stools and offer fluids
  4. DLeave her in the soiled brief until the next round
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
12345678910111210:40 AM?22:4010:4011:4009:40

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 10:40 AM. Which entry is the same time on the 24-hour clock? Click it.

10:40 AM
  1. 122:40
  2. 210:40
  3. 311:40
  4. 409:40
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0023:2005:25t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 23:20 and finishes at 05:25 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

23:2005:25
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · When the spine must stay straight, such as after spinal surgery

Why this is the answer

Log rolling turns the head, shoulders, hips and legs together so the spine does not twist. It is used after spinal surgery or with spinal injuries and usually needs two or more staff.

Answer

C · When the spine must stay straight, such as after spinal surgery
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · Give prompt perineal care, record stools and offer fluids

Why this is the answer

Diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration and skin breakdown. The nursing assistant gives prompt perineal care, uses gloves and good hand hygiene, records the number and appearance of stools and offers fluids unless restricted.

Answer

C · Give prompt perineal care, record stools and offer fluids
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: 10:40

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 AM → 10

Answer

10:40

Answer

10:40
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

23:20 → 24:00 = 40 min

After midnight

00:00 → 05:25 = 325 min

Total

t = 40 + 325 = 365 min

Answer

t = 365 min

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