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

On which arm should a nursing assistant not measure blood pressure?

  1. AThe left arm
  2. BThe arm the resident usually prefers
  3. CAn arm with an IV line or a dialysis access
  4. DThe resident's dominant arm
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard

A resident with severe arthritis knows when she needs to urinate but often wets herself because she cannot reach the bathroom in time. Which approach helps most?

  1. AAnswer her call quickly and keep a commode within reach
  2. BTell her to wait for the scheduled toileting round
  3. CPut her in an incontinence brief and change it once a shift
  4. DLimit her fluids to one glass a day
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
94969810010210410635363738394041°F°C? °F38.7 °C

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 38.7 °C. Convert it to degrees Fahrenheit T with °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Round to one decimal place.

38.7 °C
T = °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
00:0020:5008:25t = ?

Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 20:50 and finishes at 08:25 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?

20:5008:25
t = min

3Solutions

1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: C · An arm with an IV line or a dialysis access

Why this is the answer

A blood pressure cuff is not used on an arm with an IV line, a dialysis fistula or graft, a cast, an injury, or on the side of a breast surgery with lymph node removal. The care plan or nurse says which arm to use.

Answer

C · An arm with an IV line or a dialysis access
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge

Answer: A · Answer her call quickly and keep a commode within reach

Why this is the answer

This is functional incontinence: the bladder works but a physical or mental limitation stops the resident from reaching the toilet in time. Prompt help, easy-to-remove clothing and a nearby commode or urinal reduce accidents.

Answer

A · Answer her call quickly and keep a commode within reach
3.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: T = 101.7 °F

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.

Multiply by 9/5

38.7·9/5 = 69.66

Add 32

T = 69.66 + 32 = 101.7 °F

Answer

T = 101.7 °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversions

Answer: t = 695 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

20:50 → 24:00 = 190 min

After midnight

00:00 → 08:25 = 505 min

Total

t = 190 + 505 = 695 min

Answer

t = 695 min

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