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1Formulas and methods
Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Method
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.
Ask whether the task is within the nursing assistant’s scope and training; if not, decline politely and tell the nurse.
Respect the resident’s rights: privacy, choice, refusal of care, dignity and freedom from abuse and unneeded restraints.
Apply the basic rules: hand hygiene, body mechanics, bed low and call light within reach, weak side first when dressing.
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
Write the given quantity with its unit and the unit you want.
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.
Write it as a fraction so that the unwanted unit cancels; for a rate, use one fraction per unit that changes.
Check the direction: a smaller unit gives a bigger number.
Round only the final answer, to the precision the question names.
2Practice problems
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeMedium
Which measure is an alternative to using a restraint?
AAsking the nurse for a sedative so the resident stays still
BLocking a tray table against the resident's chest in the chair
CTucking the sheets in so tightly that the resident cannot get up
DA regular toileting schedule and frequent checks
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
After a resident dies, his wife asks the nursing assistant to stay with her for a few minutes. What should the nursing assistant do?
AStay with her quietly and listen, telling the nurse where they are
BBegin postmortem care while she watches
CTell her that he is in a better place now and leave
DExplain politely that they are too busy and must go to other residents
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 13.5374 mL. The rule in this exercise is that volumes of 1 mL or more are rounded to the nearest tenth of a mL. What value x do you record?
13.5374 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads ½ tbsp of an oral suspension three times a day for 14 days. The suspension comes in 100 mL bottles. Using 1 tbsp = 15 mL, how many whole bottles N must be supplied so the course is complete?
½ tbspthree times a day14 days100 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL
N =
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · A regular toileting schedule and frequent checks
Why this is the answer
Many residents get up because they need the toilet, are in pain, bored or uncomfortable. Toileting schedules, frequent checks, activities, a low bed and alarms are alternatives. Tight sheets and a locked tray table are themselves restraints.
Answer
D · A regular toileting schedule and frequent checks
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Stay with her quietly and listen, telling the nurse where they are
Why this is the answer
Simply being present and listening comforts a grieving family member. The nursing assistant lets the nurse know so other duties are covered. Clichés and rushing can feel hurtful.
Answer
A · Stay with her quietly and listen, telling the nurse where they are
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 13.5 mL
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
13.5374 → 5
Only the next digit decides
13.5374 → 3
3 is 4 or less, so 5 stays.
The digits after it (74) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 13.5 mL
Answer
x = 13.5 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: N = 4
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.