In the print window, choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy on your device.
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
Before surgery, which items are usually removed from the resident?
AJewelry, dentures, glasses and hairpins, as instructed
BThe hospital gown and all of the bed covers
CThe anti-embolism stockings that the doctor has ordered
DThe identification band and the allergy band
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A nursing assistant finds a pill on the floor of a resident's room. What should the nursing assistant do?
AGive it to the resident with a glass of water
BThrow it in the trash can
CGive it to the nurse and say where it was found
DPut it in the resident's drawer for later
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for a small injection gives 0.26797 mL. The rule in this exercise is that volumes below 1 mL are rounded to the nearest hundredth of a mL. What value x do you record?
0.26797 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 1½ tbsp of liquid supplement, 3 tsp of cough syrup, 1 fl oz of juice, 2 cups of tea. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 tbsp = 15 mL1 tsp = 5 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Jewelry, dentures, glasses and hairpins, as instructed
Why this is the answer
Before surgery, jewelry, dentures, glasses, hearing aids, hairpins and makeup are usually removed as instructed and stored safely. The identification band stays on.
Answer
A · Jewelry, dentures, glasses and hairpins, as instructed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Give it to the nurse and say where it was found
Why this is the answer
A pill on the floor may mean a dose was missed or dropped. The nurse needs to know in order to check which medicine it is and what to do. Nursing assistants do not give or throw away medicines.
Answer
C · Give it to the nurse and say where it was found
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 0.27 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 hundredths place
0.26797 → 6
Only the next digit decides
0.26797 → 7
7 is 5 or more, so round 6 up.
The digits after it (97) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 0.27 mL
Answer
x = 0.27 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 547.5 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.