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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
When a resident is positioned on the side, where are pillows usually placed?
AUnder the neck only
BBetween the arm and the chest only, with none for the legs
CUnder the hips only
DBetween the knees and behind the back
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident has collapsed while touching a lamp with a damaged cord. What should the nursing assistant do first?
APull the resident away from the lamp with bare hands
BStart CPR immediately, even while the resident's hand is still touching the lamp
CPour water on the lamp to stop the current
DNot touch the resident until the power is safely turned off, and call for help
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A weight conversion gives 23.1114 kg. The rule in this exercise is that weights are rounded to the nearest tenth of a kilogram. What value x do you record?
23.1114 kg
x = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 1 cup of tea, ½ tbsp of liquid supplement, 2 fl oz of juice. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Between the knees and behind the back
Why this is the answer
In side-lying, a pillow between the knees keeps the hips aligned and stops the knees from rubbing, and a pillow behind the back keeps the resident from rolling back. Other pillows support the head and upper arm.
Answer
D · Between the knees and behind the back
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Not touch the resident until the power is safely turned off, and call for help
Why this is the answer
A person in contact with live electricity can shock the rescuer. The power is turned off or the plug pulled safely, then help is called and the resident is checked. Water conducts electricity and is never used.
Answer
D · Not touch the resident until the power is safely turned off, and call for help
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 23.1 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
23.1114 → 1
Only the next digit decides
23.1114 → 1
1 is 4 or less, so 1 stays.
The digits after it (14) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 23.1 kg
Answer
x = 23.1 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 307.5 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.
Each item in mL
1 cup = 1·240 = 240 mL
½ tbsp = 0.5·15 = 7.5 mL
2 fl oz = 2·30 = 60 mL
Add
V = 240 + 7.5 + 60 = 307.5 mL
Answer
V = 307.5 mL
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