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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
A resident wears a nasal cannula. Where should the nursing assistant check for skin irritation?
AUnder the arms and around the neck
BOn the soles of the feet and the heels
CBehind the ears and around the nostrils
DOn the back of the hands
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
While emptying an ostomy pouch, the nursing assistant notices that the stoma is dark purple-black. What should be done?
ACover it with a gauze pad and tell the next shift
BClean it with soap and water and record it
CReport it to the nurse immediately
DApply a new pouch and check again tomorrow
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 36.3 °C. Convert it to degrees Fahrenheit T with °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Round to one decimal place.
36.3 °C
T = °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion delivers 20 mcg/min. Express this dose rate D in mg/h.
20 mcg/min1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Behind the ears and around the nostrils
Why this is the answer
Cannula tubing presses on the skin behind the ears, on the cheeks and in and around the nostrils. These areas can become sore and are checked often, with any irritation reported.
Answer
C · Behind the ears and around the nostrils
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Report it to the nurse immediately
Why this is the answer
A healthy stoma is pink to red. A dark purple or black stoma can mean poor blood supply to the tissue and is reported to the nurse immediately.
Answer
C · Report it to the nurse immediately
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: T = 97.3 °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
36.3·9/5 = 65.34
Add 32
T = 65.34 + 32 = 97.34 ≈ 97.3 °F
Answer
T = 97.3 °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 1.2 mg/h
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.