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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 record shows that a resident fell at 2245. In 12-hour time, when did the fall occur?
A12:45 a.m.
B10:45 a.m.
C10:45 p.m.
D8:45 p.m.
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident keeps removing her nasal cannula because the tubing hurts her ears. What should the nursing assistant do?
AChange her to a different oxygen device without asking
BTape the cannula to her face so she cannot remove it
CTell the nurse, who may approve padding or another solution
DLeave the cannula off because she does not want it
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 5 ft 7 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.
5 ft 7 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads 2 tsp of an oral suspension twice a day for 5 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?
2 tsptwice a day5 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · 10:45 p.m.
Why this is the answer
In 24-hour time, 2245 minus 12 hours gives 10:45 p.m. Hours from 1300 to 2359 are in the afternoon and evening.
Answer
C · 10:45 p.m.
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Tell the nurse, who may approve padding or another solution
Why this is the answer
Oxygen is ordered for a reason, so the nurse must know if the resident is removing it. The nurse may approve ear padding or other comfort measures. The nursing assistant does not change oxygen devices alone.
Answer
C · Tell the nurse, who may approve padding or another solution
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 170 cm
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.
Height in inches
5·12 + 7 = 67 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 67·2.54 = 170.2 ≈ 170 cm
Answer
h = 170 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 100 mL
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.
Volume per dose
2 tsp = 2·5 = 10 mL
Whole course
V = 10 mL × 2/day × 5 = 100 mL
Answer
V = 100 mL
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