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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
After abdominal surgery, a resident must cough and breathe deeply. How can the nursing assistant help?
ATell the resident to cough as little as possible to protect it
BPress hard on the resident's abdomen during the cough
CHave the resident hold a pillow firmly over the incision
DHave the resident lie flat while coughing
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident's oral temperature is 101.8 °F (38.8 °C), and he says he feels cold and is shivering. What should the nursing assistant do?
AReport the temperature to the nurse promptly
BRecord it in the chart at the end of the shift
CGive him a fever tablet from the resident's drawer
DCover him with several blankets and not mention it
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A drip-rate calculation gives 173.279 gtt/min. The rule in this exercise is that drip rates are rounded to the nearest whole drop. What value x do you record?
173.279 gtt/min
x = gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A maintenance infusion runs at 50 mL/h without a break. How many litres V does it deliver in 24 hours?
50 mL/h24 h
V = L
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Have the resident hold a pillow firmly over the incision
Why this is the answer
Holding a pillow over the incision (splinting) supports it and reduces pain when coughing. Coughing and deep breathing help clear the lungs and prevent pneumonia after surgery.
Answer
C · Have the resident hold a pillow firmly over the incision
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Report the temperature to the nurse promptly
Why this is the answer
A temperature of 101.8 °F is a fever and may signal infection, so the nurse is told promptly. Nursing assistants do not give medicines, and waiting until the end of the shift delays care.
Answer
A · Report the temperature to the nurse promptly
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 173 gtt/min
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 ones place
173.279 → 3
Only the next digit decides
173.279 → 2
2 is 4 or less, so 3 stays.
The digits after it (79) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 173 gtt/min
Answer
x = 173 gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 1.2 L
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 in a day
50 mL/h × 24 h = 1200 mL
In litres
V = 1200/1000 = 1.2 L
Answer
V = 1.2 L
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