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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
How should a nursing assistant count a resident's respirations?
AFor 10 seconds, then multiplying by six
BAfter asking the resident to breathe normally for one minute
CWithout telling the resident, while still holding the wrist
DCounting each rise and each fall of the chest as separate breaths
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident who uses oxygen by nasal cannula has dry, cracked lips and asks for petroleum jelly. What should the nursing assistant do?
ATell the nurse and use a water-based lubricant if approved
BApply petroleum jelly to the lips and nostrils to soothe the dryness
CRemove the cannula for the rest of the day
DTurn off the oxygen while applying the jelly
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for a small injection gives 0.38739 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?
0.38739 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 18:30 and finishes at 01:30 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many minutes t did it run?
18:3001:30
t = min
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Without telling the resident, while still holding the wrist
Why this is the answer
Respirations are counted without the resident's knowledge, for example by keeping the fingers on the wrist after counting the pulse. One rise and one fall together count as one breath, and the count is usually done for a full minute if breathing is irregular.
Answer
C · Without telling the resident, while still holding the wrist
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Tell the nurse and use a water-based lubricant if approved
Why this is the answer
Petroleum-based products can burn easily in an oxygen-rich area, so a water-based lubricant is used instead. Only the nurse changes or stops oxygen, so the nursing assistant never removes or turns it off.
Answer
A · Tell the nurse and use a water-based lubricant if approved
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 0.39 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
0.38739 → 8
Only the next digit decides
0.38739 → 7
7 is 5 or more, so round 8 up.
The digits after it (39) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 0.39 mL
Answer
x = 0.39 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: t = 420 min
24-hour clock: from 1 PM onwards add 12 to the hour (3:45 PM = 15:45). Midnight to 12:59 AM is 00:00–00:59, and 12:00–12:59 PM stays 12:00–12:59. Going back, subtract 12 from hours 13–23 and add PM; hours 00 become 12 AM. Count time across midnight in two parts: up to 24:00 (00:00), then from 00:00 on.
Before midnight
18:30 → 24:00 = 330 min
After midnight
00:00 → 01:30 = 90 min
Total
t = 330 + 90 = 420 min
Answer
t = 420 min
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