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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
During perineal care for a male resident, how is the tip of the penis cleaned?
AIn a circular motion, starting at the outer edge and moving toward the opening
BFrom the anus forward toward the urethral opening
CBack and forth with the same part of the washcloth
DIn a circular motion, starting at the urethral opening and moving outward
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A pulse oximeter on a resident with very cold fingers reads 84%. The resident is talking comfortably. What should the nursing assistant do?
ATurn up the oxygen flow rate on the resident's oxygen
BIgnore the reading because the machine must be broken by the cold
CReport the reading to the nurse and mention the cold fingers
DRemove the resident's oxygen until the hands warm up
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 5 lb 13 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.
5 lb 13 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads 1 tbsp of an oral suspension every 12 hours for 5 days. Using 1 tbsp = 15 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?
1 tbspevery 12 hours5 days1 tbsp = 15 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · In a circular motion, starting at the urethral opening and moving outward
Why this is the answer
The urethral opening is the cleanest area. Cleaning in circles from the opening outward, using a clean part of the washcloth for each stroke, keeps germs away from the urethra.
Answer
D · In a circular motion, starting at the urethral opening and moving outward
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Report the reading to the nurse and mention the cold fingers
Why this is the answer
Cold fingers and poor circulation can give a falsely low reading, but the nursing assistant cannot be sure. They report the reading and the observation to the nurse. Only the nurse adjusts oxygen.
Answer
C · Report the reading to the nurse and mention the cold fingers
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: m = 2.64 kg
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.
Ounces to pounds
13 oz/16 = 0.8125 lb
5 + 0.8125 = 5.813 lb
Pounds to kilograms
m = 5.813/2.2 = 2.642 ≈ 2.64 kg
Answer
m = 2.64 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 150 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
1 tbsp = 1·15 = 15 mL
Whole course
V = 15 mL × 2/day × 5 = 150 mL
Answer
V = 150 mL
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