In the print window, choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy on your device.
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
Which environment is most likely to calm a resident with dementia?
AA new room each week so the resident does not get bored
BA quiet, familiar setting with a regular daily routine
CA busy room with music, television and many visitors
DA changing schedule so each day is a surprise
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident with arthritis is slow to button his shirt but wants to do it himself. The nursing assistant is running late. What should the nursing assistant do?
ATell him to wear a shirt without buttons from now on
BAllow him time and encourage him to finish it himself
CButton the shirt for him to save time
DLeave him alone and come back after lunch
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 4 ft 11 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.
4 ft 11 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 1 tsp of an oral suspension every 12 hours for 10 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?
1 tspevery 12 hours10 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · A quiet, familiar setting with a regular daily routine
Why this is the answer
People with dementia cope best with a calm, familiar environment and a predictable routine. Noise, crowds and frequent change can cause confusion and agitation.
Answer
B · A quiet, familiar setting with a regular daily routine
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Allow him time and encourage him to finish it himself
Why this is the answer
Encouraging residents to do as much as they can for themselves maintains strength, dignity and independence. Doing tasks for them because it is faster can lead to loss of abilities and self-esteem.
Answer
B · Allow him time and encourage him to finish it himself
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 150 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
4·12 + 11 = 59 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 59·2.54 = 149.9 ≈ 150 cm
Answer
h = 150 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
1 tsp = 1·5 = 5 mL
Whole course
V = 5 mL × 2/day × 10 = 100 mL
Answer
V = 100 mL
This is independent practice material. ExamProblems is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organisation that runs this exam, and the exam name is used only to describe the content.