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
When can raised side rails count as a restraint?
AOnly during the night shift
BOnly if the rails are padded
CWhen they keep a resident from getting out of bed freely
DNever, because side rails are part of the bed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
After a stroke, a resident's left hand is starting to curl into a fist. What is the care plan most likely to include to prevent a contracture?
ARange-of-motion exercises and a hand splint or roll as ordered
BKeeping the hand in a tight fist to rest the muscles
CLeaving the hand alone, because nothing can be done after a stroke
DTying the hand to the bed rail with the fingers open
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A drip-rate calculation gives 82.551 gtt/min. The rule in this exercise is that drip rates are rounded to the nearest whole drop. What value x do you record?
82.551 gtt/min
x = gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 2 tbsp of liquid supplement, 3 fl oz of juice, 3 tsp of cough syrup, 1½ cups of tea. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 tbsp = 15 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tsp = 5 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · When they keep a resident from getting out of bed freely
Why this is the answer
Side rails that stop a resident from leaving the bed as they wish restrict freedom of movement and are treated as a restraint. They are used only as the care plan directs.
Answer
C · When they keep a resident from getting out of bed freely
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Range-of-motion exercises and a hand splint or roll as ordered
Why this is the answer
Regular range-of-motion exercises and positioning devices such as splints or hand rolls, applied as ordered, keep the fingers and wrist from becoming fixed in a curled position.
Answer
A · Range-of-motion exercises and a hand splint or roll as ordered
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 83 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
82.551 → 2
Only the next digit decides
82.551 → 5
5 is 5 or more, so round 2 up.
The digits after it (51) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 83 gtt/min
Answer
x = 83 gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 495 mL
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.