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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
A resident with dementia asks the same question many times. What should the nursing assistant do?
ATell her to write the answer down and stop asking
BRemind her she has already asked several times
CIgnore the question until she stops asking
DAnswer calmly each time, using the same simple words
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident with suspected kidney stones has an order to have all urine strained. What should be done with any particles found?
AShow the particles to the resident and then discard them in the toilet
BFlush them down the toilet once the urine is measured
CThrow away the strainer and the particles together
DPlace them in a labeled specimen container and give them to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 4 lb 6 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.
4 lb 6 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A blood glucose result is 261 mg/dL. Using 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL for glucose, find c in mmol/L. Round to one decimal place.
261 mg/dL1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL
c = mmol/L
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Answer calmly each time, using the same simple words
Why this is the answer
Memory loss means the resident may not remember the earlier answer. Patiently answering in the same calm, simple way, or gently redirecting her, reduces frustration. Pointing out the repetition can cause embarrassment.
Answer
D · Answer calmly each time, using the same simple words
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Place them in a labeled specimen container and give them to the nurse
Why this is the answer
Straining catches stones or gravel so they can be sent to the laboratory for analysis. Any particles are saved in a labeled specimen container and given to the nurse.
Answer
D · Place them in a labeled specimen container and give them to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: m = 1.99 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
6 oz/16 = 0.375 lb
4 + 0.375 = 4.375 lb
Pounds to kilograms
m = 4.375/2.2 = 1.989 ≈ 1.99 kg
Answer
m = 1.99 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: c = 14.5 mmol/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.
Convert
c = 261/18 = 14.5 mmol/L
Answer
c = 14.5 mmol/L
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