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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
When can raised side rails count as a restraint?
AWhen they keep a resident from getting out of bed freely
BOnly during the night shift
CNever, because side rails are part of the bed
DOnly if the rails are padded
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident's fluid intake for the day is 2400 mL, but her urine output is only 400 mL. What should the nursing assistant do?
ARecord the numbers and take no further action
BReport the large difference between intake and output to the nurse
CChange her intake record so it matches the output
DEncourage her to drink even more fluid to raise the amount of urine she passes
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 4.6791 mL. The rule in this exercise is that volumes of 1 mL or more are rounded to the nearest tenth of a mL. What value x do you record?
4.6791 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A blood glucose result is 16.7 mmol/L. Using 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL for glucose, find c in mg/dL to the nearest whole number.
16.7 mmol/L1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL
c = mg/dL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · 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
A · When they keep a resident from getting out of bed freely
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Report the large difference between intake and output to the nurse
Why this is the answer
A big gap between intake and output can mean fluid is being kept in the body or there is a problem with urine flow. The nurse is told so the resident can be assessed. Records are never altered.
Answer
B · Report the large difference between intake and output to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 4.7 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 tenths place
4.6791 → 6
Only the next digit decides
4.6791 → 7
7 is 5 or more, so round 6 up.
The digits after it (91) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 4.7 mL
Answer
x = 4.7 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: c = 301 mg/dL
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 = 16.7·18 = 300.6 ≈ 301 mg/dL
Answer
c = 301 mg/dL
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