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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
How can a nursing assistant make daily weights as accurate as possible?
AAny time of day, as long as the scale is checked beforehand
BRight after breakfast, so the resident has more energy
CWearing shoes and a coat, so the clothing is always the same
DSame time, same scale, similar clothing, after urinating
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?
AAllow him time and encourage him to finish it himself
BTell him to wear a shirt without buttons from now on
CLeave him alone and come back after lunch
DButton the shirt for him to save time
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A weight conversion gives 79.7803 kg. The rule in this exercise is that weights are rounded to the nearest tenth of a kilogram. What value x do you record?
79.7803 kg
x = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A haemoglobin result is 16.9 g/dL. Express it in g/L Hb.
16.9 g/dL1 L = 10 dL
Hb = g/L
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Same time, same scale, similar clothing, after urinating
Why this is the answer
Weight is measured at the same time of day, on the same scale, in similar clothing and after the resident has emptied the bladder. A sudden change is reported because it may mean fluid gain or loss.
Answer
D · Same time, same scale, similar clothing, after urinating
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · 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
A · Allow him time and encourage him to finish it himself
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 79.8 kg
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
79.7803 → 7
Only the next digit decides
79.7803 → 8
8 is 5 or more, so round 7 up.
The digits after it (03) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 79.8 kg
Answer
x = 79.8 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: Hb = 169 g/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
Hb = 16.9 g/dL × 10 dL/L = 169 g/L
Answer
Hb = 169 g/L
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