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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 a resident is positioned on the side, where are pillows usually placed?
AUnder the neck only
BBetween the knees and behind the back
CBetween the arm and the chest only, with none for the legs
DUnder the hips only
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident has had hip replacement surgery. Which instruction is commonly part of the care plan?
AHave the resident sit in low, soft chairs so that the hip can rest
BLet the resident bend forward to pick things up from the floor
CKeep the legs tightly together with the knees touching
DAvoid crossing the legs and use an abduction pillow if ordered
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 5 ft 4 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.
5 ft 4 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A haemoglobin result is 12.2 g/dL. Express it in g/L Hb.
12.2 g/dL1 L = 10 dL
Hb = g/L
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Between the knees and behind the back
Why this is the answer
In side-lying, a pillow between the knees keeps the hips aligned and stops the knees from rubbing, and a pillow behind the back keeps the resident from rolling back. Other pillows support the head and upper arm.
Answer
B · Between the knees and behind the back
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Avoid crossing the legs and use an abduction pillow if ordered
Why this is the answer
After many hip replacements, crossing the legs, bending the hip too far and turning the leg inward can dislocate the joint; the exact limits depend on the type of surgery. An abduction pillow keeps the legs apart, and raised toilet seats and firm chairs limit bending. The care plan gives the exact precautions.
Answer
D · Avoid crossing the legs and use an abduction pillow if ordered
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 163 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
5·12 + 4 = 64 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 64·2.54 = 162.6 ≈ 163 cm
Answer
h = 163 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: Hb = 122 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 = 12.2 g/dL × 10 dL/L = 122 g/L
Answer
Hb = 122 g/L
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