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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
During perineal care for a male resident, how is the tip of the penis cleaned?
ABack and forth with the same part of the washcloth
BIn a circular motion, starting at the urethral opening and moving outward
CFrom the anus forward toward the urethral opening
DIn a circular motion, starting at the outer edge and moving toward the opening
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident has had several watery stools today. Besides reporting this to the nurse, what should the nursing assistant do?
AGive prompt perineal care, record stools and offer fluids
BLeave her in the soiled brief until the next round
CHold all fluids so that the stools become less watery
DGive her an anti-diarrhea tablet from the nurse's cart
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 6 lb 8 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.
6 lb 8 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An order reads 1 mcg/kg/min for a patient who weighs 87 kg. Express the dose rate D in mg/h. Round to two decimal places.
1 mcg/kg/min87 kg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · In a circular motion, starting at the urethral opening and moving outward
Why this is the answer
The urethral opening is the cleanest area. Cleaning in circles from the opening outward, using a clean part of the washcloth for each stroke, keeps germs away from the urethra.
Answer
B · In a circular motion, starting at the urethral opening and moving outward
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Give prompt perineal care, record stools and offer fluids
Why this is the answer
Diarrhea can quickly cause dehydration and skin breakdown. The nursing assistant gives prompt perineal care, uses gloves and good hand hygiene, records the number and appearance of stools and offers fluids unless restricted.
Answer
A · Give prompt perineal care, record stools and offer fluids
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: m = 2.95 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
8 oz/16 = 0.5 lb
6 + 0.5 = 6.5 lb
Pounds to kilograms
m = 6.5/2.2 = 2.955 ≈ 2.95 kg
Answer
m = 2.95 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 5.22 mg/h
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.
Set up the chain
D = 1 mcg/kg/min × 87 kg × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)
Calculate
D = 1·87·60/1000 = 5.22 mg/h
Answer
D = 5.22 mg/h
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