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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
Which signs are typical of Parkinson's disease?
AHigh fever, stiff neck and a rash
BSudden weakness on one side and slurred speech
CA fast heartbeat, sweating and shakiness from low blood sugar
DTremor, stiff muscles, slow movement and a shuffling walk
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident with Alzheimer's disease no longer remembers how to brush her teeth but can do each step when shown. Which approach helps?
ASkip mouth care because she cannot remember how
BBreak the task into simple steps and show her one step at a time
CBrush her teeth for her every time so that she does not get upset
DGive her the whole set of instructions at once
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A drip-rate calculation gives 160.442 gtt/min. The rule in this exercise is that drip rates are rounded to the nearest whole drop. What value x do you record?
160.442 gtt/min
x = gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes ½ cup of tea, ½ tsp of cough syrup, 2 tbsp of liquid supplement. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 tsp = 5 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Tremor, stiff muscles, slow movement and a shuffling walk
Why this is the answer
Parkinson's disease causes tremor (often at rest), rigidity, slow movement and a shuffling gait with poor balance. Residents are at high risk of falls and may have swallowing problems.
Answer
D · Tremor, stiff muscles, slow movement and a shuffling walk
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Break the task into simple steps and show her one step at a time
Why this is the answer
Breaking tasks into small steps, with demonstration and cues, lets residents with dementia keep doing what they can. This supports independence and dignity and helps prevent frustration.
Answer
B · Break the task into simple steps and show her one step at a time
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 160 gtt/min
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 ones place
160.442 → 0
Only the next digit decides
160.442 → 4
4 is 4 or less, so 0 stays.
The digits after it (42) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 160 gtt/min
Answer
x = 160 gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 152.5 mL
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.
Each item in mL
½ cup = 0.5·240 = 120 mL
½ tsp = 0.5·5 = 2.5 mL
2 tbsp = 2·15 = 30 mL
Add
V = 120 + 2.5 + 30 = 152.5 mL
Answer
V = 152.5 mL
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