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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 help a resident with vision loss find the food on the plate?
ADescribe where each food is, using a clock face
BFeed the resident, even though they can feed themselves
CMove the plate around during the meal so nothing is left
DMix all the foods together so nothing is missed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A doctor calls the unit and starts telling the nursing assistant a new order for a resident. What should the nursing assistant do?
APolitely ask the doctor to hold and get the nurse
BTell the doctor to call back tomorrow
CWrite the order down and carry it out right away
DWrite the order on a sticky note for the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 98.7 °F. Convert it to degrees Celsius T with °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Round to one decimal place.
98.7 °F
T = °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 1 tbsp of liquid supplement, 2½ tsp of cough syrup, 2 cups of tea. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 tbsp = 15 mL1 tsp = 5 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Describe where each food is, using a clock face
Why this is the answer
The clock method, for example "meat at 12 o'clock, potatoes at 4 o'clock", lets a resident with vision loss eat independently. The plate and utensils are kept in the same places.
Answer
A · Describe where each food is, using a clock face
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Politely ask the doctor to hold and get the nurse
Why this is the answer
Nursing assistants do not take orders from doctors. They politely explain and get a licensed nurse to take the order, which avoids errors.
Answer
A · Politely ask the doctor to hold and get the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: T = 37.1 °C
Temperature: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 and °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Subtract 32 before you multiply when going from °F, and add 32 after you multiply when going from °C. A quick check: 37 °C is 98.6 °F, and every 1 °C is 1.8 °F.
Subtract 32
98.7 − 32 = 66.7
Multiply by 5/9
T = 66.7·5/9 = 37.06 ≈ 37.1 °C
Answer
T = 37.1 °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 507.5 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
1 tbsp = 1·15 = 15 mL
2½ tsp = 2.5·5 = 12.5 mL
2 cups = 2·240 = 480 mL
Add
V = 15 + 12.5 + 480 = 507.5 mL
Answer
V = 507.5 mL
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