In the print window, choose “Save as PDF” to keep a copy on your device.
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 team member usually evaluates a resident's swallowing problems?
AThe physical therapist
BThe social worker
CThe activities director
DThe speech-language pathologist
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident who is usually alert and oriented is suddenly confused today. Her urine is dark and has a strong smell. What should the nursing assistant report?
AOnly the confusion, and only at the end of the shift
BNothing, because these changes are part of normal aging
COnly the change in the urine, because confusion is normal in older people
DThe new confusion and the change in the urine, right away
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A drip-rate calculation gives 233.809 gtt/min. The rule in this exercise is that drip rates are rounded to the nearest whole drop. What value x do you record?
233.809 gtt/min
x = gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 1 tsp of cough syrup, 1 tbsp of liquid supplement, 3 fl oz of juice. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 tsp = 5 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · The speech-language pathologist
Why this is the answer
The speech-language pathologist assesses swallowing (dysphagia) and recommends safe food textures, liquid thickness and feeding techniques.
Answer
D · The speech-language pathologist
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · The new confusion and the change in the urine, right away
Why this is the answer
Sudden confusion is never just "normal aging". Combined with dark, strong-smelling urine it may point to dehydration or a urinary tract infection. Both observations are reported to the nurse at once.
Answer
D · The new confusion and the change in the urine, right away
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 234 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
233.809 → 3
Only the next digit decides
233.809 → 8
8 is 5 or more, so round 3 up.
The digits after it (09) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 234 gtt/min
Answer
x = 234 gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 110 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 tsp = 1·5 = 5 mL
1 tbsp = 1·15 = 15 mL
3 fl oz = 3·30 = 90 mL
Add
V = 5 + 15 + 90 = 110 mL
Answer
V = 110 mL
This is independent practice material. ExamProblems is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organisation that runs this exam, and the exam name is used only to describe the content.