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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
A resident with one weak leg is climbing stairs with the nursing assistant. Which leg should step up first?
AThe weaker leg, then the stronger leg
BThe stronger leg, then the weaker leg
CWhichever leg feels less tired that day
DBoth legs at the same time
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident who is dying is unresponsive. Her family is at the bedside. Which action by the nursing assistant is most appropriate?
AAsk the family to leave every time care is given
BTell the family to whisper, because she can still hear them
CKeep giving mouth care and repositioning, and talk to her
DStop all care now, because she can no longer feel or hear anything
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 8 lb 15 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.
8 lb 15 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 3 fl oz of juice, ¼ cup of tea, 1 tsp of cough syrup. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 fl oz = 30 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · The stronger leg, then the weaker leg
Why this is the answer
Going up, the stronger leg steps up first because it must lift the body; the weaker leg follows. Going down, the weaker leg (with the cane, if used) goes first so the stronger leg lowers the body. The nursing assistant guards from below on the weaker side.
Answer
B · The stronger leg, then the weaker leg
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Keep giving mouth care and repositioning, and talk to her
Why this is the answer
Mouth care, repositioning, keeping the skin clean and dry, and talking to the resident continue until death. Families are encouraged to talk to her and can stay or help if they wish; the nursing assistant protects privacy as needed.
Answer
C · Keep giving mouth care and repositioning, and talk to her
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: m = 4.06 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
15 oz/16 = 0.9375 lb
8 + 0.9375 = 8.938 lb
Pounds to kilograms
m = 8.938/2.2 = 4.063 ≈ 4.06 kg
Answer
m = 4.06 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 155 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.