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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
When measuring blood pressure in the arm, where is the stethoscope placed?
AOver the brachial artery at the inner elbow
BOver the heart on the chest
COver the radial artery on the thumb side of the wrist
DOver the carotid artery in the neck
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
Four call lights are on at the same time. Which resident should the nursing assistant check first?
AThe resident who wants her fingernails trimmed
BThe resident who wants help opening her mail
CThe resident who would like to get dressed for an activity
DThe resident who says he suddenly cannot catch his breath
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 40.9 °C. Convert it to degrees Fahrenheit T with °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Round to one decimal place.
40.9 °C
T = °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A maintenance infusion runs at 75 mL/h without a break. How many litres V does it deliver in 24 hours?
75 mL/h24 h
V = L
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Over the brachial artery at the inner elbow
Why this is the answer
The brachial artery is felt on the inner side of the elbow. The stethoscope is placed over it, just below the cuff, to hear the blood pressure sounds.
Answer
A · Over the brachial artery at the inner elbow
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · The resident who says he suddenly cannot catch his breath
Why this is the answer
A sudden breathing problem can quickly become life-threatening, so it is checked first and the nurse is called. The other requests matter but can safely wait a short time.
Answer
D · The resident who says he suddenly cannot catch his breath
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: T = 105.6 °F
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.
Multiply by 9/5
40.9·9/5 = 73.62
Add 32
T = 73.62 + 32 = 105.6 °F
Answer
T = 105.6 °F
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 1.8 L
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.