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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 is log rolling used to turn a resident?
AWhen the resident is sitting in a wheelchair
BWhen the spine must stay straight, such as after spinal surgery
CWhen the resident is about to walk to the bathroom
DWhen the resident is strong enough to turn alone without any help
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
While eating, a resident suddenly has a drooping face on one side and slurred speech. What should the nursing assistant do?
AWait 15 minutes to see whether it passes
BHelp the resident finish the meal first, then go and tell the nurse
CGet the nurse immediately and note the time the signs started
DHelp the resident lie down for a nap
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 6 ft 4 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.
6 ft 4 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A haemoglobin result is 177 g/L. Express it in g/dL Hb.
177 g/L1 L = 10 dL
Hb = g/dL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · When the spine must stay straight, such as after spinal surgery
Why this is the answer
Log rolling turns the head, shoulders, hips and legs together so the spine does not twist. It is used after spinal surgery or with spinal injuries and usually needs two or more staff.
Answer
B · When the spine must stay straight, such as after spinal surgery
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Get the nurse immediately and note the time the signs started
Why this is the answer
Face drooping, arm weakness and speech problems are signs of a stroke (FAST). Treatment depends on time, so the nursing assistant calls the nurse at once, stays with the resident, stops the meal because swallowing may be affected and notes when the signs began.
Answer
C · Get the nurse immediately and note the time the signs started
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 193 cm
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.
Height in inches
6·12 + 4 = 76 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 76·2.54 = 193 cm
Answer
h = 193 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: Hb = 17.7 g/dL
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.
Convert
Hb = 177 g/L × (1 L/10 dL) = 17.7 g/dL
Answer
Hb = 17.7 g/dL
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