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
Where is the apical pulse heard with a stethoscope?
AOn the inside of the elbow
BBehind the knee
COn the left side of the chest, just below the nipple
DOn the right side of the neck
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident with diabetes is drowsy, very thirsty and urinating often, and his breath smells fruity. What should be done?
AReport it immediately, as these may be signs of very high blood sugar
BGive him a glass of orange juice and a cookie to raise his energy
CRecord the signs and report them to the nurse on the next day
DLet him sleep, because drowsiness is normal after a large meal
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 5 ft 9 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.
5 ft 9 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 23:00 and finishes at 00:30 the next morning (24-hour clock). How many hours t did it run? Give the answer in hours as a decimal, rounded to two decimal places.
23:0000:30
t = h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · On the left side of the chest, just below the nipple
Why this is the answer
The apical pulse is heard over the apex of the heart, on the left side of the chest in the fifth intercostal space (between the fifth and sixth ribs), in line with the middle of the collarbone and just below the nipple. It is counted for a full minute.
Answer
C · On the left side of the chest, just below the nipple
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Report it immediately, as these may be signs of very high blood sugar
Why this is the answer
Thirst, frequent urination, drowsiness and fruity breath suggest very high blood sugar, which can be life-threatening. Giving sugar is the treatment for low blood sugar, not high, so the nurse must be told at once.
Answer
A · Report it immediately, as these may be signs of very high blood sugar
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 175 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
5·12 + 9 = 69 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 69·2.54 = 175.3 ≈ 175 cm
Answer
h = 175 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: t = 1.5 h
24-hour clock: from 1 PM onwards add 12 to the hour (3:45 PM = 15:45). Midnight to 12:59 AM is 00:00–00:59, and 12:00–12:59 PM stays 12:00–12:59. Going back, subtract 12 from hours 13–23 and add PM; hours 00 become 12 AM. Count time across midnight in two parts: up to 24:00 (00:00), then from 00:00 on.
Before midnight
23:00 → 24:00 = 60 min
After midnight
00:00 → 00:30 = 30 min
Total
60 + 30 = 90 min
t = 90/60 = 1.5 h
Answer
t = 1.5 h
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.