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
How should a nursing assistant offer bites when feeding a resident?
AIn small amounts, waiting until each bite is swallowed
BSeveral bites in a row, followed by a large drink
COnly when the resident opens the mouth wide on command
DIn large spoonfuls, so that the meal is finished before it gets cold
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A doctor calls the unit and starts telling the nursing assistant a new order for a resident. What should the nursing assistant do?
ATell the doctor to call back tomorrow
BWrite the order on a sticky note for the nurse
CWrite the order down and carry it out right away
DPolitely ask the doctor to hold and get the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for a small injection gives 0.55634 mL. The rule in this exercise is that volumes below 1 mL are rounded to the nearest hundredth of a mL. What value x do you record?
0.55634 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An order reads 2 mcg/kg/min for a patient who weighs 91 kg. Express the dose rate D in mg/h. Round to two decimal places.
2 mcg/kg/min91 kg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · In small amounts, waiting until each bite is swallowed
Why this is the answer
Small bites, given slowly and only after the last one is swallowed, lower the risk of choking and aspiration. Food and fluids are alternated and the resident is told what is on each spoon.
Answer
A · In small amounts, waiting until each bite is swallowed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Politely ask the doctor to hold and get the nurse
Why this is the answer
Nursing assistants do not take orders from doctors. They politely explain and get a licensed nurse to take the order, which avoids errors.
Answer
D · Politely ask the doctor to hold and get the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 0.56 mL
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 hundredths place
0.55634 → 5
Only the next digit decides
0.55634 → 6
6 is 5 or more, so round 5 up.
The digits after it (34) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 0.56 mL
Answer
x = 0.56 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 10.92 mg/h
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.
Set up the chain
D = 2 mcg/kg/min × 91 kg × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)
Calculate
D = 2·91·60/1000 = 10.92 mg/h
Answer
D = 10.92 mg/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.