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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 has right-sided weakness after a stroke. Why must the right side be positioned carefully and checked often?
AThe right side is stronger and needs less support
BShe will feel more pain on that side than normal
CThe right side always heals faster than the left
DShe may not feel pressure or pain on that side
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident asks the nursing assistant to sign as a witness on her new will. What should the nursing assistant do?
ASign it right away to keep the resident happy
BTell the nurse, who will follow facility policy
CTell the resident wills are not allowed in the facility
DSign it and keep a copy for the resident's family
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 6 ft 6 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 6 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 delivers 8 mcg/min. Express this dose rate D in mg/h.
8 mcg/min1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · She may not feel pressure or pain on that side
Why this is the answer
After a stroke, the affected side may have reduced sensation, so the resident may not notice pressure, heat or injury. Careful positioning and frequent skin checks help prevent harm.
Answer
D · She may not feel pressure or pain on that side
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Tell the nurse, who will follow facility policy
Why this is the answer
Nursing assistants generally should not witness legal documents such as wills. The request is passed to the nurse, who follows policy, for example by involving the social worker. Residents do have the right to make a will.
Answer
B · Tell the nurse, who will follow facility policy
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 198 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 + 6 = 78 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 78·2.54 = 198.1 ≈ 198 cm
Answer
h = 198 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 0.48 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 = 8 mcg/min × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)
Calculate
D = 8·60/1000 = 0.48 mg/h
Answer
D = 0.48 mg/h
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