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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 with schizophrenia says the television is sending him secret messages. What is the best response?
AArgue with him calmly until he admits that the messages are not real
BStay calm, don't argue, and say you don't hear messages but see he is worried
CLaugh to show him the idea is silly
DAgree that the television is sending him messages, so that he feels understood
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident who is ordered thickened liquids asks for a cup of regular coffee. What should the nursing assistant do?
AGive a small cup of regular coffee as a treat
BRefuse any coffee for the rest of the day
CExplain the diet order, offer thickened coffee and tell the nurse if the resident disagrees
DGive the regular coffee through a straw
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 14.5245 mL. The rule in this exercise is that volumes of 1 mL or more are rounded to the nearest tenth of a mL. What value x do you record?
14.5245 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion starts at 21:45 and finishes at 08:05 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.
21:4508:05
t = h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Stay calm, don't argue, and say you don't hear messages but see he is worried
Why this is the answer
Arguing with a delusion increases distress, and agreeing reinforces it. A calm, honest response that focuses on the resident's feelings helps, and the nursing assistant reports what he said to the nurse.
Answer
B · Stay calm, don't argue, and say you don't hear messages but see he is worried
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Explain the diet order, offer thickened coffee and tell the nurse if the resident disagrees
Why this is the answer
Thin liquids may be aspirated by a resident with dysphagia, so the ordered consistency is followed. The nursing assistant offers a safe version and reports the resident's wishes so the care team can discuss choices and risks with them. Straws can make aspiration more likely.
Answer
C · Explain the diet order, offer thickened coffee and tell the nurse if the resident disagrees
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 14.5 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 tenths place
14.5245 → 5
Only the next digit decides
14.5245 → 2
2 is 4 or less, so 5 stays.
The digits after it (45) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 14.5 mL
Answer
x = 14.5 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: t = 10.33 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
21:45 → 24:00 = 135 min
After midnight
00:00 → 08:05 = 485 min
Total
135 + 485 = 620 min
t = 620/60 = 10.33 h
Answer
t = 10.33 h
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