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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
Where should the nursing assistant walk when helping a resident with one-sided weakness to walk?
ASlightly behind the resident on the weaker side, holding the gait belt
BBeside the resident on the stronger side
CA few steps behind, without touching the resident
DIn front of the resident, pulling them gently by the hands
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident with diabetes skipped breakfast because she felt sick to her stomach. What should the nursing assistant do?
ASay nothing, because she will probably eat more at lunch
BTell the nurse, because a missed meal can affect her blood sugar
CGive her extra sugar packets from the kitchen
DRecord that she ate breakfast so that her meal chart looks complete
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 4 ft 2 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.
4 ft 2 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 10 mcg/min. Express this dose rate D in mg/h.
10 mcg/min1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Slightly behind the resident on the weaker side, holding the gait belt
Why this is the answer
The nursing assistant walks slightly behind and to the weak side, with a hand on the gait belt. From there they can support the resident and guide a fall if needed.
Answer
A · Slightly behind the resident on the weaker side, holding the gait belt
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Tell the nurse, because a missed meal can affect her blood sugar
Why this is the answer
For a resident with diabetes, a missed meal can lead to low blood sugar, especially if she takes insulin or other diabetes medicines. The nurse needs to know promptly, and her intake is recorded accurately.
Answer
B · Tell the nurse, because a missed meal can affect her blood sugar
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 127 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
4·12 + 2 = 50 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 50·2.54 = 127 cm
Answer
h = 127 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 0.6 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 = 10 mcg/min × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)
Calculate
D = 10·60/1000 = 0.6 mg/h
Answer
D = 0.6 mg/h
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