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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's radial pulse is irregular. How should it be counted?
AFor a full 60 seconds
BFor 10 seconds, then multiplied by six
CFor 15 seconds, then multiplied by four
DFor 30 seconds, then multiplied by two
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A nursing assistant took an unopened package of gauze into the room of a resident on contact precautions but did not use it. What should be done with it?
AUse it for the next resident on the hallway who needs a dressing
BKeep it in that room or throw it away; never return it to clean supply
CReturn it to the clean supply cart, because the package was never opened
DWipe it with alcohol and put it at the nurses' station
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 11.9309 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?
11.9309 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 93 kg. Express the dose rate D in mg/h. Round to two decimal places.
2 mcg/kg/min93 kg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · For a full 60 seconds
Why this is the answer
A regular pulse may be counted for 30 seconds and doubled if policy allows, but an irregular pulse is always counted for a full minute and the irregularity is reported.
Answer
A · For a full 60 seconds
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Keep it in that room or throw it away; never return it to clean supply
Why this is the answer
Supplies taken into an isolation room may be contaminated on the outside and are not returned to the clean supply. They stay in the room for that resident or are discarded, according to policy.
Answer
B · Keep it in that room or throw it away; never return it to clean supply
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 11.9 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
11.9309 → 9
Only the next digit decides
11.9309 → 3
3 is 4 or less, so 9 stays.
The digits after it (09) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 11.9 mL
Answer
x = 11.9 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 11.16 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 × 93 kg × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)
Calculate
D = 2·93·60/1000 = 11.16 mg/h
Answer
D = 11.16 mg/h
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