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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
Which behavior may show that a resident who cannot speak is in pain?
AGrimacing and guarding a body part
BEating all of a meal quickly
CLaughing at a television show
DSleeping quietly through the night
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
Every afternoon, a resident with dementia becomes restless and agitated. Which plan helps?
ASchedule her bath and many of her visitors in the late afternoon
BTurn off the lights early so she goes to sleep
CPlan calm afternoon activities, reduce noise and keep lights on
DGive her strong coffee in the afternoon to keep her alert
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A drip-rate calculation gives 177.735 gtt/min. The rule in this exercise is that drip rates are rounded to the nearest whole drop. What value x do you record?
177.735 gtt/min
x = gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads 2 tsp of an oral suspension every 6 hours for 5 days. The suspension comes in 150 mL bottles. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many whole bottles N must be supplied so the course is complete?
2 tspevery 6 hours5 days150 mL1 tsp = 5 mL
N =
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Grimacing and guarding a body part
Why this is the answer
Nonverbal signs of pain include grimacing, moaning, guarding or rubbing a body part, restlessness and refusing to move. These signs are reported to the nurse.
Answer
A · Grimacing and guarding a body part
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Plan calm afternoon activities, reduce noise and keep lights on
Why this is the answer
Sundowning is increased agitation in the late afternoon and evening. A calm routine, quiet activities, good lighting, less noise and avoiding caffeine later in the day can reduce it.
Answer
C · Plan calm afternoon activities, reduce noise and keep lights on
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 178 gtt/min
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 ones place
177.735 → 7
Only the next digit decides
177.735 → 7
7 is 5 or more, so round 7 up.
The digits after it (35) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 178 gtt/min
Answer
x = 178 gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: N = 2
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.
Total volume
10 mL × 4 × 5 = 200 mL
Bottles
200/150 = 1.333 → N = 2
Answer
N = 2
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