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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 practice helps prevent skin tears in an older resident?
ARubbing the skin briskly with a towel after bathing
BSecuring dressings and tubing with strong adhesive tape on the skin
CHolding the resident firmly by the wrists during transfers
DUsing a lift sheet instead of pulling on the arms or legs
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
During morning care, a usually talkative resident is quiet, her face is flushed and her skin feels hot. What should the nursing assistant report?
ANothing yet, because she may simply be tired from a poor night's sleep
BHer change in behavior, flushed face, hot skin and temperature if taken
CThat the resident is in a bad mood today and does not want to talk
DThat the resident probably has the flu and should stay in her room
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 4 ft 3 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 3 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 2 fl oz of juice, 1½ tbsp of liquid supplement, 2 cups of tea. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Using a lift sheet instead of pulling on the arms or legs
Why this is the answer
Skin tears are caused by friction, shearing, bumps and pulling on fragile skin. Lift sheets, padding bed rails and wheelchair parts, patting skin dry, keeping nails short and avoiding tape on the skin help prevent them.
Answer
D · Using a lift sheet instead of pulling on the arms or legs
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Her change in behavior, flushed face, hot skin and temperature if taken
Why this is the answer
A change from a resident's usual behavior, together with flushed, hot skin, may signal fever or illness. The nursing assistant reports the observations factually, including measured vital signs, without guessing the diagnosis.
Answer
B · Her change in behavior, flushed face, hot skin and temperature if taken
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 130 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 + 3 = 51 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 51·2.54 = 129.5 ≈ 130 cm
Answer
h = 130 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 562.5 mL
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.
Each item in mL
2 fl oz = 2·30 = 60 mL
1½ tbsp = 1.5·15 = 22.5 mL
2 cups = 2·240 = 480 mL
Add
V = 60 + 22.5 + 480 = 562.5 mL
Answer
V = 562.5 mL
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