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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 signs may point to dehydration?
AMoist skin and swelling of the feet and ankles
BSudden weight gain over one day
CLarge amounts of pale urine
DDark, strong-smelling urine and a dry mouth
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident has had hip replacement surgery. Which instruction is commonly part of the care plan?
AHave the resident sit in low, soft chairs so that the hip can rest
BKeep the legs tightly together with the knees touching
CAvoid crossing the legs and use an abduction pillow if ordered
DLet the resident bend forward to pick things up from the floor
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A drip-rate calculation gives 109.025 gtt/min. The rule in this exercise is that drip rates are rounded to the nearest whole drop. What value x do you record?
109.025 gtt/min
x = gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads 1 tsp of an oral suspension three times a day for 14 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?
1 tspthree times a day14 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Dark, strong-smelling urine and a dry mouth
Why this is the answer
Signs of dehydration include dark, concentrated urine, low urine output, dry mouth and lips, thirst, confusion and dizziness. Older adults often feel less thirsty, so fluids are offered regularly.
Answer
D · Dark, strong-smelling urine and a dry mouth
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Avoid crossing the legs and use an abduction pillow if ordered
Why this is the answer
After many hip replacements, crossing the legs, bending the hip too far and turning the leg inward can dislocate the joint; the exact limits depend on the type of surgery. An abduction pillow keeps the legs apart, and raised toilet seats and firm chairs limit bending. The care plan gives the exact precautions.
Answer
C · Avoid crossing the legs and use an abduction pillow if ordered
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 109 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
109.025 → 9
Only the next digit decides
109.025 → 0
0 is 4 or less, so 9 stays.
The digits after it (25) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 109 gtt/min
Answer
x = 109 gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 210 mL
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.
Volume per dose
1 tsp = 1·5 = 5 mL
Whole course
V = 5 mL × 3/day × 14 = 210 mL
Answer
V = 210 mL
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