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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 measure often helps a resident with osteoarthritis?
ALifting heavy weights to strengthen the joints
BKeeping the painful joints still in one position all day long
CComplete bed rest for several weeks
DWarm baths or showers and gentle range-of-motion exercise
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident in bed starts having a seizure. What should the nursing assistant do?
APut a padded spoon between the teeth
BLeave the room to find the nurse at the station
CHold the arms and legs down firmly so the jerking stops sooner
DStay, protect the head, move objects away, call the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A weight conversion gives 43.1734 kg. The rule in this exercise is that weights are rounded to the nearest tenth of a kilogram. What value x do you record?
43.1734 kg
x = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 2 fl oz of juice, 4 tbsp of liquid supplement, ¼ cup 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 · Warm baths or showers and gentle range-of-motion exercise
Why this is the answer
Osteoarthritis causes joint pain and stiffness. Warmth, gentle exercise, rest periods, assistive devices and pain relief as ordered help keep the joints moving. Long periods without movement increase stiffness.
Answer
D · Warm baths or showers and gentle range-of-motion exercise
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Stay, protect the head, move objects away, call the nurse
Why this is the answer
Stay with the resident, call for help, protect the head, move hard objects away, loosen tight clothing and note how long the seizure lasts. Do not restrain the resident or put anything in the mouth. Afterwards, turn the resident onto the side if possible.
Answer
D · Stay, protect the head, move objects away, call the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 43.2 kg
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
43.1734 → 1
Only the next digit decides
43.1734 → 7
7 is 5 or more, so round 1 up.
The digits after it (34) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 43.2 kg
Answer
x = 43.2 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 180 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
4 tbsp = 4·15 = 60 mL
¼ cup = 0.25·240 = 60 mL
Add
V = 60 + 60 + 60 = 180 mL
Answer
V = 180 mL
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