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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 with schizophrenia says the television is sending him secret messages. What is the best response?
AAgree that the television is sending him messages, so that he feels understood
BLaugh to show him the idea is silly
CArgue with him calmly until he admits that the messages are not real
DStay calm, don't argue, and say you don't hear messages but see he is worried
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident with dementia accuses the nursing assistant of stealing her purse, which is in her closet. What is the best response?
ATell her firmly that she is wrong and you are not a thief
BLeave the room and refuse to care for her
CReport her to the police for making false accusations
DStay calm, do not argue and offer to help her look for it
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 101.4 °F. Convert it to degrees Celsius T with °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Round to one decimal place.
101.4 °F
T = °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads ½ tsp of an oral suspension twice a day for 14 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?
½ tsptwice a day14 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Stay calm, don't argue, and say you don't hear messages but see he is worried
Why this is the answer
Arguing with a delusion increases distress, and agreeing reinforces it. A calm, honest response that focuses on the resident's feelings helps, and the nursing assistant reports what he said to the nurse.
Answer
D · Stay calm, don't argue, and say you don't hear messages but see he is worried
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Stay calm, do not argue and offer to help her look for it
Why this is the answer
Accusations of theft are common in dementia because the resident forgets where things are. Calmly helping her look avoids an argument and solves the problem. Real allegations of theft are still reported according to policy.
Answer
D · Stay calm, do not argue and offer to help her look for it
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: T = 38.6 °C
Temperature: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 and °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Subtract 32 before you multiply when going from °F, and add 32 after you multiply when going from °C. A quick check: 37 °C is 98.6 °F, and every 1 °C is 1.8 °F.
Subtract 32
101.4 − 32 = 69.4
Multiply by 5/9
T = 69.4·5/9 = 38.56 ≈ 38.6 °C
Answer
T = 38.6 °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 70 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
½ tsp = 0.5·5 = 2.5 mL
Whole course
V = 2.5 mL × 2/day × 14 = 70 mL
Answer
V = 70 mL
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