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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 are typical of Parkinson's disease?
AHigh fever, stiff neck and a rash
BA fast heartbeat, sweating and shakiness from low blood sugar
CTremor, stiff muscles, slow movement and a shuffling walk
DSudden weakness on one side and slurred speech
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident who is dying is unresponsive. Her family is at the bedside. Which action by the nursing assistant is most appropriate?
AStop all care now, because she can no longer feel or hear anything
BAsk the family to leave every time care is given
CTell the family to whisper, because she can still hear them
DKeep giving mouth care and repositioning, and talk to her
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A newborn weighs 9 lb 7 oz. Using 1 lb = 16 oz and 1 kg = 2.2 lb, find the weight m in kilograms. Round to two decimal places.
9 lb 7 oz1 lb = 16 oz1 kg = 2.2 lb
m = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A blood glucose result is 24.5 mmol/L. Using 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL for glucose, find c in mg/dL to the nearest whole number.
24.5 mmol/L1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL
c = mg/dL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Tremor, stiff muscles, slow movement and a shuffling walk
Why this is the answer
Parkinson's disease causes tremor (often at rest), rigidity, slow movement and a shuffling gait with poor balance. Residents are at high risk of falls and may have swallowing problems.
Answer
C · Tremor, stiff muscles, slow movement and a shuffling walk
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Keep giving mouth care and repositioning, and talk to her
Why this is the answer
Mouth care, repositioning, keeping the skin clean and dry, and talking to the resident continue until death. Families are encouraged to talk to her and can stay or help if they wish; the nursing assistant protects privacy as needed.
Answer
D · Keep giving mouth care and repositioning, and talk to her
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: m = 4.29 kg
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.
Ounces to pounds
7 oz/16 = 0.4375 lb
9 + 0.4375 = 9.438 lb
Pounds to kilograms
m = 9.438/2.2 = 4.29 kg
Answer
m = 4.29 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: c = 441 mg/dL
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.
Convert
c = 24.5·18 = 441 mg/dL
Answer
c = 441 mg/dL
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