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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
Before surgery, which items are usually removed from the resident?
AThe hospital gown and all of the bed covers
BThe identification band and the allergy band
CThe anti-embolism stockings that the doctor has ordered
DJewelry, dentures, glasses and hairpins, as instructed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident whose leg was amputated says that his missing foot hurts. What should the nursing assistant do?
AIgnore the complaint because nothing can be done
BAccept that the pain is real and report it to the nurse
CMassage the other leg instead
DTell him the pain is imaginary because the foot is gone
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 2.1926 mL. The rule in this exercise is that volumes of 1 mL or more are rounded to the nearest tenth of a mL. What value x do you record?
2.1926 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 1 tsp of cough syrup, ¾ cup of tea, 2 tbsp of liquid supplement. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 tsp = 5 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Jewelry, dentures, glasses and hairpins, as instructed
Why this is the answer
Before surgery, jewelry, dentures, glasses, hearing aids, hairpins and makeup are usually removed as instructed and stored safely. The identification band stays on.
Answer
D · Jewelry, dentures, glasses and hairpins, as instructed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Accept that the pain is real and report it to the nurse
Why this is the answer
Phantom pain or sensation after an amputation is real and common. The nursing assistant accepts what the resident says and reports it to the nurse, who can assess and treat it.
Answer
B · Accept that the pain is real and report it to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 2.2 mL
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
2.1926 → 1
Only the next digit decides
2.1926 → 9
9 is 5 or more, so round 1 up.
The digits after it (26) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 2.2 mL
Answer
x = 2.2 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 215 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
1 tsp = 1·5 = 5 mL
¾ cup = 0.75·240 = 180 mL
2 tbsp = 2·15 = 30 mL
Add
V = 5 + 180 + 30 = 215 mL
Answer
V = 215 mL
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