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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
How should the nursing assistant check the water temperature before a resident gets into a tub bath?
AAsk the resident to put a foot in and decide
BUse a bath thermometer or test it on the inner wrist, then let the resident check it
CTest it with the fingertips, which are the most sensitive part of the hand
DUse the hottest water that the tap allows to keep the resident warm
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A nursing assistant finishes care for a resident on contact precautions for C. difficile diarrhea. What should the nursing assistant do before leaving?
ARemove the gown and gloves in the room, then wash the hands with soap and water
BUse alcohol hand rub over the gloves and leave them on
CKeep the gloves on to go to the next resident, then wash the hands
DRemove the gown in the hallway and use alcohol hand rub
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 3.8411 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?
3.8411 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An order reads 2 mcg/kg/min for a patient who weighs 67 kg. Express the dose rate D in mg/h. Round to two decimal places.
2 mcg/kg/min67 kg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Use a bath thermometer or test it on the inner wrist, then let the resident check it
Why this is the answer
Older skin is thin and may sense heat poorly, so water is checked with a thermometer or the inner wrist before use. The resident can then confirm it feels comfortable.
Answer
B · Use a bath thermometer or test it on the inner wrist, then let the resident check it
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Remove the gown and gloves in the room, then wash the hands with soap and water
Why this is the answer
PPE is removed inside the room before leaving, and hands are washed with soap and water, because alcohol rub does not remove C. difficile spores reliably. Gloves are never worn from one resident to another.
Answer
A · Remove the gown and gloves in the room, then wash the hands with soap and water
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 3.8 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
3.8411 → 8
Only the next digit decides
3.8411 → 4
4 is 4 or less, so 8 stays.
The digits after it (11) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 3.8 mL
Answer
x = 3.8 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 8.04 mg/h
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.
Set up the chain
D = 2 mcg/kg/min × 67 kg × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)
Calculate
D = 2·67·60/1000 = 8.04 mg/h
Answer
D = 8.04 mg/h
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