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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
Why might an infection be hard to notice in an older resident?
AInfections in older adults always cause a very high fever
BOlder adults have stronger immune systems than younger adults
COlder adults only get infections in the lungs
DOlder adults may have little fever and show confusion instead
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident is pale, sweaty and confused, with a fast, weak pulse and low blood pressure. What should the nursing assistant do?
ASit the resident in a chair and check the vital signs again in an hour
BGive the resident a hot drink and leave
CHelp the resident walk to improve circulation
DCall the nurse immediately and keep the resident lying down and warm
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 5 ft 1 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.
5 ft 1 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion delivers 15 mcg/min. Express this dose rate D in mg/h.
15 mcg/min1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Older adults may have little fever and show confusion instead
Why this is the answer
With aging, the immune response is weaker, so an older resident may have a normal or only slightly raised temperature. New confusion, tiredness or poor appetite can be the first signs and should be reported.
Answer
D · Older adults may have little fever and show confusion instead
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Call the nurse immediately and keep the resident lying down and warm
Why this is the answer
Pale, cool, clammy skin, confusion, a fast weak pulse and low blood pressure suggest shock, an emergency. The nursing assistant calls for the nurse, keeps the resident lying down and warm, and stays with them.
Answer
D · Call the nurse immediately and keep the resident lying down and warm
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 155 cm
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.
Height in inches
5·12 + 1 = 61 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 61·2.54 = 154.9 ≈ 155 cm
Answer
h = 155 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 0.9 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 = 15 mcg/min × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)
Calculate
D = 15·60/1000 = 0.9 mg/h
Answer
D = 0.9 mg/h
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