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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 a recent hip fracture needs to use a bedpan. Which type is usually used?
AA fracture pan
BA standard bedpan with the head of the bed flat
CA urinal held by the nursing assistant
DA commode chair next to the bed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
While walking, a resident with Parkinson's disease suddenly "freezes" and cannot move his feet. What may help?
ATell him to hurry before he falls
BStay calm and give a cue, such as counting a rhythm
CPull him forward firmly by the arm to restart walking
DLet go of the gait belt so he can find his balance
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose is charted at 20:15 (24-hour clock). Which entry is the same time on the 12-hour clock? Click it.
20:15
18:15 PM
28:15 AM
37:15 PM
410:15 PM
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A blood glucose result is 21 mmol/L. Using 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL for glucose, find c in mg/dL to the nearest whole number.
21 mmol/L1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL
c = mg/dL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · A fracture pan
Why this is the answer
A fracture pan is flatter and is slid under the buttocks with little lifting, so it suits residents with hip fractures or limited movement. It is placed with the flat end under the buttocks.
Answer
A · A fracture pan
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Stay calm and give a cue, such as counting a rhythm
Why this is the answer
Freezing is common in Parkinson's disease. Calm reassurance and cues such as counting, marching in place or stepping over a target can help restart movement. Pulling or rushing can cause a fall.
Answer
B · Stay calm and give a cue, such as counting a rhythm
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: 8:15 PM
24-hour clock: from 1 PM onwards add 12 to the hour (3:45 PM = 15:45). Midnight to 12:59 AM is 00:00–00:59, and 12:00–12:59 PM stays 12:00–12:59. Going back, subtract 12 from hours 13–23 and add PM; hours 00 become 12 AM. Count time across midnight in two parts: up to 24:00 (00:00), then from 00:00 on.
Convert the hour
20 − 12 = 8 → PM
Answer
8:15 PM
Answer
8:15 PM
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: c = 378 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.