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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 way of giving directions works best for a resident with dementia?
ADetailed explanations of why each step is needed
BWritten instructions left on the bedside table
CShort, simple sentences with one step at a time
DAll the steps at once, so the resident can plan ahead
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A frail resident starts shivering during a bed bath. What should the nursing assistant do?
AKeep her covered, uncover only the part being washed and finish promptly
BStop the bath and leave her uncovered and still wet until she has warmed up
COpen the window to let in fresh air so she does not feel faint
DTake off the bath blanket so the bath can be finished faster
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 105.7 °F. Convert it to degrees Celsius T with °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Round to one decimal place.
105.7 °F
T = °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 3 cups of tea, ½ fl oz of juice, 4 tbsp of liquid supplement. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Short, simple sentences with one step at a time
Why this is the answer
People with dementia cope best with one simple instruction at a time, a calm voice and the same routine. Several steps at once can overwhelm them and cause agitation.
Answer
C · Short, simple sentences with one step at a time
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Keep her covered, uncover only the part being washed and finish promptly
Why this is the answer
Older residents chill easily. A bath blanket, a warm room, warm water and exposing only one body part at a time keep the resident warm and protect privacy. If she remains cold, this is reported.
Answer
A · Keep her covered, uncover only the part being washed and finish promptly
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: T = 40.9 °C
Temperature: °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9 and °F = °C × 9/5 + 32. Subtract 32 before you multiply when going from °F, and add 32 after you multiply when going from °C. A quick check: 37 °C is 98.6 °F, and every 1 °C is 1.8 °F.
Subtract 32
105.7 − 32 = 73.7
Multiply by 5/9
T = 73.7·5/9 = 40.94 ≈ 40.9 °C
Answer
T = 40.9 °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 795 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
3 cups = 3·240 = 720 mL
½ fl oz = 0.5·30 = 15 mL
4 tbsp = 4·15 = 60 mL
Add
V = 720 + 15 + 60 = 795 mL
Answer
V = 795 mL
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