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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 weighing a resident on an upright balance scale, what should the nursing assistant check?
AThat the scale is next to a window
BThat the resident has just eaten a meal
CThat the resident is wearing shoes
DThat the scale is balanced at zero
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident tells the nursing assistant that, because of her religion, she does not eat pork. Her breakfast tray has pork sausage. What should be done?
AGet a replacement and report it so her preference is recorded
BRemove the sausage and say nothing to anyone
CTell her to eat the eggs and simply leave the sausage on the plate
DTell her that the menu cannot be changed for her
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 9.9946 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?
9.9946 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A prescription reads 2 tsp of an oral suspension four times a day for 7 days. Using 1 tsp = 5 mL, how many mL V are needed for the whole course?
2 tspfour times a day7 days1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · That the scale is balanced at zero
Why this is the answer
The scale must balance at zero before the resident steps on. Weighing at the same time, with similar clothing and after voiding, keeps results comparable.
Answer
D · That the scale is balanced at zero
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Get a replacement and report it so her preference is recorded
Why this is the answer
Residents' religious and cultural food preferences are respected. The nursing assistant gets a suitable replacement and reports it so the diet card and kitchen records can be corrected.
Answer
A · Get a replacement and report it so her preference is recorded
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 10 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
9.9946 → 9
Only the next digit decides
9.9946 → 9
9 is 5 or more, so round 9 up.
The digits after it (46) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 10 mL
Answer
x = 10 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 280 mL
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.
Volume per dose
2 tsp = 2·5 = 10 mL
Whole course
V = 10 mL × 4/day × 7 = 280 mL
Answer
V = 280 mL
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