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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
During perineal care, when should the nursing assistant change gloves?
AOnly at the very end of the shift
BBefore moving from the soiled area to a clean task
COnly if the gloves tear during care
DOnly if the resident asks the nursing assistant for new gloves
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
After repositioning, a resident's heel is still red 30 minutes later and does not fade when gently pressed. What should the nursing assistant do?
AMassage the red area firmly to improve the blood flow
BPut a warm pack on the heel
CPlace a donut-shaped cushion under the heel
DKeep pressure off the heel and report it to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 8.3914 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?
8.3914 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 3 tsp of cough syrup, ½ tbsp of liquid supplement, 1 cup of tea, ½ fl oz of juice. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 tsp = 5 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Before moving from the soiled area to a clean task
Why this is the answer
Gloves are changed when they become soiled and before touching clean areas, clean linen or supplies, with hand hygiene in between. This stops germs moving from the perineal area to other places.
Answer
B · Before moving from the soiled area to a clean task
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Keep pressure off the heel and report it to the nurse
Why this is the answer
Non-blanching redness over a bony area is an early pressure injury. Relieve the pressure (for example by floating the heels as the care plan allows) and report it. Massaging the area and donut cushions can damage tissue further.
Answer
D · Keep pressure off the heel and report it to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 8.4 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
8.3914 → 3
Only the next digit decides
8.3914 → 9
9 is 5 or more, so round 3 up.
The digits after it (14) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 8.4 mL
Answer
x = 8.4 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 277.5 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 tsp = 3·5 = 15 mL
½ tbsp = 0.5·15 = 7.5 mL
1 cup = 1·240 = 240 mL
½ fl oz = 0.5·30 = 15 mL
Add
V = 15 + 7.5 + 240 + 15 = 277.5 mL
Answer
V = 277.5 mL
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