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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
How can a stool specimen be kept from being contaminated?
ALeave the specimen uncovered in the bathroom until the end of the shift
BMix the stool with water before putting it in the container
CCollect the specimen from the toilet water after flushing
DHave the resident urinate first and keep toilet paper out of it
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
Four call lights are on at the same time. Which resident should the nursing assistant check first?
AThe resident who wants help opening her mail
BThe resident who would like to get dressed for an activity
CThe resident who says he suddenly cannot catch his breath
DThe resident who wants her fingernails trimmed
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A weight conversion gives 6.8628 kg. The rule in this exercise is that weights are rounded to the nearest tenth of a kilogram. What value x do you record?
6.8628 kg
x = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 4 fl oz of juice, 1½ tbsp of liquid supplement, 1 tsp of cough syrup. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Have the resident urinate first and keep toilet paper out of it
Why this is the answer
The resident urinates first and puts toilet paper in a separate bag or the toilet, not in the collection container. The specimen is labeled, covered and taken to the correct place promptly.
Answer
D · Have the resident urinate first and keep toilet paper out of it
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · The resident who says he suddenly cannot catch his breath
Why this is the answer
A sudden breathing problem can quickly become life-threatening, so it is checked first and the nurse is called. The other requests matter but can safely wait a short time.
Answer
C · The resident who says he suddenly cannot catch his breath
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 6.9 kg
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
6.8628 → 8
Only the next digit decides
6.8628 → 6
6 is 5 or more, so round 8 up.
The digits after it (28) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 6.9 kg
Answer
x = 6.9 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 147.5 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
4 fl oz = 4·30 = 120 mL
1½ tbsp = 1.5·15 = 22.5 mL
1 tsp = 1·5 = 5 mL
Add
V = 120 + 22.5 + 5 = 147.5 mL
Answer
V = 147.5 mL
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