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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
What is the goal of a bladder retraining program?
ATo insert a urinary catheter to empty the bladder
BTo keep the resident in incontinence briefs at all times
CTo regain bladder control by toileting on a set schedule
DTo limit all fluids so the resident needs the toilet less
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident is confused, breathes through her mouth and has a history of seizures. Which temperature method is usually safest?
AAn oral glass thermometer under the tongue
BA tympanic (ear) or temporal artery thermometer
CSkipping her temperature for the whole day
DAn oral digital thermometer held in the teeth
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 9.7942 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?
9.7942 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes ½ tbsp of liquid supplement, 4 fl oz of juice, 2 tsp of cough syrup. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 tbsp = 15 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tsp = 5 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · To regain bladder control by toileting on a set schedule
Why this is the answer
Bladder retraining uses a schedule of toileting at set times, with prompt help, to help the resident regain control. Limiting fluids can cause dehydration and concentrated urine that irritates the bladder.
Answer
C · To regain bladder control by toileting on a set schedule
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · A tympanic (ear) or temporal artery thermometer
Why this is the answer
For a confused resident with seizures and mouth breathing, an oral thermometer is unsafe and inaccurate. An ear or temporal artery thermometer is safe and quick, as allowed by facility policy.
Answer
B · A tympanic (ear) or temporal artery thermometer
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 9.8 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
9.7942 → 7
Only the next digit decides
9.7942 → 9
9 is 5 or more, so round 7 up.
The digits after it (42) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 9.8 mL
Answer
x = 9.8 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 137.5 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
½ tbsp = 0.5·15 = 7.5 mL
4 fl oz = 4·30 = 120 mL
2 tsp = 2·5 = 10 mL
Add
V = 7.5 + 120 + 10 = 137.5 mL
Answer
V = 137.5 mL
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