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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 is mouth care given to an unconscious resident?
AWith the head turned to the side, using very little liquid
BWith a finger in the mouth to hold it open
CWith the resident lying flat and plenty of rinse water
DBy pouring mouthwash into the mouth and suctioning it out later
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident on a fluid restriction asks the nursing assistant for another large glass of water. What should the nursing assistant do?
AIgnore the request and change the subject
BGive the water but leave it off the intake record
CGive the water, because residents always have the right to make their own choices
DExplain the plan kindly, offer mouth care and tell the nurse about the request
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 105.4 °F. Convert it to degrees Celsius T with °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Round to one decimal place.
105.4 °F
T = °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes ½ fl oz of juice, 1 tsp of cough syrup, 1½ cups of tea. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tsp = 5 mL1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · With the head turned to the side, using very little liquid
Why this is the answer
The resident is turned on the side (or the head turned) so fluid drains out of the mouth, and swabs with very little liquid are used. Never put your fingers in the mouth. Talk to the resident and explain what you are doing.
Answer
A · With the head turned to the side, using very little liquid
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Explain the plan kindly, offer mouth care and tell the nurse about the request
Why this is the answer
The nursing assistant follows the fluid restriction, offers comfort such as mouth care and moist swabs, and tells the nurse, who can review the plan with the resident. Leaving fluids off the record would make the intake and output record false.
Answer
D · Explain the plan kindly, offer mouth care and tell the nurse about the request
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: T = 40.8 °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
105.4 − 32 = 73.4
Multiply by 5/9
T = 73.4·5/9 = 40.78 ≈ 40.8 °C
Answer
T = 40.8 °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 380 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 fl oz = 0.5·30 = 15 mL
1 tsp = 1·5 = 5 mL
1½ cups = 1.5·240 = 360 mL
Add
V = 15 + 5 + 360 = 380 mL
Answer
V = 380 mL
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