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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 should a nursing assistant offer bites when feeding a resident?
ASeveral bites in a row, followed by a large drink
BIn large spoonfuls, so that the meal is finished before it gets cold
CIn small amounts, waiting until each bite is swallowed
DOnly when the resident opens the mouth wide on command
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident whose leg was amputated says that his missing foot hurts. What should the nursing assistant do?
AIgnore the complaint because nothing can be done
BAccept that the pain is real and report it to the nurse
CMassage the other leg instead
DTell him the pain is imaginary because the foot is gone
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient is 4 ft 0 in tall. Using 1 ft = 12 in and 1 in = 2.54 cm, find the height h in centimetres, to the nearest whole centimetre.
4 ft 0 in1 ft = 12 in1 in = 2.54 cm
h = cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion delivers 15 mcg/min. Express this dose rate D in mg/h.
15 mcg/min1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · In small amounts, waiting until each bite is swallowed
Why this is the answer
Small bites, given slowly and only after the last one is swallowed, lower the risk of choking and aspiration. Food and fluids are alternated and the resident is told what is on each spoon.
Answer
C · In small amounts, waiting until each bite is swallowed
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Accept that the pain is real and report it to the nurse
Why this is the answer
Phantom pain or sensation after an amputation is real and common. The nursing assistant accepts what the resident says and reports it to the nurse, who can assess and treat it.
Answer
B · Accept that the pain is real and report it to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: h = 122 cm
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.
Height in inches
4·12 + 0 = 48 in
Inches to centimetres
h = 48·2.54 = 121.9 ≈ 122 cm
Answer
h = 122 cm
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 0.9 mg/h
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.
Set up the chain
D = 15 mcg/min × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)
Calculate
D = 15·60/1000 = 0.9 mg/h
Answer
D = 0.9 mg/h
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