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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
A resident with an intellectual disability is learning to make his own bed. Which approach helps most?
AMake the bed for him because it is faster
BExplain all the steps at once, then leave him to try it on his own
CCorrect every mistake in front of others
DTeach one simple step at a time, praise success and be patient
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident avoids looking the nursing assistant in the eye during care. What should the nursing assistant keep in mind?
AThe resident is being rude and should be told so
BThe resident must be depressed and should be reported to the nurse for it
CThe resident cannot hear and needs a hearing aid
DEye contact customs differ by culture, so it may not mean rudeness
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A dose calculation for an injection gives 5.3781 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?
5.3781 mL
x = mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 1 cup of tea, ½ fl oz of juice, 2½ tsp of cough syrup, 1 tbsp of liquid supplement. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tsp = 5 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Teach one simple step at a time, praise success and be patient
Why this is the answer
Breaking a task into small steps, demonstrating, repeating and praising progress helps people with intellectual disabilities learn. This builds independence and self-esteem.
Answer
D · Teach one simple step at a time, praise success and be patient
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Eye contact customs differ by culture, so it may not mean rudeness
Why this is the answer
In some cultures, avoiding direct eye contact is a sign of respect. The nursing assistant avoids assumptions, respects the resident's customs and reports only real changes in behavior or mood.
Answer
D · Eye contact customs differ by culture, so it may not mean rudeness
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 5.4 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
5.3781 → 3
Only the next digit decides
5.3781 → 7
7 is 5 or more, so round 3 up.
The digits after it (81) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 5.4 mL
Answer
x = 5.4 mL
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 282.5 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
1 cup = 1·240 = 240 mL
½ fl oz = 0.5·30 = 15 mL
2½ tsp = 2.5·5 = 12.5 mL
1 tbsp = 1·15 = 15 mL
Add
V = 240 + 15 + 12.5 + 15 = 282.5 mL
Answer
V = 282.5 mL
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