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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 has aphasia after a stroke and has trouble finding words. Which approach helps communication?
AUse simple yes-or-no questions, gestures or a picture board
BAvoid talking to the resident so they do not become frustrated
CSpeak loudly, because aphasia is a kind of hearing loss
DFinish every sentence for the resident to save time
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
After repositioning, a resident's heel is still red 30 minutes later and does not fade when gently pressed. What should the nursing assistant do?
APut a warm pack on the heel
BMassage the red area firmly to improve the blood flow
CKeep pressure off the heel and report it to the nurse
DPlace a donut-shaped cushion under the heel
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A drip-rate calculation gives 148.126 gtt/min. The rule in this exercise is that drip rates are rounded to the nearest whole drop. What value x do you record?
148.126 gtt/min
x = gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). An infusion delivers 3 mcg/min. Express this dose rate D in mg/h.
3 mcg/min1 h = 60 min1 mg = 1000 mcg
D = mg/h
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · Use simple yes-or-no questions, gestures or a picture board
Why this is the answer
Short questions with yes-or-no answers, gestures, pictures and communication boards help. Give the resident time to answer, and do not talk to them as if they were a child.
Answer
A · Use simple yes-or-no questions, gestures or a picture board
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Keep pressure off the heel and report it to the nurse
Why this is the answer
Non-blanching redness over a bony area is an early pressure injury. Relieve the pressure (for example by floating the heels as the care plan allows) and report it. Massaging the area and donut cushions can damage tissue further.
Answer
C · Keep pressure off the heel and report it to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 148 gtt/min
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 ones place
148.126 → 8
Only the next digit decides
148.126 → 1
1 is 4 or less, so 8 stays.
The digits after it (26) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 148 gtt/min
Answer
x = 148 gtt/min
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: D = 0.18 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 = 3 mcg/min × (60 min/1 h) × (1 mg/1000 mcg)
Calculate
D = 3·60/1000 = 0.18 mg/h
Answer
D = 0.18 mg/h
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