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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
When taking a tympanic (ear) temperature on an adult, how is the outer ear pulled?
AForward toward the face
BDown and back
CUp and back
DStraight down
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident's pulse was 72 at 0800, 88 at 1200 and 118 at 1600, and she feels warm. What should the nursing assistant do?
AWait until 2000 to see if the pulse comes down
BReport the rising pulse and her warm skin to the nurse
CRecord only the last pulse, since it is the newest reading
DReport only the 0800 pulse, which was normal
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A patient’s temperature is 98.6 °F. Convert it to degrees Celsius T with °C = (°F − 32) × 5/9. Round to one decimal place.
98.6 °F
T = °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A maintenance infusion runs at 150 mL/h without a break. How many litres V does it deliver in 24 hours?
150 mL/h24 h
V = L
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: C · Up and back
Why this is the answer
For adults, the outer ear is gently pulled up and back to straighten the ear canal so the probe points toward the eardrum. (For young children it is pulled down and back.)
Answer
C · Up and back
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: B · Report the rising pulse and her warm skin to the nurse
Why this is the answer
A steadily rising pulse that is now above 100, with warm skin, may mean fever, infection or another problem. Trends are important and are reported to the nurse promptly.
Answer
B · Report the rising pulse and her warm skin to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: T = 37 °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
98.6 − 32 = 66.6
Multiply by 5/9
T = 66.6·5/9 = 37 °C
Answer
T = 37 °C
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 3.6 L
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.
Volume in a day
150 mL/h × 24 h = 3600 mL
In litres
V = 3600/1000 = 3.6 L
Answer
V = 3.6 L
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