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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
While measuring blood pressure with a stethoscope, which sound gives the systolic reading?
AThe first clear sound heard as the cuff deflates
BThe loudest sound heard during deflation
CThe last sound heard before silence
DThe sound heard when the cuff is fully inflated
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledgeHard
A resident's dentures seem loose, and she has a sore spot on her gums under them. What should the nursing assistant do?
AGlue the dentures in place with extra adhesive
BTell her to stop wearing her dentures for good
CFile down the rough edge of the denture
DReport the loose fit and the sore to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversionsMedium
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). A weight conversion gives 48.3773 kg. The rule in this exercise is that weights are rounded to the nearest tenth of a kilogram. What value x do you record?
48.3773 kg
x = kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversionsHard
Practice exercise (made-up values, not clinical guidance). During a shift a patient takes 1 cup of tea, 3 tsp of cough syrup, 4 fl oz of juice, 1½ tbsp of liquid supplement. Using the equivalents given, find the total oral intake V in mL.
1 cup = 8 fl oz = 240 mL1 tsp = 5 mL1 fl oz = 30 mL1 tbsp = 15 mL
V = mL
3Solutions
1.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: A · The first clear sound heard as the cuff deflates
Why this is the answer
As the cuff deflates, the first clear tapping sound is the systolic pressure. The point where the sounds disappear is the diastolic pressure.
Answer
A · The first clear sound heard as the cuff deflates
2.Nursing assistant (CNA) knowledge
Answer: D · Report the loose fit and the sore to the nurse
Why this is the answer
Loose dentures can cause sores and make eating difficult, leading to poor nutrition. The nurse needs to know so the dentist can be involved. The nursing assistant does not adjust dentures.
Answer
D · Report the loose fit and the sore to the nurse
3.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: x = 48.4 kg
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
48.3773 → 3
Only the next digit decides
48.3773 → 7
7 is 5 or more, so round 3 up.
The digits after it (73) are ignored: round once, never step by step.
Round
x = 48.4 kg
Answer
x = 48.4 kg
4.Nursing math & unit conversions
Answer: V = 397.5 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
3 tsp = 3·5 = 15 mL
4 fl oz = 4·30 = 120 mL
1½ tbsp = 1.5·15 = 22.5 mL
Add
V = 240 + 15 + 120 + 22.5 = 397.5 mL
Answer
V = 397.5 mL
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