Alaska CNA cheat sheet

Nurse aides perform only tasks delegated by a licensed nurse and within state certification and facility policy.

The CNA does not assess, diagnose, develop care plans, or administer medications except as specifically allowed by state law and training.

Report changes in condition, refusals, injuries, and abnormal findings to the licensed nurse promptly and document objectively.

Chain of command: CNA to charge nurse or licensed supervisor to director of nursing; unsafe assignments are reported through this line.

Confidentiality: share resident information only with the care team on a need-to-know basis and avoid discussing residents in public areas.

Resident rights include privacy, dignity, choice, refusal of care, access to records, and freedom from abuse and neglect.

Documentation must be timely, factual, and limited to care actually provided; record measurements and observations, not opinions.

Accept only tasks within training; ask for help or refuse unsafe delegation through proper channels.

Alaska certification requires completion of an approved nurse aide training program and passing the competency evaluation.

Fall precautions: bed low and locked, call light within reach, clear path, non-skid footwear, and assistance with toileting.

Never leave a resident unattended in a bathtub, shower, or on a toilet; stay within arm's reach.

Fire response RACE: Rescue, Alarm, Contain by closing doors, Extinguish or Evacuate.

Fire extinguisher PASS: Pull pin, Aim at base, Squeeze handle, Sweep side to side.

Restraints require a licensed order; check circulation and position at least every 15 minutes and release or exercise per policy.

Hand hygiene before and after resident contact and after gloves; soap and water is required for C. difficile.

Transfer rule: lock wheels, lower bed, apply gait belt, stand on the resident's weaker side, and pivot toward the strong side.

Oxygen safety: no smoking, no petroleum products, secure cylinders, and keep away from heat or sparks.

Report unsafe equipment immediately; remove it from use and tag it.

Reposition immobile residents at least every 2 hours and inspect skin at each turn.

Range of motion: support the joint, move slowly, stop at pain, and never force a joint.

Aspiration precautions: upright positioning, small bites, chin tuck, and stop feeding if coughing or voice change occurs.

Offer scheduled toileting and privacy; report new incontinence, retention, or change in bowel pattern.

Keep bony prominences clean and dry; report redness that does not blanch or any open area.

Encourage independence with adaptive devices and extra time rather than doing all care for the resident.

Ambulation: non-skid shoes, gait belt, clear path, stand on weaker side, and stop if dizziness occurs.

Promote fluids and fiber unless restricted; report poor intake or output.

Adult vital signs: oral temp 97.7-99.5 F, pulse 60-100 per minute, respirations 12-20 per minute, BP around 120/80 mm Hg.

Handwashing: wet, soap, scrub at least 20 seconds, rinse, dry, and turn off faucet with a paper towel.

Bath water: check with a thermometer; about 100-105 F (38-40 C); never leave the resident alone.

Dressing: weak or affected side first; undressing: strong or unaffected side first.

Perineal care: gloves, front to back, rinse and dry, and report odor, drainage, or skin breakdown.

Unconscious oral care: side-lying, suction available, no fluids, and protect fingers.

Intake and output: record all fluids and output; report very low urine output or inability to void.

Specimen: standard precautions, correct container, label, and send promptly per policy.

Measure and record vital signs accurately; report values outside facility parameters to the nurse.

Hypoglycemia: shakiness, sweating, confusion, hunger, and irritability; report immediately and follow the care plan.

Seizure: protect head, clear objects, do not restrain or place objects in mouth, time seizure, and call the nurse.

Stroke: sudden facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, or severe headache; note time symptoms began.

Dementia: calm routine, simple choices, redirection; avoid arguing with delusions; report sudden behavior change.

Heart failure: report rapid weight gain, leg swelling, shortness of breath, or new cough.

COPD: upright positioning, pursed-lip breathing, and oxygen only as ordered.

Post-operative: encourage coughing and deep breathing, splint incision, and report fever, bleeding, or increased pain.

Terminal care: prioritize comfort, mouth care, dignity, and family support.

Report signs of infection: fever, redness, warmth, drainage, or increased pain.