Alaska CNA flashcards
Alaska CNA · Build recall with a focused review session.
32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.
- Scope of practice
- A nurse aide performs delegated ADLs and basic nursing tasks under licensed nurse supervision and does not assess, diagnose, or create care plans independently.
- Chain of command
- The nurse aide reports to the charge nurse or licensed supervisor, who reports to the director of nursing; concerns follow this line.
- Resident rights
- Rights include privacy, dignity, choice, refusal of care, access to records, and freedom from abuse or neglect; the aide protects them.
- Objective documentation
- Record measurable facts such as 'ate 50% of breakfast' rather than opinions; document promptly, accurately, and only care actually provided.
- Confidentiality
- Share resident information only with the care team on a need-to-know basis; avoid discussing residents in public areas or on personal devices.
- Reporting changes
- Report new or worsening symptoms, injuries, refusals, and abnormal vital signs to the licensed nurse promptly rather than waiting until the next shift.
- Fall precautions
- Keep the bed low and locked, call light within reach, floor clear, non-skid footwear on, and assist with toileting to reduce fall risk.
- RACE fire response
- Rescue anyone in danger, activate the Alarm, Contain fire by closing doors, then Extinguish or Evacuate according to facility policy.
- PASS extinguisher use
- Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side; use only on small fires.
- Restraint monitoring
- With an ordered restraint, check circulation and position at least every 15 minutes, release and exercise per policy, and document findings.
- Hand hygiene
- Wash hands before and after resident contact, after removing gloves, and after body fluid exposure; use soap and water for C. difficile.
- Gait belt transfer
- Lock wheels, lower the bed, apply the gait belt snugly, stand on the resident's weaker side, and pivot toward the strong side.
- Oxygen safety
- Post no-smoking signs, avoid petroleum products, secure cylinders upright, and keep oxygen away from heat, flames, and sparks.
- Pressure relief
- Reposition immobile residents at least every two hours, inspect skin, and keep bony prominences clean and dry to prevent pressure injury.
- Range of motion
- Support the joint and move slowly through the comfortable range; stop if the resident reports pain, and never force a joint.
- Aspiration precautions
- Sit the resident upright, offer small bites, encourage chin tuck, and stop feeding if coughing, choking, or voice changes occur.
- Toileting schedule
- Offer scheduled toileting, privacy, and fluids or fiber unless restricted; report new incontinence, retention, or changes in bowel habits.
- Skin inspection
- Check pressure areas such as sacrum, heels, hips, and elbows during care; report redness that does not blanch or any open area.
- Promoting independence
- Encourage residents to do what they can safely, provide adaptive devices, and allow extra time rather than doing all care for them.
- Normal adult vital signs
- Oral temperature about 97.7-99.5 F, pulse 60-100 beats per minute, respirations 12-20 per minute, and blood pressure near 120/80 mm Hg.
- Oral care for unconscious
- Turn the resident to the side, use suction if available, apply oral care without fluids, and never insert fingers near the teeth.
- Dressing order
- Dress the weak or affected side first, then the strong side; undress the strong side first to protect the weak limb.
- Perineal care
- Use gloves, clean front to back with mild soap and water, rinse and dry thoroughly, and report odor, drainage, or skin breakdown.
- Intake and output
- Record all fluids taken and all urine, vomitus, or drainage; report very low output, inability to void, or sudden changes to the nurse.
- Specimen collection
- Use standard precautions, collect in the correct container, label with resident information, and send promptly according to facility policy.
- Bath water temperature
- Check bath water with a thermometer; safe temperature is usually about 100-105 F (38-40 C), and never leave the resident alone.
- Hypoglycemia signs
- Shakiness, sweating, confusion, hunger, and irritability can signal low blood sugar; report immediately and follow the resident's care plan.
- Seizure safety
- Protect the head, clear nearby objects, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth, time the seizure, and call the nurse.
- Stroke warning signs
- Sudden facial droop, arm weakness, speech difficulty, vision loss, or severe headache require emergency reporting; note the time symptoms began.
- Dementia redirection
- Use a calm routine, simple choices, and redirection; avoid arguing with delusions or combativeness, and report sudden behavior changes.
- Heart failure signs
- Report rapid weight gain, swelling in the legs, shortness of breath, or a new cough; these may signal worsening heart failure.
- Post-operative breathing
- Encourage coughing and deep breathing, splint the incision, and report fever, bleeding, or increased pain promptly to the nurse.