Alaska CNA key terms

The set of tasks and duties a nurse aide is legally allowed to perform, defined by state law and facility policy. Aides must never perform skills outside this range, such as giving medications or inserting tubes.

The process by which a licensed nurse assigns a specific task to a nurse aide. The nurse keeps responsibility for the outcome, so the aide must know the task, be trained for it, and report results back.

The order of authority in a facility, showing whom a nurse aide reports to and whom to notify when a problem is beyond the aide's authority. Following it ensures concerns reach the right person quickly.

Federally protected guarantees for people living in nursing homes, including privacy, dignity, choice, visitors, personal belongings, and freedom from abuse. Aides must protect these rights and report any violation.

Deliberate harm or mistreatment of a resident, such as hitting, yelling, stealing, unwanted sexual contact, or confining someone without cause. Aides must recognize the signs and report suspected abuse immediately.

The legal duty of nurse aides and other caregivers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the nurse in charge and to the required state agency without delay.

An advocate who investigates complaints made by or for residents of long-term care facilities and protects their rights. The ombudsman visits facilities and can be contacted by residents, families, or staff.

A written document, such as a living will or durable power of attorney for health care, that states a resident's wishes about treatment if the resident can no longer speak for themselves.

Using correct posture, balance, and body alignment when lifting, moving, or carrying, keeping the load close and bending at the knees. Good body mechanics prevents injury to both the aide and the resident.

Infection-control practices used with every resident, every time, because anyone may carry germs. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and safe handling of sharps and body fluids.

Washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizer at key moments, such as before and after resident contact, after removing gloves, and after using the toilet. It is the single best way to prevent infection.

Barrier items such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection worn to keep germs and body fluids from touching the aide's skin and clothing. PPE is removed carefully to avoid contamination.

A fire response sequence: Rescue anyone in danger, Alarm sounded, Confine the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate. Aides follow the facility's fire plan and stay with residents.

The steps for using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. Aides use it only when the fire is small and help is available.

Measures that reduce a resident's risk of falling, such as keeping the call light within reach, clearing clutter, using non-skid footwear, and answering requests for help promptly.

Any physical device, such as a vest or wrist strap, or any medication used to limit a resident's movement or behavior. Restraints require a doctor's order, are used only as a last resort, and must be checked often.

Moving a joint through its full, natural arc, either actively by the resident or passively by the aide. Regular range-of-motion exercise keeps joints flexible and helps prevent stiffness and contractures.

A permanent shortening and tightening of muscle or tendon that freezes a joint in a bent position, usually from lack of movement. Frequent repositioning and range-of-motion exercise help prevent it.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by unrelieved pressure, often over bony areas like the tailbone or heels. Prevention includes turning, skin checks, clean dry skin, and good nutrition.

Regularly changing a resident's body position, often at least every two hours, to relieve pressure on bony areas and improve comfort and circulation. Aides note the time and the position used.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the aide a secure hold while assisting with walking or transfers. It must be snug and never placed over bare skin or under the arms.

Breathing food, liquid, saliva, or vomit into the airway instead of swallowing it. It can cause choking or pneumonia, so aides watch for coughing, choking, or a wet voice during meals.

Difficulty swallowing, common after a stroke or with certain illnesses. Residents may need thickened liquids, a special diet, upright positioning, and slow, small bites of food.

Care that helps a resident regain or keep the highest possible function by encouraging them to do as much for themselves as they can, such as dressing, walking, or eating.

A way of responding to a confused resident by accepting and acknowledging the feelings behind their words rather than correcting the facts. It reduces distress and helps the resident feel understood and safe.

Everyday self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and moving around. Aides help residents with these tasks while encouraging as much independence as is safely possible.

Measurements of temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure, plus pain in many facilities. Aides report values outside the resident's normal range to the nurse right away.

The record of how much fluid a resident drinks and how much urine or other fluid leaves the body. Accurate measurement helps the nurse detect dehydration or fluid imbalance.

Cleaning the genital and anal area, always wiping from front to back and using a clean area of the washcloth for each stroke. It prevents infection and is done during bathing and after toileting.

Routine care of an indwelling urinary catheter, including keeping the bag below bladder level, cleaning around the tube, and preventing kinks. Aides report cloudy urine, odor, or leakage to the nurse.

Brushing teeth or dentures, cleaning the gums and mouth, and noting any problems. It is provided at least twice daily and after meals, and matters most for residents who cannot eat or drink by mouth.

Moving a resident from one place to another, such as bed to chair, using correct body mechanics, a gait belt, and any ordered lift. The aide explains the steps and lets the resident help as able.

A disease in which the body cannot control blood sugar properly because of problems with insulin. Aides watch for symptoms of high or low blood sugar and follow the resident's diet and meal schedule.

Low blood sugar, which can cause shakiness, sweating, confusion, irritability, or fainting. Aides report these signs at once, stay with the resident, and give a fast sugar source only if ordered.

A progressive brain condition that damages memory, thinking, judgment, and behavior, often worsening over time. Aides use calm routines, simple directions, and patience rather than arguing with the resident.

A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that may cause jerking, staring, or loss of consciousness. Aides protect the resident from injury, never restrain them or put anything in the mouth, and time the seizure.

A dangerous condition in which blood flow to the body's organs is not enough, causing pale clammy skin, a fast weak pulse, restlessness, and falling blood pressure. Aides keep the resident lying down and warm and get the nurse immediately.

Comfort-focused care for a resident with a serious illness that treats pain and symptoms and supports emotional, social, and spiritual needs without trying to cure the disease.

Care given to a resident's body after death, such as washing and positioning it, closing the eyes, and treating the body with dignity and respect. Aides also offer support to the family.

An infection in the bladder or kidneys, common in residents with catheters, causing cloudy or smelly urine, burning, urgency, confusion, or fever. Aides report these signs and encourage fluids if allowed.