Alabama CNA key terms

Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub to remove germs. Aides perform it before and after every resident contact and after touching body fluids, soiled linens, or shared equipment.

Measurements of temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and often oxygen level that show how well the body is working. Aides take them as assigned and report any reading that is outside the resident's usual range.

Using good posture, a wide base of support, and the strong muscles of the legs instead of the back when lifting, turning, or moving a resident. Correct technique protects both the resident and the worker from injury.

Damage to skin and the tissue beneath it caused by steady pressure, most often over bony spots such as the heels, hips, and tailbone. Prevention includes turning and repositioning, keeping skin clean and dry, and good nutrition.

A record of all fluids a resident takes in and all urine, vomit, or drainage that leaves the body, usually measured in milliliters. Comparing the totals helps the care team notice dehydration or fluid buildup.

Infection-control steps used with every resident no matter what the diagnosis is, including hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and careful handling of sharps and soiled linens. All blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious.

Breathing food, liquid, saliva, or vomit into the airway instead of swallowing it. It can cause choking or pneumonia, so aides feed slowly, keep the resident sitting upright, and watch for coughing or a wet-sounding voice.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the aide a firm, safe hold during walking and transfers. It is checked for wear and is never used to lift a resident up from the floor.

Giving full attention to a speaker, using eye contact, nods, and brief responses, then restating what was heard to check understanding. It shows respect and helps uncover worries a resident has not stated directly.

Understanding what another person is feeling and letting them know you recognize it, without trying to take over as a counselor. A simple statement such as "That sounds hard" often comforts a distressed resident.

Encouraging a resident to talk about past experiences, often with photos, music, or familiar objects. It supports identity and self-worth and can calm or engage a person who has memory loss.

The normal emotional response to a loss, which may include sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or physical symptoms. Residents may grieve over health, independence, or the death of loved ones, and each person's pattern is different.

A lack of meaningful contact with other people, which can lead to sadness, confusion, and declining health. Aides help by offering conversation, group activities, and chances to connect with family and friends.

Basing care on each resident's own preferences, habits, culture, and history rather than on a routine that is convenient for staff. The resident is treated as a partner in decisions and dignity is preserved.

A group of brain disorders that gradually damage memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to do daily tasks. It is not a normal part of aging, and most types are progressive and cannot be reversed.

A sudden state of confusion, disorientation, and shifting attention, often triggered by infection, medication, pain, dehydration, or a change of surroundings. It is a medical emergency that must be reported right away.

A pattern of increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in late afternoon and evening that occurs in some people with dementia. Calm routines, bright lighting, and less noise in the evening may reduce it.

Aimless walking that may happen when a person with dementia is restless, bored, searching for something, or trying to meet a basic need. Aides offer safe activity and supervision rather than simply blocking the person.

Responding to the feeling behind a confused person's statement instead of correcting the facts. The aide accepts the emotion, listens, and offers comfort, which lowers distress and avoids arguments.

Gently reminding a confused resident of who they are, where they are, and the date or time with calm, clear statements. It works best in early confusion and should never turn into an argument.

A resident leaving the building or a safe area without permission or supervision, a serious risk for people with dementia. Prevention includes knowing the resident's habits, watching exits, and reporting a missing resident immediately.

Ongoing care that helps a resident keep or regain function after illness or after therapy ends, such as practicing walking, dressing, or eating skills. Aides follow the care plan and encourage residents to do what they can.

Moving a joint through its normal limits, either by the resident (active) or by the aide (passive). Regular exercise keeps joints flexible, eases stiffness, and slows the formation of contractures.

A permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that fixes a joint in a bent position and limits movement. It is prevented by range of motion, careful positioning, and encouraging the resident to move.

Walking, with or without help from a person or a device. Aides assist using a gait belt and the walking pattern in the care plan, and they report dizziness, pain, or unsteadiness.

Equipment such as a cane, walker, crutches, or adapted utensil that helps a resident stay independent in walking or self-care. It must be fitted to the resident and used the same way every time.

A planned schedule of toileting and fluid routines meant to help a resident regain control or have fewer accidents. Success requires consistency, privacy, patience, and praise rather than scolding.

Giving a short prompt, such as a word, gesture, or step-by-step direction, that helps a resident start or finish a task. It supports independence in people with dementia or after a stroke.

Legally protected freedoms of nursing home residents, including dignity, privacy, choice, visitors, personal belongings, information about their care, and freedom from abuse and unnecessary restraint. Aides must honor them in daily care.

Keeping a resident's personal and health information private and sharing it only with staff who need it to give care. It covers conversations, records, and computer screens and is protected by law.

Deliberate harm to a resident that may be physical, sexual, emotional, or financial, and includes punishing, threatening, or humiliating. Neglect and misuse of a resident's property are also reportable mistreatment.

The legal duty of nurse aides and other caregivers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation promptly to the charge nurse or administrator. Failing to report can bring penalties, and punishing someone for reporting is illegal.

A resident's agreement to a treatment or test after receiving clear information about its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives. Consent must be voluntary, and the resident may refuse or later withdraw it.

A written document, such as a living will or a health care power of attorney, that states a person's wishes about treatment if they can no longer speak for themselves. Aides should know where it is kept and follow it.

Failing to give the care a reasonable, careful aide would give, and harm to the resident results, such as leaving someone unattended or skipping a safety check. It can lead to discipline or legal action.

The tasks and duties an aide is trained and legally permitted to perform, as set by state law and facility policy. Aides never do nursing procedures outside that scope, such as giving medications or inserting catheters.

A factual written record of an unusual event such as a fall, injury, or error, kept for the facility's files and quality review. The aide reports the event to the nurse at once and writes only what was seen.