AMCA NAC key terms

Routine self-care tasks a person performs each day, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and moving from place to place. Assistants help residents with any ADL they cannot safely complete alone.

Measurements of basic body functions: temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and often oxygen saturation and pain. They are taken on schedule or when a resident's condition changes and are recorded promptly.

The rhythmic expansion of an artery felt when blood is pumped by the heart. It is counted in beats per minute, usually at the wrist or neck, and noted for rate, rhythm, and strength.

The process of breathing in oxygen and breathing out carbon dioxide. When counting respirations, the assistant notes the rate per minute, the depth, and whether breathing is easy or labored.

The force of blood pushing against artery walls, recorded as two numbers: systolic over diastolic. It is measured with a cuff and gauge or an automated device while the resident rests.

The normal extent to which a joint can bend and straighten. Assisting residents through planned exercises helps prevent stiffness and contractures when they cannot move a limb themselves.

A permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that locks a joint in a bent position. Frequent repositioning and range-of-motion exercise help prevent it in residents who are immobile.

Localized damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, often over bony areas. Prevention includes turning schedules, skin checks, clean dry skin, and proper support surfaces.

Changing a resident's body position on a planned schedule, such as every two hours, to relieve pressure on the skin and improve comfort. Body alignment and safety are checked each time.

Using correct posture, balance, and muscle strength to move or lift safely. Keeping the load close, bending the knees, and avoiding twisting help protect both the resident and the assistant from injury.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the assistant a secure hold during transfers and walking. It is checked for fit and never used to lift a person off the floor.

Moving a resident from one surface to another, such as bed to chair or chair to toilet. The assistant plans the move, explains it, uses equipment correctly, and keeps the resident steady throughout.

A device with a sling and hoist that raises and moves a resident who cannot bear weight safely. Two trained staff usually operate it, and the sling is checked before every use.

Steps taken to reduce a resident's risk of falling, such as clearing clutter, keeping the call light in reach, using non-skid footwear, and answering calls quickly. Residents at high risk are checked more often.

Any device or method that limits a person's freedom of movement, such as a vest or lap belt. Restraints require a provider order, are used only as a last resort, and are monitored closely for safety.

A signal device a resident uses to request help. The assistant answers promptly, keeps the device within reach, and never leaves a resident unable to call for assistance.

Basic infection-control practices applied to every resident, assuming all blood and body fluids may carry germs. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and safe handling of sharps and spills.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub at key moments, such as before and after resident contact and after removing gloves. It is the single most effective way to prevent infection spread.

Barriers worn to protect skin, clothing, and mucous membranes from contact with germs or chemicals. Gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection are put on and removed in the correct order.

Extra precautions used for specific infections, grouped as contact, droplet, and airborne. They may include a private room, dedicated equipment, and a mask or gown beyond standard precautions.

The series of steps by which germs spread: a source, a way out, a mode of travel, a way in, and a susceptible person. Breaking any link, such as by hand hygiene, stops transmission.

Practices that keep objects and areas free of all germs, used for procedures such as catheter care or wound dressing changes. Anything that touches a non-sterile surface is considered contaminated.

Measures that separate a resident with a contagious illness from others to limit spread. Staff follow posted instructions, keep the door as directed, and use the right protective equipment.

Loss of bladder or bowel control that a person cannot prevent. Care includes prompt cleaning, skin protection, dignified communication, and reporting changes to the nurse.

Cleaning the genital and anal area, always wiping front to back to reduce infection risk. It is done during bathing and after toileting or incontinence, with privacy respected and gloves worn.

Damage or open areas on the skin from pressure, moisture, friction, or poor nutrition. Assistants inspect skin during care and report redness or wounds that do not fade.

The legal protections guaranteed to people receiving care, including privacy, dignity, choice, access to records, and freedom from abuse or restraint. Assistants must respect and support these rights daily.

Keeping a resident's personal and health information private and sharing it only with those who need it to provide care. It applies to conversations, records, and electronic systems.

Any intentional harm to a resident, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial mistreatment, or neglect. Assistants must report suspected abuse immediately according to facility policy and law.

Failure to provide the care and services a resident needs, whether intentional or due to oversight. Signs include poor hygiene, untreated wounds, and unmet basic needs, and must be reported.

The legal duty of care staff to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the proper authority. Reports are made promptly and follow facility policy and state requirements.

A federal law that protects the privacy and security of health information. It limits who may see a resident's records and how information is shared, discussed, or stored.

The written or electronic record of care given, observations made, and resident responses. Entries are factual, timely, objective, and signed, and they are never altered after the fact.

A description of what can be directly seen, heard, measured, or smelled, without personal opinion. For example, recording that a resident ate half a meal rather than saying the resident disliked it.

What a resident reports about their own feelings, pain, or symptoms, in their own words. It is recorded accurately and quoted when possible, and it is never presented as fact.

A written account of an unusual event, such as a fall or medication error, completed per facility policy. It is used for quality review and is not filed in the resident's record.

Regularly checking on residents at planned intervals to address pain, toileting, positioning, and belongings before they call. It improves safety and comfort and reduces falls.

Speaking with residents in a way that builds trust, such as listening actively, using plain words, and showing empathy. It avoids arguing, giving advice, or changing the subject.

Giving full attention to a speaker, noticing tone and body language, and confirming understanding by restating or asking questions. It helps residents feel heard and reduces misunderstandings.

Care that helps residents regain or maintain function after illness or injury, such as walking practice or self-feeding. The assistant follows the care plan and encourages the resident to do what they can.

The written, individualized plan describing a resident's needs, goals, and the care to be given. Assistants follow it, report changes, and contribute observations that help keep it current.

A noninvasive test using a clip on the finger or earlobe to estimate the oxygen level in the blood. A low reading is reported to the nurse, along with how the resident looks and feels.

Asking a resident about pain and noting location, intensity, timing, and what relieves it, often using a simple rating scale. Findings are reported and recorded so comfort can be addressed.