Arizona CNA key terms

Everyday self-care tasks a person performs to live independently, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and moving from place to place. CNAs assist residents with these tasks while encouraging as much independence as possible.

The full extent of movement possible at a joint. Passive range of motion means the caregiver moves the joint for the resident; active means the resident moves it alone. Regular exercise helps prevent stiffness and contractures.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by unrelieved pressure, usually over bony areas like the heels or sacrum. Prevention includes repositioning at least every two hours, keeping skin clean and dry, and inspecting skin daily.

A permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that locks a joint in a bent position, often from lack of movement. Frequent range-of-motion exercise and proper positioning help prevent them.

Cleaning the genital and anal area, always wiping front to back to prevent spreading bacteria toward the urethra. It is given during bathing and after toileting or incontinence to keep skin clean and reduce infection risk.

Using correct posture and body position to lift, move, or carry safely. Bend at the knees, keep the load close, keep the back straight, and avoid twisting to protect both the caregiver and the resident from injury.

A sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up quickly, causing dizziness or fainting. It is more common after long bed rest, so residents should sit on the edge of the bed before standing.

The heartbeat felt by pressing two fingers on the thumb side of the wrist. It is the most common site for counting pulse rate, which is recorded in beats per minute along with rhythm and strength.

The heartbeat heard with a stethoscope placed at the apex of the heart, on the left side of the chest. It is counted for a full minute and used when a radial pulse is irregular or when medications require it.

The force of blood against artery walls, recorded as two numbers: systolic over diastolic. It is measured with a cuff and stethoscope or an electronic device, with the resident seated and the arm supported at heart level.

A noninvasive measure of how much oxygen the blood is carrying, shown as a percentage using a clip on the finger or earlobe. Normal is usually 95 to 100 percent; lower values should be reported.

The record of all fluids a resident drinks and all fluids leaving the body through urine, vomit, or drainage. Measuring and recording I&O helps the care team detect dehydration or fluid retention.

Infection-control practices used with every resident, every time, because any person may carry germs. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, safe handling of sharps, and proper cleaning of equipment.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub to remove germs. It is the single most effective way to prevent infection and should be done before and after every resident contact.

Gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection worn to create a barrier between the caregiver and germs, blood, or body fluids. Remove PPE carefully before leaving the resident's room and perform hand hygiene right after.

The six-step cycle by which germs spread: infectious agent, reservoir, exit portal, mode of transmission, entry portal, and susceptible host. Breaking any one link, such as by hand washing, stops infection.

Extra precautions used with residents known or suspected to have a contagious illness, including contact, droplet, and airborne categories. They add barriers or room restrictions on top of standard precautions.

Steps taken to 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 quickly. Bed alarms are used only when care planned.

Any device that limits a resident's freedom of movement, such as a vest or lap belt. Restraints require a doctor's order, must be the least restrictive option, and need frequent monitoring and release.

A fire response sequence: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Alarm the fire department, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Evacuate if directed. Staff should know the facility's fire plan and exit routes.

A written record of an unexpected event such as a fall, injury, or medication error. It documents facts for the facility's safety review and is not placed in the resident's medical record.

A legal document written while a person is able to make decisions, stating wishes about future medical care. Living wills and durable powers of attorney for health care are common examples; CNAs honor and report them.

A resident's voluntary agreement to a treatment or procedure after understanding its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives. The resident has the right to refuse or withdraw consent at any time.

Keeping a resident's personal and medical information private and sharing it only with those who need it to provide care. Violations, including gossip, are a breach of privacy law and professional ethics.

Failing to provide the care, food, hygiene, safety, or medical attention a resident needs, whether on purpose or from oversight. Suspected neglect must be reported immediately to the nurse and, by law, to the state.

An advocate, usually state-funded, who investigates complaints on behalf of residents in long-term care and helps resolve problems with the facility. Residents may contact the ombudsman privately and without fear of retaliation.

The legal protections guaranteed to people living in nursing facilities, such as dignity, privacy, choice, access to visitors, and freedom from abuse. CNAs must respect these rights and help residents exercise them.

A formal complaint a resident or family member makes about care or services. Facilities must have a process to receive, investigate, and respond, and residents may not be punished for filing one.

Giving full attention to a speaker, showing interest through eye contact and nods, and reflecting back what was said. It helps residents feel heard and reduces misunderstandings, especially when words are limited.

A purposeful way of talking with residents that builds trust and supports dignity, using open questions, silence, and acceptance without judgment or personal opinions. It focuses on the resident's feelings and needs.

Loss or difficulty with speaking, understanding, reading, or writing after brain injury such as a stroke. Speak slowly, use short sentences, allow extra time, and use gestures or pictures rather than finishing the person's words.

A progressive brain condition causing memory loss, confusion, and declining reasoning that interferes with daily life. Care focuses on routine, safety, simple directions, and responding calmly to feelings rather than arguing about mistakes.

A sudden, fluctuating state of confusion, often with restlessness or hallucinations, caused by illness, infection, medication, or dehydration. It is a medical emergency and should be reported promptly because it differs from dementia.

Encouraging a person to recall and talk about past experiences, often using photos, music, or familiar objects. It supports identity and self-esteem and can calm a resident with dementia who has short-term memory loss.

Difficulty swallowing that raises the risk of choking and aspiration. Signs include coughing or gurgling during meals, drooling, and a wet voice; report them and follow prescribed diet textures and upright positioning.

Breathing food, liquid, saliva, or vomit into the lungs, which can cause choking or pneumonia. Avoid it by sitting the resident upright for meals, feeding slowly, and keeping the head forward and slightly down.

A condition in which the body loses more fluid than it takes in. Warning signs include dry mouth, dark urine, confusion, and poor skin elasticity; offer fluids often and record intake accurately.

A diet ordered by a doctor to treat or manage a health problem, such as low sodium, low fat, or a mechanical soft texture. CNAs serve only the ordered diet, respect the resident's choices, and report uneaten meals.