GNA 10 key terms

Measurements of body temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure that show how well the body is working and are recorded so changes can be reported to the nurse.

The number of times the heart beats per minute, felt by pressing lightly on an artery such as the wrist, and reported when it is too fast, too slow, or irregular.

The act of breathing in and out, counted as breaths per minute while watching the chest rise and fall, with rate, depth, and ease of breathing noted.

The force of blood pushing against artery walls, recorded as two numbers using a cuff, and reported promptly when readings are very high or very low.

The record of all fluids a resident drinks and all urine, vomit, or drainage released, measured in milliliters so the care team can judge fluid balance.

The state in which the amount of fluid taken in roughly equals the amount lost, helping prevent swelling, dehydration, and confusion in frail residents.

A harmful shortage of water in the body that can cause dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness, and confusion, especially in older adults who feel less thirst.

A thin tube placed into the bladder to drain urine into a bag, requiring careful hygiene, secure tubing, and regular emptying to prevent infection.

Practices such as handwashing, gloves, and cleaning equipment that stop germs from spreading between residents, staff, and visitors in the facility.

Everyday steps taken with all residents, including hand hygiene and wearing gloves when contact with blood, body fluids, or broken skin is likely.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rub at key moments, such as before and after resident contact, to remove germs and protect everyone.

Gathering a sample of urine, stool, or sputum in the correct container, labeled properly, and sent to the lab as ordered without contaminating it.

Moving a joint through its full normal arc, either by the resident alone or with help, to keep muscles flexible and prevent stiffness and contractures.

A permanent tightening of muscle or tendon that locks a joint in a bent position, often prevented by exercise, proper positioning, and regular movement.

Walking, with or without aids such as a cane or walker, encouraged daily to maintain strength, balance, circulation, and a resident's sense of independence.

A strong strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the caregiver a secure hold when helping the person stand, walk, or transfer safely.

Moving a resident from one surface to another, such as bed to chair, using safe body mechanics, proper equipment, and the resident's own abilities as much as possible.

Using the body correctly by bending the knees, keeping the back straight, and holding loads close, which protects both the caregiver and the resident from injury.

Placing and supporting a resident's body in a comfortable, safe alignment, changing the position at least every two hours to protect skin and breathing.

Damage to skin and tissue caused by unrelieved pressure over bony areas, prevented by turning, skin checks, good nutrition, and keeping skin clean and dry.

Areas where skin becomes red, broken, or raw from moisture, friction, or pressure, which must be reported at once so treatment can begin early.

Cleaning and drying the skin after urine or stool, changing soiled pads promptly, and keeping the area protected to prevent irritation and infection.

Washing the genital and anal area with gentle soap and water, always wiping front to back, while respecting privacy and the resident's dignity.

Treating each resident as a worthy person by protecting privacy, knocking before entering, covering the body during care, and speaking respectfully at all times.

Keeping a resident's body, belongings, and personal information from being seen or shared by others without permission, including during care and conversations.

The duty to keep a resident's health and personal information private, sharing it only with the care team and never discussing it in public areas.

The legal protections that guarantee residents respect, privacy, choice, freedom from abuse, and access to their own records and visitors.

Any intentional harm to a resident, such as hitting, yelling, or rough handling, which must be stopped and reported immediately according to facility policy.

Failing to provide needed care, such as leaving a resident wet, hungry, or unattended, which is a form of mistreatment that must be reported.

The legal duty of nursing assistants to report suspected abuse, neglect, or mistreatment to the charge nurse or administrator right away, following facility rules.

Any device or method that limits a resident's movement or access to their body, used only when ordered for safety and never as punishment or convenience.

The likelihood that a resident may fall, increased by weak legs, confusion, medicines, or poor vision, and reduced by alarms, clear paths, and prompt toileting.

A group of brain conditions that slowly damage memory, thinking, and judgment, so residents may forget names, places, and how to do simple tasks.

A state in which a person is unclear about time, place, or people, which may come on suddenly from illness and must always be reported.

A sudden change in attention and awareness, often caused by infection, pain, or medicines, that is a medical emergency needing quick reporting.

Responding to a confused resident by accepting and acknowledging the feelings behind their words instead of arguing with facts or correcting them.

Encouraging a resident to talk about past experiences and memories, which supports identity, comfort, and connection, especially for people with dementia.

Giving full attention to a speaker, facing them, nodding, and restating what was heard so the person feels understood and respected.

Purposeful conversation that uses open questions, silence, and empathy to help a resident express feelings without giving advice or false reassurance.

Recognizing and sharing another person's feelings by saying something like 'that sounds hard,' which builds trust without taking over the person's emotions.

A written document, such as a living will, that states a resident's wishes about medical treatment if they can no longer speak for themselves.