CNA Gerontological Nursing flashcards

33 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Presbycusis

Age-related high-frequency hearing loss that makes speech hard to understand in background noise. Speak clearly, face the resident, and reduce noise.

Atypical illness presentation

Older adults may show confusion, falls, or appetite loss instead of fever or pain when ill. Any sudden change in function warrants prompt reporting.

Decreased thirst sensation

Aging reduces the sense of thirst, so older adults may not drink despite needing fluid. Offer fluids regularly and monitor urine color and intake.

ADLs versus IADLs

ADLs are basic self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, and toileting. IADLs include shopping, cooking, and managing money, which need more complex skills.

Presbyopia

Age-related stiffening of the lens reduces near vision, making reading and small tasks difficult. Ensure good lighting and reading glasses are available.

Reduced thermoregulation

Aging impairs temperature control, so infection may not cause fever and hypothermia risk rises. Keep rooms warm and report temperature changes.

Aphasia communication

Aphasia is difficulty understanding or producing language after brain injury. Use short questions, gestures, and extra time; never finish sentences for the resident.

Hearing loss approach

Face the resident, speak slower at normal volume, lower pitch, avoid covering the mouth, and reduce background noise. Do not shout, which distorts sound.

Dementia communication

Use one short instruction at a time, validate feelings, and redirect rather than argue. Approach from the front at eye level to avoid startling.

Interpreter use

When a resident is not fluent in the spoken language, use a qualified interpreter or translated materials. Do not rely on children for consent discussions.

Perineal care direction

Cleanse front to back using a new washcloth for each stroke. This prevents fecal bacteria from entering the urinary tract and reduces infection risk.

Pressure injury repositioning

Reposition at least every two hours in bed and every hour in a chair. Keep skin clean and dry, and report redness that does not fade.

Dressing order

Dress the weak or affected side first, then the strong side. Undress the strong side first, then the weak side, to make dressing easier.

Bathing safety

Check water temperature at about 100-105°F, test it, and never leave the resident alone in the tub. Use a non-skid mat and gather supplies first.

Denture care

Clean dentures over a basin of water to prevent breakage if dropped. Brush gums and tongue daily and store dentures in water when not worn.

Fall risk factors

Sedatives, orthostatic hypotension, urinary urgency, poor vision, clutter, and prior falls all raise fall risk. Address each factor and report changes.

Gait belt use

A gait belt is placed snugly around the resident's waist over clothing to give a secure grip during transfers and walking. Check it is not twisted.

Cane on strong side

A cane is held in the hand on the stronger side, opposite the weak leg, to shift weight off the affected side. Advance the cane with the weak leg.

Wheelchair safety

Lock brakes before transfers, swing footrests away, and back the chair down ramps or curbs. Never stand on the footrests or push from the front.

Orthostatic hypotension

A drop in blood pressure on standing causes dizziness and falls. Have the resident sit up slowly, dangle legs, then stand with support.

Dysphagia positioning

Sit upright at about 90 degrees with chin tucked, give small bites, and remain upright at least 30 minutes after eating to reduce aspiration risk.

Dehydration signs

Watch for dry mouth, dark concentrated urine, confusion, poor skin turgor, weight loss, and low blood pressure. Offer fluids frequently and document intake.

Thickened liquids

Liquid consistency is ordered by a clinician after swallowing assessment. Never change thickness or diet consistency independently, as it can cause aspiration.

Accurate intake records

Record percentage of meals eaten and fluid amounts accurately. These records guide nutrition interventions and help detect unplanned weight loss early.

Five rights

Right resident, right medication, right dose, right route, and right time, plus right documentation. Verify identity with two identifiers, not room number.

Medication error reporting

Report any medication error or near miss immediately to the nurse and follow facility policy. Never hide, delay, or attempt to correct records.

Observing side effects

Report new confusion, rash, diarrhea, dizziness, or behavior change after a new medication. These may signal an adverse drug reaction needing evaluation.

Depression in older adults

Depression may appear as pain, insomnia, appetite loss, or irritability rather than sadness. Report persistent changes, withdrawal, or hopeless statements promptly.

Delirium versus dementia

Delirium is sudden, fluctuating, with altered attention and often a medical cause. Dementia is gradual and progressive. Sudden confusion requires urgent reporting.

Validation therapy

Accept the resident's feelings and reality rather than arguing with delusions or false beliefs. This reduces distress and supports dignity during dementia care.

Mandatory reporting

Any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation must be reported promptly to the nurse and per facility and state rules. Reporting is required even without proof.

Resident confidentiality

Discuss resident information only in private and only with those who need to know. Sharing details with others, including family, without permission violates rights.

Infection control hand hygiene

Hand hygiene is the single most effective infection control measure. Wash after glove removal, since gloves do not replace hand hygiene.