CNA WOCC(C) Exam key terms

Everyday self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and toileting. Nurse aides measure independence by how much help a resident needs with each task.

Tasks needed to live independently in the community, such as shopping, cooking, managing money, and using transportation. These require more complex thinking than basic self-care.

A program that helps residents regain or maintain function after illness or decline. Aides follow a written plan and encourage residents to do as much for themselves as safely possible.

Planned movement of each joint through its normal limits to prevent stiffness and contractures. Exercises may be active, meaning the resident moves alone, or passive, meaning staff move the limb.

A permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that freezes a joint in a bent position. It develops from lack of movement and can be limited by regular range of motion exercise.

Localized damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, often over a bony area. Staging describes depth of tissue loss, from redness to damage reaching muscle or bone.

A scored tool that estimates a resident's risk of developing a pressure injury. It rates moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, friction, and shear, with lower scores signaling higher risk.

Regularly changing a resident's body position to relieve pressure on vulnerable skin. Aides typically turn and align residents at scheduled intervals and document each turn.

Positioning the head, trunk, and limbs in a straight, balanced line that supports the body naturally. Good alignment reduces strain, protects skin, and aids breathing and comfort.

Steps taken to reduce a resident's risk of falling, such as keeping call lights within reach, clearing clutter, using bed rails appropriately, and assisting with walking. Falls are a leading cause of injury.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the aide a secure hold during transfers and walking. It must be snug, not twisted, and never used to lift the person.

Moving a resident from one surface to another, such as bed to chair or chair to toilet. Aides use proper body mechanics, lock equipment, and follow the care plan for assistance level.

Using the body safely to move and lift with the least strain, including bending the knees, keeping the load close, and avoiding twisting. This protects both the aide and the resident.

A device with a sling and hoist used to move residents who cannot bear weight or assist. Aides must be trained on the specific model and check the sling and straps before use.

Any physical or chemical method that limits a resident's freedom of movement and is not used for discipline or convenience. Restraints require a doctor's order, consent, and frequent monitoring.

Legal protections guaranteeing privacy, dignity, choice, and freedom from abuse or neglect. Aides must respect confidentiality, allow visitors, and honor a resident's decisions about care.

Deliberate harm to a resident, including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial mistreatment, or neglect. Aides must report any suspicion immediately to a supervisor or the state agency.

Failure to provide needed care, such as food, hygiene, medication, or safety, whether intentional or not. Signs include untreated wounds, poor hygiene, and unexplained weight loss.

A person legally required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Nurse aides must report promptly, usually within a set time, and are protected from retaliation.

A legal document stating a person's wishes about medical treatment if they can no longer decide. Examples include a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care.

A doctor's written order that no CPR be started if a resident's heart or breathing stops. Aides must verify the order is current and follow the facility's procedure.

Emergency chest compressions and rescue breaths used to restore circulation and breathing. Aides are usually required to hold current certification and to start CPR unless a valid DNR exists.

Measurements of temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and often oxygen saturation or pain. Aides record them accurately and report values outside the resident's normal range.

The force of blood against artery walls, recorded as systolic over diastolic pressure. Aides measure it with a cuff and stethoscope or an electronic device and report unusual readings.

The rhythmic expansion of an artery each time the heart beats, counted in beats per minute. Aides note rate, rhythm, and strength and report irregularities to the nurse.

The process of breathing in oxygen and out carbon dioxide, observed as rate, depth, and rhythm. Aides count breaths for a full minute and note effort or unusual sounds.

A noninvasive measurement of oxygen saturation in the blood using a small clip on a finger or earlobe. Readings below the expected range are reported to the nurse.

Practices that prevent the spread of germs, including hand hygiene, gloves, and cleaning equipment. Aides follow standard precautions with every resident regardless of diagnosis.

Infection-control steps applied to all residents, such as hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, and safe handling of sharps and body fluids. They assume any body fluid may carry infection.

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

Barrier items such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection worn to prevent contact with body fluids. Aides put it on and remove it in the correct order to avoid contamination.

Meeting a resident's need for food and fluids, including observing intake, offering water, and honoring special diets. Poor intake can cause dehydration, weight loss, and confusion.

Difficulty swallowing that raises the risk of choking and aspiration. Aides follow diet texture and liquid thickness orders and keep the resident upright during and after meals.

Breathing food, liquid, or vomit into the airway instead of swallowing it. Signs include coughing, choking, or a wet voice, and it can lead to serious lung infection.

Blockage of the airway by a foreign object that prevents breathing. Aides should recognize the universal sign, call for help, and perform approved first-aid maneuvers.

A group of conditions causing progressive decline in memory, thinking, and behavior. Aides use calm routines, simple directions, and redirection rather than arguing with the resident.

Aimless movement by a resident, often seen in dementia, that may lead to leaving the facility. Aides monitor location, remove exit triggers, and report missing residents immediately.

A resident leaving a care setting without staff knowledge or permission, which is a serious safety event. Aides must report it at once and know the facility's missing-person protocol.

A communication approach that acknowledges and accepts a confused resident's feelings and reality rather than correcting them. It can reduce distress and build trust during care.

Encouraging a resident to recall and discuss past experiences using photos, music, or objects. It supports identity, mood, and conversation, especially for older adults with memory loss.