CNA key terms

The set of tasks and duties a nurse aide is legally allowed and trained to perform, such as bathing, feeding, and taking vital signs. Anything outside this list must be reported to a nurse.

The order of authority in a facility, showing who reports to whom. A nurse aide usually reports to a licensed nurse or charge nurse, who then reports to a supervisor or administrator.

Permission a resident gives for care or treatment after the purpose, risks, and alternatives have been explained in words they understand. The nurse aide never obtains consent; they may witness a signature.

A federal law that protects a resident's private health information. Aides may share information only with the care team, never with friends, outside family without permission, or on social media.

Failing to give the care a reasonable, trained aide would give in the same situation, which causes harm to a resident. Examples include leaving a call light out of reach or forgetting to lock a wheelchair.

Any intentional act that harms a resident, including hitting, yelling, mockery, ignoring, or stealing. Aides must report suspected abuse immediately, even if they are unsure whether it happened.

A legal duty of nurse aides to tell the nurse or proper authority about suspected abuse, neglect, or mistreatment right away. Failing to report can lead to losing certification and to criminal charges.

Writing down the care given and what was observed during a shift, using objective facts and standard abbreviations. If it is not written in the record, legally it is treated as not done.

A confidential form completed when something unexpected happens, such as a fall or a medication error. It records facts for the facility's safety review and is not part of the resident's progress notes.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rub before and after resident contact, after removing gloves, and after touching body fluids. It is the single most effective way to prevent infection.

Infection control steps used with every resident every time, because anyone may carry germs. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and safe handling of needles and body fluids.

Gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection worn to block contact with blood, body fluids, or airborne germs. It is put on before contact and removed carefully without touching the outside.

The six steps germs need to spread: infectious agent, reservoir, exit, mode of transmission, entry, and susceptible host. Breaking any one link, such as with handwashing, stops infection.

Using the body correctly to move or lift safely: feet apart, back straight, load close, and legs doing the work. Good body mechanics protects both the aide and the resident from injury.

Any device or method, physical or chemical, that limits a resident's freedom of movement and is not used for routine care. Aides never apply restraints without an order and must check the resident often.

The chance that a resident may fall, based on factors like confusion, weak legs, medications, and incontinence. High-risk residents need a clear path, a low bed, the call light in reach, and frequent checks.

A fire safety acronym: Rescue anyone in danger, Alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Evacuate if told. Aides should know their facility's evacuation routes and never use elevators during a fire.

Everyday self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and using the toilet. Aides help with these while encouraging residents to do whatever they can for themselves.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the aide a firm, safe hold while walking or transferring them. It is placed over clothing, never over bare skin or incisions.

Sitting up in bed with the head of the bed raised between 45 and 90 degrees. It helps with breathing, eating, and talking, and should be used for residents who have trouble swallowing.

Cleaning the genital and anal area, always wiping from front to back to keep stool away from the urinary opening. It is done at least daily, after each bowel movement, and before catheter care.

A record of everything a resident drinks and of urine, vomit, stool, and drainage measured over a set period. Accurate measuring helps the nurse judge hydration and kidney function.

Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, and often pain and oxygen saturation. Aides take and record them at scheduled times and report any result outside the resident's usual range.

Breathing food, liquid, saliva, or vomit into the airway instead of swallowing it. Signs include coughing, choking, a wet voice, or trouble breathing, and it must be reported immediately.

Not having enough fluid in the body, which can cause thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, confusion, and weakness. Older adults are at high risk, so aides offer fluids often and record intake.

Speaking with a resident in a calm, respectful way that encourages them to share feelings and choices. It uses open questions, silence, and restating rather than arguing or giving advice.

Giving full attention to a resident by facing them, making eye contact, nodding, and repeating back what you understood. It shows respect and helps the aide notice needs that were not spoken.

The legal freedoms every nursing home resident keeps, such as privacy, dignity, choice, visitors, personal belongings, and freedom from abuse. Aides protect these rights in every task they do.

Keeping a resident's personal and medical information private and sharing it only with the care team who needs it. It includes not discussing residents in hallways, elevators, or online.

Treating each resident as a valued person by covering them, knocking before entering, asking before touching, and respecting their wishes and belongings. It protects self-worth during care that can feel embarrassing.

Trying to understand how a resident feels and showing that you care, without pretending to have had the same experience. It helps build trust and calms fear or anger.

Moving a joint through its full, normal set of movements. Active ROM is done by the resident; passive ROM is done by the aide, gently, only as ordered, and never past the point of pain.

Damage to skin and tissue caused by constant pressure, usually over bony areas like the heels, hips, and tailbone. Aides prevent it by turning residents, keeping skin clean and dry, and checking skin daily.

A permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that pulls a joint into a bent position and limits movement. It is prevented by range of motion, proper positioning with pillows, and encouraging activity.

Equipment such as a cane, walker, crutch, or special utensil that helps a resident move or do tasks more independently. Aides check that it fits, is in good repair, and is placed within reach.

Noticing and reporting changes in a resident's body, mood, eating, or behavior, using sight, hearing, touch, and smell. Findings are compared with what is normal for that resident and reported to the nurse.

Daily care that helps a resident keep or regain skills and independence after illness, such as practicing walking, dressing, or eating. Aides follow the care plan and let residents do what they can.