Colorado CNA flashcards

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

Normal adult oral temperature

An orally measured temperature in a resting adult ranges from about 97.6 to 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher is reported to the nurse.

Normal adult pulse range

The normal resting heart rate for an adult is 60 to 100 beats per minute. Count for a full 60 seconds and report any rate outside this range.

Counting respirations correctly

Count respirations for a full 60 seconds while the resident believes you are still holding the wrist for pulse. Do not announce the count, since awareness can change the breathing rate.

Blood pressure cuff placement

Wrap the cuff so the bladder covers about two-thirds of the upper arm, place the artery marker over the brachial artery, and support the arm at the level of the heart.

Converting ounces to milliliters

One fluid ounce equals 30 milliliters, and one standard cup equals 240 milliliters. All intake and output is recorded in milliliters on the flow sheet.

Vital signs requiring immediate report

Report a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, pulse under 60 or over 100, respirations under 12 or over 20, or systolic pressure under 90 or over 160.

Eye care wash direction

Wash the eye from the inner corner toward the outer corner, using a different area of the washcloth for each eye so infection is not carried from one eye to the other.

Perineal care stroke direction

Wash the perineal area from front to back, moving from the urethra toward the rectum, and use a clean portion of the cloth for each stroke to prevent urinary tract infection.

Bath water temperature

Bath water should be about 100 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Test it against your inner wrist or forearm before the resident enters, because older skin burns easily.

Dressing the weak side

Dress the resident on the affected or weak side first, and undress that same side last. This sequence helps the resident keep balance and stay independent during dressing.

Denture care and storage

Remove dentures with gauze and clean them over a basin lined with a towel. Store them in a labeled container covered with water; hot water warps and damages dentures.

Nail care with diabetes

Do not cut the fingernails or toenails of a resident with diabetes or poor circulation. Report nail care needs to the nurse because of the high risk of infection.

Responding to hallucinations

Do not argue about or confirm a hallucination. Acknowledge the resident's feelings, offer reassurance, and redirect attention to a real, calming activity or a neutral topic.

Signs of depression

Watch for sadness lasting more than two weeks, loss of appetite, sleep changes, withdrawal from activities, and statements of hopelessness. Report these observations to the nurse.

Response to suicidal statement

Any statement about suicide or self-harm is an emergency. Stay with the resident, notify the nurse immediately, and remove items in the area that could be used for harm.

Active listening technique

Sit at eye level, give full attention, nod, and restate what the resident said in your own words. Avoid interrupting or offering quick solutions before the resident finishes.

Supporting the need for belonging

Residents need to feel valued and connected. Encourage family visits and group activities, and offer small choices that preserve personal identity and a sense of control.

Validation therapy

Validation means accepting the resident's reality instead of correcting it. You respond to the emotion behind a false statement rather than arguing about the facts.

Approaching a confused resident

Approach from the front at eye level, say the resident's name, and state your name and purpose. Then speak slowly in short, simple sentences with one instruction at a time.

Sundowning behavior

Sundowning is increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon or evening. Reduce noise and crowds, keep lighting bright and even, and offer quiet, calming activities.

Redirecting a resident who wanders

Never restrain or scold a resident who wanders. Instead walk alongside the resident, then gently guide the person toward a safe area such as a quiet room or an activity.

Causes of sudden confusion

Report a sudden behavior change to the nurse. Common causes are pain, constipation, urinary tract infection, dehydration, a new medication, or a change in the environment.

Range of motion limits

Move each joint gently only to the point where resistance is felt, and never force it. Stop the exercise and report to the nurse if the resident complains of pain.

Passive versus active range of motion

In active range of motion the resident performs the movement alone. In passive range of motion the caregiver moves the joint for a resident who cannot move it independently.

Gait belt use

Place the gait belt snugly around the resident's waist over clothing and grasp it with an underhand grip. Walk on the resident's weaker side during ambulation and transfers.

Cane on the stronger side

A resident using a single cane holds it on the stronger side and moves the cane forward at the same time as the weaker leg, which widens the base of support.

Walker stepping sequence

With a walker, the resident moves the walker forward first, then steps into it. Keep the walker close to the body and never lift it off the floor while stepping.

Resident right to refuse

A resident may refuse any treatment, medication, or care task. The aide documents the refusal and reports it to the nurse rather than pressuring or forcing the resident.

Freedom from restraints

Federal law prohibits physical or chemical restraints used for discipline, convenience, or coercion. A restraint requires a physician's order and may only address a documented medical symptom.

Filing a grievance

Residents may complain to staff, the administrator, the state survey agency, or the long-term care ombudsman without fear of retaliation or any change in the care they receive.

Mandatory abuse reporting

Any suspected physical, sexual, verbal, or financial abuse, or neglect, must be reported immediately to the nurse or administrator and, in Colorado, to the proper authorities as well.

Confidentiality of resident information

Do not discuss a resident's condition, room, or care with other residents, visitors, or outside parties. Share information only with staff who need it to provide that resident's care.