Colorado CNA key terms

Measurements of body temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, sometimes including pain and oxygen saturation. They show how well the body is working and are compared with the resident's own normal baseline.

The force of blood pushing against the artery walls, recorded as two numbers: systolic, when the heart contracts, over diastolic, when it rests. Report a reading far above or below the resident's usual range.

The number of heartbeats felt in one minute by pressing two fingers on the thumb side of the wrist. Note the rate, rhythm, and strength, and never use your own thumb.

The number of breaths a resident takes in one minute, with one breath in and out counted as one. Count without telling the resident and note whether breathing is easy, noisy, shallow, or deep.

A record of all fluids a resident drinks and all fluids leaving the body, such as urine, vomit, and drainage, over a set period. Accurate measuring helps the nurse spot dehydration or fluid buildup.

Washing hands with soap and water or rubbing them with alcohol-based sanitizer. It is the single best way to stop the spread of infection, so do it before and after every resident contact.

Infection-control steps used with every resident every time, because any body fluid may carry germs. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gown, mask, and safe handling of soiled items and sharps.

Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection worn to keep germs from passing between you and a resident. Put it on before contact and take it off carefully before leaving the room.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by unrelieved pressure, usually over bony spots like the tailbone, heels, or hips. Check skin often, keep it clean and dry, and reposition residents regularly.

Cleaning the area where a urinary catheter enters the body and keeping the tubing and drainage bag below the bladder. This prevents pulling, kinks, and infection.

A wide strap buckled around a resident's waist that gives the caregiver a firm hold during walking and transfers. It must fit snugly over clothing and is never used to tie anyone down.

Washing a resident's body in bed with a basin, soap, and washcloths. Wash from cleanest to dirtiest areas, keep the person covered for privacy and warmth, and look for reddened or broken skin.

Washing the genital and anal area, always wiping from front to back, to prevent infection and odor. Wear gloves, use a fresh part of the cloth for each stroke, and offer it during bathing and after toileting.

Brushing teeth, gums, and tongue, or caring for dentures, to keep the mouth clean and comfortable. Give it at least twice a day and after meals, and look for sores or white patches.

Cleaning false teeth over a basin lined with a towel or filled with water so they will not break if dropped. Use denture cleaner, rinse well, and store them in a labeled cup when not in the mouth.

Helping a resident put on and remove clothing. Dress the weak or affected side first and undress that side last, and let the resident do as much as possible.

Placing a resident's body in a safe, comfortable alignment supported with pillows. Change position at least every two hours, or as ordered, to protect skin, breathing, and comfort.

Moving a resident as one unit while keeping the spine straight, usually with two helpers using a draw sheet. It is used after back or hip surgery and for anyone who must not twist.

The everyday tasks of bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and moving around. CNAs help residents do these things for themselves as much as they can.

Understanding what another person is feeling and letting them know you see their situation. It differs from sympathy because you feel with the person rather than feeling sorry for them.

Giving full attention to a speaker by facing them, making eye contact, nodding, and repeating back what you heard. It helps residents feel respected and prevents misunderstandings.

Using words, tone, and body language that help a resident feel safe and understood. Ask open questions, allow silence, be honest, and avoid arguing, judging, or giving false reassurance.

A lasting sad or empty mood with loss of interest, appetite or sleep changes, and hopelessness. In older adults it may look like confusion or physical complaints, so report changes to the nurse.

Respecting and adjusting to a resident's culture, language, religion, and health beliefs. Ask about preferences instead of assuming, and use a trained interpreter when one is needed.

A group of brain conditions, often caused by Alzheimer's disease, that slowly damage memory, thinking, and judgment. It is not a normal part of aging and gets worse over time.

More confusion, restlessness, or agitation in the late afternoon and evening, which is common in dementia. Reduce noise and clutter, keep routines steady, and respond calmly.

Walking or moving about without a clear purpose, common in dementia and a serious safety risk. Do not argue or block the person roughly; redirect, offer an activity, and follow the safety plan.

Accepting a confused resident's feelings and version of reality instead of correcting the facts. It lowers distress because the person feels heard rather than argued with.

Trouble speaking or understanding language after brain damage such as a stroke. Speak slowly, use gestures and yes-or-no questions, and give plenty of time to answer.

A permanent tightening of muscle or tendon that freezes a joint in a bent position, often from lack of movement. Range of motion, good positioning, and splints help prevent it.

Moving a joint through its full normal pattern, either by the resident (active) or by the caregiver (passive). It keeps joints flexible and muscles working; stop if the resident has pain.

Walking, with or without a device or help. Encourage it daily, use a gait belt, and follow the care plan for how much support is safe.

Care that helps a resident regain or keep function and independence after illness or injury. It includes exercise, practicing self-care, and using the techniques the therapy team teaches.

A toileting schedule that helps a resident regain bladder control. Offer the toilet at set times, praise success, and record results without scolding accidents.

A physical or chemical method that limits a resident's freedom of movement and is not part of normal treatment. Restraints need a doctor's order, are a last resort, and require frequent checks.

Deliberate harm to a resident, such as hitting, yelling, unwanted sexual contact, or misusing their money. Any suspicion must be reported immediately.

The legal duty of CNAs to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation right away, even without proof. Tell the nurse in charge and follow your facility's policy.

A trained advocate, free of charge and independent of the facility, who investigates complaints from long-term care residents and helps protect their rights.

Keeping a resident's personal and medical information private and sharing it only with staff who need it to give care. Never discuss residents in public areas or on social media.

A written document, such as a living will or medical power of attorney, that states a person's wishes for care if they can no longer speak for themselves.