CRRN flashcards

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

Functional Independence Measure

An 18-item tool scoring self-care, sphincter control, mobility, locomotion, communication, and social cognition from 1 (total assistance) to 7 (complete independence), with a total range of 18 to 126.

Barthel Index

A 10-item measure of ADL independence (feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing, bowels, bladder, toilet, transfers, mobility, stairs) scored 0 to 100, where higher scores indicate greater independence.

Morse Fall Scale

A six-item fall risk screening tool covering fall history, secondary diagnosis, ambulatory aids, IV therapy, gait, and mental status; higher totals indicate greater risk and trigger prevention protocols.

Braden Scale

A pressure injury risk tool scoring six subscales: sensory perception, moisture, activity, mobility, nutrition, and friction/shear. Lower total scores indicate higher risk.

Stage 1 pressure injury

Intact skin with a localized area of non-blanchable erythema, which may appear differently in darkly pigmented skin; the area does not blanch under fingertip pressure.

Autonomic dysreflexia

A life-threatening syndrome in spinal cord injury at or above T6, marked by severe hypertension, pounding headache, bradycardia, flushing, and diaphoresis from a noxious stimulus below the lesion.

Dysreflexia first interventions

Sit the patient upright immediately, loosen tight clothing, then search for and remove the trigger, most often bladder distention or fecal impaction, while monitoring blood pressure.

Neurogenic bladder management

Bladder emptying strategy after neurologic injury, using clean intermittent catheterization when feasible, timed voiding schedules, and avoidance of indwelling catheters when possible to reduce infection.

Gastrocolic reflex bowel program

The reflex that increases colonic motility after eating, used to time scheduled bowel elimination programs, commonly 20 to 30 minutes after a meal, to improve continence outcomes.

Gait belt use

A wide strap fastened around the patient's waist during assisted transfers and ambulation, giving the nurse a secure handhold to steady the patient and prevent falls.

Spasticity management

Treatment of velocity-dependent increased muscle tone through positioning, stretching, range of motion, oral antispasmodics such as baclofen, and chemodenervation with botulinum toxin when focal.

Contracture prevention

Maintaining joint range through daily passive and active-assisted range-of-motion exercise, proper positioning and splinting, and avoidance of prolonged positions that shorten muscles.

Dysphagia precautions

Swallowing safety measures including diet texture and liquid consistency modification, chin tuck, upright positioning during and after meals, and monitoring for coughing, pocketing, or wet voice.

Deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis

Prevention of clot formation during immobility through early mobilization, compression devices, graduated compression stockings, and prescribed anticoagulants, with monitoring for unilateral leg swelling.

Pulmonary embolism signs

Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypoxemia in an immobilized patient, requiring immediate provider notification and emergency management.

Osteoporosis mobility precautions

Weight-bearing exercise and fall prevention are protective, while bending, twisting, and lifting restrictions reduce fracture risk in patients with low bone density.

Hemiplegic shoulder care

Support the flaccid arm with slings or pillows, avoid pulling the arm during transfers, and prevent dependent edema and subluxation to reduce shoulder pain after stroke.

Unilateral neglect

A perceptual deficit after right hemisphere stroke in which the patient ignores one side of the body or space; nursing care includes cueing to the affected side and scanning training.

Aphasia communication strategies

Use short sentences, one question at a time, gesture and visual cues, extra response time, and avoid correcting errors to reduce frustration in patients with language impairment.

Apraxia of gait

Impaired ability to execute learned motor sequences despite intact strength and sensation; interventions include verbal cueing, visual targets on the floor, and consistent routine.

Cognitive retraining

Structured therapy to improve attention, memory, and problem solving after brain injury, using repetition, external memory aids, and graded task demands.

Rancho Los Amigos levels

A scale describing cognitive and behavioral recovery after traumatic brain injury, from Level I (no response) through Level X (purposeful, appropriate behavior).

Splint and orthosis care

Inspect skin under the device for redness or breakdown at least daily, ensure proper fit, follow wearing schedules, and clean per manufacturer guidance to prevent pressure injury.

Prosthetic limb care

Wash the residual limb and socket daily, dry thoroughly, inspect skin for blisters or redness, and use shrinker or rigid dressing to shape the limb and control edema.

Phantom limb pain

Pain perceived in the amputated limb; management includes mirror therapy, desensitization, relaxation techniques, and prescribed medications, without dismissing the patient's experience.

Energy conservation techniques

Pacing activity with rest periods, organizing tasks, using adaptive equipment, and performing demanding tasks at peak energy times to reduce fatigue in chronic illness.

Activity tolerance assessment

Monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, dyspnea, and fatigue before, during, and after activity to set safe exercise intensity and progression.

Restraint alternatives

Less restrictive measures such as environmental modification, bed and chair alarms, frequent rounding, activity engagement, and family presence, tried before considering restraints.

Caregiver training

Teaching family members safe transfer technique, medication administration, skin inspection, and warning sign recognition, with return demonstration to verify competence.

Interdisciplinary team conference

A scheduled meeting where team members share discipline-specific findings, set shared functional goals, and coordinate discharge planning and equipment needs.

Discharge planning

Early assessment of home environment, equipment needs, caregiver availability, and community resources to ensure a safe transition and continuity of rehabilitation goals.

Rehabilitation documentation

Recording the assistance level required for each activity, progress toward functional goals, and barriers, using objective, measurable descriptions that support ongoing therapy decisions.