Connecticut CNA flashcards

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

Normal adult pulse range

A resting adult pulse is 60 to 100 beats per minute; report a rate outside this range, an irregular rhythm, or a weak or bounding quality.

Counting irregular respirations

Count for a full minute when the rhythm is irregular; if respirations are regular, count for 30 seconds and multiply by two.

Axillary temperature

Measured with the probe held in the center of the armpit against dry skin; the reading runs about 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than an oral temperature.

Stage 1 pressure injury

Intact skin with a localized area of nonblanchable redness over a bony prominence; report it and relieve the pressure immediately.

Repositioning immobile residents

Turn and reposition at least every 2 hours, alternating sides, to prevent pressure injuries and pneumonia; document the position and the time.

Ounces to milliliters

One ounce equals 30 milliliters; measure intake and output at eye level and record each amount on the flow sheet as it occurs.

Range of motion limits

Move the joint gently only to the point of resistance; never force it, and stop immediately if the resident reports pain.

Safe transfer steps

Lock the wheels, raise the bed to working height, apply a gait belt, keep the resident close to your body, and pivot toward the stronger side.

Restraint monitoring

With an ordered restraint, check circulation and breathing every 15 minutes, and release, reposition, offer fluids, and offer toileting every 2 hours.

Hot or cold application

Check the skin under the application every 5 minutes and remove it after 15 to 20 minutes, or sooner if the skin becomes very red or pale.

Hand hygiene duration

Wash with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, cleaning between fingers and under the nails; use alcohol rub only when hands are not visibly soiled.

Blood pressure cuff deflation

Inflate to about 30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappeared, then release the valve at 2 to 3 mmHg per second while listening.

Maslow's hierarchy order

Physiological needs first, then safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization; lower levels must be met before higher ones can be addressed.

Stages of grief

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance; residents may move back and forth among the stages rather than in a fixed order.

Validation therapy

Accepting and acknowledging the feelings behind a confused resident's statements instead of correcting the facts; this reduces distress and agitation.

Communicating with aphasia

Allow extra time, ask yes-or-no questions, use gestures and pictures, and never finish the resident's sentences or talk about the resident as if absent.

Hearing-impaired communication

Face the resident, get attention first, speak clearly at a slightly lower pitch, reduce background noise, and never shout into the ear.

Erikson late-life task

Integrity versus despair; listening to life stories and honoring accomplishments supports a sense of worth in older adults.

Signs of depression

Withdrawal, loss of appetite, changed sleep, tearfulness, and statements of hopelessness; report these observations to the charge nurse rather than waiting.

Confidentiality of resident information

Discuss care only in private areas and share information only with the care team; never discuss residents in hallways, elevators, or with the media.

Responding to aggression

Stay calm, keep a safe distance and an open exit, do not argue or touch the resident without warning, and call for help.

Reminiscence

Encouraging a resident to talk about past events and accomplishments; it supports identity, coping, and self-esteem in later life.

CNA scope of practice

Assisting with activities of daily living and basic nursing tasks; the aide does not give medications, perform sterile procedures, complete initial assessments, or teach residents.

Chain of command

The aide reports to the charge nurse or licensed nurse who makes the assignment; changes in resident condition are reported to that nurse immediately.

Objective charting

Recording what is seen, heard, measured, and done, in time order, without opinions or judgments such as labeling a resident difficult or good.

Correcting a chart error

Draw one line through the error, write 'error,' add initials and date, and enter the correct information; never erase, scribble out, or use white-out.

Incident report purpose

A factual record of an unusual event used by the facility to investigate and prevent recurrence; it is not mentioned in the resident's progress notes.

Standard precautions

Treat all blood, body fluids, secretions, and broken skin as infectious; wear gloves for contact and wash hands after removing them.

Reporting suspected abuse

Report immediately to the charge nurse and follow facility policy; nurse aides are mandated reporters and are protected from retaliation for good-faith reports.

OBRA in-service requirement

Nurse aides must complete at least 75 hours of training before certification and at least 12 hours of in-service education each year afterward.

Task beyond training

If asked to do something outside training or the job description, decline politely, explain why, and report the request to the charge nurse.

Resident rights

Under OBRA, residents have the right to dignity, privacy, choice, refusal of treatment, grievance without retaliation, and freedom from abuse and unnecessary restraints.