DC CNA flashcards

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

Perineal Care Direction

Wash from front to back, moving from the urethra toward the rectum, so bacteria from the anal area are not carried into the urinary tract.

Bath Water Temperature

Use water at about 105 degrees Fahrenheit, roughly 40.5 Celsius; test it on your inner wrist and keep the room warm and private.

Dressing a Weak Side

Dress the affected or weaker side first and then the strong side; when undressing, remove clothing from the strong side first.

Range of Motion Rule

Move each joint gently through its full range only until resistance or pain is felt, and never force a joint past that point.

Normal Adult Vital Signs

Oral temperature 97.6 to 99.6 Fahrenheit, pulse 60 to 100 beats per minute, respirations 12 to 20 per minute, blood pressure under 120 over 80.

Counting Respirations

Count for a full 30 seconds and multiply by two, keeping the resident unaware that breathing is being counted so the rate is not altered.

Clean-Catch Urine Specimen

Collect midstream urine in a sterile container, label it with the resident's name, date, and time, and send it to the lab promptly.

Catheter Bag Placement

Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder and off the floor to prevent urine from flowing backward and causing infection.

RACE Fire Response

Rescue anyone in danger, pull the Alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, then Extinguish or Evacuate according to facility policy.

PASS Extinguisher Use

Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side from a safe distance.

Standard Precautions

Treat all blood, body fluids, secretions, excretions, and non-intact skin as infectious; wear gloves and perform hand hygiene before and after contact.

Seizure Care Steps

Protect the head, loosen tight clothing, move objects away, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth, and time the seizure.

Communicating With Aphasia

Speak slowly, use short sentences and yes-or-no questions, allow extra time for answers, and use gestures or pictures as needed.

Hearing Impairment Approach

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

Objective Documentation

Record facts that are observed or measured rather than opinions or guesses, and quote the resident when describing statements or complaints.

Reporting Suspected Abuse

Report suspected abuse or neglect immediately to the charge nurse or administrator; the aide never investigates and never promises secrecy.

Nurse Aide Scope Limit

Aides perform personal care and delegated tasks only; they do not give medications, insert catheters, or evaluate a resident's condition.

Chain of Command

Follow the line from nurse aide to charge nurse to director of nursing to administrator, reporting concerns to the immediate supervisor first.

Right to Decline a Task

Accept only tasks within your training and legal scope; a nurse may delegate, but the aide can decline work outside their preparation.

Accepting Gifts From Residents

Decline money, gifts, and bequests from residents and families, because accepting them violates ethical standards and facility policy.

Right to Refuse Care

A resident may refuse any treatment or care; inform the nurse, document the refusal, and never force or threaten the resident.

Resident Privacy Right

Knock and wait before entering, close doors and curtains during care, and keep personal information confidential by discussing care only in private.

Grievance Without Retaliation

Residents may complain or file a grievance without fear of punishment, and staff must help them through the process respectfully.

Personal Possessions Rule

Residents keep their own belongings; staff must not open mail, borrow items, or search possessions without authorization under facility policy.

Validation Therapy

Accept the reality of a confused resident's feelings instead of arguing with facts; acknowledge the emotion and redirect gently when needed.

Sundowning Behavior

Late-day restlessness and agitation common in dementia; reduce noise and stimulation and keep evening routines, lighting, and reassurance consistent.

Wandering Safety

Do not restrain the resident; provide safe walking areas, supervision, and alarms, and report any new exit-seeking behavior to the nurse.

Suicidal Statement Response

Take any statement about self-harm seriously, stay with the resident without leaving them alone, and notify the nurse immediately.

Aspiration Precautions

Sit the resident fully upright, offer small bites, encourage a chin tuck, and stop feeding at any coughing or wet voice.

Signs of Dehydration

Dark concentrated urine, dry mouth, poor skin turgor, confusion, and weakness; report intake and output changes to the nurse.

Intake and Output Record

Record all fluids taken by mouth, IV, or tube and all urine, vomit, or drainage; measure in milliliters and report the totals.

Feeding a Stroke Resident

Place food on the stronger, unaffected side of the mouth and keep the resident sitting upright during and after the meal.