Delaware CNA key terms

Measurements of the body's basic functions: temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure, plus pain level or oxygen saturation in many facilities. The assistant measures and records them so the nurse can detect changes in the resident's condition.

The number of heartbeats in one minute. It is counted by pressing two fingertips over an artery, usually at the wrist or side of the neck, and the rate, rhythm, and strength are recorded.

One complete breath in and one complete breath out. The assistant counts the resident's breaths for a full minute, ideally without the resident noticing, and notes rate, rhythm, depth, and any noise or effort.

The pressure of blood against artery walls. It is recorded as two numbers, systolic over diastolic, in millimeters of mercury. The assistant measures it with a cuff and gauge or an approved electronic device and reports values outside the resident's usual range.

A record of all fluids a resident takes in and all fluids that leave the body, such as urine, vomit, or drainage. The assistant measures and records amounts so the nurse can judge hydration and how well the heart and kidneys are working.

Moving a joint through its full, normal arc of movement. In active range of motion the resident does the movement; in passive range of motion the assistant moves the joint for a resident who cannot.

A tight, permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that pulls a joint into a bent position and cannot be straightened. It develops when a limb is not moved, so range-of-motion exercise and good positioning help prevent it.

Arranging and supporting the body so the spine is straight and joints are not twisted or pressed. Residents who cannot reposition themselves are turned at least every two hours to protect skin and circulation.

Damage to skin and the tissue below it caused by pressure that blocks blood flow, usually over bony spots like the tailbone, hips, heels, and elbows. Also called a pressure ulcer or bedsore; report any redness early.

Everyday self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and moving from one place to another. The assistant helps with these tasks while encouraging the resident to do as much as possible independently.

Washing the whole body to remove dirt, sweat, and germs and to help the resident feel refreshed. Baths may be a shower, tub, bed bath, or partial bath and give the assistant a chance to check the skin.

Cleaning the genital and anal area, always wiping from front to back, to reduce infection and skin irritation. It is done during bathing and after each episode of incontinence, with privacy protected.

Loss of bladder or bowel control that the resident cannot prevent. The assistant keeps the resident clean, dry, and free of odor, changes wet linens right away, and reports changes in pattern to the nurse.

Helping a resident use a toilet, bedpan, or urinal. It includes offering regular trips, giving privacy, providing good perineal hygiene, and recording results, which a toileting schedule can make more predictable.

Care of the mouth, teeth, gums, and dentures, given at least twice a day and after meals. Clean mouth care lowers infection risk and helps the resident eat, swallow, and speak comfortably.

Helping a resident select and put on clothing and take care of appearance, including hair, nail, and shaving needs. Offer choices and let the resident do as much as possible to support dignity and independence.

Helping a resident eat and drink by sitting them upright, offering small bites, pacing the meal, and watching for coughing or trouble swallowing. Encourage self-feeding when possible and record how much was eaten.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub at key times, such as before and after resident contact, after gloves come off, and after touching soiled items. It is the most effective way to stop the spread of infection.

Infection-control steps used with every resident every time. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection when splashes are likely, plus careful handling of sharp and soiled items.

Using the body safely when lifting, moving, or carrying: keep the back straight, bend the knees, hold the load close, and avoid twisting. Good body mechanics protect the resident and the assistant from injury.

A wide strap buckled around the resident's waist over clothing to give the assistant a firm, safe hold while walking or transferring someone. It is never used to lift a resident off the floor alone.

Actions that lower the risk of falling, such as answering call lights quickly, keeping the path clear, wiping spills, placing items within reach, encouraging proper footwear, and following the care plan's safety steps.

Any device or method that restricts a resident's movement, such as a vest, wrist strap, or locked tray. Restraints need a doctor's order, are used only as a last resort, and require frequent checks and release.

The order of actions when fire is found: Rescue anyone in danger, pull the Alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate if told to. Every assistant must know the facility's exits and fire plan.

When an object blocks the airway and the resident cannot breathe, speak, or cough. Call for help, encourage coughing if possible, and give abdominal thrusts or back blows for a responsive adult as trained.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: chest compressions, with rescue breaths for trained rescuers, given when a resident is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Start compressions at once and call for help and an AED.

Ways to protect a resident during a seizure: ease them to the floor, cushion the head, move hard objects away, loosen tight clothing, and turn the head to the side. Never hold the person down or put anything in the mouth.

Giving full attention to a resident by facing them, making eye contact, nodding, and repeating back what you heard. It shows respect and helps the assistant catch important details and feelings.

Planned, purposeful talking with a resident that supports comfort, understanding, and trust. It uses open questions, restating, silence, and acceptance rather than advice, judgment, or arguing.

Messages sent without words, such as facial expression, posture, tone of voice, touch, and distance. Residents often notice these first, so the assistant keeps body language calm, open, and respectful.

Understanding and acknowledging a resident's feelings without taking them on as your own. Saying that something sounds hard shows the resident you hear them and helps build trust.

A condition, often after a stroke, in which a person has trouble understanding or producing speech. The assistant speaks slowly, uses short sentences, allows extra time, and may use gestures, pictures, or a communication board.

Keeping a resident's personal and health information private and sharing it only with staff who need to know in order to provide care. Do not discuss residents in public areas or on social media.

The specific duties a nurse assistant is legally allowed to perform, which are set by state law and facility policy. Tasks such as giving medicine or sterile procedures are outside that scope and must be reported to the nurse.

The nurse's assignment of certain tasks to the assistant based on training and state rules. The assistant accepts tasks only within their scope of practice, follows instructions carefully, and reports results back to the nurse.

A written, individualized guide to the care a resident should receive, based on their needs, preferences, and goals. The assistant follows it, reports changes, and may contribute observations at care conferences.

The written or electronic record of care given, including what was done, when, and what was observed. It is a legal record, so entries must be accurate, objective, timely, and never altered after the fact.

The legal and ethical protections every resident has, such as dignity, privacy, choice, being free from abuse, and taking part in their own care. The assistant must honor these rights and report any violation.

Abuse is an intentional act that harms a resident, such as hitting, yelling, or stealing; neglect is failing to provide needed care. Both are crimes, and the assistant must report suspected cases at once.

A form describing any unusual event that harmed or could have harmed a resident or staff member. The assistant reports facts objectively and promptly and does not blame or mention the report in the resident's presence.