Florida CNA cheat sheet

Adult vital sign norms: oral temperature 97.6-99.6 degrees F, pulse 60-100 beats per minute, respirations 12-20 per minute, blood pressure under 120/80 mmHg.

Count respirations for 30 seconds and double the number when the rhythm is regular; count a full minute when irregular, and do not tell the resident you are counting.

Inflate the blood pressure cuff 30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears, then deflate slowly at 2-3 mmHg per second.

Metric conversions for intake and output: 1 ounce = 30 mL, 1 cup = 240 mL, 1 teaspoon = 5 mL; record all totals in milliliters.

Keep every urinary drainage bag below the level of the bladder and off the floor; empty and measure at the end of each shift or when full.

Log-roll after spinal injury or back surgery: pillow between the knees, body held in straight alignment, resident moved as a single unit.

Perform range of motion slowly to the point of resistance and never force a joint; stop and report when the resident reports pain.

Check a restrained resident every 15 minutes, and release, reposition, offer toileting, and offer fluids at least every 2 hours with documentation.

Wash hands with soap and friction for at least 20 seconds before and after every resident contact; gloves never replace handwashing.

Maslow order of needs: physical needs first, then safety, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization; lower needs are met before higher ones.

Grief stages described by Kubler-Ross are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance; residents may move back and forth among them.

Sudden confusion in a previously oriented resident is a reportable change, not normal aging; common causes include urinary tract infection, dehydration, constipation, and medication effects.

For dementia-related behavior, redirect instead of correcting: acknowledge the feeling, stay calm, and offer a safe substitute activity.

Reality orientation uses clocks, calendars, and calm repeated cues about person, place, and time; validation therapy accepts the resident's reality and responds to feelings.

Knock and wait before entering, close doors and curtains during care, and never discuss a resident in hallways, elevators, or dining areas.

With hearing impairment, face the resident, get attention first, speak at normal volume, and reduce background noise; never shout into the ear.

Report signs of depression to the licensed nurse: withdrawal, appetite or weight loss, sleep changes, and loss of interest in grooming or activities.

Ask about and honor food, religious, and hygiene preferences written in the care plan; report conflicts rather than overriding the resident's wishes.

Nurse aide scope: perform tasks delegated by a licensed nurse and report the results; assessment, care planning, and medication administration remain with licensed staff.

Report findings to the licensed nurse in charge, and escalate immediately for changes in breathing, chest pain, loss of consciousness, or a fall.

Chart objectively: record measurements and observed behavior such as 'ate 25% of lunch,' not opinions or conclusions about the resident.

Correct a charting error with a single line through the entry, the word error, a signature, and the date; never erase or use correction fluid.

Complete a separate incident report for a fall or error, and record only objective facts in the resident's clinical record.

Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation must be reported by mandated reporters; the Florida Abuse Hotline is 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).

Under HIPAA, share resident information only with the care team on a need-to-know basis; public discussion is a privacy violation.

The ombudsman advocates for residents' rights and investigates complaints; the contact number must be posted where residents can see it.

Delegation depends on the resident's condition, the complexity of the task, and the aide's training; the delegating nurse keeps accountability.