Georgia CNA flashcards

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

Bath water temperature

Bath and shower water for a resident should be about 105°F (40.5°C). Test the water on your inner wrist and ask the resident whether the temperature is comfortable before washing.

Dressing a weak side

When dressing a resident who has one weak or paralyzed side, put the garment on the affected limb first. When undressing, remove the garment from the unaffected limb first.

Repositioning schedule

Turn and reposition an immobile resident at least every two hours, including at night, to relieve pressure over bony areas. Document each turn and check the skin at the same time.

Perineal care wiping direction

Wash the perineal area from front to back, using a fresh part of the washcloth for each stroke. This direction carries bacteria away from the urethra and helps prevent urinary tract infection.

Oral care for unconscious resident

Turn the resident onto the side with the head tilted toward the basin, use a toothbrush or swab, keep suction available, and do not put fluids in the mouth. Never use toothpaste that requires rinsing.

Denture storage

Clean dentures over a basin lined with a towel or filled with water so they will not break if dropped. Store them in a labeled, covered cup of water when not in the mouth.

NPO means

NPO means nothing by mouth. A resident on NPO status receives no food, fluids, ice chips, or oral medications; provide mouth care and report thirst or hunger to the nurse.

RACE fire response

RACE stands for Rescue anyone in danger, Alarm activate, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate. Residents who can walk are moved first, then those who need help.

PASS fire extinguisher

PASS stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side. Only use an extinguisher if the fire is small and you have a clear exit.

Adult CPR ratio

For one- or two-rescuer adult CPR, give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, compressing at 100 to 120 per minute to a depth of at least 2 inches.

Seizure care

Do not restrain the resident or place anything in the mouth. Protect the head, move objects away, loosen tight clothing, time the seizure, and stay until it ends; report it to the nurse.

Airborne precautions PPE

Airborne precautions, used for tuberculosis and measles, require an N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room with the door closed. A surgical mask is not sufficient protection.

Hand hygiene priority

Hand washing with soap and water is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection. Wash before and after every resident contact and after removing gloves.

Restraint check interval

When a restraint is in use, check the resident at least every 15 minutes, release and reposition every 2 hours, and offer food, fluids, and toileting. A physician's order is required.

Normal adult vital signs

Typical adult ranges are temperature 97.6 to 99.6°F oral, pulse 60 to 100 beats per minute, respirations 12 to 20 per minute, and blood pressure below 120/80 mm Hg.

Ounces to milliliters

One ounce equals 30 milliliters, so an 8-ounce glass of water is 240 mL. Record all fluids taken in and all urine, vomitus, or drainage put out on the intake and output sheet.

Objective versus subjective data

Objective data are measurable facts you observe, such as a temperature of 101°F or a reddened area. Subjective data are what the resident tells you, such as pain or nausea.

Most accurate temperature route

Rectal temperature is the most accurate core measurement, while axillary is the least accurate. Oral temperatures are not taken on residents who are confused, unconscious, or likely to bite.

Pulse deficit

A pulse deficit is the difference between the apical pulse counted at the heart and the radial pulse counted at the wrist at the same time. It is reported to the nurse.

Findings to report immediately

Report at once any fall, new confusion, difficulty breathing, chest pain, temperature above 100°F, blood in urine or stool, skin breakdown, or refusal of care.

Communicating with aphasia

Speak slowly and use short sentences, ask yes-or-no questions, use gestures or pictures, and allow extra time. Do not finish the resident's sentences or pretend to understand.

Communicating with hearing loss

Face the resident, get their attention, speak clearly at a normal volume, lower the pitch of your voice rather than shouting, and reduce background noise. Do not cover your mouth.

Communicating with vision loss

Identify yourself by name when you enter, say when you are leaving, describe what you are about to do, and offer your arm to guide the resident rather than pushing them.

Confidentiality in practice

Share resident information only with the care team. Do not discuss residents in hallways, elevators, or online, and do not leave charts or screens visible to visitors or other residents.

Eye-level communication

Lower yourself to the resident's eye level, sit or squat rather than standing over them, and speak face to face. Standing above a resident can feel threatening and reduce willingness to cooperate.

Reporting to the nurse

A nursing assistant reports observations to the licensed nurse, not directly to the physician or the family. Report changes promptly and record only what you actually saw or did.

Right to refuse care

A competent resident may refuse any treatment or care. Accept the refusal without arguing, offer alternatives, document exactly what was refused, and inform the nurse promptly.

Mandatory abuse reporting

Nursing assistants are mandated reporters. Suspected physical, sexual, verbal, or financial abuse, neglect, or exploitation must be reported immediately to the nurse and administrator, and by phone to the state hotline.

Long-term care ombudsman

The ombudsman is an independent advocate who investigates complaints about nursing home care and helps residents resolve grievances without fear of retaliation. Contact information must be posted and given to residents.

Validation therapy

Validation therapy accepts the feelings behind a confused resident's statements rather than correcting facts. For example, if a resident says she must go to work, acknowledge her worry and redirect gently.

Least restrictive device

Any device that limits movement must be the least restrictive option, ordered by a physician, used only for a medical reason, and never for convenience or discipline.

Resident's right to privacy

Residents have the right to privacy during care, toileting, and visits, and to have their personal information kept confidential. Knock, close curtains and doors, and expose only the body part being cared for.