Hawaii CNA key terms

Measurements of temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure (sometimes oxygen level and pain) that show how well the body is working. The nursing assistant takes, records, and reports them promptly.

The pulse felt at the wrist on the thumb side by pressing two fingertips over the artery. It is usually counted for 30 seconds and doubled, or for a full minute when the rhythm is irregular.

A pulse counted with a stethoscope placed over the apex of the heart on the left chest. It is used when the radial pulse is irregular or when a medication requires an accurate rate.

A drop in blood pressure when a person moves from lying to sitting or standing, which can cause dizziness, fainting, and falls. Blood pressure is checked in each position and any change is reported.

A record of all fluids a resident drinks and all urine, vomit, or drainage released, usually measured in milliliters. Accurate measurement helps the care team watch for dehydration or fluid retention.

Practices that reduce the spread of germs, especially washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based rub before and after every resident contact. It is the most important way to prevent infection.

Infection-control steps used with every resident, including hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection when body fluids may splash. They treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.

A noninvasive sensor placed on a finger or earlobe that estimates the percentage of oxygen carried by the blood. A low reading or a change from the resident's usual level is reported to the nurse.

Damage to skin and the tissue beneath it caused by unrelieved pressure, usually over a bony area such as the sacrum, hip, or heel. Prevention includes turning, repositioning, clean dry skin, and good nutrition.

Bathing a resident in bed with a basin, washcloths, and warm water when the person cannot use a shower or tub. It cleans the skin, allows observation for problems, and promotes comfort and dignity.

Cleaning the genital and anal area with mild soap and water using front-to-back strokes. It prevents infection and odor and is done at least daily and after each episode of incontinence.

Removing, brushing, rinsing, and storing a resident's false teeth. Dentures are cleaned over a basin of water or a folded towel so they will not break if dropped, and they are labeled with the resident's name.

Daily inspection and gentle cleaning of the feet of a resident with diabetes, including checking between the toes for redness, cracks, or sores. Hot water and bare feet are avoided because sensation and healing are reduced.

Helping a resident put on and remove clothing, dressing the weak or affected side first and undressing it last so the stronger side does most of the work. It supports independence and self-esteem.

Devices used to collect urine or stool from a resident who cannot get to the toilet. They are warmed, positioned correctly, removed promptly, and cleaned afterward to protect the skin and the resident's dignity.

Giving full attention to what a resident says, using eye contact, nods, and brief responses, then reflecting back the meaning. It shows respect and helps the resident feel understood and safe.

Understanding and acknowledging another person's feelings without judging them or making the situation about yourself. In caregiving it is shown by statements such as 'That sounds very hard for you.'

Purposeful, respectful conversation that supports a resident's emotional and physical well-being, using open questions, silence, and clarification rather than advice, arguing, or false reassurance.

A mood disorder with lasting sadness, loss of interest, sleep or appetite changes, and hopelessness that can affect eating, activity, and the will to live. Signs are reported to the nurse.

The emotional response to loss, such as the death of a spouse or the loss of health and independence. It may include sadness, anger, guilt, and withdrawal, and each person moves through it differently.

Respecting and responding to a resident's beliefs, language, food preferences, and health practices, and adjusting care to fit them. It means asking about preferences rather than assuming them.

A group of brain conditions that cause a gradual, permanent decline in memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to do daily tasks. It is not a normal part of aging.

A sudden, often reversible state of confusion with fluctuating attention, caused by illness, medication, pain, dehydration, or infection. It is a medical emergency that must be reported immediately.

Walking or moving about, sometimes aimlessly, often seen in residents with dementia who may be searching for something familiar or trying to leave. Safety, supervision, and gentle redirection are needed.

Increased confusion, restlessness, and agitation in the late afternoon or early evening, commonly seen in dementia. Calm routines, good lighting, reduced noise, and rest help decrease it.

A way of responding to a confused resident by accepting and acknowledging the feelings behind the words instead of correcting the facts. It reduces distress and builds trust.

A sudden, intense outburst of crying, shouting, or aggression in a person with dementia, usually triggered by too many demands, noise, or frustration. Caregivers stay calm and reduce stimulation.

Moving a joint through its full normal movement, either by the resident (active) or by the caregiver (passive). It keeps joints flexible, maintains muscle tone, and helps prevent stiffness.

A permanent shortening and tightening of muscle or tendon that makes a joint hard or impossible to straighten. It is prevented by range of motion, proper positioning, and splints when ordered.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist that the caregiver holds to steady the person during standing, walking, or transfers. It is never used to lift the resident.

Positioning the head, trunk, arms, and legs in a straight, balanced line that supports the body's natural curves. Good alignment reduces strain, skin pressure, and breathing problems.

Equipment such as a cane, walker, or crutches that helps a resident keep balance and move safely. The device must be the right height, checked for damage, and used as the therapist directs.

A planned schedule of toileting and fluids that helps a resident regain bladder control and have fewer accidents. Progress, accidents, and any changes are recorded and reported to the nurse.

Federal and state protections guaranteeing each nursing home resident dignity, privacy, choice, and freedom from abuse, along with the right to be informed and involved in care decisions. A posted list is given to every resident.

Permission given by a resident or legal representative who understands the purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives of a treatment before it is given. Nursing assistants do not obtain consent for procedures.

A resident's right to say no to any treatment, medication, or care even when caregivers disagree. The refusal is respected, documented, and reported to the nurse rather than argued about.

Keeping a resident's health, personal, and financial information private and sharing it only with staff who need it to provide care. It includes not discussing residents in halls, elevators, or public areas.

A written document, such as a living will or health care power of attorney, that states a person's wishes about medical treatment if they can no longer speak for themselves.

A trained advocate provided through the state who investigates complaints and protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. Contact information must be posted where residents and families can see it.

The legal duty of nursing assistants and other caregivers to report any suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a resident to the nurse and the proper agency immediately, without investigating first.