Iowa CNA flashcards

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

Chain of command

The line of authority from the nurse aide to the charge nurse, director of nursing, and administrator; the aide reports concerns to the licensed nurse first.

Scope of practice

The tasks and responsibilities a nurse aide is legally allowed to perform under state law and delegation, based on training and facility policy.

Delegation

A licensed nurse assigns a specific task to a nurse aide who is competent to perform it; the nurse retains accountability for the overall nursing care.

Negligence

Failure to provide the standard of care that a reasonable nurse aide would provide, resulting in harm or potential harm to a resident.

Mandated reporting

A legal requirement that nurse aides report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the charge nurse and appropriate agency immediately, following facility policy.

Advance directive

A written document stating a resident's wishes for medical treatment if the resident cannot speak; examples include living wills and durable power of attorney for health care.

Right to refuse care

A competent resident may decline any treatment or task; the aide should respect the choice, document it, and notify the licensed nurse without arguing or forcing care.

Resident grievance

A formal complaint made by a resident or family member about care or facility conditions; the aide should listen, report it, and never punish the resident for complaining.

Confidentiality

Protecting a resident's personal and health information from unauthorized discussion or access; share information only with the care team and as facility policy permits.

Active listening

A communication technique using eye contact, nods, and clarifying questions to show the resident is heard and understood, without interrupting or finishing sentences.

Open-ended question

A question that invites a fuller answer rather than a yes or no, such as 'How are you feeling today?' and helps the aide learn more about the resident.

Communicating with hearing loss

When speaking with a hearing-impaired resident, face the person, get attention, speak clearly at normal volume, reduce background noise, and use written notes if needed.

Hand hygiene

Vigorous rubbing of all hand surfaces with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or alcohol-based rub; required before and after resident contact and after removing gloves.

Standard precautions

Infection-control practices used for all residents regardless of diagnosis, including hand hygiene, gloves, gown, mask, eye protection, and safe handling of sharps and body fluids.

PPE removal order

Remove gloves first, then goggles or face shield, then gown, then mask; perform hand hygiene immediately after removing all personal protective equipment.

Fall prevention

Keep call light within reach, bed low and locked, floor clear, non-skid footwear on, and answer calls promptly; report dizziness, new weakness, or unsteady gait.

RACE fire response

Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Alarm activate, Confine fire by closing doors, and Evacuate or Extinguish if safe; follow facility emergency plan.

Seizure precautions

Lower the resident to the floor, protect the head, move dangerous objects away, loosen tight clothing, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth, and time the seizure.

Normal adult pulse

A resting adult pulse is typically 60 to 100 beats per minute; count for a full minute if irregular and report rates outside the resident's usual range.

Normal adult respirations

A resting adult respiratory rate is typically 12 to 20 breaths per minute; count for a full minute and observe depth, rhythm, and effort without telling the resident.

Blood pressure measurement

Use a cuff of correct size, support the arm at heart level, and record systolic over diastolic; report readings outside the resident's normal range or a sudden change.

Oral temperature

Wait at least 15 minutes after hot or cold fluids, smoking, or chewing gum; place the thermometer under the tongue and hold it in place until the device signals completion.

Perineal care direction

Wash the perineal area from front to back, using a clean part of the washcloth for each stroke, to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria from the rectum to the urethra.

Dressing after stroke

When dressing a resident with one weak side, put the shirt or sleeve on the weak arm first, then the strong arm; remove clothing from the strong side first.

Pressure injury prevention

Reposition a bedbound resident at least every two hours, keep skin clean and dry, inspect pressure points, and report redness that does not blanch or skin breakdown.

Aspiration precautions

Sit the resident upright at about 90 degrees, feed small bites, allow time to chew and swallow, and stop feeding if coughing, choking, or a wet voice occurs.

Fluid intake record

Record all liquids a resident drinks and foods that melt at room temperature, in milliliters, including water, juice, soup, ice cream, and gelatin, per facility policy.

Signs of dehydration

Dry mouth, cracked lips, dark concentrated urine, decreased urine output, thirst, sunken eyes, confusion, and poor skin turgor; report these findings promptly.

Gait belt use

Place the belt snugly around the resident's waist over clothing, grasp it with an underhand grip, and walk slightly behind and to the side; never use it as a restraint.

Range of motion

Move each joint gently through its full available motion without forcing, support the limb, and stop if the resident reports pain; encourage the resident to do as much as possible.

Validation therapy

A communication approach that acknowledges and accepts the feelings and reality of a person with dementia rather than arguing with confused statements; it reduces distress and builds trust.

Sundowning

Increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in late afternoon or evening in some people with dementia; use routine, calm lighting, less noise, and early identification of triggers.