Illinois CNA flashcards

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

Normal adult resting pulse

60 to 100 beats per minute; count for 30 seconds and multiply by two when the rhythm is regular.

Normal adult respiration rate

12 to 20 breaths per minute; count without telling the resident, because awareness of breathing changes the rate.

Pulse deficit

The difference between the apical and radial pulse rates, counted by two people at the same time for one full minute.

Intake and output units

Recorded in milliliters; one ounce equals 30 milliliters, and one cubic centimeter equals one milliliter.

Perineal care direction

Wash from front to back, moving from the urethra toward the rectum, to prevent bowel bacteria from entering the urinary tract.

Pressure ulcer repositioning

Reposition an immobile resident at least every two hours, keep heels off the mattress, and report reddened areas that do not blanch.

Dressing the affected side

Put clothing on the weak or affected side first, and remove clothing from the unaffected side first.

Denture care

Clean dentures over a basin lined with a washcloth, handle them with a washcloth or gloves, and store them in a labeled container.

Validation therapy

Acknowledging the feelings behind a resident's statement instead of arguing with the content when the belief causes no harm.

Signs of depression

Persistent sadness, loss of appetite, changed sleep, withdrawal from activities, and hopeless statements, all reported to the nurse.

Active listening

Face the resident at eye level, give full attention, restate the message, and avoid interrupting or finishing the person's sentences.

Suicidal statement response

Take every statement seriously, stay with the resident, and notify the nurse immediately; never promise to keep it secret.

OBRA 1987

The federal Nursing Home Reform Act that established resident rights, including freedom from abuse and the right to refuse treatment.

Restraint use rule

Restraints need a physician's order, treat a medical symptom, and are never used for discipline, convenience, or as a substitute for care.

Mandatory abuse reporting

A nursing assistant must report suspected abuse or neglect to the supervisor immediately; failure to report is a crime in Illinois.

Right to refuse treatment

A resident may refuse any care; the assistant stops, notifies the nurse, and documents the refusal without forcing the task.

Alzheimer's disease

The most common cause of dementia; it is progressive and irreversible, damaging brain cells and gradually reducing memory and function.

Sundowning

Increased confusion and agitation late in the day; reduce evening noise, keep routines consistent, and limit late naps and caffeine.

Wandering response

Allow safe walking, secure exits, use identification, and never restrain; redirect to another activity when wandering becomes unsafe.

Communicating with dementia

Use short simple sentences, ask one question at a time, allow extra time, and avoid correcting or arguing with the resident.

Range of motion rule

Move the joint in its natural direction, support above and below it, and stop if the resident reports pain or meets resistance.

Gait belt placement

Place the belt snugly around the waist over clothing, leave room for two fingers, and grasp it during transfers and walking.

Cane use

The cane is held on the stronger side, moved forward along with the weaker leg, and the resident looks ahead rather than at the feet.

Contracture prevention

Position the body in alignment, perform range of motion, and apply ordered splints or footboards to keep joints from becoming fixed.

Hand hygiene duration

Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and use alcohol hand rub when hands are not visibly soiled.

PPE doffing order

Remove gloves first, then goggles, then gown, then mask, and perform hand hygiene immediately after removing all equipment.

Standard precautions

Apply to every resident regardless of diagnosis; all blood, body fluids, and moist surfaces are treated as potentially infectious.

Sharps handling

Never recap a needle; drop it directly into the sharps container and report any exposure or needlestick to the nurse immediately.

RACE fire response

Rescue anyone in danger, Alarm the fire department, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Evacuate or Extinguish as directed.

Seizure care

Do not restrain or put anything in the mouth; protect the head, time the seizure, and turn the resident to the side afterward.

Fall prevention basics

Keep the bed low, call light within reach, pathways clear, and non-skid footwear on, and answer call lights promptly.

Heimlich maneuver

For a conscious choking adult, stand behind, place a fist above the navel, and give quick upward abdominal thrusts until the object clears.