Illinois CNA key terms

Measurements of the body's basic functions: temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and often pain level. Nursing assistants take and record them so the care team can spot changes in a resident's condition.

The force of blood pushing against artery walls, written as two numbers (systolic over diastolic). It is measured with a cuff and gauge, and unusual readings are reported to the nurse promptly.

A record of all fluids a resident drinks or receives and all urine, vomit, or drainage released. Careful measuring helps the team recognize dehydration or fluid buildup.

Cleaning and checking an indwelling urinary tube and the skin around it to prevent infection. The nursing assistant keeps the bag below bladder level and reports cloudy urine, leaks, or odor.

Damage to skin and deeper tissue caused by unrelieved pressure, usually over bony areas like hips, heels, or tailbone. It begins as redness and can become an open wound if pressure is not relieved.

Washing a resident's whole body in bed when showering or tub bathing is not safe. It includes gathering supplies, protecting privacy and warmth, and washing clean areas before soiled ones.

Cleaning the genital and anal area, always wiping front to back so stool stays away from the urinary opening. It is done during bathing and after any episode of incontinence.

Brushing teeth, gums, tongue, and dentures, and cleaning the mouth of residents who cannot do it themselves. Regular mouth care prevents infection and discomfort and improves appetite.

Helping a resident reach the toilet or use a bedpan or urinal, then providing hygiene, privacy, and handwashing. Offering toileting on a schedule helps prevent incontinence, skin breakdown, and falls.

Giving full attention to a resident's words and feelings, then showing you heard by nodding, asking open questions, and repeating back the main point. It builds trust and encourages people to share concerns.

Understanding and acknowledging another person's feelings without judging or minimizing them. A nursing assistant shows empathy by naming the feeling, such as saying 'That sounds frustrating,' and then offering support.

Purposeful talking and listening that helps a resident express needs and feel understood. It uses open questions, silence, and honest simple answers, while avoiding arguments, gossip, and false reassurance.

The normal emotional response to loss, such as a spouse's death or the loss of health and independence. It may bring sadness, anger, guilt, or withdrawal, and it often lasts far longer than expected.

The legal protections guaranteed to people living in long-term care, including dignity, privacy, choice, visitors, personal belongings, and freedom from abuse. Facilities must inform residents of these rights and honor them daily.

A trained advocate who investigates complaints from residents in long-term care and helps resolve problems with the facility. The service is free and independent of the nursing home's management.

A resident's voluntary agreement to care or treatment after being told the risks, benefits, and alternatives in words they understand. Staff may not pressure, trick, or rush someone into agreeing.

Keeping a resident's personal and medical information private and sharing it only with staff who need it to provide care. Gossip, talking about residents in public areas, or looking at records without a reason violates this duty.

The formal way a resident can complain about care or living conditions and expect an answer. Facilities must have a written process, and no one may punish or threaten a resident for using it.

The legal duty of nursing assistants to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation right away to the nurse, administrator, and state hotline. Failing to report can bring criminal and licensing penalties.

A group of brain disorders that cause a lasting decline in memory, thinking, judgment, and behavior severe enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a normal part of aging.

The most common cause of dementia, a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and reasoning. It usually begins with forgetfulness and steadily worsens over several years.

Restlessness, confusion, or agitation that becomes worse in the late afternoon or evening. Calm routines, good lighting, fewer naps, and a quiet evening can reduce it.

Walking away without a clear purpose, common in dementia, which can lead to getting lost or injured. Staff respond by gently redirecting, offering an activity, and following facility safety steps.

A way of responding to a person with dementia by accepting and acknowledging their feelings and version of reality instead of correcting the facts. It lowers distress and helps the person feel heard.

Moving a joint through its full normal movement, either by the resident (active) or by staff (passive). Regular range of motion keeps joints flexible and slows stiffness and contractures.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist that staff grip to steady the person during walking or transfers. It must fit snugly, and it is never used to lift or pull someone up.

A metal frame with legs and handgrips that a resident pushes for balance and support while walking. The resident stands first, then moves the walker ahead a short step at a time.

Moving a resident from one surface to another, such as bed to chair, using safe body mechanics and any needed device. Lock the wheels, explain the steps, and let the resident help as much as possible.

A permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that pulls a joint into a bent position, usually from lack of movement. Positioning, range of motion, and splints help prevent it.

Basic infection control steps used with every resident whether or not they appear sick: hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and safe handling of soiled items and sharps.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizer at key moments, such as before and after resident contact and after removing gloves. It is the single most effective way to prevent infection.

Gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection worn to keep germs off the skin, clothes, and face. It is put on and removed in the correct order so the contaminated outside never touches the body.

Extra precautions used beyond standard precautions for certain infections spread by contact, droplets, or airborne particles. A sign on the door tells staff what to wear and how to enter safely.

The six links needed for an infection to spread: the germ, a place to live, a way out, a way to travel, a way in, and a person who can get sick. Breaking any one link stops it.

A fire response sequence: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Activate the alarm, Confine the fire by closing doors, then Evacuate or Extinguish if trained and safe. It guides staff until the fire department arrives.

The steps for using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side. Use it only on a small fire with a clear way out.

Actions that lower the chance a resident will fall, such as clearing clutter, locking bed wheels, answering call lights quickly, and assisting with walking and toileting. Restraints are not a substitute.

Abdominal thrusts used to clear a blocked airway in a choking person who cannot speak, cough, or breathe. If the person becomes unresponsive, lower them to the floor and start CPR while help is called.

Using the body correctly to move and lift: feet apart, back straight, bend at the knees, hold the load close, and turn with the feet instead of twisting. It protects both residents and staff from injury.

A form describing an unexpected event such as a fall, injury, or error, which the assistant reports to the nurse. It records facts only and helps the facility prevent similar events in the future.