Indiana CNA key terms

The specific tasks and duties a nurse aide is legally allowed to perform, based on state law, training, and facility policy. Doing tasks outside this list can be unsafe and is not permitted.

The process by which a licensed nurse assigns a specific nursing task to a nurse aide who has been trained to do it. The nurse keeps responsibility for judging the resident's needs and the outcome.

The line of authority in a facility that shows whom a nurse aide reports to and who to notify when a problem is urgent. Following it ensures concerns reach someone who can act.

Federally protected entitlements of nursing home residents, including privacy, dignity, choice, freedom from abuse, and access to visitors. Nurse aides must honor these rights in every interaction.

Deliberate mistreatment of a resident, such as hitting, threatening, mocking, stealing, or unwanted sexual contact. It also includes confining someone against their will and must be reported immediately.

Failure to provide the care a resident needs, such as missing meals, leaving someone in soiled linens, or not answering calls for help. It may be unintentional but is still reportable.

Keeping a resident's personal and medical information private and sharing it only with staff who need it to give care. Discussing residents in public areas or with outsiders violates their rights.

Infection control practices used with every resident every time, because any body fluid may carry germs. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and safe handling of sharps.

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

Extra precautions used for residents with a known or suspected contagious illness, chosen by how the germ spreads: contact, droplet, or airborne. They are added to standard precautions and may include a private room or special mask.

Any device or method that limits a resident's freedom of movement and cannot be easily removed by the resident, such as a vest or lap belt. It requires a doctor's order and frequent monitoring.

Steps taken to lower a resident's risk of falling, such as keeping the call light within reach, clearing clutter, locking bed wheels, and keeping the bed low. Residents at high risk need extra checks.

Using correct posture and muscle groups to lift, turn, or move objects and people safely. Bending the knees, keeping the load close, and avoiding twisting protect the aide's back.

A four-step fire response: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, pull the Alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Evacuate if directed. Remembering the order helps staff act quickly and safely.

When a resident leaves the facility or care area without permission or supervision. Residents with dementia are at highest risk, so staff count residents often and watch exits closely.

Moving a joint through its normal arc of movement to keep muscles and joints flexible. Active means the resident does the movement; passive means the aide moves the joint for the resident.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the aide a secure hold while helping the person walk, stand, or transfer. It is never used to lift someone up from the floor.

A permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that fixes a joint in a bent position, usually from lack of movement. Frequent repositioning and range of motion exercises help prevent it.

Localized damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by unrelieved pressure, often over bony areas like the tailbone or heels. Repositioning, clean dry skin, and good nutrition help prevent it.

Positioning the body so the head, trunk, and limbs are in their natural relationship, which reduces strain on muscles and joints. Pillows and supports keep residents comfortable and prevent complications.

Difficulty swallowing that raises the risk of food or liquid entering the airway. Signs include coughing or a wet, gurgly voice during meals, which the aide should report to the nurse.

Care that helps a resident regain or keep independence in daily activities, such as practicing walking, dressing, or eating skills. The aide encourages residents to do what they can instead of doing everything for them.

Measuring and recording how much fluid a resident drinks and how much urine or other fluid leaves the body. Accurate records help the care team spot dehydration or fluid retention.

Measurements of temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure that show how well the body is functioning, often along with oxygen level or pain. Changes are reported to the nurse promptly.

The force of blood against artery walls, recorded as two numbers: systolic over diastolic. It is measured with a cuff and stethoscope, and unusual readings are reported to the nurse.

The number of times the heart beats per minute, felt as a throbbing at points such as the wrist or neck. Rate, rhythm, and strength are noted and compared with the resident's usual values.

Washing the genital and anal area, always wiping from front to back to keep stool and germs away from the urinary opening. It is done during bathing and after each episode of incontinence.

Cleaning removable false teeth and the mouth they sit in, using a brush, denture cleanser, and cool water. Dentures are handled over a basin or towel because they can break if dropped.

Routine care of an indwelling urinary catheter, including cleaning around the tubing, keeping the drainage bag below bladder level, and preventing kinks. These steps help prevent urinary tract infection.

Gathering a sample of urine, stool, sputum, or other material for lab testing, using the correct container and technique. The aide labels it at the bedside and sends it promptly.

A group of brain conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, that gradually reduce memory, reasoning, and self-care ability. Care focuses on routine, calm reassurance, and safety rather than arguing with confused statements.

A sudden, usually reversible state of confusion often caused by infection, medication, dehydration, or pain. It looks like a fast change in the person's thinking and must be reported to the nurse.

Loss of the ability to understand or express language, often after a stroke. The aide should speak calmly, allow time to respond, and use gestures or pictures instead of finishing the resident's sentences.

Paralysis of one side of the body, commonly caused by a stroke. The affected side needs extra support, careful positioning, and protection because the resident may not feel or move it.

Shortness of breath or difficult breathing. The aide helps by raising the head of the bed, loosening tight clothing, staying calm, and reporting the symptom to the nurse.

Abnormally low blood sugar that causes shakiness, sweating, confusion, or fainting. It can become an emergency, so the aide keeps the resident safe and tells the nurse at once.

Comfort-focused care for a person with a terminal illness, emphasizing pain relief, dignity, and quality of life rather than cure. The resident's family is supported throughout, including after death.

Care of the body after death, including positioning it flat, closing the eyes and mouth, washing as needed, and treating the person with dignity. Facility policy and family wishes are honored.