Louisiana CNA flashcards

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

Normal adult oral temperature

Normal adult oral temperature ranges from about 97.6 to 99.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius; report readings outside this range to the nurse.

Normal adult pulse rate

The normal resting adult pulse is 60 to 100 beats per minute; report rates below 60 or above 100, or an irregular rhythm, to the licensed nurse.

Normal adult respiratory rate

Normal resting respirations for an adult are 12 to 20 breaths per minute; count for a full minute and report rates outside this range or labored breathing.

Orthostatic hypotension prevention

Have the resident sit or dangle legs at the bedside for one to two minutes before standing, and rise slowly, to prevent dizziness from a sudden blood pressure drop.

Gait belt placement

Place the gait belt snugly around the resident's waist over clothing, use an underhand grip, and stand on the resident's weaker side during transfers and walking.

Repositioning interval

Turn and reposition an immobile resident at least every two hours, alternating sides and using a 30-degree lateral position to relieve pressure over bony prominences.

First sign of pressure injury

The first sign is reddened skin over a bony prominence that does not blanch when pressed; report it immediately and never massage the reddened area.

Intake and output conversions

One ounce equals 30 milliliters, one cup equals 8 ounces or 240 milliliters, and one milliliter equals one cubic centimeter when recording intake and output.

Eye care during bathing

Wash the eyes with a clean damp cloth from the inner corner to the outer corner, using a different part of the cloth for each eye.

Foley catheter cleansing direction

Cleanse the catheter from the meatus outward for about four inches, using a clean area of the washcloth per stroke, and keep the drainage bag below bladder level.

Body mechanics for lifting

Bend at the knees and hips, keep the back straight, hold the load close to the body, and never twist while lifting or moving a resident.

Hand hygiene duration

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use alcohol-based hand rub when hands are not visibly soiled, before and after every resident contact.

Maslow's hierarchy order

Needs are met from the bottom up: physical needs first, then safety, love and belonging, self-esteem, and finally self-actualization at the top of the pyramid.

Kubler-Ross grief stages

The five stages of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance; residents may move back and forth among them rather than in strict order.

Hearing-impaired communication technique

Face the resident, get their attention, speak slowly and clearly at a slightly lower pitch, reduce background noise, and never shout into the ear.

Caring for resident with aphasia

Allow extra time to respond, ask yes-or-no questions, use gestures and pictures, and avoid finishing the resident's sentences for them.

Dementia approach technique

Approach from the front at eye level, use a calm tone, keep routines consistent, and redirect rather than argue when the resident is confused.

Reality orientation

Repeatedly give calm, simple information about time, place, and person, such as stating the day and where the resident is, to reduce confusion.

Validation therapy

Acknowledge the feelings behind a confused resident's words instead of correcting the facts, which reduces distress and builds trust.

Depression signs to report

Withdrawal, loss of appetite, changed sleep patterns, crying, and loss of interest in grooming or activities should be reported to the nurse.

Resident's right to refuse

A competent resident may refuse any care; honor the refusal, do not force care, and report the refusal and reason to the nurse promptly.

Restorative care principle

Encourage residents to do as much of their own care as possible, such as washing their own face, to preserve independence and physical function.

Chain of command for nurse aide

The nurse aide reports to the charge nurse or licensed nurse and takes direction from the nurse, not from other unlicensed assistive personnel.

Tasks outside CNA scope

Nurse aides do not assess, diagnose, teach, give medications, insert tubes, or perform sterile procedures; these must be referred to the licensed nurse.

Objective versus subjective data

Objective data are measurable facts you observe, such as a pulse of 88; subjective data are what the resident reports, such as saying they feel dizzy.

Correcting a documentation error

Draw a single line through the error, write the correct information, add your initials and date, and never use whiteout or erase an entry.

HIPAA confidentiality rule

Share resident information only with the care team; do not discuss it in hallways, elevators, or with family and friends, and log off computer screens.

OBRA Residents' Bill of Rights

Federal law guarantees residents dignity, privacy, confidentiality, freedom from abuse and restraint, choice, and the right to voice grievances without retaliation.

Types of abuse

Abuse includes physical, sexual, verbal or emotional, and financial mistreatment, plus neglect and involuntary seclusion; all suspected cases must be reported.

Purpose of an incident report

An incident report documents an unusual event such as a fall; it is not part of the medical record and should contain facts, not blame or opinions.

Mandatory reporting duty

Nurse aides must report suspected abuse or neglect to the nurse or administrator immediately, and the facility then notifies the state agency as required by law.

Fall prevention checklist

Keep the bed in the lowest position, lock the wheels, place the call light and personal items within reach, and use non-skid footwear for ambulation.