Louisiana CNA key terms

Body temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure, often called TPR and BP. They show how well the body is working, so aides measure and record them accurately and report values outside the resident's usual range.

The force of blood pushing against artery walls, recorded as two numbers such as 120/80, systolic over diastolic. The aide measures it with a cuff and gauge while the resident sits or lies quietly.

The heartbeat counted at the wrist on the thumb side of the forearm. It is felt with two fingers for a full minute, noting rate, rhythm, and strength, and reported when it is irregular or unusually fast or slow.

One full breath in and one full breath out. The aide counts breaths for a full minute without telling the resident, noting the rate, depth, rhythm, and any abnormal sounds such as wheezing.

A record of all fluids a resident drinks and all fluids lost as urine, vomit, wound drainage, or liquid stool. Amounts are measured in milliliters and totaled each shift so the nurse can judge fluid balance.

Moving a joint through its full normal movement, either by the resident alone (active) or with the aide's help (passive). Regular range of motion keeps joints flexible and helps prevent contractures and stiffness.

A fixed shortening of muscles and tendons that locks a joint in a bent position and cannot be reversed. It develops when a limb is not moved or positioned correctly, so range of motion and good positioning matter.

Damage to skin and deeper tissue, usually over a bony area such as the tailbone, hip, or heel, from pressure that cuts off blood flow. Also called a bedsore or decubitus ulcer.

Changing a resident's body position on a set schedule, usually at least every two hours, to relieve pressure on the skin and keep blood circulating. Each turn and the position used should be written down.

A wide strap buckled around a resident's waist that gives the aide a firm, safe hold during walking and transfers. It is never used to lift the resident and is removed after the move.

Breathing food, liquid, saliva, or vomit into the airway instead of swallowing it. It can cause choking or pneumonia, so residents with swallowing problems are fed slowly and kept upright.

Difficulty swallowing. Warning signs include coughing or choking during meals, a gurgly voice, drooling, and food staying in the cheek; the aide reports these and follows the ordered diet texture and liquid thickness.

An order meaning nothing by mouth, including food, water, ice chips, and oral medicines. The aide removes the water pitcher, reminds the resident, and tells the nurse if the resident eats or drinks anyway.

Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub. It is the most effective way to stop the spread of infection and is done before and after every contact with a resident.

Infection-control steps used with every resident because any blood or body fluid may carry germs. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and careful handling of soiled linen and sharps.

Washing the genital and anal area, wiping from front to back and using a clean area of cloth for each stroke. It is done during bathing and after incontinence to prevent infection and skin breakdown.

The legal freedoms nursing home residents keep, such as privacy, dignity, choice, visitors, personal belongings, and freedom from abuse. Aides protect these rights and report any violation they see.

Treating each resident as a worthwhile person by knocking first, covering them during care, offering choices, and speaking respectfully. It protects self-worth when a resident needs help with intimate tasks.

Recognizing and sharing another person's feelings so they know they are understood. Unlike pity, empathy does not look down on the resident but stands alongside them in their situation.

Giving full attention to a resident's words and feelings through eye contact, nods, and repeating back what was heard. It invites the resident to talk and shows their concerns are taken seriously.

Purposeful, respectful conversation that helps a resident express feelings and understand their care. It uses open questions, silence, and honesty rather than arguing, judging, or making false promises.

Calmly reminding a confused resident of who they are, where they are, and the date or time using clear, repeated cues. It helps most with new or short-term confusion rather than advanced dementia.

A group of brain disorders that gradually damage memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to do daily activities. It is not a normal part of aging, and care focuses on routine, safety, and patience.

Sudden confusion that develops quickly, often caused by infection, medicines, pain, or dehydration. It can often be reversed with treatment, so any new confusion must be reported to the nurse at once.

Restlessness, confusion, or agitation in a person with dementia that begins in late afternoon or evening. Calm routines, soft lighting, quiet activities, and less daytime napping often reduce it.

Deliberately harming a resident, whether by hitting, yelling, mocking, forcing care, or misusing their money. Aides must report suspected abuse immediately and are legally protected for reporting in good faith.

Failing to give the care and safety a resident needs, such as ignoring call lights, skipping meals, or leaving someone wet, cold, or in danger. It counts as mistreatment and must be reported.

The legal duty of nurse aides and other caregivers to report known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the nurse and the proper authorities. Failing to report can lead to criminal charges and loss of certification.

A trained advocate who investigates complaints made by or for nursing home residents and works to protect their rights. Aides must help residents contact the ombudsman when the resident asks.

The tasks and limits set by state law and facility policy for a nurse aide. Doing work outside it, such as giving medicines or changing sterile dressings, is unsafe and can cost the aide certification.

A nurse assigning a specific task to an aide who is trained and legally allowed to perform it. The nurse remains responsible for the outcome, and the aide reports back after finishing the task.

The written, individualized guide to a resident's needs, goals, and preferred routines, developed by the care team. Aides follow it every day and report changes or approaches that are not working.

Facts the aide can observe or measure directly, such as a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, a pulse of 110, or a reddened area on the skin. It is reported without opinion or guesswork.

Information a resident reports about how they feel, such as pain, dizziness, or nausea, which cannot be measured directly. The aide reports the resident's own words rather than interpreting them.

A factual form completed after an unexpected event such as a fall, injury, or error, describing what happened, when, and who was involved. It goes to the nurse and is a record for the facility, not a punishment tool.

The written or electronic record of the care an aide gives and what was observed. It must be accurate, complete, and entered promptly, because it guides care and serves as a legal record.

The official state list of certified nurse aides, showing training and any findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation. Louisiana requires aides to be listed to work in Medicare- or Medicaid-certified nursing facilities.

The federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, which set minimum training, testing, and registry requirements for nurse aides and established residents' rights in nursing homes. It shapes much of what the CNA exam covers.

The federal law that protects a resident's private health information. It limits who may see records and forbids sharing details with outsiders, including posts on social media.

A written document, such as a living will or health care power of attorney, stating the treatment a person wants if they can no longer decide. Aides respect it and know where it is kept.