Maine CNA flashcards

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

Oral temperature normal range

An adult oral temperature normally ranges from about 97.6°F to 99.6°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C); a reading outside that range is rechecked and reported to the licensed nurse.

Counting an irregular pulse

When the radial pulse is irregular, count it for a full 60 seconds and report the rate, the rhythm, and any skipped or extra beats to the licensed nurse.

One ounce in milliliters

One ounce equals 30 milliliters, one cup equals 240 milliliters, and one teaspoon equals 5 milliliters; intake and output are recorded in milliliters on the flow sheet.

Repositioning to prevent pressure injuries

A resident who cannot reposition independently is turned at least every two hours; the skin is inspected, kept clean and dry, and any redness is reported promptly.

Blood pressure cuff sizing

The blood pressure cuff bladder should encircle about 80 percent of the upper arm; a cuff that is too small produces falsely high readings and one too large reads low.

Axillary temperature accuracy

Axillary temperature is the least accurate route and reads about 1°F lower than oral; it is used when oral, rectal, or tympanic routes are unsafe or unavailable.

Safe transfer body mechanics

Keep the resident close to your body, feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, back straight, and lift with the legs; never twist your torso while moving a resident.

Normal adult respiratory rate

Normal adult respirations are 12 to 20 breaths per minute; count for 30 seconds and multiply by two, or count a full minute if the rate or depth is abnormal.

Maslow's hierarchy of needs order

Maslow's hierarchy orders needs as oxygen, food, and fluids first, then safety, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization; lower needs must be met before higher ones.

Communicating with a hearing-impaired resident

Face the resident, reduce background noise, speak clearly at a lower pitch, and use gestures or written notes; never shout into the ear or speak from another room.

Caring for a resident with aphasia

Allow extra time, ask yes-or-no questions, use picture boards, and never correct or finish the resident's sentences; comprehension is usually better than the ability to speak.

Kübler-Ross stages of grief

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance describe common grief responses; the stages are not sequential and a resident may move back and forth among them.

Regression as a defense mechanism

Regression is returning to behaviors of an earlier age, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking under stress, and the aide accepts it calmly without scolding or shaming the resident.

Behavior as communication

Agitation or aggression often signals an unmet need such as pain, hunger, thirst, a full bladder, constipation, noise, or fear, so physical causes are checked first.

Privacy during personal care

Knock and wait for permission before entering, close the door and curtains, drape the resident with a bath blanket, and uncover only the body part being cared for.

Respecting cultural and spiritual preferences

Ask about food, hygiene, prayer, and family involvement, honor the resident's choices, and report requests you cannot meet to the licensed nurse rather than imposing your own beliefs.

Scope of nurse aide practice

A nurse aide performs only tasks taught in an approved training program and delegated by a licensed nurse; assessing, diagnosing, teaching, and administering medications are outside the role.

Refusing an unsafe or untaught task

An aide asked to perform a task without proper training, equipment, or supervision should refuse, explain why, and report the request to the licensed nurse immediately.

Objective charting

Chart what is seen, heard, measured, or smelled using factual terms, such as 'urine is dark yellow' instead of 'resident is dehydrated', and chart only care you personally gave.

Correcting a documentation error

Draw a single line through the error, write 'error' and your initials, then document the correct information; never erase, use correction fluid, or scribble out an entry.

Reporting a change in condition

New pain, refusal to eat, abnormal vital signs, or unusual behavior are reported to the licensed nurse promptly and in person rather than saved for the end of the shift.

Nurse aide chain of command

The aide reports to the charge nurse or licensed nurse on duty, who reports to the nurse manager and director of nursing; questions about care from families go to the nurse.

Confidentiality in public areas

Resident information is shared only with members of the care team and is never discussed in hallways, elevators, at home, or on social media; HIPAA protects this information.

In-service education requirement

Federal OBRA rules require nurse aides to complete at least 12 hours of in-service education each year and to provide nursing-related care for at least 8 consecutive hours within 24 months to stay active on the registry.

RACE fire response

Rescue anyone in danger, sound the Alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, then Extinguish a small fire or Evacuate; know your unit's evacuation route and meeting place.

PASS fire extinguisher use

Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side while keeping an exit at your back and staying a safe distance away.

Restraint use rules

Restraints need a physician's order, are used only after less restrictive measures fail, and are never applied as punishment, for staff convenience, or because of short staffing.

Monitoring a restrained resident

Check a restrained resident at least every 15 minutes for circulation, breathing, and skin condition, and release, reposition, exercise, offer fluids, and toilet at least every two hours.

Reportable types of abuse

Physical, sexual, verbal or emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and involuntary seclusion are all reportable; a suspicion is reported at once to the nurse and the state agency.

Witnessing an informed consent signature

The aide may witness that the resident signed voluntarily but never explains the procedure, risks, or alternatives and never pressures the resident to sign.

Chain of infection links

The six links are the infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, and susceptible host; hand hygiene breaks the most common transmission link.

Fall prevention measures

Keep the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked, the call light within reach, non-skid footwear on, and pathways clear; report every fall even when there is no visible injury.