Michigan CNA key terms

Body temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure measured together to show how well the body is working. Aides take them as ordered and report any value outside the resident's usual range.

An unpleasant feeling the resident reports, described by location, severity, and quality. The resident's own report is the best guide, and aides watch for grimacing, guarding, or restlessness and report what they find.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue from unrelieved pressure, usually over bony areas like the heels and tailbone. Prevention includes turning, checking skin, and keeping skin clean and dry.

Keeping a resident's body and personal information from being seen or shared by others. Aides close doors, drape the resident during care, and knock before entering a room.

Cleaning the genital and anal area with a front-to-back motion, using a clean part of the washcloth each stroke, to prevent infection and skin breakdown during bathing and after toileting.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer at key times, such as before and after resident contact. It is the single most effective way to stop the spread of infection.

Basic infection-control steps used with every resident, no matter the diagnosis, including hand hygiene, gloves, and careful handling of blood, body fluids, and soiled items.

Gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection worn to block contact with germs and body fluids. Aides put it on before contact, remove it without touching the outside, then wash hands.

Extra precautions used for residents with a known or suspected contagious illness, such as contact, droplet, or airborne precautions, always in addition to standard precautions.

Actions that lower the chance a resident will fall, such as keeping the call light in reach, clearing clutter, using non-skid footwear, and answering requests quickly.

A signal the resident uses to ask for help. Aides place it within reach, explain how to use it, and answer promptly because it protects both safety and independence.

A blocked airway caused by food or an object, shown by the inability to speak, cough, or breathe. The aide calls for help and begins trained rescue steps right away.

Chest compressions and rescue breaths given when a person's heart or breathing has stopped, continued until a nurse, the emergency team, or an automated defibrillator takes over.

A written record of an unexpected event, such as a fall or a medication error, made for the facility's files. Aides report the event to the nurse right away and describe only facts they saw.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the aide a firm hold during walking, standing, or transfers, helping prevent a fall for both people.

A record of all fluid a resident drinks and all urine, vomit, or drainage produced, usually measured in milliliters, used to judge whether the body's fluids are balanced.

Too little fluid in the body, caused by poor drinking or heavy losses. Signs include thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, and new confusion; the aide offers fluids and reports these signs.

When food, liquid, saliva, or vomit goes into the airway instead of the stomach, which can cause choking or pneumonia. Aides keep residents upright, feed slowly, and watch for coughing.

Difficulty swallowing that raises the risk of choking and aspiration. Aides follow orders for thickened liquids, small bites, and an upright position, and stop feeding if problems appear.

An order meaning nothing by mouth, so no food, drink, ice chips, or oral medications are given. The aide follows it exactly until the nurse or provider changes the order.

Helping a resident eat by sitting them upright, checking the tray against the diet order, offering small bites, letting them chew, and watching for coughing or food held in the cheek.

Moving each joint through its normal movements to keep muscles and joints flexible. Active range of motion is done by the resident; passive range of motion is done by the aide.

A permanent shortening of muscle and tendon that holds a joint in a bent, fixed position. Range of motion, correct positioning, and splints as ordered help prevent it.

Placing and supporting a resident's body in a safe, comfortable alignment, with body parts lined up and pressure off bony areas, changing position at least every two hours.

Walking with or without a device or help. Aides encourage walking as ordered, use a gait belt and non-skid shoes, and stay close in case the resident becomes unsteady.

Moving a resident from one surface to another, such as bed to wheelchair. Aides lock the wheels, use a gait belt, and bend their knees to protect the resident and themselves.

Care that helps a resident keep or regain the highest possible function, such as practicing self-care, exercising, and using devices for eating, walking, or dressing.

Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation that some residents with dementia show in late afternoon or evening, often eased by routine, good lighting, and calm reassurance.

Pulling away from people, activities, or conversation. It may signal pain, depression, or loneliness, so aides report new or worsening withdrawal to the nurse.

Any device or practice that limits a resident's movement and that the resident cannot remove, used only with a provider's order for a specific reason and never as punishment or for staff convenience.

Keeping a resident's health and personal information private. Aides share it only with the care team, avoid discussing residents in hallways or elevators, and never reveal it to outsiders.

A resident's free agreement to treatment after understanding what it involves, its risks, and other choices. Consent is obtained by the provider, and the resident may ask questions first.

A resident's right to say no to care, treatment, food, or visitors. The aide accepts the decision respectfully, reports it to the nurse, and documents what happened.

Encouraging residents to do what they can for themselves, such as dressing or brushing teeth, even when it takes longer, to protect dignity and keep their abilities.

Understanding another person's feelings and showing that understanding through words and attention. Empathy helps residents feel respected and makes care easier to accept.

Giving a speaker full attention, with eye contact, nods, and brief questions that check meaning, so the resident knows their words are heard and taken seriously.

The set of tasks a nurse aide is trained and legally allowed to do. Accepting work outside that range is unsafe and can bring discipline or harm to residents.

Giving a task to another team member who is trained for it, while the delegating nurse keeps responsibility for the result. Aides question or refuse tasks beyond their training.

A written, personal guide to a resident's needs, goals, and the care each team member gives. Aides follow it, note what they learn, and report changes that require updating.