Missouri CNA key terms

The tasks and duties a nurse assistant is legally allowed to perform under state law and facility rules. Working outside these limits can harm residents and put the assistant's job at risk.

The licensed nurse assigns a specific nursing task to a nurse assistant who has been trained to perform it safely. The nurse keeps responsibility for deciding what the resident needs.

The order of authority in a facility that shows which supervisor a nurse assistant reports to and whom to contact when a problem or emergency comes up.

Measurements of body temperature, pulse, breathing rate, blood pressure, and often oxygen level or pain. They show how well the body is working and are reported when outside normal ranges.

A fire response sequence: Rescue anyone in danger, Activate the alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Evacuate or Extinguish only if it is safe to do so.

Steps taken to reduce a resident's chance of falling, such as keeping the call light within reach, clearing clutter, using non-skid footwear, and answering requests for help quickly.

Any device, material, or practice that limits a resident's freedom of movement and cannot easily be removed by the resident. It requires a doctor's order and is used only as a last resort.

A factual written record of an unexpected event such as a fall, medication error, or injury, completed soon after it happens. The assistant records what was seen and what was done.

Infection control practices used with every resident, every time, because any person may carry germs. They include hand hygiene, gloves, and other barriers when contact with blood or body fluids is likely.

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

Barriers worn to protect the skin, mouth, nose, and eyes from contact with blood, body fluids, or airborne germs, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and goggles.

Extra infection control steps used when a resident has a known or suspected contagious illness, based on how it spreads: by contact, by droplets, or through the air.

Legally protected freedoms every nursing home resident has, including privacy, dignity, choice, visitors, and the right to be free from abuse and unnecessary restraints.

Deliberate words or actions that harm a resident, such as hitting, yelling, threatening, or taking money. It must be reported right away to the nurse and, in many states, to an outside agency.

Failure to provide the care and attention a resident needs, such as leaving someone in soiled clothing, missing meals, or ignoring a call light. It may be unintentional but is still reportable.

Keeping a resident's personal and medical information private and sharing it only with care team members who need it. Discussing a resident in public or with outsiders violates this duty.

A resident's agreement to care or treatment after the risks, benefits, and choices have been explained in words the resident understands. It must be given freely, without pressure.

Fully paying attention to a resident's words, tone, and body language, then showing understanding by nodding, asking questions, or restating what was heard.

Purposeful, respectful talking that helps a resident express feelings and feel understood. It uses open questions, silence, and empathy rather than advice or judgment.

Recording only what can be seen, measured, or verified, such as 'ate 50% of lunch' or 'skin reddened on left hip'. Personal opinions and guesses do not belong in the record.

Everyday self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and moving from bed to chair. Assistants help with these while encouraging the resident to do as much as possible.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by constant pressure, often over bony areas, that cuts off blood flow. It can develop quickly and is prevented by turning and repositioning.

Cleaning the genital and anal area, always wiping from front to back for females, to prevent infection and keep the resident clean and comfortable. It is done with gloves and privacy.

A pulling or tearing force on skin that happens when a resident slides down in bed or is dragged during a transfer. It can damage tissue beneath the surface and lead to pressure injuries.

Difficulty swallowing that can cause food or liquid to go down the wrong way. Signs include coughing, choking, drooling, and a wet or gurgly voice during or after meals.

Breathing food, liquid, vomit, or saliva into the lungs instead of swallowing it. It can cause choking, pneumonia, or death and must be reported quickly.

A record of how much fluid a resident takes in by mouth, tube, or IV and how much leaves the body as urine, vomit, or drainage. It helps the care team spot dehydration or fluid buildup.

Moving a joint through its full, normal arc, either by the resident alone or with help from the assistant. Regular motion keeps joints flexible and helps prevent stiffness and contractures.

A permanent shortening and tightening of muscle or tendon that locks a joint in a bent position. It develops when a limb is not moved and can be limited by regular range of motion exercise.

A sturdy strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the assistant a firm, safe hold while helping the person walk or stand. It is never used to lift the resident.

Moving a resident from one place to another, such as from bed to chair, using safe body mechanics and any needed equipment. The resident is encouraged to help as much as possible.

A mood disorder causing lasting sadness, loss of interest, poor appetite, sleep changes, and hopelessness. In older adults it is often mistaken for normal aging but needs to be reported.

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or fear that may come with a fast heartbeat, sweating, or restlessness. Calm reassurance, listening, and a quiet setting can help reduce it.

Encouraging a resident to talk about past experiences, using photos, music, or objects as prompts. It supports identity, comfort, and conversation, especially for people with memory loss.

A group of brain conditions that slowly reduce memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to do daily tasks. It is not a normal part of aging and changes how care is given.

The most common cause of dementia, a progressive brain disease that damages memory and thinking, usually beginning with trouble remembering recent events.

Increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in a person with dementia that often starts in the late afternoon or evening. Calmer routines, good lighting, and less noise may reduce it.

Walking away from a safe area, often without a clear purpose, which is common in dementia and can lead to getting lost or injured. It calls for supervision and safe walking opportunities.

Responding to a confused resident's feelings and beliefs with respect instead of arguing about facts. Accepting the person's reality can reduce distress and build trust.