CHHA flashcards

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

Dressing a client with weakness

When assisting a client who has one-sided weakness, dress the affected side first and undress that side last; this reduces effort and protects the weaker limb.

Repositioning a bedbound client

Turn and reposition an immobile client at least every two hours, inspecting the skin over bony areas each time for redness that does not blanch when pressed.

Safe bath water temperature

Bath or shower water should not exceed 105 degrees Fahrenheit, about 40.5 degrees Celsius; test it on your inner wrist before the client gets in.

Denture care at bedtime

Remove dentures at night, clean them with a denture brush, and store them in a labeled container covered with water so they do not dry out or warp.

RACE fire response sequence

RACE stands for Rescue, Alarm, Contain, and Extinguish or Evacuate; it is the order of actions taken when fire or smoke is discovered in a client's home.

Care of a seizure in progress

Do not restrain the client or place anything in the mouth; protect the head, move hazards away, and turn the client onto the side once the jerking stops.

First aid for minor burns

Cool a minor burn with running cool water for at least 20 minutes; never apply ice, butter, or ointments, and do not break any blisters that form.

Stroke warning signs: FAST

FAST stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call 911; sudden onset of these signs is a medical emergency.

When to use alcohol hand rub

Use an alcohol-based hand rub containing at least 60 percent alcohol when hands are not visibly soiled; wash with soap and water for 20 seconds when they are soiled.

Order for removing PPE

Remove gloves first, then goggles or face shield, then the gown, then the mask; perform hand hygiene immediately after all PPE is removed.

Standard precautions defined

Standard precautions are infection-control practices applied to every client regardless of diagnosis, because blood and body fluids from any person may carry infectious organisms.

Sharps disposal rule

Never recap, bend, or break a used needle; drop it directly into a puncture-resistant sharps container and report any needlestick injury to the supervisor immediately.

Objective versus subjective data

Objective data are measurable facts you observe, such as a temperature of 101 Fahrenheit; subjective data are what the client reports, such as feeling dizzy.

Normal adult vital sign ranges

For a resting adult, temperature is about 97.6 to 99.6 Fahrenheit, pulse 60 to 100 beats per minute, respirations 12 to 20 per minute, and blood pressure near 120 over 80.

Correcting an error in records

Draw a single line through the error, write the correction, and add your initials and the date; never erase, use correction fluid, or write over an entry.

Findings that must be reported at once

Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, new one-sided weakness, a fall, bleeding, or a fever above 101 Fahrenheit must be reported to the supervisor immediately.

Communicating with a hearing-impaired client

Face the client, get their attention first, speak clearly at a normal volume, reduce background noise, and avoid shouting; use written notes if needed.

Communicating with a client who has aphasia

Ask yes-or-no questions, allow extra time for a response, and use gestures, pictures, or a communication board rather than finishing the client's sentences for them.

Interpreter use for consent

When a client does not speak the caregiver's language, use a trained medical interpreter rather than a family member or child, especially for consent and medical instructions.

Measuring intake and output

One ounce equals 30 milliliters and one cup equals 8 ounces or 240 milliliters; record all fluids taken by mouth and all urine, vomit, or drainage output.

Aspiration precautions at meals

Seat the client upright at 90 degrees, offer small bites, alternate solids with thickened liquids as ordered, and keep them upright for 30 minutes after eating.

Safe refrigerator and freezer temperatures

Keep a refrigerator at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or colder and a freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or colder; discard leftovers kept longer than three to four days.

Early signs of dehydration

Dry mouth, dark concentrated urine, poor skin turgor, and new confusion suggest dehydration; report them and offer fluids unless the client is on a fluid restriction.

Client right to refuse care

A competent adult may refuse any treatment or care; the aide documents the refusal, informs the supervisor, and does not force, threaten, or shame the client.

Mandatory abuse reporting

An aide must report suspected physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation to the supervisor or state hotline right away rather than investigating personally.

Confidentiality and social media

Never post client names, photos, or details online and do not discuss clients in public places; share information only with those directly involved in the client's care.

Redirection for a client with dementia

When a client is agitated, acknowledge the feeling, then shift attention to another activity such as folding towels or looking at photos instead of arguing about the concern.

Sundowning syndrome explained

Sundowning is increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon or evening; a calm routine, adequate daytime light, and less evening noise and stimulation can lessen it.

Responding to a repeated question

Answer the question calmly and in the same way each time rather than saying you already told them; the client cannot remember, and correcting them increases agitation.

Normal age-related skin changes

Aging thins the skin, reduces fat padding and sweat gland activity, and slows healing, so older clients bruise easily and are at higher risk for pressure injuries and tears.

Decreased thirst in older adults

The aging body has a blunted thirst sensation and lower total body water, so older adults can become dehydrated without feeling thirsty and need fluids offered on a schedule.

Erikson's stage for older adults

Erikson described the final psychosocial stage as integrity versus despair, in which older adults review their lives and seek meaning, acceptance, and a sense of accomplishment.