Nebraska CNA key terms

Giving full attention to a resident by looking at them, nodding, and repeating back what you heard so they know you understood. It encourages trust and helps you notice concerns.

Using words and body language that calm, reassure, and respect a resident during conversation. It avoids arguing and judgment and helps the person express feelings and needs safely.

Understanding and sharing another person's feelings without taking on their problems as your own. A nursing assistant shows empathy by saying, "That sounds really hard," and listening.

The right of a resident to make their own choices about daily life and care, even if others disagree. Nursing assistants support autonomy by offering choices and respecting refusals.

A resident's agreement to care or treatment after staff explain the purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives in words the person understands. The resident may refuse or withdraw consent at any time.

A written document, such as a living will or health care power of attorney, that states a person's wishes for medical care if they later cannot speak for themselves. Staff follow facility policy to honor it.

A trained advocate who investigates complaints and protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. The ombudsman is independent and can be contacted by residents or families.

Keeping a resident's personal and medical information private and sharing it only with staff who need it to provide care. Gossip, public conversations, and unauthorized access violate this right.

Actions taken to reduce a resident's risk of falling, such as keeping the call light within reach, clearing clutter, using non-skid footwear, and assisting with toileting and transfers.

Any device or method that limits a resident's freedom of movement and cannot be removed easily by the resident. Restraints require a doctor's order and are used only to treat a medical symptom.

A fire emergency acronym: Rescue anyone in danger, Alarm activate, Contain fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate as directed. Nursing assistants follow the facility's fire plan.

Using correct posture and movement to protect your back and muscles while lifting, turning, or transferring residents. Keep feet apart, bend your knees, and hold the person close to you.

A written record of an unexpected event, such as a fall or medication error, completed by staff who witnessed or discovered it. It is used to improve safety and is not placed in the resident's chart.

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

Infection-control practices used with every resident, whether or not they appear sick. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and safe handling of sharp objects.

Personal protective equipment, such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye protection, worn to block contact with blood, body fluids, and infectious germs. Staff remove PPE carefully to avoid self-contamination.

Extra infection-control measures used for residents with known or suspected contagious illness, such as contact, droplet, or airborne precautions. They are added to standard precautions and include signs, isolation, and special equipment.

The six steps germs need to spread: infectious agent, reservoir, exit portal, mode of transmission, entry portal, and susceptible host. Breaking any link helps prevent infection.

Measurements of body temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure that show how well the body is working. Nursing assistants measure and report them accurately, including any unusual readings.

Recording all fluids a resident drinks and all urine, vomit, or drainage released over a set period. Accurate measurement helps the care team detect dehydration or fluid retention.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, often over bony areas like the tailbone or heels. Nursing assistants prevent them by repositioning, keeping skin clean and dry, and checking skin.

Steps to keep food, liquids, or vomit from entering the airway and causing choking or pneumonia. They include sitting the resident upright, feeding slowly, and following any diet or thickened-fluid orders.

A drop in blood pressure when a person stands up quickly, causing dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Nursing assistants help prevent it by raising the head of the bed slowly and assisting the resident to stand.

Cleaning the genital and anal area to remove urine, stool, and germs while protecting skin and preventing infection. Always wipe from front to back and use clean gloves and gentle cleansers.

The condition of a resident's skin, meaning it is intact, clean, and healthy. Nursing assistants protect it by repositioning, keeping skin dry, and reporting redness, tears, or sores.

A sturdy strap placed around a resident's waist that staff hold to guide and support the person during walking or transfers. It is checked for fit and used according to the care plan.

A common mental health condition marked by lasting sadness, loss of interest, poor appetite, sleep changes, and hopelessness. Nursing assistants report warning signs and encourage residents to talk with the care team.

The normal emotional response to loss, such as the death of a loved one or a decline in health. It may include sadness, anger, guilt, and withdrawal, and residents need patience and support.

A group of brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, that cause a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and daily functioning. Nursing assistants use routines, simple directions, and patience to support residents.

A sudden state of confusion, disorientation, and agitation that often has a physical cause such as infection, pain, dehydration, or medication. It is a medical emergency and must be reported right away.

Increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation in a person with dementia that often begins in late afternoon or evening. Calm routines, good lighting, and reducing noise may help reduce symptoms.

Walking or moving away from a safe area, often seen in residents with dementia who may be looking for something or someone. Staff use safe environments, activities, and monitoring to prevent harm.

Care that helps a resident regain or maintain function after illness or injury through exercises, practice, and daily activity. Nursing assistants follow the care plan and encourage the resident to do as much as possible.

A permanent tightening and shortening of muscles, tendons, or skin that limits joint movement. It is prevented by range-of-motion exercises, good positioning, and encouraging the resident to move.

Special tools or devices, such as long-handled sponges, plate guards, or walkers, that help a resident perform daily tasks more independently. Staff make sure the equipment fits and is used correctly.

Failing to provide the care that a reasonable nursing assistant would give in the same situation, causing harm to a resident. Examples include leaving a resident unattended or ignoring a call light.

Any intentional act that causes physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm to a resident, including hitting, yelling, threatening, or stealing. Nursing assistants must report suspected abuse immediately.

The legal duty of nursing assistants and other caregivers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a resident to a supervisor or the proper state agency. Failure to report can lead to penalties.

The duties and tasks a nursing assistant is legally allowed to perform, based on state law, training, and facility policy. A nursing assistant must not do tasks outside that scope.

A federal law that protects the privacy and security of a person's health information and limits who may see or share it. Nursing assistants follow HIPAA by keeping resident information confidential.