New Hampshire LNA flashcards

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

Radial pulse counting

Count the radial pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by two; if the rhythm is irregular, count for a full 60 seconds instead and report the irregularity.

Oral care for unconscious resident

Turn the head to the side, use suction or only a small amount of fluid, and never place fingers in the mouth; provide mouth care at least every two hours.

Range of motion safety

Move each joint slowly and stop at the point of resistance or pain; never force a joint past its natural limit, and report any new stiffness or pain.

Dressing a resident with weakness

Put the garment on the weak or affected side first, then the strong side; when undressing, remove the garment from the strong side first.

Repositioning schedule

Change a resident's position at least every two hours, whether in bed or in a chair, to relieve pressure over the sacrum, heels, hips, and elbows.

Normal adult respirations

Count respirations for 30 seconds and multiply by two, ideally without telling the resident; a normal adult rate is 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Fire response RACE

Rescue anyone in danger, Alarm the fire department, Contain the fire by closing doors, then Extinguish or Evacuate according to facility policy.

Fire extinguisher PASS

Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side until the fire is out.

Seizure care

Protect the head from injury, do not restrain the body or put anything in the mouth, time the seizure, and turn the resident on the side afterward.

Restraint release requirement

A restraint requires a physician's order and must be released, with the resident repositioned and needs met, at least every two hours.

Oxygen safety rules

Keep oxygen at least five feet from open flames and heat, post no-smoking signs, avoid petroleum-based ointments, and secure tanks upright.

Fall prevention basics

Keep the bed in the lowest position with wheels locked, place the call light and personal items within reach, and provide non-skid footwear.

Incident report purpose

An incident report documents an unusual event for facility risk review; it is not part of the medical record and does not assign blame.

Standard precautions

Apply standard precautions to every resident regardless of diagnosis, treating all blood, body fluids, secretions, and non-intact skin as potentially infectious.

Hand hygiene versus C. difficile

Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when caring for residents with C. difficile or norovirus, because alcohol sanitizers do not kill their spores.

Order for donning PPE

Don in this order: gown first, then mask or respirator, then goggles or face shield, and gloves last, ensuring cuffs cover the wrists.

Order for removing PPE

Remove gloves first, then goggles, then gown, then mask last, performing hand hygiene immediately after removing all equipment.

Airborne precautions

Use an N95 respirator and a negative-pressure room for suspected tuberculosis, measles, or chickenpox, and keep the room door closed.

Contact precautions

Wear a gown and gloves for every entry into the room of a resident with MRSA, VRE, or C. difficile, and remove them before leaving.

Adult CPR compression rate

For an adult, give compressions at 100 to 120 per minute, at least 2 inches deep, with a compression-to-breath ratio of 30 to 2.

Resident's right to refuse

A competent resident may refuse any care or treatment; document the refusal, notify the nurse, and do not force or coerce the resident.

Confidentiality in practice

Discuss resident information only with staff directly involved in care, and never in hallways, elevators, public places, or on social media.

Mandatory abuse reporting

Any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation must be reported immediately to the charge nurse and administrator and to the state agency.

Valid DNR order

If the record contains a current do-not-resuscitate order, do not start CPR; call the nurse, stay with the resident, and follow facility policy.

Communicating with aphasia

Use short yes-or-no questions, allow extra time for a response, and never finish the resident's sentences or speak about them as if they were absent.

Objective documentation

Record what you observe and measure, such as a specific urine volume and color, rather than opinions or labels like uncooperative or lazy.

Sundowning

Increased confusion and agitation in late afternoon or evening; reduce noise and activity, keep routines consistent, and provide calm reassurance and adequate lighting.

Validating a delusion

Do not argue about or confirm a false belief; acknowledge the feeling behind it, such as saying the resident seems frightened, and redirect to a familiar activity.

Delirium warning signs

Sudden confusion with fluctuating attention, often caused by infection, medication, or dehydration, is a medical emergency that must be reported immediately.

Suicidal statements

Take any statement about self-harm seriously, stay with the resident, remove dangerous items, and notify the nurse immediately.

One-step instructions

For a resident with dementia, give one short instruction at a time, use a calm tone, and wait for completion before giving the next step.

Depression signs in residents

Persistent sadness, withdrawal from activities, appetite and sleep changes, and expressions of hopelessness should be reported to the nurse rather than dismissed as normal aging.