New Hampshire LNA key terms

The routine self-care tasks a person performs each day, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and moving from place to place. Nursing assistants often provide hands-on help or cueing so the resident can complete as much of each task as possible.

The normal extent of movement available at a joint. Exercises may be active, meaning the resident moves the joint alone, or passive, meaning staff gently move the joint for a resident who cannot do so.

A permanent shortening and tightening of muscle and tendon that locks a joint in a bent position, often caused by long periods without movement. Frequent repositioning and range-of-motion exercise help prevent this complication.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by sustained pressure, friction, or moisture, usually over bony areas. Prevention includes turning schedules, keeping skin clean and dry, and checking skin at every care encounter.

A wide strap fastened around a resident's waist to give staff a secure hold while helping the person stand, walk, or move between surfaces. It is never used to lift the person or to pull on the body.

A sudden drop in blood pressure when a person sits up or stands, which can cause dizziness, blurred vision, or fainting. Residents should rise slowly, and staff should stay close during transfers.

The measurement of all fluid a resident drinks or receives and all fluid lost through urine, vomit, or drainage. Accurate recording helps the care team spot dehydration or fluid retention.

Cleaning the genital and anal area, typically during bathing or after toileting or incontinence. It is done front to back with gentle cleansing to reduce the spread of germs and prevent skin breakdown.

An abbreviation meaning "nothing by mouth," an order that a resident may have no food or fluid. Staff keep water, snacks, and oral medications away and tell the nurse if the resident is thirsty or asks for a drink.

Breathing food, fluid, or stomach contents into the airway instead of swallowing them. Signs include coughing, choking, or a wet voice during meals; residents at risk may need upright positioning, thickened liquids, or special swallowing precautions.

Difficulty swallowing that raises the risk of choking and aspiration. Staff follow ordered diets and fluid textures, encourage the resident to sit upright, and avoid rushing or talking while the person eats.

Using the body safely when lifting, turning, or moving a resident, such as bending the knees, keeping the load close, and avoiding twisting. Good mechanics protect both the worker and the resident from injury.

A planned timetable for regularly changing a resident's body position, usually at least every two hours for a person who cannot move independently. It relieves pressure on bony areas and is often combined with skin checks.

A set of everyday infection-prevention practices used with every resident regardless of diagnosis, including hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and safe handling of sharps and body fluids. They treat all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.

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

Barriers worn to protect the worker and resident from exposure, such as gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection, and face shields. Items are put on in the correct order and removed carefully to avoid self-contamination.

The series of steps an infection needs to spread: a germ, a place to live, a way out, a way in, and a susceptible person. Breaking any one link, such as by handwashing or covering a cough, stops the infection.

Extra infection-control measures ordered for a specific illness, beyond standard precautions. They include contact, droplet, and airborne categories, each with its own rules for gowns, masks, room placement, and equipment.

Practices that keep an area or object completely free of all germs, used for procedures such as catheter care or wound care. Staff wash hands, wear sterile gloves, and never touch a sterile item to a non-sterile surface.

Any device or method that limits a resident's freedom of movement, such as a vest, wrist strap, or bed rail used as a barrier. Restraints require a doctor's order, careful monitoring, and release at intervals, and are used only as a last resort.

A fire drill acronym: Rescue anyone in danger, Activate the alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate. Staff should know the facility's evacuation routes and where to gather.

The steps for using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side. It applies only to small fires and only when the worker's escape route stays clear.

Steps taken to keep a resident safe during a seizure, such as clearing nearby objects, cushioning the head, loosening tight clothing, and timing the event. Never force anything into the person's mouth or hold the limbs down.

Germs carried in blood and certain body fluids, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV, that can infect a person through a needlestick or splash into eyes or broken skin. Staff report exposures immediately and follow the facility's post-exposure plan.

The federal law that protects a person's private health information. Staff may share details only with those who need them to provide care, and should avoid discussing residents in hallways, elevators, or on social media.

The ethical and legal duty to keep a resident's personal and medical information private. It means sharing only what is needed for care and not gossiping about residents, even with coworkers or family members.

A resident's voluntary agreement to a treatment or procedure after receiving a clear explanation of what it involves, its risks, and its alternatives. Consent must be given freely, and the person may refuse or withdraw it at any time.

A written document that states a person's wishes about medical care in case the person later cannot speak for themselves. Examples include living wills and health care power of attorney documents.

The legally protected freedoms of people living in a care facility, including privacy, dignity, choice, visitors, personal belongings, freedom from abuse, and the right to voice complaints without fear of retaliation.

The legal duty of nursing assistants and other caregivers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a resident to the nurse in charge and, when required, to the state. Reporting in good faith is protected.

Failing to provide the care a resident needs, such as food, water, hygiene, medication, or safety, whether on purpose or because of carelessness. Signs include untreated sores, dehydration, soiled clothing, and unexplained weight loss.

Giving full attention to a speaker by facing the person, making eye contact, and showing through words and body language that the message was heard. It often includes repeating back what was said to check understanding.

Purposeful conversation that supports a resident's emotional and physical well-being, using open-ended questions, restating, and silence rather than arguing or giving advice. It keeps the focus on the resident's feelings and needs.

An independent advocate who investigates complaints and protects the rights of residents in long-term care. Residents may contact the ombudsman privately and free of charge, and staff must never interfere.

A group of brain conditions that slowly damage memory, thinking, judgment, and the ability to perform daily tasks. It is progressive and not a normal part of aging; Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause.

A sudden change in a person's thinking and alertness that can include confusion, seeing things that are not there, and shifting attention. It usually has a physical cause, such as infection, medication, or dehydration, and needs prompt medical attention.

A mood disorder causing lasting sadness, loss of interest, poor appetite, sleep changes, and withdrawal that interferes with daily life. In older adults it is often mistaken for normal aging and should be reported so it can be treated.

A way of responding to a confused person by accepting and acknowledging the feelings behind the person's words instead of correcting the facts. It reduces distress and helps the person feel understood and safe.

A pattern of increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation in the late afternoon and evening, common in people with dementia. Calm routines, good lighting, and reduced noise can lessen these episodes.

Walking away or moving about aimlessly, often seen in dementia, which can lead to a resident becoming lost or injured. Staff should know the person's patterns, keep the environment safe, and never use restraints as a substitute for supervision.

Difficulty understanding or producing speech after brain damage, such as from a stroke. Staff should speak slowly, use short sentences, allow extra time, and offer other ways to communicate, such as gestures or pictures.