New Jersey CNA flashcards

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

Normal adult oral temperature

97.6°F to 99.6°F (36.5°C to 37.5°C). Rectal temperatures read about 1°F higher and axillary temperatures about 1°F lower than an oral reading.

Normal adult pulse range

60 to 100 beats per minute with a regular rhythm. Report a resting pulse below 60 or above 100, or any new irregularity, to the nurse.

Normal adult respiratory rate

12 to 20 breaths per minute at rest. Count for a full minute without telling the resident, because awareness of being watched changes breathing.

Counting an irregular pulse

Count for a full 60 seconds and note rhythm and strength as well as rate. The count-30-seconds-and-double method is acceptable only when the rhythm is regular.

Repositioning an immobile resident

Turn and reposition at least every 2 hours, and as ordered at night, shifting weight and checking skin over bony prominences at every turn to prevent pressure injury.

Log-rolling a resident

Keep head, spine, and hips aligned and turn the resident as one unit using a draw sheet and a second helper. Used after spinal surgery or spinal injury.

When to apply elastic stockings

Apply in the morning before the resident gets out of bed, with legs elevated. Remove at least twice daily to inspect the skin and check circulation.

Urinary drainage bag position

Keep the bag below the level of the bladder and above the floor to prevent urine backflow and infection; empty it when two-thirds full and record the output.

Stage 1 pressure injury

Intact skin with a localized area of non-blanchable redness, usually over a bony prominence. Report it immediately because it can reverse with pressure relief.

Restraint monitoring rules

Apply a restraint only with a current order; check circulation, breathing, and position every 15 minutes, and release, reposition, and offer toileting at least every 2 hours.

Range of motion safety rule

Move each joint slowly to the point of resistance and stop there; never force a joint. Support the limb above and below the joint being exercised.

Maslow's first-priority needs

Physiological needs such as oxygen, food, water, and elimination come first. Safety and pain relief follow, then love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.

Kübler-Ross stages of grief

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Residents may move back and forth among the stages, so whatever stage is expressed is accepted without correcting it.

Validation therapy

A technique for confused residents that acknowledges the feeling behind a statement instead of arguing about facts, such as responding to a resident who asks for a deceased spouse.

Reminiscence therapy

Encouraging a resident to recall and share past experiences, often using photos or familiar objects; it supports identity, self-esteem, and conversation in older adults.

Communicating with an aphasic resident

Ask questions answerable with yes or no, allow extra time, use gestures and pictures, and never finish the resident's sentences or talk about the person as if absent.

Communicating with hearing-impaired residents

Face the resident, get attention before speaking, speak clearly at a slightly lower pitch, and reduce background noise. Shouting raises pitch and distorts sound.

Observable signs of anxiety

Pacing, restlessness, rapid speech, clenched fists, sweating, and increased pulse or breathing. New or worsening signs are reported to the nurse.

Signs of depression to report

Withdrawal from activities, changed appetite or sleep, crying, hopeless statements, and loss of interest lasting two weeks or more. These findings are reported promptly.

Resident's right to refuse care

A resident may refuse any treatment or task. Honor the refusal without forcing care, inform the nurse, and document the refusal and what was reported.

Behavior changes requiring report

New aggression, agitation, crying, confusion, or refusal to eat can signal a physical or emotional problem such as pain or infection, so the nurse is told promptly.

CNA scope of practice

The nursing assistant gives direct care and reports findings under RN or LPN supervision. Assessment, teaching, medication administration, and accepting verbal orders fall outside the role.

Nursing chain of command

Nursing assistant, then charge nurse or LPN, then RN, then director of nursing, then administrator. Concerns move up this line after the immediate supervisor.

Five rights of delegation

Right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction and communication, and right supervision. If any element is missing, the assistant questions or declines the assignment.

Objective documentation

Record measurable facts: what was seen, heard, measured, and done, with the time and your signature. Avoid opinions, judgments, and vague words such as good or difficult.

Correcting a charting error

Draw a single line through the error so it stays readable, write 'error,' add your initials and the date, then record the correct information. Never erase or use correction fluid.

HIPAA in resident care

Protected health information is shared only with staff involved in the resident's care. Residents are not discussed in hallways, elevators, public areas, or on social media.

Reporting suspected abuse

Report immediately to the charge nurse and follow New Jersey and facility policy. Nursing assistants are mandatory reporters and do not investigate whether abuse occurred.

Annual in-service education requirement

Certified nursing assistants complete at least 12 hours of in-service education every year to maintain certification, covering topics set by federal and state rules.

Purpose of an incident report

It documents an unexpected event factually for the facility's risk management. It does not replace charting, and the incident report itself is not named in the resident's record.

Accepting gifts from residents

Decline gifts, money, and tips, and avoid personal or financial relationships with residents and families. Report any offer to the supervisor to prevent charges of exploitation.

Setting care priorities

Attend to airway, breathing, circulation, and safety first, then pain relief, then scheduled tasks. Unsafe conditions and changes in condition are reported before routine work continues.