New Mexico CNA flashcards

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

Normal adult pulse range

60 to 100 beats per minute. Count the radial pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by two when regular, or count a full 60 seconds when the rhythm is irregular.

Normal adult respirations

12 to 20 breaths per minute. Count for 30 seconds and double the number if the breathing is regular, or count a full minute if irregular, without telling the resident.

Repositioning immobile residents

Turn and reposition a resident who cannot move independently at least every two hours, day and night, and inspect pressure points for redness each time the position changes.

Radial pulse technique

Place two fingertips on the thumb side of the wrist and press lightly until the beat is felt. Never use your own thumb, which has its own pulse.

Measuring blood pressure

The cuff width should cover about 40 percent of the upper arm. Inflate to 30 mmHg above the point where the radial pulse disappears, then deflate slowly.

Foley bag placement

Keep the drainage bag below the level of the bladder and off the floor at all times, so urine cannot flow backward into the bladder and cause infection.

Intake and output units

One cubic centimeter equals one milliliter, and 30 milliliters equals one ounce. Record all fluids taken by mouth, tube, or IV and all urine or drainage measured.

Range of motion rule

Move each joint slowly to the point of resistance but never past pain, and support the joint above and below while performing the exercise.

Oral temperature precautions

Wait at least 15 minutes after the resident eats, drinks, or smokes before taking an oral temperature, or the reading may be inaccurate.

Elastic stocking application

Apply anti-embolic stockings before the resident gets out of bed in the morning, when swelling is least, then check the skin and toes after application.

Hand hygiene duration

Wash with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds, cleaning fingers, between fingers, and under nails; use alcohol-based rub when hands are not visibly soiled.

Non-blanchable redness meaning

Skin that stays red after pressure is removed and does not blanch is an early pressure injury. Keep weight off the area and report it to the charge nurse.

Maslow hierarchy order

Physiological needs such as air, food, and water come first, then safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. Lower needs are met before higher ones.

Kubler-Ross grief stages

Denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Residents and families may move back and forth among the stages rather than progressing in a straight line.

Reality orientation technique

For a confused resident, calmly repeat consistent facts such as the date, time, place, and who you are, and keep clocks and calendars visible in the room.

Validation therapy approach

Accept and acknowledge the feelings behind a confused resident's statements instead of arguing about facts, which lowers distress and preserves the person's dignity.

Communicating with aphasia

Ask questions that can be answered yes or no, speak slowly, allow extra time, and never finish the resident's sentences or pretend to understand.

Resident with hearing loss

Face the resident, get their attention first, lower your voice pitch, and reduce background noise. Shouting distorts sound and makes speech harder to understand.

Knock before entering

Always knock, announce yourself, and wait for permission before entering a resident's room or opening curtains, protecting privacy and dignity.

Signs of depression

Withdrawal, loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep changes, and tearfulness lasting more than two weeks should be reported to the charge nurse.

Terminal illness and family

Allow family to stay and touch the resident, keep the resident clean and comfortable, and refer any questions about prognosis to the licensed nurse.

Defense mechanisms list

Denial, projection, and rationalization are unconscious ways people cope with stress. The aide accepts the behavior without arguing and reports significant changes.

Scope of CNA practice

The aide performs only tasks taught in training and delegated by a licensed nurse, never sterile procedures, medication administration, or teaching that requires a license.

Nursing chain of command

Report concerns first to the charge nurse, then up through the RN supervisor and director of nursing to the administrator when the concern is not resolved.

Five rights of delegation

Right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction and communication, and right supervision. A delegated task must fall within the aide's training.

Objective charting rule

Document what you saw, heard, measured, and did, using exact times and facts, and avoid opinions such as "the resident was uncooperative."

Correcting a charting error

Draw a single line through the error, write "error" and your initials, then record the correct entry. Never erase, white out, or recopy the page.

Incident report purpose

Complete it promptly per facility policy, documenting only facts about the event. It is not part of the medical record and the resident is not blamed.

Reporting suspected abuse

Report immediately to the charge nurse and follow state requirements for notifying the appropriate agency. The aide does not investigate or question the resident in detail.

Resident rights and confidentiality

Share health information only with staff who need it to provide care, and keep conversations private; discussing a resident in public areas violates their rights.

RACE fire response

Rescue anyone in danger, Alarm by pulling the alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate as facility policy directs.

Keeping registry status active

An aide must keep registry status active by working at least eight hours in a paid nurse aide position within 24 months and completing required in-service education.