Nevada CNA cheat sheet

Perform hand hygiene before and after every resident contact; wash with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled or after contact with C. difficile.

For a resident with dysphagia, keep the head elevated during meals, feed slowly, and stop feeding if coughing, choking, or a wet voice occurs.

When transferring, lock bed and wheelchair wheels, use a gait belt when indicated, keep the resident close to your body, and check equipment weight limits.

Reposition an immobile resident at least every 2 hours and check skin over bony prominences for redness that does not blanch.

Measure orthostatic blood pressure by checking lying, sitting, and standing pressures; report a drop of 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic with symptoms.

Keep urinary drainage bags below bladder level and off the floor; empty when half full and record output.

For a new colostomy, empty the pouch when one-third to one-half full, clean skin with warm water, and report redness or breakdown.

Apply antiembolic stockings with the resident lying down, smooth out wrinkles, and remove them for skin checks according to facility schedule.

Address residents by their preferred name, introduce yourself, and explain care before touching to support dignity and informed participation.

When a resident is confused, use short sentences, one-step directions, and a calm tone; do not argue about false beliefs.

Knock before entering, close curtains and doors, and keep conversations private; privacy applies to care, body, and health information.

Behavior changes such as agitation may signal pain, constipation, hunger, fear, or infection; report new or worsening behavior to the nurse.

Restraints require a health care provider's order, the least restrictive option, frequent checks, release, and repositioning; never tie restraints to side rails.

For suspected abuse or neglect, ensure immediate safety, report to the nurse or administrator, and document only objective observations.

During end-of-life care, prioritize comfort, mouth care, positioning, pain reports, privacy, and family support; do not force food or fluids.

Respect cultural and religious practices; ask about preferences and report conflicts with the care plan to the nurse rather than deciding alone.

Nurse aides perform only tasks delegated by licensed nurses that are within training, state law, and facility policy; refuse unsafe assignments and report the reason.

Report changes in condition to the licensed nurse promptly; documentation does not replace verbal reporting for urgent findings.

Record objective, measurable facts in the resident's record; do not chart opinions, blame, or incident report details.

Complete incident reports for unexpected events according to policy; incident reports are not part of the resident's medical record.

Keep resident health information confidential; share only with authorized care team members and never on social media.

Residents have the right to refuse care, voice grievances, and receive dignity and privacy; document refusal and notify the nurse.

Follow the chain of command: licensed nurse first, then charge nurse or supervisor, then administrator for unresolved concerns.

Maintain certification through required inservice education and renew by state deadlines; practice only within current competency.