New York CNA key terms

The everyday self-care tasks a person performs, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting, and moving from place to place. CNAs assist residents with the ADLs they cannot safely complete alone.

Cleaning the genital and anal area, always wiping from front to back, to remove secretions and reduce the spread of germs. It is given during bathing and after episodes of incontinence.

Damage to skin and the tissue underneath caused by unrelieved pressure, usually over bony areas such as the sacrum, heels, or hips. It may begin as reddened skin and progress to an open wound.

The skin's condition of being intact and healthy, without breaks, rashes, or open areas. CNAs protect it by cleansing gently, moisturizing, drying skin folds well, and keeping sheets clean and wrinkle-free.

Measurements of temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure, often along with oxygen saturation or pain. They show how well the body is working and are reported promptly when outside the normal range.

A record of all fluids a resident drinks and all urine, vomit, or drainage produced, usually measured in milliliters. Accurate measuring helps the care team detect dehydration or fluid overload.

Routine cleaning around an indwelling urinary catheter and keeping the drainage bag below bladder level so urine flows out and germs cannot travel up the tubing.

Changing a resident's body position on a schedule, such as every two hours, to relieve pressure on bony areas. It prevents skin breakdown, contractures, and discomfort.

Brushing teeth or dentures and cleaning the gums, tongue, and mouth. Regular oral care prevents infection, improves comfort, and helps a resident eat, swallow, and speak more easily.

Infection-control steps used with every resident every time, because any body fluid may carry germs. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and safe handling of sharps and spills.

Washing with soap and water or using an alcohol-based rub at key moments, such as before and after resident contact, after removing gloves, and after using the bathroom. It is the most effective way to prevent infection.

Gloves, gowns, masks, goggles, and face shields worn to block contact with blood, body fluids, and germs. Put PPE on and take it off in the correct order to avoid contaminating yourself.

Extra precautions used for residents with a known or suspected contagious illness that spreads by contact, droplets, or airborne particles. They are added to standard precautions and may require a private room and a door sign.

The series of steps germs need in order to spread: a germ, a place to live, a way out, a way to travel, a way in, and a person who can get sick. Breaking any one link stops the spread.

Actions that lower a resident's risk of falling, such as clearing clutter, keeping the call light within reach, using non-skid footwear, locking bed and chair wheels, and answering calls promptly.

Any device or method that limits a resident's freedom of movement and cannot easily be removed by the resident. It requires a doctor's order and is used only after less restrictive measures have failed.

A fire-response sequence: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, sound the Alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, then Extinguish or Evacuate. CNAs follow the facility's fire plan and stay calm.

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. Use one only if trained and the fire is small and contained.

Steps that keep a resident safe during a seizure: protect the head, move harmful objects away, do not restrain the person or put anything in the mouth, time the seizure, and report it to the nurse.

Using good posture and the large muscles of the legs and hips to lift, move, and transfer safely. Keep feet apart, bend at the knees, hold the load close, and avoid twisting to protect your back.

Moving a joint through its normal arc, either by the resident (active) or by the CNA (passive). ROM exercises keep joints flexible and keep muscles from tightening.

A permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that freezes a joint in a bent position, often from lack of movement. Frequent repositioning and range-of-motion exercise help prevent it.

A condition in which the foot droops and cannot be lifted because the ankle muscles are weak or tight. Supportive positioning and range-of-motion exercise help prevent it.

A sturdy belt placed around a resident's waist that the CNA grips to steady and guide the person during standing, walking, or transfers. It is never used to lift a resident.

Nursing care that helps residents regain or keep as much function and independence as possible, such as encouraging self-feeding, walking practice, and dressing practice rather than doing everything for them.

Breathing food, liquid, vomit, or saliva into the airway instead of swallowing it. It can cause choking or pneumonia, so proper positioning and pacing at meals are essential.

Difficulty swallowing. Warning signs include coughing or choking while eating, a wet or gurgly voice, and food pocketing in the cheek. Report these signs and follow diet and positioning orders.

Drinks mixed with a thickening powder to a prescribed consistency, such as nectar or honey thick, so a resident with swallowing problems can swallow them safely.

A shortage of body water that can cause thirst, dark urine, dry mouth, confusion, or weakness. Offering fluids often, recording intake, and reporting warning signs help prevent it.

A medical order meaning the resident may have nothing to eat or drink by mouth for a set period, often before tests or surgery. Post a sign, remove the water pitcher, and remind the resident.

Loss of or difficulty with language after a stroke or brain injury. The person may struggle to understand, to speak, or both, so use short phrases, patience, pictures, and allow extra time.

The legal protections every nursing home resident has, including dignity, privacy, personal choice, information about care, voicing concerns without fear of retaliation, and freedom from abuse and unnecessary restraint.

Keeping a resident's personal and medical information private and sharing it only with those who need it to give care. Discuss residents only in private and never in hallways, elevators, or public areas.

A resident's voluntary agreement to a treatment or procedure after understanding its risks, benefits, and alternatives. CNAs do not obtain consent but support the resident's right to decide.

Deliberate harm to a resident, such as hitting, yelling, threatening, stealing, or withholding needed care. Any suspicion must be reported immediately to the nurse and the administrator.

The legal duty of nursing home staff to report suspected abuse, neglect, or mistreatment to the supervisor right away and to the state agency within the time required by law.

An advocate who investigates complaints made by or for nursing home residents and helps resolve problems with the facility. The program works independently of facility management.

A written document, such as a living will or health care proxy, that states a person's wishes about medical treatment in case the person can no longer make or communicate decisions.

A communication approach for residents who are confused or have dementia that accepts their feelings and their version of reality instead of arguing or correcting them, often by reflecting what they say.