Oregon CNA key terms

Measurements of body temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure that show how well the body is working. CNAs measure and record them and report values outside the resident's usual range.

The force of blood pushing against artery walls, written as two numbers, systolic over diastolic. The arm should be supported at heart level, and readings far from the resident's baseline must be reported.

The number of breaths a person takes in one minute, counted by watching the chest rise and fall. Note depth, rhythm, and sounds, and count without telling the resident so the rate stays natural.

The record of all fluids a resident drinks plus all fluids lost through urine, vomit, diarrhea, or drainage. Careful measuring helps the nurse detect dehydration or fluid overload early.

Moving a joint through its full natural arc, either by the resident alone (active) or with the CNA's help (passive). It prevents stiffness and contractures in residents who cannot move easily.

Using good posture, a wide base of support, and the leg muscles rather than the back when lifting or moving a resident. Correct technique protects both the CNA and the resident from injury.

A wide strap buckled around a resident's waist to give the CNA a firm grip during standing, walking, or moving between surfaces. Check the weight limit and never use it on a resident who is falling.

Arranging a resident's body in a supported, comfortable alignment such as Fowler's, side-lying, or Sims position. Change position at least every two hours to protect skin and circulation.

Damage to skin and tissue caused by pressure that cuts off blood flow, often over the sacrum, heels, or hips. Report redness that does not fade, warmth, or broken skin right away.

An unpleasant physical or emotional feeling that only the resident can describe. Ask about it regularly, use the facility's rating scale, and report changes instead of waiting for the resident to complain.

Washing a resident's whole body in bed with warm water, soap, and washcloths while keeping them covered except for the area being washed. It cleans the skin and preserves dignity for residents who cannot shower.

Cleaning the genital and anal area with a front-to-back stroke, using a fresh part of the cloth each time. It prevents infection and skin breakdown and is done during bathing and after incontinence.

Brushing the teeth and gums, cleaning the mouth, and moistening the lips, done at least twice a day and after meals. An unconscious resident needs mouth care with the head turned and suction ready.

Cleaning and drying the skin promptly after leaking urine or stool, changing wet pads or linen, and offering the toilet on a schedule. Prompt care prevents rash, pressure injury, and embarrassment.

Helping a resident put on and take off clothing while letting them do as much as they can. Dress the weak or painful side first and undress that side last.

Encouraging residents to do what they can for themselves, like washing their face or holding a cup, and giving only the help that is truly needed. It preserves strength, self-esteem, and function.

Talking with a resident in a way that shows respect and invites them to share feelings, using open questions and a calm tone. Avoid arguing, judging, and giving false reassurance.

Giving a resident full attention by facing them, keeping eye contact, nodding, and repeating back what you understood. It shows you are truly hearing them and encourages more talking.

Recognizing and naming another person's feelings without taking them on as your own. A simple 'that sounds really hard' shows understanding without judging or offering empty comfort.

Accepting the reality a confused resident is experiencing and responding to the feeling behind it rather than correcting the facts. Arguing about what is true usually increases fear and agitation.

The view that actions such as yelling, hitting, or refusing care often express an unmet need like pain, fear, or a full bladder. Look for the cause instead of labeling the resident difficult.

A mood disorder with lasting sadness, loss of interest, appetite or sleep changes, or hopeless talk. CNAs do not diagnose it, but they must report warning signs, including talk of self-harm, to the nurse.

A resident's voluntary agreement to a treatment after understanding its risks, benefits, and alternatives. The nurse or provider obtains it, and a CNA never pressures a resident or signs on their behalf.

A resident's legal right to say no to any care, treatment, or medication, even when staff disagree. Report refusals to the nurse, document them, and never force or threaten the person.

Treating each resident as a respected adult by knocking, closing doors and curtains, covering the body during care, and keeping personal matters private. It protects self-worth and is required by law.

Keeping a resident's health and personal information private and sharing it only with staff who need it for care. Never discuss residents in hallways, elevators, or on social media.

Physical, emotional, sexual, or financial harm, neglect, or exploitation of a resident. CNAs must recognize the signs, such as unexplained bruises or fear, and report any suspicion immediately.

The legal duty of CNAs and other caregivers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the nurse and the required agency right away. Good-faith reports are protected by law.

Steps that lower the risk of falling, such as keeping the call light and personal items within reach, clearing clutter, using non-skid footwear, and answering calls quickly.

Any device or method that limits movement and cannot be removed by the resident, such as a vest or wrist strap. It requires a provider's order, frequent checks and release, and is used only as a last resort.

Protecting a resident during a seizure by easing them to the floor, moving hard objects away, cushioning the head, and turning them on the side. Never force anything into the mouth; time it and call for help.

Preventing and responding to fire by keeping exits clear and remembering RACE (rescue, alarm, contain, evacuate) and PASS (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) for extinguishers. Residents who cannot walk are moved horizontally.

A factual written record of an unexpected event such as a fall or injury, completed soon after it happens. Record what you saw and did without blame or opinion, and notify the nurse.

The steps taken when a resident suddenly gets worse: stay with them, call for help, and start the trained action such as CPR, first aid, or the emergency team. Know the facility's emergency number and your role beforehand.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub before and after every resident contact and after removing gloves. It is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection.

Infection control practices used with every resident, including hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, and eye protection when splashes are likely. All blood and body fluids are treated as possibly infectious.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection that blocks contact with blood, body fluids, or airborne germs. Remove it carefully so the contaminated outside never touches your skin.

Extra precautions for germs spread by contact, droplets, or airborne particles, such as a private room, gown and gloves, or a fitted mask. Follow the sign on the door and keep the door closed when required.

The six links required for an infection to spread: germ, reservoir, exit, mode of transmission, entry, and a susceptible host. Breaking any link, such as with handwashing, stops the spread.

Placing used needles or lancets directly into a puncture-resistant, labeled sharps container without recapping. Never put sharps in the trash, linen, or a plastic bag.