Pennsylvania CNA flashcards

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

CNA scope of practice

A nurse aide provides direct resident care under licensed-nurse supervision and does not assess, diagnose, prescribe, or independently decide treatment; tasks must follow state law, training, and the care plan.

Chain of command

The chain of command is the reporting order from nurse aide to licensed nurse and then to higher supervisors; resident changes, errors, and unsafe conditions are reported promptly through this chain.

Resident rights

Resident rights include privacy, dignity, choice, refusal of care, access to belongings, communication, grievance filing, and freedom from abuse or neglect; these rights are protected by federal and state law.

Mandatory abuse reporting

Suspected abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation must be reported immediately to the supervisor and required state agency; the nurse aide reports facts and does not investigate independently.

Confidentiality rule

Resident health information may be shared only with the care team for care purposes; discussing it with friends, family, or visitors without authorization violates confidentiality and resident privacy.

Objective documentation

Objective documentation records observable facts such as vital signs, intake, output, behaviors, and care provided; it avoids opinions, guesses, and labels and is written promptly according to facility policy.

Professional boundaries

Professional boundaries mean the aide does not accept money or gifts, does not perform tasks outside training, and does not form personal relationships that could exploit or confuse the resident.

Fall prevention measures

Fall prevention includes keeping the bed low, locking brakes, placing the call light within reach, using non-skid footwear, clearing clutter, and keeping needed items close to the resident.

Restraint monitoring

A restraint requires a provider order and least restrictive device; monitor circulation and skin at least every 15 minutes and release, reposition, and exercise at least every 2 hours per order.

RACE fire response

RACE means Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Alarm activated, Contain fire and smoke by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate according to the facility emergency plan.

PASS extinguisher use

PASS means Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side while keeping an exit behind you.

Standard precautions

Standard precautions apply to all residents and include hand hygiene, gloves for body fluids, and gown, mask, or eye protection when splashing is likely during care.

Seizure first aid

During a seizure, protect the head, remove dangerous objects, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth, time the seizure, and turn the resident to the side afterward.

Oxygen safety rules

Oxygen safety requires no smoking or open flames, avoiding petroleum products on the face, securing tubing to prevent trips, and posting signs that oxygen is in use.

Repositioning schedule

Repositioning at least every 2 hours relieves pressure over bony prominences; the aide aligns the body, supports limbs, and follows any more frequent turning schedule ordered by the care team.

Range of motion rule

Range of motion moves a joint through its available motion while supporting the joint above and below; movement stops at resistance or pain and is never forced.

Gait belt use

A gait belt is placed snugly around the resident's waist over clothing and used to assist walking or transfers; the aide stands on the weaker side and stops if dizziness or unsteadiness occurs.

Pressure injury signs

Pressure injury signs include nonblanching redness, warmth, swelling, blisters, or open skin over bony areas; these findings are reported to the nurse and the area is kept off pressure.

Dysphagia warning signs

Dysphagia warning signs include coughing, choking, pocketing food, drooling, a wet voice, or difficulty swallowing; the aide stops feeding and reports these signs to the licensed nurse.

Toileting routine

A toileting routine provides scheduled chances to use the toilet or bedpan with privacy and normal positioning; it supports bladder and bowel function and reduces incontinence episodes.

Hand hygiene timing

Hand hygiene is performed before and after resident contact, after body-fluid exposure, after removing gloves, and when hands are visibly soiled; soap and water are required for visible soil.

Oral care steps

Oral care includes brushing teeth and gums, cleaning dentures over a basin or towel, rinsing dentures before insertion, and providing mouth care for unconscious residents according to policy.

Perineal care direction

Perineal care washes from front to back using a clean part of the washcloth for each stroke, then rinses and dries thoroughly; unusual odor, discharge, or skin breakdown is reported.

Normal adult vital signs

Common adult resting ranges are oral temperature about 98.6°F, pulse 60-100 beats per minute, respirations 12-20 per minute, and blood pressure near 120/80 mmHg; report values outside ordered limits.

Intake output conversion

For intake and output, 1 ounce equals 30 milliliters, 1 cup equals 240 milliliters, and 1 milliliter equals 1 cubic centimeter; all measured fluids are recorded accurately.

Urine specimen collection

A clean-catch urine specimen requires cleansing the area, starting the stream, collecting urine in a sterile container, labeling it at the bedside, and transporting it promptly to the laboratory.

Hypoglycemia signs

Hypoglycemia signs include shakiness, sweating, hunger, confusion, irritability, and weakness; the aide reports them immediately and follows the facility glucose-monitoring or treatment protocol.

Stroke FAST signs

FAST stands for Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, and Time to call emergency services; sudden onset requires immediate nurse notification and no food or drink by mouth.

COPD positioning

For COPD, an upright or tripod position can ease breathing; pursed-lip breathing may be taught, and oxygen is given only at the flow rate ordered by the provider.

Dementia redirection

Dementia care uses routines, short simple sentences, and redirection rather than argument; sudden behavior or function changes are reported because they may signal pain, infection, or another illness.

Heart failure warning signs

Heart failure warning signs include rapid weight gain, worsening leg swelling, shortness of breath, new cough, or difficulty lying flat; these changes are reported promptly to the licensed nurse.

Sepsis warning signs

Sepsis warning signs include fever or low temperature, chills, rapid pulse, confusion, low blood pressure, and foul drainage; the aide reports these findings promptly because sepsis is an emergency.