Caregiving NC II key terms

Measurable body indicators - temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and often oxygen saturation - recorded to detect changes in a client's condition and to report to supervising staff.

The initial recording of a client's normal condition and habits, used as a comparison point so that later changes in behavior, appetite, or health can be recognized quickly.

Tracking how much fluid a client drinks and how much urine, vomit, or drainage is produced, usually over 24 hours, to help identify dehydration or fluid retention.

Observable cues such as dry mouth, sunken eyes, dark concentrated urine, poor skin turgor, and drowsiness that indicate the body lacks enough fluid and needs prompt attention.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by prolonged pressure, friction, or moisture, commonly over the sacrum, heels, and hips of clients who cannot reposition themselves.

A planned timetable for turning and shifting a bedbound or chairbound client, typically every two hours, to relieve pressure on vulnerable areas and prevent skin breakdown.

A routine head-to-toe inspection of the skin for redness, breaks, rashes, or swelling, documented and reported so that problems are treated before they worsen.

A structured evaluation of a client's mobility, medication, vision, cognition, and history of falling, used to decide what supervision and environmental safeguards are needed.

Practical safeguards such as keeping call bells within reach, clearing clutter, using non-slip footwear, locking bed brakes, and lowering the bed height to prevent falls.

Equipment such as a cane, walker, grab bar, or shower chair that helps a client move, bathe, or transfer more safely while preserving as much independence as possible.

A safe method of moving a client between bed, chair, toilet, or vehicle using proper body mechanics, gait belts, and clear cues to protect both the client and the caregiver.

The alignment and use of the body - bent knees, straight back, load close to the body, no twisting - that reduces strain and injury during lifting, carrying, and repositioning.

Planned movement of each joint through its normal arc, either performed actively by the client or passively by the caregiver, to maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness.

Permanent shortening and tightening of muscle or tendon that limits joint movement, often resulting from immobility and lack of regular stretching or positioning.

A skill or behavior most children achieve within an expected age range, such as sitting unsupported, first words, or walking, used to monitor growth and flag delays.

A brief structured check comparing a child's movement, language, social, and thinking skills with expected norms, so that concerns can be referred for fuller assessment early.

The formal step of directing a child with a suspected delay or disability to a specialist service, with parental consent and written documentation of the concern.

A play or learning task matched to a child's current abilities and interests, challenging enough to engage but not so hard that it causes frustration or risk of injury.

Unstructured time when a child chooses what to do, supporting imagination, problem-solving, and self-regulation without adult direction of the activity's content.

Activities involving textures, sounds, smells, and movement - such as sand, water, or dough - that build a child's understanding of the world and support language and motor development.

The emotional bond between a child and a consistent caregiver, which shapes feelings of security and influences how confidently a child explores and relates to others.

Distress shown by an infant or young child when parted from a familiar caregiver, normal at certain ages and best handled with calm, predictable goodbyes and reassurance.

A familiar blanket, toy, or item that helps a child self-soothe during transitions, naptime, or unfamiliar situations, and should be kept clean and available.

An intense outburst of crying, screaming, or thrashing common in toddlers who cannot yet express frustration in words, managed calmly without harsh punishment.

Guiding a child away from an unsafe or unwanted behavior toward an acceptable alternative, such as offering a ball instead of a fragile object.

Encouraging wanted behavior by promptly acknowledging it with praise, attention, or a small privilege, which is more effective than punishing unwanted behavior.

A written record of a client's or child's actions, triggers, and responses over time, used to spot patterns and to communicate consistently with other caregivers.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or alcohol rub at defined moments, especially before and after contact with a client or body fluids, to break the chain of infection.

Routine infection-control practices applied to every client regardless of diagnosis, including hand hygiene, gloves, safe sharps handling, and safe waste disposal.

Barrier items such as gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection worn to prevent contact with blood, body fluids, or airborne particles during care tasks.

A regular scan of the care setting for hazards such as loose rugs, exposed cords, unsecured medicines, hot surfaces, and poor lighting, followed by correction.

A written, practiced set of steps telling caregivers whom to call, where to meet, and what to do first during fire, earthquake, medical crisis, or evacuation.

The designated path and exit used to move clients out of a building safely, kept clear of obstructions and known to all staff and capable clients.

A factual written account of an accident, injury, medication error, or near miss, completed promptly and objectively without blame or speculation about cause.

Immediate, temporary care given to an injured or suddenly ill person before professional help arrives, aimed at preserving life and preventing the condition from worsening.

Recognizing a blocked airway - inability to speak or breathe, clutching the throat - and delivering back blows or abdominal thrusts according to the person's age.

The legal and ethical obligation to act reasonably to protect a client's safety, dignity, and wellbeing, and to report anything that places them at risk.

Keeping a client's personal, medical, and family information private, sharing it only with those who need it to provide care and with proper authorization.

The legal requirement for caregivers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of children, elderly, or persons with disabilities to the proper authority.

Permission given by a client or authorized representative after the purpose, risks, and alternatives of a care action have been explained and understood.

Respecting a client's right to make their own choices about daily life and care, even when the caregiver would choose differently, within the limits of safety.

Treating each person with respect - knocking before entering, covering them during bathing, using their preferred name, and protecting their privacy at all times.

A written document setting out a client's needs, goals, and the specific tasks and schedules caregivers follow, reviewed and updated as the client's condition changes.

The structured handover between outgoing and incoming caregivers covering each client's condition, tasks completed, pending items, and any concerns to watch.

Deciding the order in which duties are done by weighing urgency, client safety, time constraints, and available help, so critical care is never delayed by routine work.

Separating and bagging used gloves, dressings, and sharps in the correct labeled containers so that staff, clients, and the community are protected from contamination.