Rhode Island CNA key terms

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub at specific moments, such as before and after resident contact, to prevent the spread of infection between residents and staff.

Using correct posture, balance, and muscle groups when lifting, moving, or transferring a resident to protect both the aide's back and the resident from injury.

Planned movements that take each joint through its full available motion, either actively by the resident or passively by the aide, to prevent stiffness and contractures.

Localized damage to skin and underlying tissue, usually over a bony area such as the hip or heel, caused by unrelieved pressure, friction, or shear.

Regularly changing a resident's body position, often at least every two hours while in bed, to relieve pressure on vulnerable skin areas and keep the resident comfortable.

A wide cloth strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the aide a firm, safe handhold while assisting with standing, walking, or transfers.

Measurements of temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure that show how well the body is functioning and are reported to the nurse when abnormal.

A record of all fluids a resident drinks and all fluids lost through urine, vomit, drainage, or stool, used to judge hydration and kidney function.

Breathing food, liquid, saliva, or vomit into the airway instead of swallowing it, which can cause choking, pneumonia, or death.

A medical order meaning "nothing by mouth," so the resident receives no food, fluids, or oral medications until the nurse says it is allowed.

Washing the genital and anal area, always front to back, to remove urine and stool, prevent infection, and protect the resident's skin and dignity.

A permanent shortening of muscles and tendons that locks a joint in a bent position, usually from lack of movement and often preventable with range of motion.

Infection-control practices used with every resident, including hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and safe handling of sharps and body fluids.

A drop in blood pressure when a person stands up quickly, causing dizziness or fainting; aides should raise residents slowly and watch for symptoms.

Actions that reduce a resident's risk of falling, such as keeping the call light within reach, clearing clutter, using proper footwear, and answering requests promptly.

Understanding and acknowledging what another person feels without taking on the feeling yourself; it helps a resident feel heard and supported.

Paying full attention to a resident's words and feelings, using eye contact, nods, and simple responses, and reflecting back what was understood.

Purposeful talking and listening that supports a resident's emotional and physical well-being, using open questions, honesty, and respect for the resident's pace.

Planning care around each resident's own preferences, routines, history, and abilities rather than around staff convenience or a standard schedule.

Encouraging a resident to talk about past experiences, family, and happy memories, which can build trust, comfort, and a sense of identity.

Accepting and responding to the feelings behind a confused resident's statements instead of correcting the facts, which reduces distress and argument.

Gently reminding a confused resident of the date, place, people, and current situation, using calendars, clocks, and consistent daily routines.

Respecting and adapting to a resident's culture, language, religion, food, and health beliefs, and asking rather than assuming what matters to the person.

The emotional response to a loss, such as a death or disability, which may include sadness, anger, guilt, or withdrawal and needs patient support.

Messages sent without words, including facial expression, posture, tone of voice, and touch, which residents may notice more than what is said.

Treating each resident as a worthwhile person by protecting privacy, listening, offering choices, and never talking about them as if they were not there.

The specific tasks and limits defined by state law and facility policy that a nurse aide may perform; anything outside that list must be reported to the nurse.

The nurse's assignment of a specific task to a nurse aide who has been trained for it, while the nurse keeps responsibility for the resident's overall care.

The line of authority in a facility showing whom to report to and who to ask when a problem is beyond the aide's role.

Documenting only what you actually saw, heard, did, and measured, using facts, exact words, and times rather than opinions, guesses, or another person's version of events.

A written record of an unexpected event such as a fall or injury, completed promptly and factually; it is not the same as a chart entry.

The federal Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, which set training, competency testing, and resident-rights requirements for nursing homes and nurse aides.

Legally protected freedoms of nursing home residents, including privacy, choice, dignity, visitors, personal belongings, and freedom from abuse and restraint.

Keeping a resident's personal and medical information private and sharing it only with staff who need it to give care, or as required by law or the resident's permission.

Intentionally harming a resident through physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, or financial means, or through neglect; any suspicion must be reported at once.

Failing to provide the care, food, fluids, hygiene, safety, or supervision a resident needs, whether on purpose or because of inattention.

The legal duty of nurse aides and other caregivers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or mistreatment to the nurse and required authorities.

An advocate, often a volunteer or state-appointed official, who investigates complaints made by or for nursing home residents, works to resolve them, and helps protect residents' rights.

A state-maintained list of nurse aides who have completed approved training and testing, including any findings of abuse or neglect.

Care that helps a resident keep or regain abilities lost to illness, such as walking, dressing, or eating, by having the resident practice these skills daily.