South Carolina CNA key terms

The extent to which a joint can move in its normal directions. The nurse aide helps residents perform exercises, either active (the resident moves) or passive (the aide moves the limb), to keep joints flexible.

A permanent shortening of muscle or tendon that locks a joint in a bent position, usually from lack of movement. Regular range-of-motion exercise and proper positioning help prevent it.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by unrelieved pressure, often over bony areas such as the tailbone, heels, or hips. It starts as redness and can become an open wound if pressure is not relieved.

Changing a resident's body position on a regular schedule, such as every two hours, to relieve pressure on bony areas. It is a key measure for preventing pressure injuries and maintaining comfort.

Using correct posture, balance, and muscle strength when lifting or moving objects and people. Keeping the load close, bending the knees, and avoiding twisting protect both the aide and the resident from injury.

A strong strap fastened around a resident's waist that gives the aide a secure hold while helping the person walk or transfer. It should be applied over clothing, never directly on bare skin.

A sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up quickly, causing dizziness or fainting. The aide reduces risk by raising residents slowly and having them sit on the edge of the bed first.

The measuring and recording of all fluids a resident drinks and all fluids leaving the body, such as urine and vomit. Accurate records help the care team detect dehydration or fluid imbalance.

A tube placed through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine continuously into a collection bag. The aide provides catheter care, keeps the bag below bladder level, and reports changes in the urine.

Breathing food, liquid, saliva, or vomit into the airway and lungs instead of swallowing it. It can cause choking or pneumonia, so residents with swallowing problems need careful positioning and feeding techniques.

Difficulty swallowing. Residents with dysphagia may cough or choke while eating, so the aide follows special instructions such as thickened liquids, small bites, and upright positioning during and after meals.

Basic infection-control steps used with every resident, regardless of diagnosis. They include hand hygiene, gloves, gowns, masks, and safe handling of sharps and body fluids.

Measurements of temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure that show how the body is functioning. The aide takes them as assigned and reports values outside the resident's normal range.

Washing the genital and anal area, always wiping from front to back to keep bacteria away from the urinary opening. It is done during bathing and after episodes of incontinence to prevent infection and skin breakdown.

The involuntary loss of urine. The aide responds promptly to requests for the toilet, keeps the resident clean and dry, and avoids showing frustration, since shame and embarrassment are common.

Understanding and sharing what another person is feeling and letting them know you understand. It differs from sympathy, which is feeling sorry for someone, and it helps residents feel heard and respected.

Paying full attention to a resident's words and feelings, using eye contact, nods, and brief responses, and then restating what was heard. It encourages the person to talk and shows genuine interest.

Communication that supports a resident's emotional and physical well-being. It uses open questions, reflection, silence, and honesty while avoiding judgment, arguing, false reassurance, and giving medical advice.

A question that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, such as 'How are you feeling today?' It invites residents to share more information and feelings than closed questions do.

Encouraging residents to talk about past experiences, often using photos, music, or objects as prompts. It supports identity, self-worth, and social contact, especially for older adults and people with dementia.

Accepting and acknowledging the feelings behind a confused person's statements instead of correcting the facts. It reduces distress and helps the resident feel understood, especially in later stages of dementia.

Gently reminding a confused resident of who they are, where they are, and the date or time, using clocks, calendars, and consistent cues. It is most helpful for people with mild confusion or delirium.

Respecting and responding to each resident's culture, language, religion, values, and food preferences when giving care. It includes asking about practices rather than assuming them.

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or dread that may come with a fast pulse, restlessness, or trouble concentrating. The aide stays calm, listens, offers reassurance, and reports severe or new anxiety to the nurse.

The emotional response to loss, such as the death of a loved one or losses in health and independence. It may include sadness, anger, guilt, or withdrawal, and each person moves through it differently.

An unconscious mental strategy people use to cope with stress or uncomfortable feelings, such as denial, anger, or regression. The aide should not take these reactions personally and should report major changes.

Encouraging residents to do as much for themselves as they safely can, such as washing their face or choosing clothing. It protects self-esteem and physical function, and the aide assists only as needed.

The tasks and limits of what a nurse aide is legally allowed to do, set by state law and facility policy. Anything outside that scope, such as giving medication or assessing a resident, must be reported to the nurse.

The licensed nurse's assignment of a specific task to a nurse aide who has been trained to perform it. The nurse keeps responsibility for the outcome, and the aide should ask questions when instructions are unclear.

The order of authority in a facility, showing whom to report to and who reports to whom. The aide usually reports first to the charge nurse and follows this line when a concern is not resolved.

Federally protected rights of nursing home residents, including privacy, dignity, choice, visitors, personal possessions, freedom from abuse, and the right to voice complaints without fear of retaliation.

The duty to keep a resident's personal and health information private and share it only with those who need it to provide care. It includes not discussing residents in public areas or on social media.

A legal document that states a person's wishes about medical care in case they become unable to speak for themselves. Examples include a living will and a durable power of attorney for health care.

The legal requirement that nurse aides report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of residents to the nurse or administrator right away. Failure to report can lead to criminal charges and loss of certification.

Failure to provide the care a resident needs, such as food, water, hygiene, safety, or medical attention, whether on purpose or because of carelessness. Signs include pressure injuries, dehydration, and poor hygiene.

A person who investigates complaints and protects the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. The ombudsman is independent of the facility, and residents may contact this person privately at no cost.

A written record of an unexpected event, such as a fall, injury, or medication error, made as soon as possible after it happens. The aide documents facts only and does not mention the report to the resident.

An individualized written guide that describes a resident's needs, goals, and the specific care each team member provides. The nurse aide follows it and reports changes that may require an update.

Factual information that can be observed or measured, such as a temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit, a bruise, or a pulse rate. It is recorded instead of opinions or guesses when documenting care.