South Dakota CNA key terms

Measurements of temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and often oxygen saturation and pain. CNAs take them as directed and report any reading outside the resident's usual range to the nurse.

The force of blood pushing against artery walls, recorded as two numbers (systolic over diastolic). It is measured with a cuff on the upper arm while the resident rests, and unusual readings are reported.

The number of times the heart beats in one minute, felt by pressing two fingers over an artery such as the wrist or neck. Rate, rhythm, and strength are noted and reported.

The number of breaths taken in one minute, counted by watching the chest rise and fall without telling the resident you are counting. Note the rate, depth, and ease of breathing.

A record of all fluids a resident drinks and all urine, vomit, or drainage produced, usually measured in milliliters. Accurate measurement helps the care team detect dehydration or fluid retention.

Moving a joint through its normal arc, either by the resident (active) or with the CNA's help (passive). It helps keep joints flexible and muscles from tightening during long periods in bed or a chair.

Using the body in ways that protect the back and joints, such as bending the knees, keeping the load close, and avoiding twisting. Good body mechanics prevent injury to both the resident and the worker.

Damage to skin and underlying tissue caused by unrelieved pressure, often over bony areas like the tailbone or heels. CNAs help prevent them by repositioning, keeping skin clean and dry, and reporting reddened areas.

Difficulty swallowing that raises the risk of food or liquid entering the airway. Signs include coughing, choking, drooling, or a wet voice while eating; report these and follow any diet or positioning orders.

Washing the genital and anal area with a front-to-back motion, using a clean washcloth for each stroke. It prevents infection and skin breakdown and is given routinely, after toileting, or when the resident is incontinent.

Cleaning a resident's false teeth and mouth daily with a brush and denture cleanser over a basin of water or a lined sink, so the dentures will not break if dropped. Label and store them in a cup.

Making a bed while the resident stays in it, used when the person cannot get out of bed. The CNA works from one side to the other, keeps the resident covered, and never turns away from the person.

Daily washing, drying, and inspecting of the feet, especially between the toes, with attention to sores, redness, or changes in nails. Residents with diabetes or poor circulation need a nurse to check their feet.

Cleaning and drying the skin promptly after urine or stool, applying a barrier product if ordered, and offering toileting on a schedule. Prompt care protects the skin and preserves dignity.

Understanding how another person feels and showing that understanding in words and actions, without taking over the person's emotions. It helps residents feel heard and builds trust.

Treating each resident as a worthwhile person whose privacy, choices, and body are respected. Practically, it means knocking, covering the body during care, and speaking to the resident rather than about them.

A resident's right to make their own decisions about daily life and care, even when the CNA would choose differently. The CNA supports autonomy by offering choices and honoring refusals.

Encouraging a resident to talk about past events, people, and favorite memories using photos, music, or objects. It supports identity and mood and often works well for residents with dementia.

The normal emotional and physical response to loss, which may include sadness, anger, numbness, and changes in sleep or appetite. Residents may grieve losses such as health, home, or a spouse.

Giving full attention to a speaker, using eye contact, nodding, and brief responses, then restating what you heard to check understanding. It shows respect and reduces misunderstandings.

Messages sent without words, including facial expression, tone of voice, posture, touch, and distance. Residents with dementia or speech loss often rely on these cues more than on spoken words.

Loss or impairment of the ability to understand or produce language after a stroke or brain injury. The CNA should speak simply, allow time to answer, and use gestures and pictures.

A way of responding to a resident with dementia by accepting and acknowledging the feelings behind confused statements rather than correcting the facts. It reduces distress and conflict during care.

Gently reminding a resident of the day, time, place, and people using calendars, clocks, and clear statements. It is most useful for people with mild confusion and should never become an argument.

A pattern of increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation in the late afternoon and evening that is common in dementia. Calm routines, good lighting, less noise, and rest earlier in the day may help.

Walking or pacing away from a safe area without purpose or awareness of risk, which is common in dementia. The CNA should redirect and monitor the person rather than hold them, and report exit-seeking behavior.

Cleaning hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub at specific times, such as before and after resident contact and after removing gloves. It is the single most effective way to prevent spreading infection.

Infection control steps taken for every resident, including hand hygiene, gloves, and other barriers when contact with blood, body fluids, or broken skin is possible. They assume any body fluid could carry infection.

Personal protective equipment such as gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection that creates a barrier between the worker and infectious material. It is removed carefully without touching the contaminated outer surface.

Extra precautions used with certain infections, chosen by how the germ spreads: contact (touch), droplet (large droplets from coughing), or airborne (tiny particles). Signs, room rules, and equipment differ for each type.

The series of steps a germ needs to spread: a pathogen, a reservoir, an exit, a mode of transmission, an entry, and a susceptible host. Breaking any one link prevents infection.

Any device or method that limits a resident's movement and is not a usual part of treatment, such as a vest or a rail used to keep someone in place. It requires a doctor's order, monitoring, and release times.

Steps that reduce the chance of falling, such as keeping the call light and belongings within reach, clearing clutter, using non-skid footwear, and answering requests for help quickly.

A fire response reminder: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Alarm the alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate as directed. Residents are moved according to the facility's plan.

Keeping a resident's health and personal information private and sharing it only with staff who need it to give care. It includes not discussing residents in public areas or on social media.

The legal duty of CNAs and other caregivers to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the nurse and the proper authorities, even without proof. Retaliation for good-faith reporting is prohibited.

The intentional harm or mistreatment of a resident, which may be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial, or may involve confinement. CNAs must recognize the signs and report immediately.

Failure to provide the care and necessities a resident needs, such as food, fluids, hygiene, safety, or medical attention, whether intentional or caused by inadequate staffing or knowledge.

A specially trained advocate who investigates complaints from residents of long-term care facilities and helps resolve problems with the facility while protecting residents' rights. Contact information is posted in the facility.

A written document stating a resident's wishes about medical treatment, or naming someone to decide if the resident cannot, such as a living will or health care power of attorney. CNAs respect these documents and follow facility policy.