Virginia CNA flashcards

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

Scope of nurse aide

Provides basic personal care and ADLs under licensed nurse supervision; does not assess, diagnose, prescribe, administer medication, or teach.

Chain of command reporting

Nurse aide reports observations and changes to the licensed nurse, who directs care; follow facility policy and never independently change the care plan.

Delegation and unsafe task

Licensed nurse transfers a specific task; aide must have training, follow policy, and can refuse a task that is unsafe or outside scope.

Mandatory reporting abuse

Nurse aides must immediately report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to the licensed nurse and per Virginia law; failure to report is illegal.

Informed consent

A licensed provider obtains informed consent after explaining risks, benefits, and alternatives; nurse aides do not obtain consent but may witness signature per policy.

False imprisonment restraint

Unlawful confinement or restraint of a person without justification; restraints require a provider order, least restrictive method, and frequent monitoring and release.

Therapeutic communication

Use open-ended questions, restatement, reflection, silence, and empathy; avoid why questions, arguing, false reassurance, and changing the subject.

Aphasia communication

Speak slowly with short sentences, use yes-no questions, gestures, and pictures, and allow time; do not pretend to understand speech that is unclear.

Hearing impairment

Face the resident, get attention, speak clearly at normal volume with lower pitch, reduce background noise, and avoid shouting or covering your mouth.

SBAR handoff

Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation; a structured report to the nurse that includes objective facts and what you need.

Hand hygiene

Most important infection control measure; use soap and water for 20 seconds when hands are visibly soiled or after C. difficile, otherwise alcohol-based rub.

Standard precautions

Treat all blood and body fluids as infectious; wear gloves for contact, add gown, mask, and eye protection if splash risk, and perform hand hygiene after removal.

RACE fire response

Rescue anyone in danger, Alarm, Confine fire by closing doors, Extinguish or Evacuate; use PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep the extinguisher.

Seizure care

Protect the head, clear nearby objects, do not restrain or put anything in the mouth, time the seizure, turn to the side after, and report immediately.

Adult CPR

For an unresponsive adult not breathing, start compressions at 100-120 per minute, depth 2 inches, ratio 30 compressions to 2 breaths, and use an AED when available.

Perineal care

Wash front to back with separate cloths, cleaning the least soiled area first; this prevents urinary tract infection and skin breakdown; provide privacy and wear gloves.

Dressing weak side

Dress the affected or weak side first, then the strong side; undress the strong side first; this promotes independence and safety.

Denture care

Remove dentures with gloves, brush with denture cleanser, rinse, and store in a labeled container with water; inspect the mouth and report sores or poor fit.

Bed bath temperature

Use water about 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius), check temperature, keep the resident covered, wash eyes inner to outer, and change water when soiled.

Normal adult pulse

60-100 beats per minute; count 30 seconds and multiply by 2 if regular, but count a full minute if irregular or on medications affecting heart rate.

Respirations counting

Count for a full minute while the resident is unaware; normal adult rate is 12-20 breaths per minute; report rate, depth, rhythm, and effort changes.

Blood pressure technique

Use correct cuff size, support the arm at heart level, and avoid caffeine, smoking, or exercise 30 minutes before; normal adult is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Pulse oximetry

Noninvasive oxygen saturation; normal is 95-100%; report readings below 92% or per orders, and ensure the probe is clean and placed correctly.

Dysphagia precautions

Position upright at 90 degrees, chin tucked, small bites, thickened liquids as ordered, check for pocketing, and keep suction available if indicated.

Intake output conversion

One ounce equals 30 milliliters; one cup equals 240 milliliters; record all oral, tube, and IV fluids plus urine, vomitus, and drainage per policy.

Urinary catheter care

Keep drainage bag below bladder and off floor, prevent kinks, clean perineum front to back, empty regularly, and report cloudy, bloody, or foul urine.

Dehydration signs

Dry mouth, thirst, dark concentrated urine, decreased output, dizziness, confusion, and poor skin turgor; report promptly and encourage fluids if allowed.

Sundowning

Increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in late afternoon or evening in dementia; reduce noise, provide routine and light, and give calm reassurance.

Validation therapy

For dementia, acknowledge and validate feelings rather than arguing with confused statements; redirect gently and focus on safety and comfort.

Suicide risk

Any statement or plan to self-harm requires immediate reporting to the licensed nurse and emergency evaluation; do not leave the resident alone.

Repositioning schedule

Reposition immobile residents at least every 2 hours, use 30-degree lateral positioning, keep body alignment, and check skin for redness that does not blanch.

Gait belt transfer

Apply gait belt, lock wheels, ensure non-skid footwear, stand on the weak side, pivot with wide base, and never lift by the arms or pull on the resident.