Wisconsin CNA flashcards

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

Hand hygiene

Washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand rub when hands are not visibly soiled. It is the single most effective way to prevent infection.

Standard precautions

Infection control practices used with every resident regardless of diagnosis: hand hygiene plus gloves, gown, mask, and eye protection depending on the task and expected contact with blood or body fluids.

Airborne precautions

Used for infections spread by small particles that remain suspended in air, such as tuberculosis. Requires an N95 respirator, a negative-pressure room, and a closed door.

PPE removal order

Remove gloves first, then goggles or face shield, then the gown, and the mask last by its ties. Perform hand hygiene immediately afterward, avoiding contact with contaminated outer surfaces.

RACE

Fire emergency acronym: Rescue anyone in immediate danger, Alarm - activate the fire alarm, Contain the fire by closing doors, and Extinguish or Evacuate according to facility policy.

PASS technique

Fire extinguisher use: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep the nozzle side to side until the fire is out.

Seizure care

Protect the head from injury, move hard objects away, do not restrain the resident or put anything in the mouth, and turn the resident onto the side once the seizure ends. Time and report it.

Fall prevention measures

Keep the bed in the lowest position with brakes locked, place the call light and personal items within reach, provide non-skid footwear, clear clutter from the path, and ensure adequate lighting.

Aphasia communication

Aphasia is difficulty understanding or producing language after brain injury. Use short sentences, yes-or-no questions, gestures, and picture boards, and allow extra time without finishing the resident's sentences.

Clock-face method

A way to describe food locations to a resident with vision loss by treating the plate as a clock; for example, potatoes at 3 o'clock and meat at 6 o'clock.

Therapeutic communication

Using active listening, restating, open-ended questions, and eye-level positioning so a resident can express concerns. Avoid arguing, giving advice, changing the subject, or offering false reassurance.

Reporting a change

The nurse aide must report any change in a resident's physical or mental condition to the charge nurse promptly, because assessment and clinical judgment are outside the aide's scope of practice.

Right to refuse care

A resident may decline any treatment or care. The aide honors the refusal without arguing or forcing, reports it to the nurse, and the nurse follows up on the reason.

Long-term care ombudsman

A state-appointed advocate for nursing home residents who receives complaints, investigates concerns about care or rights, and helps resolve them without retaliation against the resident.

Mandatory abuse reporting

Nurse aides are legally required to report suspected abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of resident property immediately to the charge nurse or administrator. Failure to report can bring criminal charges.

Restraint requirements

Restraints need a physician's order and are used only for a medical reason or safety after less restrictive options fail; they must be released, checked for circulation, and repositioned on a set schedule.

Radial pulse counting

Count the radial pulse for 30 seconds and multiply by two, or count a full 60 seconds when the rhythm is irregular. Report a rate below 60 or above 100 to the nurse.

Blood pressure cuff size

The cuff bladder should encircle about 40 percent of the arm circumference. A cuff that is too small gives falsely high readings, and the arm should be supported at heart level.

Stage 1 pressure injury

Intact skin with a localized area of non-blanchable redness, usually over a bony prominence. Relieve pressure and report it immediately; do not massage the reddened area.

Gait belt use

A canvas belt fastened snugly around the resident's waist to help them stand or walk. It gives the aide a secure hold without pulling on the resident's arms or shoulders.

Cane placement

A cane is held in the hand opposite the weaker leg and moved forward together with the weaker leg, which widens the base of support and reduces strain on the affected side.

Passive range of motion

Range-of-motion exercise performed by the caregiver because the resident cannot move the joint. Move slowly, support the limb, never force past resistance, and stop if pain occurs.

Restorative care

Care that helps a resident regain or maintain function lost through illness or disuse. It emphasizes encouraging self-care, exercise, and mobility rather than doing everything for the resident.

Sundowning

Increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in a person with dementia during late afternoon or evening. Reduce noise, keep routines, use night lights, and limit caffeine.

Validation in dementia

Responding to the feeling behind a confused statement instead of correcting the facts. Arguing with a resident who has dementia increases agitation and erodes trust.

Wandering safety

Do not restrain a resident who wanders. Redirect to a safe walking area, provide purposeful activity, monitor exits per facility policy, and report new or increased wandering to the nurse.

Signs of depression

Persistent sadness, loss of interest, appetite or sleep changes, withdrawal, and hopelessness lasting two weeks or more. Report observations to the nurse; the aide does not diagnose.

Suicidal statement response

Take every such statement seriously, stay with the resident if there is immediate risk, keep the resident safe, and notify the nurse at once. Never promise secrecy about a suicidal statement.

Responding to anger

Stay calm, lower your voice, acknowledge the resident's feeling without arguing, offer simple choices, and ensure safety. Report repeated or escalating anger to the nurse.

Resident confidentiality

Sharing a resident's health information only with the care team who needs it. Do not discuss residents in hallways, elevators, on social media, or with family members not involved in care.

Negligence

Failure to provide the care a reasonable nurse aide would provide in the same situation, resulting in harm to the resident. It can lead to discipline, termination, or legal action.

Delegation

The licensed nurse assigns a task the aide is trained and competent to perform. The aide may refuse a task that is unsafe or outside their training and must report the refusal.