cna final Flashcards
What is tuberculosis and how does it spread:
A disease that affects the lungs and is spread through droplets
How does Covid spread?
Covid is airborne, and can also be spread through droplets
Sycope
Medical word for fainting or passing out
Epistaxis
Medical word for a bloody nose
Perseveration
Often a symptom of dementia, it is the inappropriate and constant repetition of an act or phrase.
Orthotic
A brace or splint used to support the body
What are social determinants of health?
The 5 conditions in the environment where people live, work, and play that influence their quality of life
1. Economic stability (people can afford housing and food)
2. Access to education
3. Access to healthcare
4. Safe neighborhoods
5. A social community with friends
What do you do ifyou suspect one of your patients doesn’t have one of the 5 sociat determinads of health?
Let the nurse know
What does combative mean?
This refers to a patient who is angry and won’t cooperate
This is often a dementia patient and the term is used for someone who may lash out physically
What is apnea?
In medical terminology, apnea literally means without breathing
Sleep apnea is a common medical condition when people stop breathing temporarily in their sleep
When you are taking a blood pressure and hear the systolic immediately, what is the problem?
The blood pressure is high, and you didn’t inflate the cuff high enough
Wait two minutes and retake it, pumping the cuff up higher
What is adaptive equipment?
Any tool or device used to help with ADLs
Like - a spoon that straps to the patient’s hand so they don’t have to hold it, or something that helps you pick up an object from the floor when you can’t bend down
Range of motion rules are:
Stop if there is resistance or the person complains of pain
Follow the care plan - usually 3 to 5 repetitions
Support the joint
What is the armpit temperature called?
Axillary (NOT auxiliary), and it usually runs one degree lower than an oral temperature Auxiliary is a real word with a different definition
Shaving guidelines:
Shave with the hair growth - down on the face and up on the neck
What is important to know about cold packs?
Used to decrease pain and prevent swelling, they should be applied with a barrier between the cold pack and the skin, checked after 5 minutes, and removed after 20 minutes They can cause an injury similar to a burn if they are left on too long
What is a sharps container for?
To dispose of anything that might be sharp - like needles, razors, or lab tubes
What is c-diff?
Clostridium difficile - an intestinal infection that causes severe diarrhea and is very contagious
C-diff requires contact precautions and is immune to hand sanitizer so actual handwashing is necessary
What is misappropriation?
Taking something that isn’t yours, usually from work, like bringing home a box of gloves or charging a personal
item on the company credit card
Who is affected by a resident dying?
Everyone involved - including the staff, there is counseling help available if staff members need it
How do you care for a dying patient?
Take care of their physical needs - turn and do oral care every 2 hours, give a bed bath as needed
If they stop breathing get the nurse, she will verify that there isn’t a heartbeat and notify the appropriate people
What is a draw sheet?
A flat sheet that goes across the middle of the bed, also called a lift sheet and a turn sheet, depending on what it is being used for
What is delegation?
Authorizing someone else to do a task on your behalf, the nurse delegates direct patient care to the CNA The 5 rights of delegation are: the right person, right task, right circumstance, right direction, and right supervision
What is sexual harassment?
Unwelcome sexual advances or remarks, should be reported to a supervisor or human resources
How do you help with a bedpan?
Position a bedpan with the thinner edge at the person’s back, sit the person up (Fowler’s), give them the call light and provide privacy
What is the type of bedpan called that is used for a patient who has had hip surgery?
Fracture pan
What is a low sodium diet?
Also called NAS (no added salt), the person on this diet should eat foods low in salt and cannot add any additional salt to their food, this diet is usually used for people with high blood pressure or kidney disease
What does the affected side mean?
Another way to describe the weak side
If a patient wants to leave the facility against medical advice (A MA), What does that mean and what do you do?
if They want to leave without being discharged and agdinst the wishes of their doctor - you should tell the nurse
What does disoriented mean?
Associated with confusion, a person who is disoriented may not know the date or time, where they are, or even
who they are
What is a bowel program?
Also called bowel training, the purpose is to help an incontinent patient regain control of their bowel function by providing BRP or a commode at regularly scheduled times, often the same times they are generally incontinent
What does alignment mean?
Keeping the body straight or having good posture, both the resident in bed and the CNA working need to have good body alignment
What does flexed or flexion mean?
When a joint is bent or when the angle of a joint is decreased, the opposite of extension
What is a developmental disability?
Having a physical or mental impairment (such as mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida) that becomes apparent shortly after birth or during childhood and delays, limits, or prevents the progression of
normal development
What is battery?
Offensive touching or use of force on a person without their consent, it is usually classified as a misdemeanor and punishable by fines and or jail time
What is flatus or flatulence?
This is the medical term for gas (farts), to help your patient having gas pains take them for a walk
What is restorative care?
Another term for rehabilitation, which is helping a person return to his highest level of physical, emotional, or economic function
What is a medical record?
A legal document where a patient’s information is kept and care is recorded
What is a minimum data set?
A federal form filled out on nursing home residents about the degree of assistance or skilled care they need
Define restraint:
Anything that restricts a person’s freedom of movement, it can by physical or chemical (a medication
Define unbecoming:
Inappropriate
What is normal growth and development for an infant?
Infancy is from birth to 1 year. Infants learn to smile, laugh, and say simple words
They progress from drinking milk to eating solids.
What is normal growth and development for a toddler?
Toddlerhood is from age 1 to age 3, toddlers become physically coordinated, able to run and jump
They become toilet trained and have a vocabulary that can express emotions
They are self-centered, have trouble following rules, and have separation anxiety when separated from a parent
What is normal growth and development for a preschooler?
Preschool is from age 3 to 5, preschoolers dress themselves, have a good imagination, and ask questions They begin to notice the difference between genders and understand the difference between right and wrong
What is normal growth and development a school age child?
School age is from 5 to 12 years and is characterized by growth spurts, developing gender identity, and wanting approval from peers and adults. He or she will develop morals, logical thinking, and the ability to understand other people’s perspectives
What should you do if you discover a coworker stealing from a resident?
This is financial abuse, treat the same as any abuse and report it to your supervisor and Adult Protective Services
What is palliative care?
Care with a goal of relieving pain, symptoms, and emotional and physical stress but not curing disease
It is often part of hospice care, but can be found in other places as well.
What is included in vital signs?
Temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure
What is the normal range for a blood pressure?
90-140 over 60-90
What do you do if a vital sign is out of range?
Repeat it and then report it to the nurse
Give examples of acute diseases or conditions:
Broken bones, the flu or a cold, heart attack, chicken pox, appendicitis
What is foot drop?
When the foot droops or bends abnormally from injury or atrophy
Treatment includes keeping the foot in proper alignment by using a board (foot board) for the feet to rest against, or using a brace designed to prevent it
What is a common symptom of congestive heart failure?
Edema (swelling) in the feet
How should you use a gait belt?
Apply it over clothes and hold onto it with an underhand grip
What GI condition can result in stomach pain and the leaking of small amounts of thin watery stool?
Fecal impaction
To clean a stoma:
Wipe the stoma gently - it will look red and bleed easily but will not hurt
Clean the skin around the stoma with mild soap and water
Make sure ostomy appliances fits closely around the stoma to protect the skin
What is validation therapy?
useful for residents with dementia, it is communicating that the resident’s opinions and feelings are acknowledged, respected, and heard regardless of whether or not the listener agrees
This might include letting the resident tell you about their past, or about their current perception of reality even if it isn’t actually what is real
Ask them questions that allow them to tell you about their reality
What is it called if you touch a patient without their consent, or against their wishes?
Physical abuse, could also be battery
Oxygenated blood is carried by?
Arteries
What is the job of the respiratory system?
To supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
Oxygen is:
A life sustaining treatment
When your patient is on oxygen you should:
not let them smoke, observe their ears and cheeks for signs of irritation or pressure from the nasal cannula, check the flow rate and let the nurse know if it’s wrong
How is hepatitis A transmitted?
Hepatitis is fecal-oral transmission, for example - from the unwashed hands of a food preparation worker
If the oxygen is supplied by a tank (not a concentrator) you should:
Make sure the tank has enough oxygen in it and is positioned securely so it won’t tip over
What is the most common form of dementia?
Alzheimer’s
What are common symptoms of dementia?
Short term memory loss, pacing wandering, sundowning
When brushing out tangled hair, where should you start?
At the ends, or tips, of the hair
Is pain subjective or objective?
Subjective, and it should always be reported to, the nurse
Pain is unique to each person - their interpretation and experience of it are to be believed
What is the best position for a resident at mealtime, and how should you be positioned?
The resident should be seated upright in a comfortable position, you should be at eye level
If someone appears to be choking and they are coughing, what should you do?
Encourage them to continue coughing
When your Parkinson’s patient, who is very shaky, wants to smoke what is your responsibility?
Take them out but stay with them
What body system is affected by Parkinson’s?
The nervous system
What are symptoms of anemia (low red blood count)?
Dizziness, fatigue, pale skin
Parkinson’s is considered
A progressive disease, which means medications may slow it down, but there is no cure
What is defamation)
Slander, communicating a false statement that implies a negative image about a person or business
What is an interdisciplinary team?
A group of healthcare providers from many disciplines (dr, nurse, dietician, therapists, etc,) who work together to
ensure the patient’s needs are being met
What is the competency evaluation?
The tests you take to become certified as a CNA, it includes the written test that needs to be passed at 75% and the skills test that is pass or fail
How long do you have to take it after you complete your CNA course?
It must be taken within 1 year
After feeding a patient who is on aspiration precautions, or after a tube feeding has been given you should
Keep the head of the bed up 30 to 45 degrees, even if the patient doesn’t want their head up
Communicable or contagious means
A disease can spread or be transmitted from one person to another
If a resident has a contagious disease, should they have a roommate?
No, although residents with diseases that aren’t contagious frequently share a room
Roommates who share a room should use their own personal care items
What information should a CNA obtain on a new admit?
All vital signs, and height and weight
What is the proper process for using a walker?
The person should set the walker 10 to 18 inches in front of them, then step towardit
Communicable or contagious means
A disease can spread or be transmitted from one person to another
What should the average fluid output be for a healthy adult?
At least 1500 mls. Low urine output, called oliguria if less than 500mls/day, it should be reported to the nurse
What is pvd?
Peripheral vascular disease, it is a chronic disease with poor circulation in the extremities Lower legs have edema, are cold and cyanotic with numbness and tingling
What is COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, usually caused by smoking, causes the patient to be short of breath and require oxygen
Sitting with the head of the bed up helps breathing
When taking a blood pressure, what should you consider when choosing which arm to use?
Never use an arm with an IV, cast, or if the patient has a shunt for dialysis Also never take a blood pressure on the same side as a mastectomy
What is phantom pain?
Pain that the patient perceives in a body part that has been amputated
What are complications of immobility?
Atrophy muscle shrinks), contractures muscle shortens, pneumonia, blood clots
What is an artificial body part called?
A prosthesis or prosthetic
What is the difference between a safety razor and a straight razor?
A straight razor is old fashioned - like a knife with a handle
A safety razor is like a disposable razor. The skin is protected from all but the edge of the blade.
When is it appropriate to flirt with a patient or resident?
Never!
How can the elderly prevent loss of bone and muscle strength?
Exercise, especially weight bearing
What assistance can you give a resident with their mail?
Deliver mail to them, you can offer to help but don’t open it unless they want help
What should you check when delivering a patient tray?
Check for the correct name and diet
For liquid or fluid intake, what should you count?
Anything that is liquid at room temperature
Including - jello, ice cream, pudding, popsicles, etc.
What is projection?
Blaming someone else for your own uncomfortable or unacceptable actions or feelings
What is an ileostomy?
When the entire large colon is removed and the end of the small intestine is brought to the surface of the abdomen in a stoma
The stool produced is liquid, which makes this patient prone to dehydration
What is a plate guard or plate rim?
A device that clips onto the edge of the plate, food can be scooped against the rim so it doesn’t fall off the edge of the plate
What should you do if your resident has blood in their urine?
Report it to the nurse, if possible save it so she can see it
How do you operate a fire extinguisher?
The acronym is PASS.
P- Pull the pin, A - Aim at the base of the fire, S- Squeeze the handle, S- Spray
How should you document the valuables residents bring to the nursing home with them?
Describe them in general terms, without making assumptions
Use words like white or yellow metal, and blue or red stone and avoid words like silver, gold, diamond, etc.
What is the most common injury for CNAs in the work place?
Back injury
What is required before hot or cold treatments can be used?
A doctor’s order
What should you do if a resident refuses a necessary treatment?
Report it to the nurse
Are residents allowed to have personal items?
Yes - they should be labeled or marked with the residents name
Who should be responsible to keep the facility clean?
Everyone on the healthcare team
What is dialysis?
A process commonly used for patients in kidney failure, it cleans the blood
What is an incident report?
A form that is filled out any time there is an accident or injury that tells the details of what happened
A CNA can fill it out or add comments to one filled out by the nurse
If you have to evacuate the facility because of an emergency, how do you know what to do?
The facility has evacuation plans, usually found at the nurse’s station
What is the CNAs responsibility if they are assisting in a procedure that involves a sterile field?
Never touch anything in the sterile field, also never reach across it
What is a suffix and/or prefix?
A prefix always comes at the beginning of a word and usually indicates location, time, number, or status A suffix always comes at the end of a word and usually indicates the procedure, condition, disorder, or disease
When should you wear gloves?
If it is warm, wet, and not yours
If your patient asks questions about their disease
Direct their questions to the nurse
What is a normal result of aging for the nervous system?
Slower reflexes and reaction time
What happens when the urinary system ages?
Kidney function decreases, the person is at higher risk for urinary tract infections
What are your body’s specific defense mechanisms?
Antibodies developed by having an illness or being immunized
What are your body’s nonspecific defense mechanisms?
Intact skin, coughing or sneezing, tears, white blood cells
When you transfer a resident from a bed to their chair, where should they put their hands?
They should push up from the bed if they are able, or place their hands on your arms
If the resident has a weak side how should you transfer them?
Use a gait belt and do a pivot transfer, the resident pivots on their strong side
Common symptoms of anxiety are
Hyperventilation, feeling dizzy, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia
If you see something spilled in the hall, should you clean it up or wait for housekeeping?
Any safety hazard should be dealt with immediately, by the person who discovers it first
What should you do if a feeding pump is beeping?
Tell the nurse, don’t ever silence it without saying something
What causes varicose veins?
The veins in the legs lose elasticity and the valves become weak, allowing blood to pool in them
What should you worry about if you are shaving a resident who is on oxygen?
Don’t use an electric razor
Never take off or turn off the oxygen unless you check with the nurse first, work around it
What is an important thing to remember when caring for a blind resident?
Always introduce yourself and give your title when you enter their room
What is a bedside commode?
A portable rolling toilet with a bucket that needs to be emptied and cleaned after use
What is dyspnea?
l
Shortness of breath, painful or difficult breathing
What is dysuria?
Painful urination
What is the most likely cause of cloudy vision in the elderly?
Cataracts
What is the best thing to do for an Alzheimer’s patient who likes to wander?
Provide a safe place for them to wander in or take them for a walk
What is the best way to approach an Alzheimer’s or dementia patient?
Speak calmly, use their name and use simple words and simple directions, have a quiet environment and a consistent routine
Where should you discard a used razor?
In the sharps container (also called a biohazard container)
What is partial weight bearing?
The patient can put weight on their good leg, but should not put weight on their bad leg
When using a tub for baths what should you remember?
Sanitize it between residents
An Alzheimer’s patient doesn’t recognize her son. A good response would be:
Isn’t it nice your son is here to visit!
What is rapport?
A close relationship where you understand each other’s ideas and feelings and communicate well
If a patient is receiving anticoagulants (blood thinners) can you shave them?
Not with a blade, you should use an electric razor
What body system is most affected by multiple sclerosis?
The nervous system, it causes increasing muscle weakness and fatigue
It also occurs more frequently in younger people
What is osteoporosis?
Excessive loss of bone tissue, leading to frequent bone fractures
When was OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) passed?
1987
If you are feeding a patient who has had a stroke, what should you be aware of?
The food should be placed in the unaffected side of their mouth (their good side)
What are signs and symptoms of an MI?
Chest pain (angina pectoris) or pressure, sweating, shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, arm, neck, or back pain
What is the main cause of emphysema?
Smoking
When should a sputum sample be collected?
First thing in the morning
What is peristalsis?
The wave-like muscle movements that move food through the intestines
What is a trochanter roll?
A pillow or rolled towel placed along the outside of the hip and upper leg of a patient in bed to keep their leg from turning out
What is an in-house transfer?
Transferring a resident from one room to another in the same facility
When you are walking a patient who has a Foley catheter, what should you do with the bag?
Keep it below the level of the bladder
What are the levels of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and which has to be met first?
Physical, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, self-actualization
What is another name for a soft diet?
Mechanical (short for mechanical soft), used for patients who have difficulty chewing, swallowing, or who have mouth pain
What is the name of the membrane found in your nose and mouth?
Mucous membrane
What is Huntington’s disease, also known as Huntington’s chorea
A hereditary disease that appears in midlife, it causes irreversible and progressive loss of muscle control (causing extreme body movements) and loss of mental abilities
List the main signs and symptoms of diabetes:
Polvuria (increased urine), polydipsia (increased thirst), polyphagia (increased hunger)
What could it mean if a Foley bag has no urine in it after an entire shift?
Catheter has fallen out, kidney failure, catheter is kinked, the tubing is under the patient’s leg
