CNA Final Review Flashcards
What is another term for nursing assistant?
Nurse’s aide
What can a CNA do to help a resident who can’t fall asleep?
Offer a snack, give a backrub
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
What is the medical word for fainting or passing out?
Syncope
What is the medical word for a bloody nose?
Epistaxis
What does perseveration refer to?
Inappropriate and constant repetition of an act or phrase
What is an orthotic?
A brace or splint used to support the body
What are social determinants of health?
The 5 conditions in the environment that influence quality of life:
* Economic stability
* Access to education
* Access to healthcare
* Safe neighborhoods
* A social community with friends
What do you do if you suspect one of your patients doesn’t have one of the 5 social determinants of health?
Let the nurse know
What does combative mean in a medical context?
Refers to a patient who is angry and won’t cooperate
What is apnea?
Without breathing; sleep apnea is a condition where people stop breathing temporarily in their sleep
When you hear the systolic immediately while taking blood pressure, what is the problem?
The blood pressure is high, and you didn’t inflate the cuff high enough
Fill in the blank: Apnea literally means _______.
without breathing
What is adaptive equipment?
Any tool or device used to help with ADLs
Examples include a spoon that straps to the patient’s hand or a tool to pick up objects from the floor.
What are the range of motion rules?
Stop if there is resistance or the person complains of pain, follow the care plan, support the joint
Usually involves 3 to 5 repetitions.
What is the armpit temperature called?
Axillary
It usually runs one degree lower than an oral temperature.
What are the 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; applied with a barrier, checked after 5 minutes, removed after 20 minutes
Can cause an injury similar to a burn if 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 causing severe diarrhea and is very contagious
Requires contact precautions and actual handwashing as it is immune to hand sanitizer.
What is misappropriation?
Taking something that isn’t yours, usually from work
Examples include 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
Counseling help is 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 to verify there isn’t a heartbeat.
What is a draw sheet?
A flat sheet that goes across the middle of the bed
Also called a lift sheet or a turn sheet, depending on its use.
What is delegation?
Authorizing someone else to do a task on your behalf
The nurse delegates direct patient care to the CNA.
What are the 5 rights of delegation?
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 (AMA), what does that mean?
They want to leave without being discharged and against the wishes of their doctor
What should you do if a patient wants to leave AMA?
You should tell the nurse
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 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
What does alignment mean?
Keeping the body straight or having good posture
What is a developmental disability?
Having a physical or mental impairment 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
What is flatus or flatulence?
This is the medical term for gas (farts)
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 be 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 for 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. They 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 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
How should you clean a stoma?
Wipe the stoma gently, clean the skin around it with mild soap and water, and ensure ostomy appliances fit closely.
What is validation therapy?
Communicating that a resident’s opinions and feelings are acknowledged, respected, and heard, regardless of agreement.
What should you do when a resident with dementia talks about their past?
Allow them to express their reality and ask questions that encourage sharing.
What is it called if you touch a patient without their consent?
Physical abuse or battery
What is the primary job of the respiratory system?
To supply oxygen and remove carbon dioxide
Oxygenated blood is carried by?
Arteries
Oxygen is considered a _______.
life sustaining treatment
How is hepatitis A transmitted?
Fecal-oral transmission, often from unwashed hands of food preparation workers.
When your patient is on oxygen, what should you not let them do?
Smoke
What should you check when a patient is on oxygen?
Flow rate and signs of irritation or pressure from the nasal cannula
What should you ensure if the oxygen is supplied by a tank?
The tank has enough oxygen and is positioned securely.
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
What should always be done with a patient’s report of pain?
It should always be reported to the nurse
What is the best position for a resident at mealtime?
Seated upright in a comfortable position, at eye level with the caregiver.
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
Which body system is affected by Parkinson’s?
The nervous system
What are signs of anemia (low red blood count)?
Dizziness, Fatigue, Pale skin
Parkinson’s is considered
A progressive disease
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) who work together to ensure a patients needs are being met
What is the competency evaluation?
The tests you take to become certified as a CNA
Written test (75%), Skills test (Pass or Fail)
How long do you have to take it (competency evaluation) after you complete your CNA course?
Within 1 year
After feeding a patient who is on aspiration precautions, or after a feeding tube has been given you should..
Keep the head of the bed up 30-45 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
Height and Weight
What is the proper process for using a walker?
The person should set the walker 10-18 inches in front of them, then step toward it
What should the average fluid output be for a healthy adult?
At least 1500 mLs
Low urine output (oliguria, less than 500 mLs) should be reported to the nurse
What is PVD?
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Chronic disease with poor circulation in the extremities
Lower legs have edema, cold, cyanotic, numb, tingling
What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Usually caused by smoking (SOB need O2)
Sitting with the head of the bed up
When taking a blood pressure, what should you consider when choosing an arm to use?
Never use an arm with an IV, cast, shunt
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 is an artificial body part called?
A prosthetic or a prosthesis
What are complications of immobility?
Atrophy (skinny)
Contractures (shortens)
Pneumonia, blood clots
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
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 help to but don’t open it unless they want help
What should you check when delivering a patient tray?
Check for correct name and diet
For liquid or fluid intake, what should you count?
Anything that is liquid at a room temperature
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
Liquid stool, prone to dehydration
What is a plate guard or a plate rim?
A device that clips onto the edge of a plate
Food can be scooped against the rim so it doesn’t fall off the edge of the plate
What should you do if a resident has blood in their urine?
Report it to the nurse
Let her see it if possible
How do you operate a fire extinguisher?
The acronym 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?
General terms, don’t make assumptions
Used words like white, metal and blue instead of gold, diamond, gem
What is the most common injury for CNAs in the workplace?
Back injury
What is required before hot or cold treatments can be used?
A doctors order
What should you do if a resident refuses 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 filed 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 nurses 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 indicated location, time, number, or status
A suffix always comes at the end of a word and usually indicated the procedure, condition, disorder, or disease
When should you wear gloves?
If it is warm, wet, and not yours
If your patient asks you a question 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 a 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 bodies nonspecific defense mechanisms?
Intact skin, coughing, 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 form the bed if they are able, and/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, insomnia, nausea
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 the 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?
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 simple words and directions
Have a quiet environment and a consistent routine
Where should you discard a used razor?
In the sharps container
What is partial weight bearing?
The patient can put weight on their good leg but they can 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!
When your patient with dementia is getting sick but can’t tell you, what might you notice first?
A change in behavior
How might this dementia patient indicate pain?
Groaning, grunting, grimacing, folding over
If your patient is crying what should you do?
Spend time with them
Try to build a good rapport by showing sympathy and concern
What is HIPAA?
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
What does HIPAA cover/protect?
It’s about protecting patient information, it covers when and how information can be shared, and how records are stored and disposed of
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, occurs more frequently in younger people
Do the elderly have sexual needs, and what can the CNA do?
Yes they do (basic physical need)
The CNA should provide privacy
What is a common symptom of depression?
Low levels of energy
What is ombudsman?
The patient’s representative
They investigate problems, complaints, and grievances
List tips for caring for dentures safely
Lukewarm water
Line the sink with paper towel and fill with water
hold firmly in 1 hand while bushing with the other
Store in water
Transport in denture cup
What should you report to the next shift when they take over for you?
Any problems the residents had, or anything out of the ordinary that happened
If the resident is found climbing out of bed in the middle of the night, what is the most likely reason?
They need to use the bathroom
What is osteoporosis?
Excessive loss of bone tissue
Frequent bone fractures
Are ice cream and popsicles counted as liquids?
Yesm anything that Is liquid at room temperature is counted as a liquid
What would be the best way to transfer a resident who has both legs amputated?
Get plenty of help and use a mechanical lift
What observations could be noted about urine?
Amount, color, clarity, presence of sediment or blood
When was OBRA (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act) passed?
1987
How can you reduce communication errors?
Get feedback
Ask the resident if they understand
If a resident falls and you think they might be injured (especially a hip injury) what should you do?
Don’t move them
Stay with them
Keep them in the same position and send someone to get the nurse
Why do the elderly fall so often?
They have poor balance and are often confused so they don’t recognize a dangerous situation
Which disease makes the patient more likely to fall?
Parkinson’s disease
The muscles have tremors and are rigid
Which systems are kidneys part of?
The urinary system
What are some guidelines for the nurses station phone?
Never use it for a personal call
Never take doctor’s orders - the nurse has to do that
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 the mouth (their good side)
What is an MI?
A myocardial Infarction
Heart attack
What are signs and symptoms of an MI?
Chest pain or pressure
Sweating
Shortness of breath
Nausea/vomiting
Arm/Neck/Back pain
How is HIV most commonly spread?
Through unprotected sexual contact
What important step should you take every time you leave a resident?
Give them their call light
Make sure it is on their strong side
What is leukemia?
Cancer of the white blood cells
Where would be the safest place to leave a hearing aid when taking the resident to a shower?
In the residents room
What is the last stage of an illness before death?
The terminal stage
If a patient has supplemental feedings, what is the CNA’s responsibility?
Offer it to the resident frequently
How often should catheter care be provided?
Every day and prn