CNA Glossary Flashcards
1
Q
Abdominal thrusts
A
Method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of someone who is choking
2
Q
Abduction
A
Moving a body part away from the midline of the body
3
Q
Abrasion
A
An injury that rubs off the surface of the skin
4
Q
Absorption
A
The transfer of nutrients from the intestines to the cells
5
Q
Abuse
A
Purposeful mistreatment that causes physical, mental or emotional pain or injury to someone
6
Q
Active neglect
A
The purposeful failure to provide needed care, resulting in harm to a person
7
Q
Activities of daily living
(ADLs)
A
Daily personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing, skin care, nail, hair and dental care
Eating, drinking, walking, transferring and elimination
8
Q
Acute care
A
24-hour skilled care given in hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers for people who require short-term, immediate care for illnesses and injuries
9
Q
Adaptive/Assistive devices
A
Special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled to perform activities of daily living
10
Q
Adduction
A
Moving a body part toward the midline of the body
11
Q
Adult Day services
A
Care for people who need some help during certain hours, but who do not live in the facility where care is given (similar to outpatient Care)
12
Q
Advance directives
A
Legal documents that allow people to choose what medical care they wish to have if they are unable to make those decisions themselves
13
Q
Affected side
A
The side of the body that is weakened due to a stroke or injury; also called weaker or involved side
14
Q
Ageism
A
Prejudice towards, stereotyping of, and / or discrimination against older persons or the elderly
15
Q
Alzheimer’s disease
A
A progressive, incurable disease that causes Tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain, which eventually cause dementia and death
16
Q
Ambulation
A
Walking
17
Q
Amputation
A
The surgical removal of some are all of the body part, usually a hand, arm, leg or foot
18
Q
Angina pectoris
A
Chest pain, pressure or discomfort
19
Q
Antimicrobial
A
An agent that destroys, resists or prevents the development of pathogens
20
Q
Anxiety
A
Uneasiness, worry or fear, often about a situation or condition
21
Q
Apathy
A
A lack of interest in activities
22
Q
Aspiration
A
The inhalation of food, fluid or foreign material into the lungs
23
Q
Assault
A
A threat to harm a person resulting in the person feeling fearful that they will be harmed
24
Q
Assisted living
A
Residences for people who do not need 24-hour skilled care, but do require some help with daily care
25
Atrophy
The wasting away, decreasing in size, and weakening of muscles from lack of use
26
Autoimmune illness
An illness in which the body's immune system attacks normal tissue in the body
27
Battery
Intentional touching of a person without their consent
28
Bipolar disorder
A type of mood disorder that causes mood swings, changes in energy levels and the ability to function,. Of extreme activity and periods of extreme depression
29
Bloodborne pathogens
Microorganisms found in human blood, body fluid, draining wounds and mucous membranes that can cause infections and disease in humans
30
Body mechanics
The way the parts of the body work together when a person moves
31
Bony prominences
Areas of the body where the bone lies close to the skin
32
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
Medical procedures used when a person's heart or lungs have stopped working
33
Care plan
The plan developed for each resident to achieve certain goals; it outlines the steps and tasks that the care team must perform
34
Catastrophic reaction
Reacting to something in an unreasonable, exaggerated way
35
Catheter
Offend tube inserted into the body to drain or inject fluids
36
Causitive agent
A pathogenic microorganism that causes disease
37
Center for disease control and prevention (CDC)
The federal agency that issues guidelines to protect the health of individuals and communities
38
Cerebral vascular accident (CVA)
The condition that occurs when blood supply to a part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel leaks or ruptures within the brain; also called stroke
39
Chain of command
The line of authority within the facility
40
Chain of infection
Way of describing how disease is transmitted from one human being to another
41
Charting
Documenting information and observations about residents
42
Cheyne-Stokes
Alternating periods of slow, irregular breathing and rapid, shallow breathing along with periods of not breathing
43
Chronic
A condition that is long-term or long lasting
44
cite
to find a problem through a survey
45
Clean-catch specimen
A urine specimen that does not include the first and last urine added; also called midstream specimen
46
Closed bed
A bed completely made with the bedspread and blankets in place
47
Clostridium difficile
C. diff
A bacterium that is spread by spores and feces that are difficult to kill; it causes symptoms such as diarrhea and nausea and can lead to serious inflammation of the colon (colitis)
48
Cognition
The ability to think logically and clearly
49
Cognitive
Related to thinking and learning
50
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
A type of psychotherapy that is often used to treat anxiety disorders and depression. It focuses on skills and solutions that a person can use to modify negative thinking and behavior patterns
51
Cognitive impairment
The loss of the ability to think logically and clearly
52
Condom catheter
A type of urinary catheter that has an attachment on the end that fits onto the penis; also called the Texas catheter
53
Confusion
The inability to think logically and clearly
54
Conscious
The state of being mentally alert and having awareness of surroundings, sensations and thoughts
55
Constipation
The inability to eliminate stool, or the infrequent, difficult and often painful elimination of hard, dry stool
56
Constrict
To narrow
57
Contracture
The permanent and often painful shortening of muscle or tendon usually due to a lack of activity
58
Culture change
A term given to the process of transforming services for elders so that they are based on the values and practices of the person receiving care; core values include choice, dignity, respect, self-determination and purposeful living
59
Cyanotic
Blue or gray, in reference to skin color (results from low levels of oxygen in the blood)
60
Dangle
To sit up with the legs hanging over the side of the bed in order to regain balance and stabilize blood pressure
61
Dehydration
A serious condition that results inadequate fluids in the body
62
Delirium
State of severe confusion that occurs suddenly and is usually temporary
63
Delusions
Persistent false beliefs
64
Dementia
Serious loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning and communicating
65
Developmental disabilities
Disabilities that are present at birth or emerged during childhood that restrict physical and/or mental ability
66
Diabetes
The condition in which the pancreas produces too little insulin or does not properly use insulin
With type 1 diabetes the pancreas does not produce insulin. Type 1 diabetics are born this way and is a condition that lasts a lifetime. It is managed with daily injections of insulin and through diet.
Type 2 diabetes often occurs in obese people or those with a family history of the disease. It can usually be controlled with diet and/or or oral medications. Blood glucose levels should be tested regularly
67
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
A complication of diabetes that is caused by having too little insulin in the body
68
Diastolic
The second measurement of blood pressure; the phase when the heart relaxes or rests
69
Digestion
Process of preparing food physically and chemically so that it can be absorbed into the cells
70
Dilate
To widen
71
Direct contact
The way of transmitting pathogens through touching the infected person or their secretions
72
Disinfection
The process that destroys most, but not all pathogens; it reduces the pathogen count to a level that is considered not infectious
73
Diuretics
Medications that reduce fluid volume in the body by increasing elimination
74
Dorsiflexion
Bending backward
75
Draw sheet
An extra sheet placed on top of the bottom sheet; used for moving residents in bed
76
Durable power of attorney for healthcare
A signed, dated and witnessed legal document that appoints someone else to make medical decisions for a person in the event they become unable to do so
77
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing
78
Dyspnea
Difficulty breathing
79
Elope
when a person with Alzheimer's disease wanders away from a protected area and does not return
80
Embolism
An obstruction of a blood vessel usually by a blood clot
81
Emesis
The act of vomiting, or rejecting stomach contents through the mouth and/or nose
82
Emotional liability
Inappropriate or unprovoked emotional responses, including laughing, crying and anger
83
Enema
A specific amount of water with or without an additive that is introduced into the colon to stimulate the elimination of stool
84
Ergonomics
The science of designing equipment, areas, and work tasks to make them safer and to suit the workers abilities
85
Ethics
The knowledge of right and wrong
86
Expiration
The process of exhaling air out of the lungs
87
Expressive aphasia
Trouble communicating thoughts through speech or writing
88
Extension
Straightening of a body part
89
False imprisonment
Unlawful restraint of someone that affects the person's freedom of movement; includes both the threat of being physically restrained and actual restraint
90
Fecal incontinence
The inability to control the bowels, leading to involuntary passage of stool
91
Flexion
Bending a body part
92
Fluid balance
Taking in and eliminating equal amounts of fluid
93
Fluid overload
A condition that occurs when the body cannot handle the amount of fluid consumed
94
Foot drop
A weakness of muscles in the feet and ankles that causes problems with the ability to flex the ankles and walk normally
95
Fowler's
A semi-sitting body position in which a person's head and shoulders are elevated 45 to 60°
96
Fracture
A broken bone
97
Full weight bearing (FWB)
A doctor's order stating that a person has the ability to support full body weight (100%) on both legs
98
Gait
A manner of walking
99
Gastronomy
Surgically created opening into the stomach in order to insert a tube
100
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
An anxiety disorder that is characterized by chronic anxiety and worry even when there is no cause for these feelings
101
Gestational diabetes
Type of diabetes that appears in pregnant women who have never had diabetes before, but who have high glucose levels during pregnancy
102
Glands
Organs that produce and secrete chemicals called hormones
103
Glucose
Natural sugar
104
Gonads
Sex glands
105
Hallucinations
False or distorted sensory perceptions
106
Hat
A collection container that can be inserted into a toilet bowl to collect and measure urine or stool
107
Healthcare associated infection (HAI)
An infection acquired within a healthcare setting during the delivery of medical Care
108
HIPAA
Federal law that requires health information to be kept private and secure in that organizations take special steps to protect this information
109
Hemiparesis
Weakness on one side of the body
110
Hemiplegia
Paralysis on one side of the body
111
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses or other factors such as alcohol abuse, some medications and trauma
112
Holistic care
A type of care that involves caring for the whole person - the mind as well as the body
113
Homeostasis
The condition in which all of the body systems are working at their best
114
Hormones
Chemical substances created by the body's glandular system that control numerous body functions
115
Hospice care
Holistic, compassionate Care given to people who have approximately 6 months or less to live
116
Hypertension (HTN)
High blood pressure, regularly measuring 130 / 80 mm Hg or higher
117
Impairment
A loss of function or ability
118
Incontinence
The inability to control the bladder or bowels
119
Indirect contact
A way of transmitting pathogens from touching an object contaminated by the infected person
120
Indwelling catheter
A type of urinary catheter that remains inside the bladder for a period of time also called Foley catheter
121
Infection
State resulting from pathogens invading the body and multiplying
122
Inflammation
Swelling
123
Informed consent
The process in which a person with the help of a doctor, makes informed decisions about their health care
124
Input
The fluid a person consume; also called intake
125
Inspiration
The process of inhaling air into the lungs
126
Insulin
A hormone that works to move glucose from the blood and into the cells in order to produce energy for the body
127
Insulin reaction
Complication of diabetes that can result from either too much insulin or too little food; also known as hypoglycemia
128
Intake
The Fluid a person consumes; also called input
129
Involved side
Side of the body that is weakened due to a stroke or injury; also called weaker or affected side
130
Lateral
Body position in which a person is lying on either side
131
Living will
A document that outlines the medical care a person wants, or does not want in case they become unable to make those decisions
132
Localized infection
An infection that is limited to a specific location in the body and has local symptoms
133
Logrolling
Moving a person as a unit without disturbing the alignment of the body
134
Major depressive disorder
Type of mood disorder that causes pain, fatigue, apathy, sadness, irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness and loss of appetite as well as other symptoms. Also called depression or clinical depression
135
Malpractice
Injury to a person due to professional misconduct through negligence, carelessness or lack of skill
136
Medicaid
Federal medical assistance program for people who have a low income, as well as people with disabilities
137
Medical asepsis
Measures used to reduce and prevent the spread of pathogens
138
Medicare
The federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, have certain disabilities or permanent kidney failure, or who are ill and cannot work
139
Menopause
The end of menstruation; occurs when a woman has not had a menstrual period for 12 months
140
Mental health
The normal functioning of emotional and intellectual abilities
141
Mental health disorder
A disorder that affects a person's ability to function and often causes inappropriate behavior: confusion, disorientation, agitation and anxiety are common symptoms
142
Metabolism
Physical and chemical processes by which substances are broken down or transformed into energy or products for use by the body
143
Microbe
A living thing or organism that is so small that it can be seen only under a microscope; also called microorganism
144
Minimum data set (MDS)
A detailed form with guidelines for assessing residents in long-term care facilities
145
Mode of transmission
The method of describing how a pathogen travels
146
Mucous membranes
The membranes that line body cavities that open to the outside of the body such as the linings of the mouth, nose, eyes, rectum or genitals
147
Myocardial infarction (MI)
A condition that occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen because blood flow to the heart is blocked; also called heart attack
148
Non-intact skin
Skin that is broken by abrasions, cuts, rashes, pimples, lesions, surgical incisions or boils
149
Non weight bearing (NWB)
A doctor's order stating that a person is unable to touch the floor or support any body weight with one or both legs
150
NPO
Abbreviation meaning nothing by mouth; medical order that means a person should not have anything to eat or drink
151
Objective information
Quantifiable information based on what a person can see, hear, touch or smell; also called signs
152
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
An anxiety disorder characterized by obsessive behavior or thoughts, which may cause the person to repeatedly perform a behavior or routine
153
Ombudsman
legal advocates for residents in long-term care facilities who help resolve disputes and settle conflicts
154
Omnibus budget reconciliation act (OBRA)
The law passed by the federal government that includes minimum standards for nursing assistant training, staffing requirements, resident assessment instructions and information on rights for residents
155
Open bed
A bed made with linen folded down to the foot of the bed
156
Occupied bed
A bed made while a person is in the bed
157
Opposition
Touching the thumb to any other finger
158
Orthosis
A device that helps support and align a limb and improve its functioning; also called orthotic device
159
Osteoarthritis
Common type of arthritis that usually affects the hips, knees, fingers, thumbs and spine
Also called degenerative joint disease (DJD) or degenerative arthritis
160
Osteoporosis
A disease that causes bones to become porous and brittle causing them to break easily
161
Ostomy
A surgically created opening from an area inside the body to the outside
162
Output
All fluid that is eliminated from the body; includes urine, feces, vomitous, perspiration, moisture that is exhaled in the air and wound drainage
163
Oxygen therapy
The administration of oxygen to increase the supply of oxygen to the lungs
164
Palliative care
Caregiving to people who have serious diseases or who are dying that emphasize relieving pain, controlling symptoms and preventing side effects
165
Panic disorder
A disorder characterized by a person having regular panic attacks or living with constant anxiety about having another attack
166
Paraplegia
The loss of function/paralysis of the lower body and legs
167
Parenteral nutrition (PN)
The intravenous infusion of nutrients administered directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system
168
Partial bath
A bath given on days when a complete bath or shower is not done; includes washing the face, hands, underarms and perineum
169
Partial weight bearing (PWB)
Doctor's order stating that a person is able to support some body weight on one or both legs
170
Pathogens
Microorganisms that are capable of causing infection and disease
171
Pediculosis
An infestation of lice
172
Percutaneous endoscopic gastronomy (PEG)
Feeding tube that is placed into the stomach through the abdominal wall
173
Perineal care
Care of the genitals and anal area
174
Perseveration
The repetition of words, phrases, questions or actions
175
Person-centered care
A type of care that places the emphasis on the person needing care and his or her individuality and capabilities
176
Portal of entry / exit
Any body opening on un/infected person that allows pathogens to enter / exit
177
Pressure injuries
Injuries or wounds that result from skin deterioration and shearing; also called pressure ulcers pressure sores, bed sores or decubitus ulcers
178
Pressure points
Areas of the body that bear much of the body weight
179
Pronation
Turning downward
180
Psychosocial needs
Needs that involve social interaction, emotions, intellect and spirituality
181
Quadriplegia
Loss of function/paralysis of legs, trunk and arms
182
Radial pulse
The pulse located on the inside of the wrist, where the radial artery runs just beneath the skin
183
Range of motion (ROM)
Exercises that put a joint through its full Arc of motion
184
Receptive aphasia
Difficulty understanding spoken or written words
185
Reservoir
A place where a pathogen lives and multiplies
186
Restorative care
Caregiving after rehabilitation to maintain a person's function, improve his quality of life and increase his Independence
187
Rheumatoid arthritis
Type of arthritis in which joints become red, swollen and very painful, resulting in restrictive movement and possible deformities
188
Schizophrenia
A type of psychotic disorder that causes problems with thinking, communication and the ability to manage emotions, make decisions and understand reality
189
Scope of practice
Defines the tasks that healthcare providers are legally allowed to do as permitted by state or federal law
190
Shearing
Rubbing or friction that results from the skin moving one way and the bone underneath it remaining fixed or moving in the opposite direction
191
Shock
A condition that occurs when organs and tissues in the body do not receive an adequate blood supply
192
Sims position
A body position in which a person is lying on his left side with the upper knee flexed and raised toward the chest
193
Specimen
A sample that is used for analysis in order to try to make a diagnosis
194
Sputum
Thick mucus coughed up from the lungs
195
Standard precautions
A method of infection prevention in which all blood, body fluids, non intact skin and mucous membranes are treated as if they were infected with an infectious disease
196
Sterilization
A cleaning measure that destroys all microorganisms, including pathogens
197
Stoma
An artificial opening in the body
198
Straight catheter
A type of urinary catheter that is removed immediately after urine is drained or collected
199
Subacute care
Caregiving in hospitals or in long-term care facilities for people who need less care than for an acute illness, but more care than for a chronic illness
200
Subjective information
Information that a person cannot or did not observe, but is based on something reported that may or may not be true; also called symptoms
201
Sundowning
Becoming restless and agitated in the late afternoon, evening or night
202
Supination
Turning upward
203
Surgical asepsis
The state of being completely free of all microorganisms also called sterile technique
204
Syncope
Loss of consciousness; also called fainting
205
Systemic infection
An infection that travels through the bloodstream and is spread throughout the body causing general symptoms
206
Systolic
First measurement of blood pressure; phase when the heart is at work, contracting and pushing the blood out of the left ventricle of the heart
207
Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
A warning sign of a cva/stroke resulting from a temporary lack of oxygen in the brain; symptoms May last up to 24 hours
208
Transmission based precautions
Method of infection prevention used when caring for persons who are infected or may be infected with certain infectious diseases
209
Tuberculosis
A highly contagious disease caused by a bacterium that is carried on mucus droplets suspended in the air; usually affects the lungs and causes coughing trouble breathing, weight loss and fatigue
210
Tumor
A cluster of abnormally growing cells
211
Urinary catheter
A type of catheter that is used to drain urine from the bladder
212
Urinary incontinence
The inability to control the bladder, which leads to an involuntary loss of urine
213
Vital signs
Measurements - temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pain level - that monitor the functioning of the vital organs of the body
214
Voids
Urinates
215
VRE (vancomycin-resistant enterococcus)
Bacteria (enterococci) that have developed resistance to the antibiotic vancomycin
