Exam 4 Flashcards
What is an OT
An occupational therapist helps residents learn to adapt to disabilities
What do OTs usually use to help residents
Often they use special equipment called assistive devices
What are nursing assistants not allowed to do
Insert or remove tubes or change sterile dressings
To reiterate, what do NAs not do (1 thing this time)
Perform procedures that require sterile technique
Should NAs do activities not listen on the care plan
NO
What are ethics
The knowledge of right and wrong
What should NAs and other healthcare providers be guided by
A code of ethics
What should an NA do if they see or suspect abuse
If an NA sees or suspects that another caregiver, family member, or resident is abusing a resident, they must report this immediately to the nurse in charge –> Not optional, the law
What should an NA do if a resident refuses care
Respect the resident’s refusal of care. It is their legal right to refuse treatment and care. That being said, it should immediately be reported to the nurse
What does it mean to respect confidentiality
To keep private things private
What is a durable power of attorney for health care
A signed, dated, and witnessed legal document that appoints someone else to make medical decisions for a person in the event that they become unable to do so
What is another term for a durable power of attorney for health care
A health care proxy
What are cliches
Phrases that are used over and over again and do not really mean anything
Should an NA be a good listener
Yes. They should allow the resident to express their ideas completely and concentrate on what the resident is saying without interupting
What does it mean to ignore a resident’s request
Ignoring a resident request is considered negligent behavior
What is the most important way to stop the spread of infefction
Handwashing. All caregivers should wash their hands often
How can transmission of infectious diseases be blocked
Using proper infection prevention practices, like handwashing
What is one reason why the elderly are at a higher risk for infection
They have limited mobility, which is another risk factor for serious problems, such as pressure injuries, skin infections, and pneumonia
Which falls should be reported to the superviso
All falls
What are the two steps to correctly respond to emergencies
Assess the situation and assess the victim
What should be done to treat a burn
Use clean, cool water to decrease skin temp and prevent further injury (not using ice or ice water because it can cause more skin damage)
How should an NA respond to fainting
Immediately alert the nurse, have resident lie flat on back and elevate the legs about 12 inches (if no back, neck, head, spinal, or abdominal injuries, difficulty breathing, or fractures)
What is the main goal during a siezure
To keep the resident safe
How should NAs encourage independance
By encouraging residents to do as much as possible for themselves, even when it’s easier for the NA to do it
What should an NA do if they see sexual abuse occuring
Remove the resident from the situation and take them to a safe place before reporting to the nurse
What is true of many religious beliefs
They include dietary restrictions
Is family important for residents
Yes. Whatever kind of family a resident has, it plays and important role and can help in many ways
What is homeostasis
The condition in which all the body’s systems are balanced and working together to maintain internal stability
What must be observed and reported when seen in the musculoskeletal system of a resident
White, shiny, red, or warm areas over a joint
What happens if dirty linen touches an NAs uniform
It becomes contaminated
What on a resident’s skin should be observed and reported
Pale, white, reddened, gray, or purple skin
What is one guideline for basic skin care
To report any observed changes in a resident’s skin
How often should an NA check the resident’s skin
Daily, even if baths are not given or taken every day
How often should immobile residents be repositioned
Often (at least every 2 hours)
What is unique about older skin
It produces less perspiration and oil
How often should elderly people with dry and fragile skin bathe
Only once or twice a week
Should NAs wear gloves when shaving
Yes, to prevent the risk of exposure to blood –> Part of standard precautions
What does a tympanic thermometer do
Measures the temperature reading in the ear
How do NAs interact with urinary catheters
They don’t insert, irrigate, or remove urinary catheters, but they may give daily care, clean the surrounding area, or empty the drainage bag
What is a stoma
An artificial opening in the abdomen to bring an intestine out of and connect to an ostomy bag
What helps residents with COPD
Sitting upright and leaning forward slightly
What can happen as a result of irritated and constricted bronchi
Air is trapped in the lungs by thick mucus, causing wheezing or coughing
What is HIV
A sexually transmitted disease which can also be spread through the blood and sharing needles with an infected person
What are signs and symptoms of HIV infection and AIDS
Flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, weakness, and severe or constant fatigue
What is the front line of defense for most forms of cancer
Surgery
What kinds of cancer is surgery a key treatment for
Malignant tumors of the skin, breast, bladder, colon, rectum, stomach, and muscle
How should NAs care for residents with mental health disorders
Support the resident and their family and maintain a positive, profesional attitude to encourage them and th eresident
What should be observed and reported regarding mental health disorders
Positive or negative mood changes (especially withdrawal), behavioral changes, lincluding changes in personality, extreme behavior, behavior not appropriate to the situation, and comments (even jokes) about hurting oneself or others
How are NAs involved with residents abusing substances
They may be in a position to observe signs of substance abuse and should report these signs to the nurse
What should an NA observe in a patient with a chest tube
Color, amount, and changes in chest drainage
What is one of the guidelines in hospice care
Respect privacy and independence
What is often present until death occurs
Hearing
