CNA Vocabulary (D)

Dangling

To sit up on the side of the bed with the legs hanging over to regain balance and stabilize blood pressure

De-escalation

Actions taken to reduce the intensity of agitation or aggression

Death and Dying

End of life of an individual

Deeper Tissue

Muscle and connective tissue

Defense Mechanism

A way for the mind to cope with stress or difficult feelings

Dehydration

Condition caused by inadequate or too little fluid in the body

Delegation

The act of a nurse giving another healthcare worker the authority to perform a patient care task

Demanding Resident

Individual who requires care or attention with urgency

Dementia

An umbrella term for a group of signs and symptoms that describe decline in a person’s mental ability that is severe enough to interfere with his/her daily life

Denial

Refusal to acknowledge the truth or reality

Denture Care

Cleansing and maintenance of dentures (artificial or false teeth)

Dentures

Artificial or false teeth

Dependability

Quality of being able to be counted or relied upon

Depression

Condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness that cause the individual to withdraw socially, have low energy, and a loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed

Dermatitis

Inflammation of the skin, typically causing redness, swelling, itching, and irritation.

Developmental Disability

Disabilities present at birth or that emerge during childhood that restrict physical and mental ability

Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)

Chronic condition in which the body doesn't control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood; body doesn't produce enough insulin or doesn't properly use insulin

Dialysis

Medical procedure that removes excess fluid and waste products from the blood when the kidneys no longer work properly

Diaphragm

Principle muscle of respiration that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity

Diastolic

The amount of pressure in the arteries when the heart is resting between beats

Diet / Diets

Food and drinks an individual eats

Diet- Clear Liquid

 transparent liquids that leave no residue in the digestive tract (water, clear broth, tea/coffee, Jell-O)

Diet- Mechanical Soft

soft, easy-to-chew foods that require minimal chewing (mashed potatoes, soft fruit, ground meat, scrambled eggs)

Diet- Low Sodium

limits salt (sodium) intake (Fresh fruit, Fresh vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, unsalted nuts)

Diet- Pureed

all foods are blended into a smooth, pudding-like consistency (mashed potatoes, blended meats, applesauce, yogurt)

Diet- Special

customized for specific health conditions, allergies, or personal preferences

Dietician

Health professional that assesses, diagnoses, and treats an individual's dietary and nutritional problems

Digestion

Process of breaking down food into substances that can be absorbed into the bloodstream

Dilate

To enlarge or open

Dirty Linen

Linens that have been used or are  contaminated with blood or body fluids

Discharging Resident

To relocate an individual out of a facility and back into the community

Disease

Abnormal condition that affects the structure or function of part or all of the body; associated with specific signs and symptoms

Disease Process

Steps in the progression of a disease from exposure to recovery, disability, or death

Disinfection

Process of killing pathogens, but not all pathogens

Disoriented (Disoriented Resident)

A resident and individual who is confused about person, place, or time

Disposing of Contaminated Materials

Handling, transportation, and ultimate disposition of contaminated materials

Disrespect

Lack of respect or courtesy

Dizziness

Sensation of spinning around and losing balance

DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)

Type of advance directive instructing medical professionals not to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if an individual's heartbeat or breathing stops

Documentation

Record of an individual's medical care used to identify and assess

Domestic Abuse

Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by a spouse, intimate partner, or family member

Dressing

A protective covering applied to a wound to promote healing, prevent infection, and absorb exudate (fluid from the wound).
OR
The act of putting on clothes or the style and manner in which a person wears clothing.

Droplets

Very small drops of liquid

Dry Skin

Condition marked by scaling, itching, and cracking of the skin that can be uncomfortable or painful

Dysphagia

Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing

Dyspnea

Labored or difficulty breathing

Dysuria

Pain or difficulty urinating