CNA Vocabulary (G-H-I)

Gait Belt

Belt made of canvas or another heavy material that is fastened around a patient’s waist to provide support and stability during walking (gait) or transfers.

Gastric Feedings

Administration of food directly into the stomach through a tube.

Gastronomy Tube (G-Tube)

Tube inserted through the abdominal wall that delivers nutrition directly into the stomach.

Geriatrics

Branch of medicine or social science dealing with the health and care of older people

Germ Transmission

The process by which bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms spread from one person, surface, or environment to another, potentially causing infections or diseases

Gerontology

Scientific study of older age, process of aging, and problems of older adults

Gestures

Use of motions of the limbs or body to express oneself

Gifts

Something voluntarily transferred from one person to another without compensation

Gloves

Type of personal protective equipment (PPE) worn during medical procedures and examination to protect individuals and caregivers

Grand Mal Seizure

Convulsions resulting in loss of consciousness

Grieving Process (Stages of Grief)

Varying emotional responses to grief
Stages of grief include - denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, disbelief, guilt, and fear

Group Settings

Situation where care service providers furnishes the same type of services to two or three individuals at the same location or address

Hair Care

Care provided to keep the hair clean, attractive, and healthy-looking

Hand Care (Hygiene)

The practice of maintaining clean, healthy, and well-protected hands to prevent infections, skin conditions, and promote overall hygiene

Hand Tremors

Involuntary and rhythmic muscle contractions leading to shaking in the hand

Hand Washing (Hygiene)

Washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer

health-Care Team

Group of professionals from different backgrounds who work together to provide patient-centered care

Hearing Aid

Small device that fits in or on the ear to amplify sound for a partially deaf individual

Hearing Impaired

Individual with any degree of hearing loss, from mild to profound, including those who are deaf and hard of hearing

Hearing Loss

Partial or total inability to hear

Heart Attack (myocardial Infarction - MI)

Condition when blood flow to the heart muscle is blocked, preventing enough oxygen to get to the heart muscle

Heart Muscle

Muscle tissue found only in the heart, where it performs coordinated contractions that allow the heart to pump blood through the circulatory system

Heat (Warm) Application

Applying heat to the surface of the skin to increase blood flow or decrease pain and muscle spasms

Height (Measuring Height)

Measurement from head to foot of the individual

Helping Residents

Offering care and assistance to individuals

Hemiplegia

Paralysis on one side of the body

HIPAA

Federal laws requiring health information to be kept private and secure and that organizations take special steps to protect this information

HIV

Virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) if not treated

Holistic Care

Caring for the individual's body and mind

Hormones

Chemical substances created by the body that control numerous body functions

Hospice Care

Care focusing on providing comfort care to individuals who are dying and their family members

Huntington’s

Inherited disease characterized by progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain; impacts the individual's functional abilities and results in movement, thinking, and psychiatric disorders

Hydration

The process of maintaining adequate fluid levels in the body to support essential functions, prevent dehydration, and promote overall health

Hyperglycemia

Excessively high levels of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream

Hypertension

Disorder characterized by chronically high blood pressure

Hyperventilation

Excessive rate and depth of respirations causing abnormal loss of carbon dioxide from the blood

Hypoglycemia

A condition in which blood sugar (glucose) levels drop below normal 

Intake and Output

Record of fluid a person consumes (intake) and amount of liquid excreted (output)

Immobility

Inability to move

Immune

Having protection against infection, disease, or harmful substances, either naturally or through vaccinations

Immune System

The body's defense system that fights infections, diseases, and foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and toxins

Impaired

Diminished in function or ability

In-house Transfer

Moving an individual from one room to another

In-Service Programs

Training or staff development efforts; continuing education

Incontinence

Inability to control the release of the bladder or bowels

Infection

Disease caused by the growth of pathogens in the body

Infection Control

Steps taken to prevent and control the spread of germs that cause infectious diseases

Initial Observations

Measurement or observation you take before you begin a process that might cause a change in the individual's condition

Insomnia

Inability to fall or stay asleep

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels by allowing cells to absorb and use glucose for energy

Intake

Fluid or food that a person consumes

Integumentary Systems

Outer covering of skin, hair, and nails protecting the body from damage

Interpersonal Skills

Abilities that allow a person to interact positively and work effectively with others

Invasion of Privacy

Violation of the right to be left alone and to control one's personal information

Ischemia

Inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body

Isolation

Practices employed to reduce the spread of infectious organisms, usually including the separation of the resident with an easily transmitted disease from other residents

IV (Intravenous) Care

IV lines used to deliver different types of fluids, medications, and blood products to individuals