Nurse Aide Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts surrounding the care and understanding of elderly residents in a long-term care setting.

Appetite Loss in Elderly

Many elderly residents lose their appetite due to a decrease in saliva and the number of taste buds.

Fatty Layer Thinning Effects

The thinning of the fatty layer under the skin could cause a resident to develop pressure sores.

Stooped Appearance

Elderly residents sometimes appear stooped over due to loss of calcium causing changes in the spinal column.

Urinary Incontinence Causes

One major reason for urinary incontinence in elderly is the weakening of the muscle that keeps urine in the bladder.

Constipation Causes

Constipation can result from slowed peristalsis.

Stroke Definition

Strokes are best described as when the brain is deprived of oxygen.

Sexuality in Elderly

The statement that elderly men and women are attracted to each other is TRUE.

Causes of Depression in Elderly

One of the major causes of depression in the elderly is inability to run their own lives.

Aging Misconceptions

Most older people are alert and oriented, despite common misconceptions.

Impaction Definition

When dry, hard stool fills the rectum and will not pass, it is called impaction.

Fowler's Position

A sitting or semi-setting position with the head of the bed elevated is called Fowler's position.

Nursing Home Admissions Statement

It is false to say that most people prefer to put elderly relatives in a long-term care facility.

Muscle Wasting

Wasting or a decrease in the size of a muscle is called atrophy.

Handling Confused Residents

When a confused resident says there is a monster in the closet, the best response is to open the closet and show that nothing is there.

Aggressive Behavior Clues

Clues to aggressive behavior do not include a depressed mood.

Combative Behavior Causes

The primary reason for combativeness in a resident is anger and fear.

Hospice Care Focus

Hospice specializes in the care of persons who are terminally ill.

Charting Error Correction

The proper way to correct an error in charting is to draw a single line through it.

Symptoms Definition

Headaches, nausea, and pain are called symptoms.

Dealing with Grief

When Mr. T calls the nurse aide by the name of his deceased son, the best response is to ask about his favorite memories of his son.

Supervision of Nurse Aides

The work of a nursing aide is supervised by the nurse.

Factors Affecting Pulse Rate

Increased pulse rates can be caused by exercise.

Bowel Movement Report

If a resident has not had a bowel movement for five days, the nurse aide should report this to the charge nurse.

Refusal to Eat

If a resident refuses to eat, the nurse aide should report the refusals to the nurse for further assessment.

Repositioning Heavy Residents

A nurse aide should get another aide to assist in repositioning a heavy resident.

Introducing New Residents

The nurse aide should introduce a new resident to their roommate.

Diabetic Toenail Care

A nurse aide cannot cut a diabetic resident’s toenails but must report the request to the charge nurse.

Counting Respiration

To count a respiration, one inhalation and one exhalation are included.

Fire Alarm Response

When the fire alarm sounds, the nurse aide should first ensure all residents are out of the hallway.

Taking Oral Temperature after Smoking

If a resident is smoking, the nurse aide should wait 15 minutes to take the temperature.

NPO Orders

A resident with an NPO order should have no food or liquids.

Colostomy Care

To prevent skin breakdown around a stoma, clean the stoma with water and mild soap.

Safety Dependence in Facilities

Residents in long-term care depend on all employees for their safety.

Mouth Care for Unconscious Residents

Mouth care should be given to an unconscious person every two hours.

Hepatitis B Vaccination

A Hepatitis B vaccination protects against diseases that affect the liver.

Heat Application in Diabetics

Heat should not be applied to a diabetic resident’s feet due to decreased sensitivity.

Bowel Elimination Assists

Reading the newspaper will NOT assist bowel elimination.

Preventing Pressure Sores

Scrubbing and rubbing the skin vigorously does NOT prevent pressure sores.

Bath Water Temperature

Water for a resident's bath should be approximately 110 degrees F.

Assisting Weak Residents

Support a resident's weak side when assisting with transfers.

Positioning for Elastic Stockings

To apply elastic stockings, the resident should be lying down in bed.

Dentures Storage

A resident’s dentures should be stored in a labeled cup in water.

Heimlich Maneuver Use

The Heimlich maneuver should be used if the resident is choking.

Reducing Patient Anxiety for Vital Signs

To reduce anxiety, the nurse aide should explain the procedures to the resident.

Purpose of Chain of Command

The purpose is to keep communication about a problem flowing smoothly.

Signs of Poor Circulation

Signs include paleness, cold skin, and edema.

Foley Catheter Function

A foley catheter is used to drain the bladder and remove urine.

Transfer Protocol for Heavy Residents

Aide should review the care plan or check with the nurse before transferring a heavy resident.

Pressure Ulcers Causes

A pressure ulcer is caused by inadequate turning.

Diabetes Incidence Rate

Diabetes mellitus makes a resident more prone to infections.

Advice for Residents NPO for Tests

For residents NPO, the nurse aide should remove the water pitcher and glass from the room.

Aphasia Definition

Aphasia is the inability to talk.

Diabetic Callous Care

The nurse aide should report the behavior of a resident trying to scrape off a callous.

Gas Exchange Location

The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place in the lungs.

Resident Discharge Inquiry

If a resident insists on going home, the nurse aide should notify the charge nurse immediately.

Care for Unconscious Residents

When making a bed with an unconscious resident, it is appropriate to explain what is being done.

Gathering Resident Safety Information

The most important way to gather safety information is through observation.

Communication with Non-Ambulatory Residents

Do not block the view when communicating with a non-ambulatory resident.

Loss of Expressive Ability

The loss of the ability to express oneself is called aphasia.

Removing Hearing Aids

The nurse aide should turn it off with the volume set at low to remove a hearing aid.

Negative Body Language Examples

Placing hands on hips is an example of negative body language.

Communicating with Vision Impaired Residents

Verbally announce your presence before touching a vision-impaired resident.

Basic Rule of Body Mechanics

The most basic rule is to bend from the knees and hips.

Feet Positioning for Lifting

Feet should be 12 inches to 18 inches apart when lifting.

Muscle Groups for Lifting

Muscles of the legs should be utilized when lifting heavy objects.

Nurse Aide Attire

The nurse aide should wear comfortable, clean uniforms and non-skid shoes.

Feet Positioning Purpose

Feet should be separated to provide a wide base of support.

Bacteria Growth Environment

Warm, dark, moist places promote the growth of bacteria.

Disposable Supplies Disposal

Used disposable supplies should be discarded in the dirty utility room.

Infection Spread Prevention

The most important way to prevent the spread of infection is hand washing.

Responding to Resident Requests

The nurse aide should get Mrs. Jones a pillow from her room.

Performing Mouth Care

The nurse aide should wash hands, put on gloves, and perform the requested mouth care.

Changing Soiled Linen Procedure

When changing soiled linens, the nurse aide should wear gloves.

After Bath Towel Requests

The nurse aide should ask for a clean towel to dry the resident entirely.

Handling Perineal Washcloths

Obtain a clean cloth and change the water to continue the bath.

Using Equipment Safely

If unsure how to use a piece of equipment, the nurse aide should ask the nurse for help.

Occupied Bed Making Approach

Encourage the resident to help when making an occupied bed.

Restorative Care Goal

The primary goal of restorative care is to return the resident to a normal life at home.

Equipment for Body Alignment

Equipment used for correct body alignment does not typically include cones.

Plan for Resident Discharge

The plan assisting when the resident goes home is called the discharge plan.

Restorative Unpacking Approach

Encourage the resident to participate in unpacking their belongings.

Assisting with Cutting Food

A nurse aide should cut the meat into small pieces allowing the resident to feed herself.

Responding to Resident Pain during ROM

Stop movement at the point of pain during ROM exercises and report it.

Contractures Cause

A contracture is usually caused by lack of movement.

Bladder Training

To help bladder training, take the resident to the bathroom before napping.

Addressing Concerns of Residents

The aide should contact Mr. Schwartz's rabbi when requested.

Documenting Suspected Abuse

Report new bruises to a nurse for further investigation.

Abuse Registry Consequences

Once on the abuse registry, a nurse aide may never work as a nurse aide again.

Nursing Home Restraint Violations

Reclining a resident improperly in a geri-chair is a violation of their rights.

Discussing Other Residents' Conditions

The best response is to explain that you cannot discuss another resident’s condition.

Demonstrating Respect for Residents

Respect is shown by always listening to what the resident has to say.

Welcoming New Residents

Encouraging other residents to welcome new ones demonstrates a good approach.

Understanding Restraints Types

The two kinds of restraints in facilities include chemical and physical.

Refusal of Bath Rights Violation

Bathed Mr. Smith against his will violates his right to refuse treatment.

Reporting Abuse Witnessing

Report any observed verbal abuse to the charge nurse.

Long Hair Care by Nurse Aide

A nurse aide cannot cut a resident’s hair.

Negligence Impacting Resident Safety

Forgetting to raise side rails could be seen as neglecting resident safety.

Observing co-worker’s Threatening Behavior

Reporting the threatening behavior toward confused residents is necessary.

Protecting Resident's Rights by Refusing Discussion

Refusing to discuss a resident’s condition protects their right to privacy.

Resident Rights in Long Term Care

Each resident has the right to be free from restraints.