medical terms cna

aphagia

loss of gag reflex (inability to swallow)

dysphagia

difficulty swallowing

aphasia

inability to speak

dysphasia

difficulty speaking

apnea

absense of breathing for more than 10 seconds

dyspnea

difficulty breathy

ambulate

walk

aspiration

the inhalation of food, fluid into the lungs

atrophy

the shrinking of muscle mass due to protein deficiency and decreased exercise

bradycardia

slow pulse, <60bpm

tachycardia

fast pulse >100bpm

care plan

plan developed for each resident to achieve certain goals; it outlines the steps and tasks that the care team must follow

colostomy

opening is made between the colon and abdomen to divert bowel content

constipation

difficult and often painful elimination of hard, dry stool

contracture

The shortening and hardening of soft tissue resulting in deformity or rigidity of joints. usually caused from lack of extension and movement

cue

showing or prompting someone to perform an activity

dementia

brain failure. loss of ability to think, remember, reason, and communicate

edema

swelling caused by excess fluids in body tissue

elopement

when a resident with impaired decision-making ability, unable to make safe judgements, leaves an area of safety and supervision. confusion plus mobility makes someone a risk for elopement

emesis

vomit

exploitation

taking advantage of a position of power in order to benefit yourself. usually monetarily

fecal impaction

the accumulation of stool in the colon, blocking normal passage of feces

geriatrics

the branch of medicine dealing with the health and care of the elderly

hemiplegia

paralysis on one side of the body, usually from stroke or head trauma

incontinent

inability to control bowel or bladder

neglect

the failure to provide needed care that could result in harm

nosocomial

an infection acquired while staying in a hospital or nursing facility

ombudsman

a legal advocate for residents in long term care who help resolve disputes and settle conflicts

osteoarthritis

inflammation in the joints from normal wear and tear

osteoporosis

condition where bones becoem porous and brittle and break easily. occurs from mineral loss due to lack of weight bearing and calcium deficiency

palliative care

care for terminally ill patients. focuses care on quality of life, comfort, and relieving pain

Parkinson’s Disease

a condition that causes tremors, a shuffled gait, and mask-like expression. many will develop some level of dementia

perineal care (pericare)

care of genitals and rectal region

postmortem care

care of the body after death

sundowning

when dementia residents typically become more restless or agitated in late afternoon and evening as the sun goes down

task segmentation

breaking up an activity into small steps so that a resident can accomplish it

fowlers position

semi-sitting position body position in which the head and torso are elevated 45-60 degrees

prone

laying on the stomach

sims position

laying on the LEFT side with the RIGHT knee pulled up to the chest. used to properly infuse an enema

supine

laying on the back (spine)