Ultimate PCT Exam 2 review

Why should a nursing assistant avoid asking yes-or-no questions?

Open-ended questions encourage residents to share more details about their needs and feelings.

If a resident says he is scared of a medical test, what could a nursing assistant say to show understanding?

The NA could respond with, "It's understandable to feel that way. Would you like to talk more about it?"

What can help a nursing assistant overcome a language barrier with a resident?

The NA could use pictures, gestures, a translator, or language tools to communicate more effectively.

What should a nursing assistant do each time he greets a resident?

The NA should introduce himself, explain what he will be doing, and ask how the resident is feeling.

With whom can a nursing assistant share observations about residents?

Only with the care team members who are involved in the resident's care.

When should care be documented?

Care should be documented immediately after it is given.

Do HIPAA guidelines apply to computer use?

Yes, HIPAA guidelines ensure resident information on computers is kept confidential.

How does a nursing assistant's reporting impact the Minimum Data Set (MDS) manual?

Accurate reporting contributes to the MDS, which is used to assess and improve resident care plans.

List the four senses used in accurate observing and reporting.

Sight, smell, hearing, and touch.

When should an incident report be completed?

An incident report should be completed as soon as possible after the event.

Purpose of MDS

It provides a standardized approach to assessing and planning resident care in long-term care facilities.

How often must MDS be completed for each resident?

Within 14 days of admission, annually, every three months, and with any significant change in condition.

Types of information reported by nursing assistants

Objective and subjective information.

Role of nursing assistant in observing residents

They observe changes and report them to the nurse, which can help identify health problems.

Importance of nursing assistant's reporting

It can lead to early intervention if a problem is detected.

Senses used in observation

Sight, smell, hearing, and touch.

Example of using sight in observation

Noticing changes in appearance like redness or swelling.

What to listen for when observing residents

Residents' words, tone, breathing patterns, and unusual sounds like coughing or crying.

Meaning of resident being 'oriented'

They are aware of who they are, where they are, and the current date/time.

Incident report

A factual report documenting an unexpected event or problem during care.

Answering the phone at work

Greet the caller, identify the facility, themselves, and listen to the caller's request carefully.

Nursing assistant's role in care planning

To observe, report, and provide input during care planning meetings based on their interactions with residents.

Resident call system

A system that allows residents to signal staff when they need assistance.

Importance of prompt response to call lights

Ignoring call lights can be considered neglectful and may impact the resident's well-being.

Start-of-shift report contents

Information about residents' conditions, incidents from the last shift, and any special care instructions.

Items on an assignment sheet

Resident's name, room number, ADLs, medical diagnosis, diet orders, and activity level.

Code status

Instructions on the level and type of care a resident should receive in an emergency.

Importance of organizing work for NAs

It helps ensure all residents receive timely and thorough care throughout the shift.

Reporting changes in resident's appetite

Changes in appetite can indicate underlying health issues that may need attention.

When to seek help with a task

When a resident's safety may be at risk or if they cannot complete a task alone.

Documenting an incident observed

By stating only the facts without opinions and describing what they saw, the time, and the resident's condition.

Active Listening

A way of communicating that involves giving a person one’s full attention and encouraging them to give information and clarify ideas.

Barrier

A block or an obstacle

Body Language

All of the conscious or unconscious messages a person’s body sends as she communicates, such as facial expressions and shrugging her shoulders.

Care Conference

A meeting to share and gather information about a resident in order to develop a care plan.

Charting

The act of noting care and observations; documenting

Code

In health care, and emergent medical situation in which specially-trained responders provide the necessary care.

Code Status

Formally written status of the type and scope of care that should be provided in the event of a cardiac arrest, other catastrophic organ failure, or terminal illness.

Critical Thinking

The process of reasoning and analyzing in order to solve problems; for the NA, critical thinking means making careful observations and promptly reporting all potential problems.

Edema

Swelling in body tissues caused by excess fluid

Incident

An accident, problem, or unexpected event during the course of care

Incident Report

A report documenting an incident and the response to the incident

Medical Chart

Legal record of all medical care a patient, resident, or client receives.

Minimum Data Sheet (MDS)

A detailed from with guidelines for assessing residents in long-term care facilities

Nonverbal Communication

Communication without using words, such as through gestures and facial expressions

Nursing Process

An organized method used by nurses to determine residents’ needs, plan the appropriate care to meet those needs, and evaluate how well the plan of care is working; five steps are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Objective Information

Factual information collected using the senses of sight, hearing, smell, and touch; also called signs

Orientation

A person’s awareness of person, place, and time

Rounds

Physical movement of staff from room to room to discuss each resident and his or her care plan.

Sentinel Event

An unexpected occurence involving death or serious physical or psychological injury.

Subjective Information

Information collected from residents, their family members, and their friends; information may or may not be true, but is what the person reported; also called symptoms.

Verbal Communcation

Communication involving the use of spoken or written words or sounds

Vital Signs

Measurements—temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pain level—that monitor the functioning of the vital organs of the body.

airway

the natural passageway for air to enter into the lungs. anxiety: unease or worry, often about a situation or condition.

artificial airway

any tube inserted into the respiratory tract for the purpose of maintaining an airway and facilitating ventilation.

coma

state of unconsciousness in which a person is unable to respond to any change in the environment, including pain.

defense mechanisms

unconscious behaviors used to release tension and/or help a person cope with stress.

disorientation

confusion about person, place, or time; may be permanent or temporary.

dyspnea

difficulty breathing.

impairment

a partial or complete loss of function or ability.

major depressive disorder

an illness that causes social withdrawal, lack of energy, and loss of interest in activities, as well as other symptoms.

tracheostomy

a surgically-created opening through the neck into the trachea.

ventilation

in medicine, the exchange of air between the lungs and the environment.

Entering a room for a visually impaired resident

Knock, announce yourself, and identify yourself before touching.

Positioning when speaking to a visually impaired resident

Face the resident, maintain eye contact, and speak clearly.

Guiding a resident on object locations

Use clock references, like "The chair is at 3 o'clock."

Handling a resident's personal items

Don't move items; inform the resident when leaving.

Eyeglasses check for visually impaired residents

Ensure they're clean, in good condition, and worn properly.

Signs of hearing loss

Difficulty with high-pitched sounds or favoring one ear. Report to nurse.

How to communicate with hearing-impaired residents

Face them directly, use simple words, and minimize background noise.

Managing a resident's hearing aid

Check if it's on and worn correctly.

Best way to explain things to residents with hearing loss

Use short, simple sentences.

What are defense mechanisms?

Psychological strategies to avoid facing distressing situations.

Example of denial

Rejecting a situation, like refusing a diagnosis.

Example of displacement

Redirecting feelings onto a safer target, e.g., anger at staff.

Example of projection

Attributing personal feelings to others, e.g., calling someone "ugly" because you are insecure.

Example of rationalization

Making excuses, like blaming a failed test on the teacher.

Example of repression

Blocking painful memories, like forgetting past abuse.

Example of regression

Returning to earlier behaviors, like a resident using a teddy bear.

How to reduce anxiety in residents

Speak softly, slowly, and empathetically; avoid being demanding.

What is clinical depression?

A mental illness, often seen in residents who feel isolated.

How to support a depressed resident

Listen actively, use a normal tone, and encourage socialization.

Dealing with an angry resident

Stay calm, observe body language, and avoid arguing.

Safety during aggressive behavior

Report escalation, keep a safe distance, and call the nurse if needed.

Responding to combative residents

Stay calm, neutral, and report observations factually.

Handling inappropriate sexual behavior

Stay calm, remain professional, and redirect if necessary.

Reasons for inappropriate behavior in residents

Can stem from confusion, illness, or medication effects.

Addressing resident confusion

Stay calm, do not leave them alone, and explain each procedure.

How to care for comatose residents

Introduce yourself, explain actions, and avoid personal conversations.

Helping residents with speech issues

Allow time to speak, use pauses, and encourage writing if needed.

Why not to remove oxygen from a resident

Removing oxygen can risk their health; only a nurse can do this.

What to report when observing resident behavior

Report any changes or signs of confusion or aggression to the nurse.

Purpose of respecting resident's personal space and routines

Helps maintain dignity, independence, and comfort.

Why should a nursing assistant explain procedures and introduce herself to an unconscious resident ?

It helps maintain respect, dignity, and may provide comfort, as residents may still sense care.

What are other possible methods of communication if a person cannot speak ?

Writing notes, using gestures or facial expressions, communication boards, or assistive devices.

What is an artificial airway ?

A tube inserted into the respiratory tract to help a resident breathe.

A resident starts sleeping with a doll she had when she was a little girl. This is an example of which defense mechanism ?

Regression

A resident refuses to believe her diagnosis of a terminal illness. This is an example of which defense mechanism ?

Denial

Which of the following is true of anxiety ?

A person may not always know why she feels anxious.

Major depressive disorder is also known as

Clinical depression