CNA Vocabulary (C)

Call Light

Device used by individuals to signal they need assistance from professional staff

Cancer

Disease caused by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in a part of the body

Cardiac Arrest

Sudden and unexpected loss of heart function

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

An emergency procedure used when a person's heart stops beating, or they stop breathing normally, that combines chest compressions and, in some situations, rescue breaths

Cardiovascular System

Body system that circulates blood throughout the entire body, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products.

Care Impaired

An individual who has difficulty providing or managing their own self-care due to physical, mental, or cognitive impairments.

Care Plan

Document outlining an individual's needs, treatments, and goals for their care

Care Planning

The act of creating a care plan for an individual

Cast

Protective shell molded around a broken or fractured limb to hold it in place, prevent movement, and encourage healing

Cataract

A medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.

Catheter

A flexible tube inserted into the body to remove or deliver fluids or to keep a passage open

Cc’s In An Ounce

30 cc's in an ounce

Central Nervous System

Part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord

Chain of Command

A hierarchical structure of authority in which orders and responsibilities are passed from higher levels of leadership to lower levels

Charge Nurse

A registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN/LVN) responsible for overseeing a specific unit or shift in a healthcare facility

Chemical Restraint

A medication used to restrict a person's movement or behavior

Chemical Safety

The practice of handling, storing, and disposing of chemicals in a way that prevents harm to people, property, and the environment.

Chemotherapy

The use of chemical agents (drugs) to treat disease, especially cancer by destroying or slowing the growth of cancer cells

Chest Pain

Pain or discomfort in the chest that can be caused by various conditions, including heart disease, muscle strain, or digestive issues

Choking

The act of being unable to breathe due to an obstruction in the airway

Chronic

Persisting for a long time or constantly recurring, often referring to illnesses or conditions.

Circulation

The continuous movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels, supplying oxygen and nutrients to the body

Circulatory System

The system of the body, including the heart, blood, and blood vessels, responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body

Cleaning

Process of removing visible and invisible dirt from surfaces to prevent the spread of microorganisms

Clergy

A person ordained for religious services and duties

Cognitively Impaired

Condition that affects an individual's ability to learn, remember, concentrate, or made decisions in daily life; common in people with dementia

Cold Application / Cold Compress

Process of applying ice or another cooling agent to the skin to decrease pain, inflammation, or muscle spasms

Cold Pack

Bag containing ice or other cooling substance to help control pain or swelling in the body

Colostomy

Surgical opening through the abdominal wall into the large intestine to allow stool to be expelled outside the body

Colostomy Care

Process of managing a colostomy to keep the skin and stoma clean and healthy

Coma

State of unconsciousness; individual is unable to respond to any change in the environment, including pain

Combative Resident (Client)

An individual who displays aggressive or violent behaviors

Comfort Care

A type of medical care focused on relieving pain, symptoms, and stress rather than curing an illness, especially for patients with serious or terminal conditions.

Communicable

An infectious disease that can be transmitted to another person through direct or indirect contact

Communication

Process of exchanging information between two individuals by sending and receiving messages

Competency Evaluation

An assessment of an individual's knowledge, skills, and ability to perform required tasks safely and effectively.

Conduct

The way an individual behaves

Confidentiality

A rule that protects the privacy of information shared between the individual and healthcare professionals

Conflict

Disagreement or dispute that has the potential to cause harm

Conflict Resolution

Process of resolving a conflict in a positive way

Confused Resident

An individual who is unable to think clearly

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Chronic condition characterized by inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs

Constipation

Inability to expel stool or the infrequent, difficult, and painful elimination of dry, hard stool

Constrict

To narrow or make smaller

Contact Isolation

Specific infection control practices by wearing gloves and a gown whenever entering a patient's room who is suspected or confirmed to have an infection that can be transmitted through direct contact with the patient or their environment

Contamination

Soiled, unclean, containing disease-causing organisms

Contracture(s)

Permanent and painful shortening of a muscle or tendon, usually caused by inactivity

Converting Measures

Process of converting measurements from one unit of measurement to another

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; common treatable lung disease that restricts airflow and causes breathing problems

Coughing Excessively

Uncontrolled cough often caused by dust, mucus, germs, or other irritants

Cueing

The act of providing signals, prompts, or reminders to help someone perform a task or action.

Culture Cultural

Language, customs, and beliefs about roles and relationships. 
Relating to the customs and beliefs by a group of people (passed down from one generation to another)

CVA (Cerebrovascular Accident)

Condition that happens when blood flow to the brain is suddenly interrupted

Cyanotic (Cyanosis)

Bluish, grayish, or purplish color of the skin or mucous membranes caused by not enough oxygen