Long-Term Care and Nursing Assistant Key Concepts (Study Guide VOCAB Flashcards)

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key long-term care concepts, regulations, ethics, and nursing assistant responsibilities from the study notes.

Long-term care

Care provided in long-term care facilities for people who need 24/7 skilled care.

Acute care

24-hour skilled care in hospitals or ambulatory surgical centers for short-term illness or injuries.

Hospice care

Care for people with about 6 months or less to live, focused on comfort for patient and support for family, in facilities or home.

Rehabilitation

Care by physical, occupational, and speech therapists to restore functions.

Length of stay

The number of days a person stays in a healthcare facility.

Medicare

Federal health insurance program for people 65+, kidney failure, or certain disabilities; has Parts A–D.

Part A

Medicare coverage for inpatient/hospital care and some skilled services.

Part B

Medicare coverage for doctor services and other medical services.

Part C

Medicare Advantage; private plans that provide Medicare benefits.

Part D

Medicare coverage for prescription medications.

Medicaid

Medical assistance program for people with low income or disabilities; funded by federal and state.

Surveys

Inspections to ensure long-term care facilities follow state and federal regulations.

Culture change

Transforming services to be based on the values and practices of the person receiving care.

Professional relationships

Respecting coworkers and residents in the workplace.

Residents

Individuals receiving care; care should be person-centered, with confidentiality and respectful communication.

Employer expectations

Responsibilities of employers: supervise tasks, follow policies, document and report, be on time, maintain professionalism, follow chain of command, and support education.

Personal grooming

Actions that present a positive impression: bathing, deodorant, oral care, hair cleanliness.

Empathy

Identifying with the feelings of others.

Reporting changes in conditions

Charting or reporting deviations from a resident’s normal condition.

Time management

Planning ahead, prioritizing, scheduling, combining activities, and seeking help when needed.

Delegation

Transferring responsibility to a NA for a specific task; NA should not hand off tasks.

Rights of delegation

Right task, right circumstances, right person, right direction, right communication, right supervision.

Care team

Residents are part of the care team; care should be person-centered and respect resident decisions.

Care plan

Document that includes diagnoses, limitations, goals, interventions, supplies, equipment, safety measures.

Goals and interventions

Targets and actions such as medications, monitoring, treatments, and nutritional requirements.

Nursing process (ADPIE)

Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation.

Tasks NA perform

Bathing, grooming, elimination assistance, mobility/exercise, vital signs, meals, transfers, dressings, mouth care, bed care, and equipment upkeep.

Scope of practice

Tasks healthcare providers are legally allowed to perform according to laws.

Ethics

Knowledge of right and wrong.

Ethical behavior

Honesty, protecting privacy, reporting abuse, following the care plan, not performing out-of-scope tasks.

Resident’s rights

Rights of residents to be treated with respect, privacy, and to participate in their care.

Confidentiality

Keeping resident information private.

OBRA

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act; law to protect residents in LTC; includes training requirements.

Ombudsman

Legal advocate for residents assigned by law.

NA training

Nursing assistant training, typically around 75 hours (varies by state).

Physical abuse

Any treatment that causes harm to a person’s body, intentional or not.

Psychological abuse

Emotional harm through threats, humiliation, or demeaning treatment.

Financial abuse

Improper or illegal use of a resident’s money or assets.

Verbal abuse

Use of spoken or written words to harass or threaten.

Sexual abuse

Nonconsensual sexual contact of any type.

Neglect

Failure to provide needed care that results in harm.

Assault

Threat to harm a person causing fear.

Battery

Unwanted touching of a person without consent that may cause harm.

Mandatory reporter

Individuals legally required to report suspected or observed abuse or neglect.

Advanced directive

Legal documents that specify the medical care a person wants if they cannot make decisions; may appoint someone else to decide.

Stress

State of fear, excitement, danger, or irritation.

Managing stress

Coping strategies such as sleep, diet, exercise, nature, art, yoga, and relaxation.

Forms of identification

Documents proving identity: driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate, passport, etc.

Resume

A summary of relevant work experience and education.

Giving notice

Providing two weeks’ written notice before leaving a job.

Criminal background check

A screening required to protect patients; typically completed for new employees.