CNA Module 8: Patient care skills

Abrasion

A scrape or rubbing away of the skin.

Aspiration

Breathing food, liquid, or other material into the lungs.

Axilla

The armpit.

Catheter

A tube inserted into the body to drain or deliver fluids.

Colostomy

A surgically created opening from the colon to the outside of the body.

Constipation

Difficulty passing stool or having bowel movements.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the skin caused by low oxygen levels.

Decubitus ulcer

A sore caused by prolonged pressure on the skin.

Defecation

The process of passing stool from the body.

Dermis

The inner layer of the skin.

Diarrhea

Frequent passage of loose or watery stools.

Elimination

The removal of waste from the body.

Epidermis

The outer layer of the skin.

Erythema

Redness of the skin.

Eschar

Dead tissue that appears dark, dry, and leathery.

Excoriation

Skin that has been scraped or rubbed off.

Fecal

Related to stool or feces.

Feces

Solid waste passed from the body.

Flatulence

Gas in the digestive system.

Hour of sleep (h.s.)

At bedtime.

Ileostomy

A surgically created opening from the small intestine to the outside of the body.

Impaction

A hard mass of stool that cannot be passed normally.

Incontinence

Inability to control the release of urine or stool.

Jejunostomy

A surgically created opening from the jejunum to the outside of the body.

Neuropathy

Damage or disease affecting the nerves.

Nits

Eggs of head lice.

Oral hygiene

Keeping the mouth, teeth, and gums clean.

Osteomyelitis

An infection of the bone.

Ostomy

A surgically created opening that allows waste to leave the body.

Perineum/perineal

The area between the genitals and the anus.

Pressure sore

Skin damage caused by prolonged pressure.

Prosthesis

An artificial body part that replaces a missing body part.

Stoma

The opening created during an ostomy.

Stool

Solid waste passed from the body.

Urinal

A container used to collect urine.

Urinary incontinence

Inability to control the release of urine.

Urination

The process of passing urine from the body.

Urine

Liquid waste produced by the kidneys.