CNA certification terms

Abandonment

the act of permanently leaving, or giving up on something or someone without the intention of returning or claiming them.

Abdominal thrust

a method of attempting to remove an object from the airway from someone who is choking

Abductor wedge

a firm, triangular foam device placed between the thighs

Abnormal vital signs

measurements that fall outside standard physiological ranges for body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure.

Abuse

purposeful mistreatment that causes physical, mental or emotional pain or injury to someone

Accidents

an unexpected, unintentional event that typically results in harm, injury, damage or loss

Accountable

being completely responsible for your actions, decisions and outcomes

Activities

a specific action, pursuit or state of doing something

Acute

a condition, symptom, or injury that comes on suddenly, progresses rapidly, and is typically short in duration

Adaptive devices

tools, equipment, or modifications specifically designed to help individuals with disabilities or injuries to perform ADLs

Adduction

any movement that brings a limb closer to the midline of the body

ADL

Activities of daily living, they include taking care of the resident like taking care of hair, teeth, skin, elimination needs, etc.

Admitting resident

Graduated licensed doctor from medical school but is completing their specialized hospital training

Advance directives

legal documents that specify the medical treatments you want - or do not want - if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your wishes

Afebrile

without fever (A - without) (febrile - fever)

Affected side

the side of the body that is impaired, injured or suffering from a medical condition

Aging process

progressive accumulation of changes with time that are associated with or responsible for the ever-increasing susceptibility to disease and death

Agitation

a state of severe restlessness, inner tension and extreme arousal

AIDS

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Airborne transmitted diseases

infectious agents (like viruses, bacteria, or fungi) spread through the air via microscopic particles or droplets

Alzheimer’s

A progressive, incurable disease that causes entangled nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain, which eventually causes dementia

Ambulation

walking

Amputees

Individuals who has had all or part of a limb like an arm, leg, hand or foot surgically removed or lost due to trauma

Anemia

a medical condition where your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to effectively carry oxygen to your tissues

Angina

chest pain, pressure or discomfort

Anterior

front

Posterior

back

Anti-embolic stocking

Often called TED hose, its a specialized, stretchy elastic garment designed to apply gentle compression to the legs

Antibiotics