Nursing Fundamentals: Introduction and Scope of Practice

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the historical foundations of nursing, the regulatory role of OBRA, the registry and reciprocity processes, and the specific scope of practice limitations for CNAs as discussed in Chapters 1 through 5.

Crimean War

The historical conflict during which early nursing processes and observations regarding the transfer of infections between people were developed.

OBRA / Oprah

The organization or standard mentioned that sets the level of care for nursing homes and regulates the education, certification, and training requirements for a CNA.

Standard of Care

A principle ensuring that every resident receives the same quality and level of care regardless of individual differences.

Ninety hours

The specific duration of the training program based on a standard that requires $90\,text{hours}$ of instruction and clinicals.

Registry

A database where the legal name, telephone number, email, and completion dates of students are recorded so they are eligible to sit for state exams and be looked up by employers.

Reciprocity

A principle described on page $19$ that allows a nursing assistant to transfer their certification and work in different states, like moving from Mississippi to Alabama or Texas.

RN (Registered Nurse)

A healthcare professional with more education and patient responsibilities than an LPN, who typically acts as a supervisor and manages delegation in long-term care facilities.

Scope of Practice

The defined series of tasks a CNA is legally allowed to perform; if a requested task like turning up oxygen to $2\,text{liters}$ is not within this scope, it must be refused.

Ostomy Care

A task where a CNA may empty and manipulate the bag itself, but they are prohibited from changing the attachment or 'crawl' placed around the site.

Verbal Orders

Orders given over the telephone or in person by a doctor; these cannot be accepted by a CNA and must only be taken by licensed nurses.

Sterile Technique

Highly controlled procedures used for tasks like wound dressings; a CNA can assist the nurse with these but cannot perform them independently.

Five Rights of Delegation

A set of criteria on page $23$ used to ensure proper care, including the right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction, and right supervision.

ADLs

Activities of Daily Living; a core part of the CNA job description which involves providing assistance to residents while maintaining their dignity and privacy.

Confidentiality

The ethical and legal requirement to protect a resident's personal and medical information at all times.