Nurse Aide Practice

cells

The basic unit of body structure.

46

The number of chromosomes in each human cell.

organ

A group of tissues that work together to perform a specific function.

System

A group of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

epidermis

The outer layer of the skin.

Musculo-skeletal system functions

Provides support, movement, and protection to the body.

Bone marrow

Where blood cells are formed.

joint

The point at which two or more bones meet.

ball-and-socket joints

The hips and shoulders are what types of joints.

Involuntary muscle: cardiac muscle; voluntary muscle: skeletal muscle.

An example of an involuntary and voluntary muscle.

tendons

Muscles are connected to bones by tendons.

cerebrum

The largest part of the brain, center of thought and intelligence.

medulla oblongata, pons, midbrain

Structures contained in the brainstem.

brainstem

Breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure are controlled by this part of the brain.

cerebrospinal fluid

Provides cushioning for the brain and spinal cord.

sclera

The white of the eye.

retina

The nerve fibers of the optic nerve are found in the retina.

eardrum

The tympanic membrane is also called the eardrum.

circulatory system functions

Transporting nutrients, gases, and waste products throughout the body.

plasma

The part of the blood that is mostly water.

hemoglobin

This substance gives red blood cells their color.

leukocytes

The medical term for white blood cells; they function in the immune response.

myocardium

The muscular part of the heart.

left ventricle

The heart chamber that pumps blood to all parts of the body.

arteries

These vessels carry blood away from the heart.

aorta

The largest artery in the body.

windpipe

Another name for the trachea.

alveoli

Oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the alveoli.

digestion functions

Breaking down food, absorbing nutrients.

mouth

Digestion begins in the mouth.

breaking down food and mixing it with digestive juices

The stomach’s function in digestion.

gallbladder

Bile is stored in the gallbladder.

colon

The large intestine is also called the colon.

urinary system functions

Removing waste from the body, regulating water balance.

kidneys

Urine is formed in the kidneys.

testes

Sperm cells are produced in the testes.

testosterone

The male hormone.

ovaries

The female gonads.

pituitary gland

The master gland of the body.

above the kidneys

The adrenal glands are located.

immunity

A person has protection against a disease or condition; this is called immunity.

lymphatic system function

Transporting lymph and helping in immune defense.

Aphasia

A language disorder affecting the ability to communicate; expressive aphasia affects speaking.

profound hearing loss

The most severe form of hearing loss.

Check the hearing aid battery and settings.

What to do first if a resident thinks her hearing aid is not working.

glaucoma

A condition characterized by increased pressure in the eye that can cause blindness.

cataract

When the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, affecting vision.

benign tumor

A non-cancerous growth that does not spread; malignant tumor refers to cancerous growths that invade nearby tissues.

Metastasis

The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another.

side effects of radiation therapy

Fatigue, skin changes, and potential damage to nearby tissues.

Arthritis

Inflammation of the joints causing pain and stiffness.

amputation

The removal of all or part of an extremity.

arthroplasty

Surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint.

osteoarthritis

A degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage.

exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and physical therapy.

Measures that can be taken to help with arthritis.

bones become weak and brittle; may lead to fractures.

Signs or symptoms of osteoporosis.

bone fracture

A break in the continuity of the bone.

Open reduction

A surgical procedure to realign broken bones.

Call the nurse or physician immediately; there may be compromised circulation.

What to do if a resident with a cast has pale, immobile fingers.

deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

Complications a resident may face after hip surgery.

Phantom pain

Pain perceived in an area that has been amputated.

Gangrene

Tissue death due to loss of blood supply or severe infection.

Paraplegia, Quadriplegia, and Hemiplegia

Paraplegia: paralysis of lower limbs; Quadriplegia: paralysis of all four limbs; Hemiplegia: paralysis on one side of the body.

Facial drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulties.

Signs or symptoms of stroke.

Rehabilitation begins immediately after stabilization.

When does rehabilitation begin after a stroke?

Tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.

Common signs and symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease.

between ages 20 and 40 years old.

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis usually begin at what age?

Headaches, confusion, memory problems, coordination issues.

Symptoms following traumatic brain injuries.

140/90 mmHg or higher.

Hypertension is indicated at what blood pressure reading?

Heart attack and stroke.

Health problems that hypertension can lead to.

Arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow.

What happens to the arteries in coronary artery disease?

Chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.

What is Angina?

A blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, commonly known as a heart attack.

What is a myocardial infarction (MI)?

A progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe due to airflow obstruction.

What is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Cigarette smoking or exposure to other airborne irritants.

What is the most common cause of emphysema?

Hepatitis is inflammation of the liver, often caused by viral infections; signs include fatigue and jaundice.

Describe hepatitis and its signs and symptoms.

Inflammation of the bladder, often causing pain and urgency.

Define Cystitis.

Inflammation of the kidneys often accompanied by fever and flank pain.

Define Pyelonephritis and list the signs and symptoms.

Type 1 diabetes occurs most often in children.

Which type of diabetes occurs most often in children?

Before meals and at other times as needed; varies by individual needs.

When is insulin given?

Through blood, sexual contact, and sharing needles.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is spread by.

Chest pain, shortness of breath, and sweating; may also include nausea.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack.

95% to 100%.

What is the normal range for a pulse oximeter reading?

60 to 100 beats per minute.

What is the normal range for a pulse rate?