CNA Practice Exam and Patient Care Terminology

Vocabulary flashcards generated from nursing assistant lecture notes and exam review questions.

Aspiration Risk Reduction (Bed Feeding)

Raising the head of the bed when feeding a resident lying in bed to decrease the risk of aspiration.

Stiff Joint (ROM Exercise)

A joint condition observed during range of motion exercises where a joint will not bend; the CNA should continue exercises but move onto another joint.

Position Change Interval

Changing positions for residents unable to move themselves at least every $2\,\text{hours}$ to promote circulation at pressure points and prevent skin breakdown.

Missing Resident Property Protocol

The CNA action of asking permission from the resident to help look around their room when personal items, such as a wristwatch, are reported missing.

Pulse Counting Procedure

The technique during pulse assessment where the CNA checks whether the rhythm of the heartbeat is regular.

Indwelling Urinary Catheter Care

Care plan instructions requiring the CNA to keep the area clean where the catheter enters the body, position the drainage bag below the level of the bladder attached to the wheelchair seat, and check for kinks if the resident feels the need to urinate or has a low output of about $50\,\text{ccs}$ ($\text{mLs}$) in $5\,\text{hours}$.

Passive Range of Motion (PROM)

Joint exercises where the resident requires full assistance from the CNA to take the joints through their range of motion.

Colostomy Care Requirement

The requirement to wear gloves as part of Standard Precautions when providing colostomy care.

High-Protein Diet Foods

Dietary items rich in protein, specifically identified as meat and eggs.

Acute Confusion / ADL Assistance

Providing extra help as needed when a dementia resident experiences increased confusion to prevent frustration during activities of daily living.

Perineal Care Schedule

Hygiene procedure performed whenever an incontinent resident is soiled with urine or stool, or given frequently to prevent skin breakdown.

Shift Priority Planning

The CNA's immediate priority at the start of a shift to check all assigned residents to see if anyone has immediate needs.

Skin Tear and Shearing Prevention

Avoiding pulling or sliding the resident when moving them in bed or transferring them.

Hand Splint Complications

An immediate reporting observation where a resident's fingers appear cold and blue in color while wearing a hand splint.

Physical Restraint

A physical device used to protect a resident from injury.

Post-Seizure Positioning

Turning a resident onto her side after a seizure finishes and normal breathing is observed.

Normal Age-Related Sensory Changes

Expected physical changes in elderly residents, specifically a decrease in taste sensation and smell.

Red and Swollen Toe Observation

A localized inflammatory observation made during bathing that must be reported to the charge nurse.

Active Seizure in Chair

An emergency response where the nurse aide guides the resident from the chair to the floor when a seizure occurs at a dining table.

Stroke Rehabilitation Focus

Care strategy supporting short-term rehabilitation goals by helping the resident focus on even small accomplishments.

Gait Belt (Transfer Belt)

A supportive device used to help steady and support a resident when transferring or walking.

Fire Response Protocol

The initial action upon discovering a fire, such as a trash can fire, which is to remove the resident from the room.

Elevated Temperature Reporting

Promptly reporting a resident's body temperature measurement when it reads $101.4^\circ\text{Fahrenheit}$.

Vital Signs Interruptions

Delaying routine vital sign collection until after a visiting minister finishes praying with a resident.

NPO (Nothing By Mouth)

A dietary restriction order due to symptoms like nausea, requiring the removal of all bedside fluids, including the water pitcher.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Signs

Physical observations in a resident experiencing hypoglycemia, characterized by shakiness and trembling.

Pressure Ulcer Prevention

Turning and positioning a bedbound resident according to schedule to avoid localized tissue damage.

Dying Roman Catholic Resident Care

Asking if the resident would like arrangements made for a priest to visit when expressing anxiety about unconfessed sin before death.

Bowel Regularity Care

Assisting a resident to maintain regular bowel movements by providing a routine time for toileting.

Foot Inspection in Dementia

Removing the resident's shoe and inspecting the foot upon noticing a new limp on the right foot.

Fecal Impaction Observation

A sign of severe constipation marked by liquid feces seeping out of the anus.

Validation Therapy / Dementia Communication

Responding to delusional statements (such as needing to cook for a deceased husband or meet a grown daughter at the school bus) by engaging with the resident's feelings and memories without direct contradiction.

Burn First Aid (Hot Tea Splash)

Wetting a towel or napkin with cool water and placing it against the injured area immediately following a hot liquid splash.

Pressure Point

Areas of the body where bones lie close to the skin surface.

Diabetic Foot Check

Inspecting a diabetic resident's feet at least once a day to check for sores that the resident may not feel due to reduced sensation.

Restorative Care Program

A structured program aimed at helping the resident improve his or her overall level of functioning.

Choking Intervention

The immediate first response to a choking resident, which is to begin abdominal thrusts.

Resident Fall Procedure

Asking the resident to stay still on the floor while the nurse aide calls for immediate assistance from the nurse.

Pre-Shave Softening Technique

Holding a warm, wet washcloth against the facial hair first to soften the beard prior to using a disposable razor.

Cardiac Distress Reporting

Immediately recognizing and reporting severe symptoms such as pain radiating down the arms into the jaw, accompanied by nausea, paleness, and sweating.

Elastic Stocking Monitoring

Observing the color of the resident's toes closely to assess proper blood circulation while compression stockings are worn.

Unarousal / Lethargy Response

Calling for the charge nurse immediately when a resident who is breathing and warm is non-verbal and difficult to wake up.

Resident Refusal of Ambulation/Bathing

Addressing resident refusals by offering reasonable choices, such as asking to walk a little later or offering alternative preferences for bathing.

Vomiting Aspiration Risk

Quickly turning a recumbent resident onto their side when vomiting to ensure an open airway and prevent aspiration.

Vital Signs

Clinical measurements consisting of temperature, pulse, and respirations.

Bed-to-Chair Transfer Safety

Following the specific transfer technique detailed in the resident's individualized care plan.

Feeding Tube Pump Management

Asking the charge nurse for assistance with an active feeding tube pump before taking the resident for a scheduled shower.