CNA MIDTERM STUDY GUIDE

1. Long-Term Care

- Definition: Care provided for individuals with chronic illnesses or disabilities over an extended period.

- Settings: Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care.

2. Hospice

- Definition: Care focused on comfort and quality of life for terminally ill patients.

- Goals: Pain management, emotional support, and dignity in end-of-life care.

3. Professionalism

- Qualities: Reliability, integrity, accountability, and respect.

- Importance: Ensures trust and effective care in healthcare settings.

4. Know About Residents and Gifts

- Policies: Generally, accepting gifts from residents is discouraged to maintain professional boundaries.

- Ethical Implications: Avoid conflicts of interest and maintain impartiality.

5. Accountability

- Definition: Taking responsibility for actions and decisions in patient care.

- Examples: Accurate documentation, timely reporting of incidents.

6. Empathetic Meaning

- Definition: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others.

- Ways to Show Empathy: Active listening, validating feelings, and providing support.

7. Most Important Person of the Care Team

- Role: The resident is the central focus of the care team.

- Importance: Ensures care is tailored to individual needs and preferences.

8. NA Versus Nursing Role: What You Can Do

- NA Scope: Assist with daily living activities, basic care tasks.

- Nursing Role: Includes assessments, medication administration, and care planning.

9. Know Your Chain of Command

- Hierarchy: Understanding the reporting structure in healthcare settings.

- Importance: Ensures effective communication and problem resolution.

10. Know NA Requirements for Training

- Basic Training: State-approved programs, certification exams.

- Continuing Education: Ongoing training to maintain certification.

11. Residents' Rights

- Key Rights: Privacy, dignity, informed consent, and participation in care decisions.

- Importance: Protects residents' autonomy and well-being.

12. Know the Different Types of Abuse

- Types: Physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect.

- Signs: Unexplained injuries, withdrawal, fearfulness, and poor hygiene.

13. Know the Difference Between Assault and Battery

- Assault: Threat or attempt to harm.

- Battery: Actual physical contact or harm.

14. Negligence

- Definition: Failure to provide the standard of care, resulting in harm.

- Examples: Ignoring a resident's needs, improper use of equipment.

15. What is a Policy and Procedure?

- Policy: A set of guidelines or rules.

- Procedure: Step-by-step instructions to carry out policies.

16. How to Respond to Surveyors?

- Role: Surveyors assess compliance with regulations.

- Interaction: Be honest, provide requested information, and follow protocols.

17. Know About Ethics and Code of Ethics

- Ethical Principles: Autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice.

- Code of Ethics: Provides a framework for professional conduct.

18. Know About OBRA/Why Do We Have OBRA?

- Overview: Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987.

- Impact: Improved standards for nursing home care, residents' rights.

19. What to Do if You Witness Abuse?

- Reporting: Follow facility protocols, report to a supervisor or authorities.

- Legal Obligations: Mandatory reporting laws in many jurisdictions.

20. Ombudsman Responsibility

- Role: Advocate for residents' rights and address complaints.

- Assistance: Mediate disputes and ensure quality care.

21. Know About HIPAA

- Purpose: Protects patient privacy and health information.

- Key Provisions: Confidentiality, security measures, patient rights.

22. Difference of Verbal and Nonverbal Communication

- Verbal: Spoken or written words.

- Nonverbal: Body language, facial expressions, gestures.

23. Know the Difference of Root, Prefix, and Suffix

- Root: Main part of a word.

- Prefix: Added to the beginning to modify meaning.

- Suffix: Added to the end to modify meaning.

24. Know Military Time

- 24-Hour Clock: Used to avoid confusion in healthcare.

- Conversion: 1 PM = 1300, 2 PM = 1400, etc.

25. Know About Documentation and When it Should be Documented

- Importance: Legal record of care provided.

- Timing: Document immediately after care is given.

26. Know Difference of Objective and Subjective Information

- Objective: Observable and measurable facts.

- Subjective: Based on personal opinions or feelings.

27. Know Your Senses

- Use in Care: Observing changes in residents' conditions.

- Importance: Early detection of issues.

28. Know What an Incident is and What to Do

- Definition: Unplanned event that affects safety.

- Action: Report and document according to facility policy.

29. What is a Code Status?

- Definitions: DNR (Do Not Resuscitate), full code, etc.

- Importance: Guides emergency care decisions.

30. How to Treat Visually and Hearing-Impaired Residents

- Techniques: Use clear communication, assistive devices.

- Adaptations: Ensure accessibility and safety.

31. How to Approach an Anxious and Depressed Resident

- Strategies: Provide reassurance, listen actively, involve mental health professionals if needed.

32. Know the Difference Between Aggressive and Assertive

- Aggressive: Hostile or confrontational behavior.

- Assertive: Confident and respectful communication.

33. How to Treat a Resident and Their Sexual Behaviors

- Boundaries: Maintain professionalism.

- Respect: Acknowledge and respect residents' rights.

34. How to Treat Confused Residents

- Techniques: Use simple language, provide orientation cues.

- Consistency: Maintain routines to reduce confusion.

35. How to Treat a Resident in a Coma

- Care: Provide basic needs, prevent complications.

- Stimulation: Use sensory input like touch and sound.

36. Know Holistic Care

- Definition: Treating the whole person, not just symptoms.

- Components: Physical, emotional, social, and spiritual care.

37. Maslow's Hierarchy

- Overview: Pyramid of human needs from basic to self-actualization.

- Application: Prioritize care based on residents' needs.

38. Know Cultural Diversity

- Importance: Respect and adapt to diverse backgrounds.

- Strategies: Cultural competence training, inclusive practices.

39. NA and Family Members

- Role: Family involvement in care planning and support.

- Communication: Keep family informed and involved.

40. What is True About Elderly People?

- Myths vs. Realities: Aging varies widely; not all elderly are frail or dependent.

- Understanding: Recognize individual capabilities and needs.

41. Know that Developmental Disabilities Can Restrict Both Mental and Physical Ability

- Types: Autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy.

- Support: Tailored care plans to enhance quality of life.

42. Know Infection Prevention

- Key Strategies: Hand hygiene, use of PPE, proper waste disposal.

- Importance: Reduces spread of infections in healthcare settings.

43. Difference of Localized and Systemic Infection

- Localized: Confined to a specific part of the body (e.g., an abscess).

- Systemic: Affects the whole body (e.g., sepsis).

44. Difference of Sterilization, Disinfection

- Sterilization: Eliminates all forms of microbial life.

- Disinfection: Reduces harmful microorganisms to a safe level.

45. Links of Chain of Infection and How to Break It

- Links: Infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host.

- Breaking the Chain: Handwashing, vaccines, isolation.

46. What is a Susceptible Host?

- Definition: An individual more likely to get an infection due to weakened immune system, age, etc.

47. Why Elderly is at Greater Risk for Infection

- Factors: Weaker immune system, chronic health conditions, decreased mobility.

48. Standard Precaution and Transmission Precaution

- Standard Precautions: Basic steps (e.g., hand hygiene) for all patients.

- Transmission Precautions: Extra measures based on the mode of transmission.

49. Know PPE and How to Use It

- Types: Gloves, gowns, masks, eye protection.

- Usage: Proper donning and doffing to prevent contamination.

50. Handwashing

- Importance: Most effective way to prevent infection.

- Steps: Wet, lather, scrub, rinse, dry.

51. SDS, Spills and What to Do

- SDS (Safety Data Sheets): Information on handling chemicals safely.

- Spills: Contain, clean according to SDS, report.

52. Isolation

- Purpose: Prevent spreading infections.

- Types: Contact, droplet, airborne precautions.

53. OSHA and Reason

- OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

- Purpose: Ensure safe working conditions.

54. HBV

- Definition: Hepatitis B Virus, affects the liver.

- Prevention: Vaccination, avoid sharing needles.

55. MRSA

- Definition: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

- Prevention: Good hygiene, proper use of antibiotics.

56. Know About Falls

- Prevention: Remove hazards, use assistive devices, proper supervision.

- Risk Factors: Medications, poor vision, balance issues.

57. Resident Eating Position

- Best Position: Sitting upright at a 90-degree angle.

- Importance: Reduces risk of choking and aspiration.

58. Good Body Mechanics

- Principles: Use legs to lift, keep back straight, avoid twisting.

- Purpose: Prevent injury to caregivers and residents.

59. Restraints

- Types: Physical and chemical.

- Guidelines: Use as a last resort, regular monitoring required.

60. Care for Residents with IV

- Checks: Ensure site is clean, monitor for infection.

- Precautions: Do not manipulate or adjust lines.

61. RACE, PASS, CPR and Abdominal Thrusts

- RACE: Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish (fire procedure).

- PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep (using a fire extinguisher).

- CPR: Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation for cardiac arrest.

- Abdominal Thrusts: For choking relief.

62. Normal Vital Signs

- Ranges: Temperature (97-99°F), Pulse (60-100 bpm), Respirations (12-20 bpm), Blood pressure (119/79 mmHg).

63. Shock and How to Treat

- Symptoms: Pale skin, rapid pulse, shallow breathing.

- Treatment: Lay the person down, elevate legs, keep warm, call for help.

64. How to Treat Residents with Bleeding

- Steps: Apply pressure, elevate the injured area, clean and bandage.

65. Mechanical Lifts

- Purpose: Assist in safely moving residents.

- Operation: Follow manufacturer instructions, ensure safety before use.

66. What is Hygiene?

- Definition: Maintenance of health through cleanliness.

- Includes: Bathing, oral care, hand hygiene.

67. Dignity and Independence

- Importance: Respecting residents' choices and abilities.

- Practices: Encourage participation in daily activities.

68. Bath are Decided by the Doctor and the Resident

- Decision: Based on health needs and personal preferences.

69. Pressure Ulcers

- Prevention: Regular turning, use of support surfaces, good nutrition.

70. General Bathing First and Last

- Sequence: Cleanest to dirtiest area, begin with face, end with perineal area.

71. Mouth, Denture, and Nail Care

- Importance: Prevents infections, maintains health and comfort.

72. Axillary and Rectal Temperatures

- Methods: Axillary (underarm), less invasive. Rectal, more accurate but invasive.

73. Most Accurate Temperature and Depth of Different Temps

- Accuracy: Rectal most accurate, then oral, tympanic, axillary.

74. Dyspnea

- Definition: Difficulty breathing.

- Management: Positioning, supplemental oxygen, calm environment.

75. Systolic and Diastolic

- Definitions: Systolic (pressure during heartbeats), Diastolic (pressure between beats).

- Normal Range: 120/80 mmHg.

76. Hypo and Hypertension

- Hypotension: Low blood pressure.

- Hypertension: High blood pressure.

77. Signs of Shock/Thirst

- Shock Symptoms: Cold skin, weak pulse, confusion.

- Response: Rehydrate, warm blankets, medical help.

78. What to Do if a Resident Feels Like Fainting?

- Steps: Help to a safe position, elevate legs, check airway, call for help.

79. Emesis

- Definition: Vomiting.

- Care: Monitor, keep airway clear, prevent dehydration.

80. Signs and Symptoms for a Woman with a Heart Attack/SOB

- Symptoms: Chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, unusual fatigue.

- Action: Call emergency services, provide CPR if needed.

81. Hypo and Hyperglycemia

- Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, symptoms include shaking, sweating.

- Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar, symptoms include thirst, frequent urination.

82. s/s of a Stroke/TIA

- Stroke Symptoms: Sudden numbness, confusion, difficulty speaking.

- Action: FAST (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency).

83. What to Do for a Resident with a Seizure?

- Steps: Protect from injury, don't restrain, clear area, turn on side after seizure.

84. What are Codes Used For?

- Purpose: Alert staff of specific emergencies (e.g., Code Blue for cardiac arrest).

85. When Does Discharge Become Official/Transfers?

- Discharge: Becomes official once a physician writes the order and the necessary documentation is completed.

86. Circadian Rhythm

- The body's natural 24-hour cycle regulating sleep and wakefulness.

87. How to Obtain Height and Weight

- Use a scale for weight and a stadiometer for height. Ensure the person stands straight and the equipment is calibrated.

88. Sleep Problems

- Common issues include insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome. Address through lifestyle changes or medical intervention.

89. Disposable Equipment

- Items like gloves, masks, and syringes used once to prevent infection. Proper disposal is crucial.

90. Remember Initial and Closing Steps

- Initial: Wash hands, explain procedures, ensure safety.

- Closing: Ensure comfort, wash hands, document care.

91. How Do We Treat Linen?

- Handle with gloves, wash at high temperatures, and sanitize to prevent infection.

92. Know the Different Types of Mattresses

- Foam, pressure-relieving, and alternating pressure mattresses are used based on patient needs.

93. Types of Bed

- Open, closed, surgical, occupied, and unoccupied beds are arranged based on patient care requirements.

94. Different Types of Positions

- Lateral, Sims', Fowler's, prone, supine, and lithotomy positions are used for comfort and medical procedures.

95. Dangling

- Technique where a patient sits on the bed's edge to improve circulation and prepare for standing.

96. Transfer Belts and Transfer of a Resident with Weakness to One Side

- Use a gait or transfer belt to safely assist and stabilize the patient during movement.

97. What is a Sentinel Event?

- An unexpected occurrence involving death or serious injury, requiring immediate investigation and response.