Comprehensive Final Study Guide Flashcards
(93 cards)
1
Q
ADL
A
Activities of Daily Living
2
Q
DNR
A
Do Not Resuscitate
3
Q
LTCF
A
Long Term Care Facility
4
Q
NPO
A
Nothing By Mouth
5
Q
Atrophy
A
When a muscle wastes away, decreases in size and becomes weak
6
Q
Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
A
A law that requires healthcare facilities to protect employees from bloodborne health hazards. Employers must have an exposure control plan.
7
Q
Contracture
A
The permanent and painful stiffening of a joint and muscle
8
Q
Deep breathing exercises
A
Exercises that help expand the lungs, clearing them of mucous and preventing infection
9
Q
Holistic
A
Considering a whole system, such as a whole person, rather than dividing the system up into parts
10
Q
Hospice
A
A term for the special care that a dying person needs. It helps meet all the needs of the dying resident.
11
Q
Ombudsman
A
The legal advocate for residents; helps resolve disputes and settle conflicts
12
Q
Passive range of motion (PROM) exercises
A
Exercises used when residents cannot move on their own; a staff member performs these exercises without the resident’s help. When helping with PROM exercises, support the resident’s joint and move them through the range of motion.
13
Q
Rehabilitation
A
Care that is managed by professionals to help restore a person to the highest level of functioning
14
Q
How often are inspections done in facilities?
A
Every 9 - 15 months
15
Q
Is the resident part of the healthcare team?
A
Yes. The resident has the right to make decisions and choices about his/her own care.
16
Q
Can activities not listed on the care plan be performed?
A
No. Activities not listed on the care plan should NOT be performed.
17
Q
Know the tasks that a NA can perform.
A
Helping residents with toileting needs; giving a resident a bath; helping a resident eat dinner; transferring a resident from the bed to a chair
18
Q
Know examples of a professional relationship with an employer.
A
Documenting carefully; do not be afraid to ask questions or ask for help; always be on time; being a positive role model for your facility; plan ahead by making a list of tasks to do; never steal from residents
19
Q
Why was HIPAA created?
A
To help keep health information private and secure.
20
Q
What are the penalties for violating HIPAA?
A
Fines range from $100 - $250,000 or prison sentences of up to 10 years
21
Q
Know about cultural backgrounds.
A
A person’s cultural background helps determine how people communicate and can help you communicate better with the resident. The use of touch and eye contact varies with cultural background and personality. For some people, touching is welcome. It expresses caring and warmth. For others, it seems threatening or harassing.
22
Q
How should a NA respond to a resident who cannot hear or understand him/her?
A
Face the resident. Speak more slowly than you do with family and friends. Speak clearly. Do not whisper. Use a pleasant, professional tone.
23
Q
Know the characteristics of a good listener.
A
Sit up or stand straight. Allow the other person to express his/her ideas completely. Concentrate on what he/she is saying. Do not interrupt. Do not finish his/her sentences. When he/she is finished, restate the message in your own words.
24
Q
When should documentation be done?
A
Immediately after care is given.
25
Know how to convert time into military time.
Midnight = 0000 or 2400
1:00 am = 0100
2:00 am = 0200
For pm, add 12.
1:00 pm = 1300
3:00 pm = 1500
26
When is it appropriate to ignore a call light?
Never
27
What is the single most important thing that you can do to prevent the spread of illness?
Wash your hands.
28
When should standard precautions be practiced?
On every single person.
29
Know the facts about falls and guidelines for preventing falls.
The consequences of falls can range from minor injuries to death and life-threatening injuries. Keep all walking areas free of clutter. Use rugs with non-slip backing. Improve lighting where needed. Residents should avoid wearing clothing that is too loose or drags the floor. Immediately clean up spills on the floor. Lock wheelchairs before helping residents into or out of them. If a resident falls, bring the resident's body close and lower him/her to the floor.
30
Know the guidelines for preventing scalds/burns.
Pour hot drinks away from residents. Keep hot drinks and liquids away from edges of tables. Put a lid on them. Make sure residents are sitting down before serving hot drinks.
The NA should identify the resident before placing meal trays or helping with feeding. Residents should be sitting as upright as they can to help prevent choking.
31
Know the facts about restraints, examples of restraints, and examples of restraint alternatives.
Restraints can never be applied without a doctor's order. Restraints can only be tied to the movable part of a bed frame, not to the side rails or other areas of the bed. A restrained resident must be checked on at least every fifteen minutes. Restraints can cause stress on the heart, loss of bone mass, loss of muscle mass, pressure sores, pneumonia, increased agitation, and loss of independence.
Physical restraints = vests and jacket restraints, belt restraints, wrist/ankle restraints, mitt restraints, side rails on a bed and geriatric chairs
Chemical restraints = medications given to control a person's behavior
Restraint alternatives = Make sure the call light is within reach and answer call lights promptly. Ambulate the resident when he/she is restless. Provide activities for those who wander at night. Distract or redirect interest. Give the resident a repetitive task.
32
Know about body mechanics.
1. Alignment
2. Base of support
3. Fulcrum and lever
4. Center of gravity
When lifting a heavy object from the floor, spread your feet shoulder-width apart. Bend your knees. Do not twist when you are moving an object. To help a resident sit up, stand up, or walk, protect yourself by assuming a good stance. Bend your knees to lower yourself, rather than bending from the waist. If you are making an adjustable bed, adjust the height to a safe working level, usually waist high.
33
Choking
Encouraging them to cough as forcefully as possible to get the object out. Stay with the person at all times, until he/she stops choking or can no longer speak, cough or breathe. Alternating between 5 abdominal thrusts and 5 back blows until the object is dislodged.
34
What are some ways an NA can promote a resident's independence?
1. Encourage residents to do as much as possible for themselves, even if it seems easier for you to do things for residents.
2. Encourage self-care, regardless of how long it takes or how poorly they are able to do it.
3. Be patient.
4. Allow residents to make choices.
35
Identify ways to help residents meet their spiritual needs.
1. Respect all residents' beliefs, whatever they are.
2. Do not make judgements about residents' spiritual beliefs or try to push your beliefs on residents.
3. Learn about residents' religions or beliefs.
4. Listen carefully to what residents say.
5. Residents may have strong beliefs in God, or very little or no belief in God or a higher power.
36
Identify ways to respect a resident's sexual needs.
1. Always knock or announce yourself before entering resident's room
2. If you encounter a sexual situation, provide privacy and leave
3. Be open and non-judgmental about resident's sexual attitudes
4. Do not judge resident's sexual orientation or any sexual behavior that you see
37
Identify examples of cliches.
"It will all work out"
"We've all been there before"
"I know how you are feeling"
38
Words that can convey comfort.
"You have really been under a lot of stress, haven't you"
"I can imagine that really is scary"
"I am truly sorry to hear that"
If residents ask for your help, refer them to the nurse or social worker. If no one asks for help but you think help is needed, speak to your supervisor.
39
How can the NA help with normal changes of aging related to the urinary system?
1. Encourage residents to drink plenty of fluids
2. Offer frequent trips to the bathroom
3. If residents are incontinent, do not show frustration or anger
4. Keep residents clean and dry
40
How can the NA help with normal changes of aging related to the integumentary system?
1. Use lotion as ordered for moisture to relieve dry skin
2. Be gentle; elderly resident's skin can be fragile and tear easily
3. Keep bed linens wrinkle-free
4. Be careful, if directed, to give nail care
5. Do not cut toenails
6. Encourage independence
41
Know the facts about positioning.
Residents who spend a lot of time in bed will need help getting into comfortable positions. They may need positioning in order to avoid muscle stiffness and skin breakdown.
42
Know the reason for a draw sheet.
The draw sheet is an extra sheet placed on top of the bottom sheet. It allows you to reposition the resident without causing shearing (rubbing or friction that results from the skin moving one way and the bone underneath it remaining fixed or moving in the opposite direction).
43
Know how to move a resident up in bed using only one person.
Stand at the head of the bed. Roll and grasp the top edge of the draw sheet. Keep knees bent and back straight. Rock your weight from the front foot to the back foot in one smooth motion.
44
Know the facts about using a transfer belt.
Assist the resident to a sitting position. Place the belt over the resident's clothing and around the waist. Do not put it over bare skin. Tighten the buckle until it is snug. Leave enough room to insert two fingers comfortably into the belt. Check to make sure that a female's breasts are not caught under the belt. For comfort, place the buckle off-center in the front or back.
45
Know the facts about what to do if a resident begins to fall.
Widen your stance. Bring the resident's body close to you to break the fall. Bend your knees and support the resident as you lower him/her to the floor. You may need to drop to the floor with the residents to avoid injury to you or the resident. Do not try to reverse or stop a fall. Call for help. Do not try to get the resident up after the fall.
46
Know the facts about cane usage to aid ambulation.
Resident places cane about twelve inches in front of his/her stronger leg. He/she brings weaker leg even with cane. He/she then brings stronger leg forward slightly ahead of cane. Repeat. If a walker/cane seems too short or too tall, inform the nurse.
47
Know the facts about how the NA should enter/leave a resident's room.
Always knock and wait to received permission before entering. After providing care for the resident, you will tidy the area.
48
Know the facts about how to handle soiled linens.
Bed linens should be changed anytime bedding or sheets are damp, dirty, or wrinkled. Hold soiled linens away from your body and place it in the proper container immediately. Do not shake linen or clothes. Put on gloves before removing bed linens from beds. When removing linen, fold or roll linen so that the dirty area is inside. This lessens contamination.
49
Which residents are at a higher risk for skin deterioration at pressure points?
Residents with restricted mobility
50
How often should an immobile resident be moved?
At least every two hours
51
Know the guidelines for bathing.
Before bathing a resident, make sure the room is warm enough. Before bathing, make sure the water temperature is safe and comfortable. Test the water temperature to make sure it is not too hot, then have the resident test the water temperature. His/her sense of touch may be different from yours. Gather supplies before giving a bath so the resident is not left alone. Use only products approved by the facility or that the resident prefers.
52
When should the NA give nail care?
Give nail care when it has been assigned or if the nails are dirty or have jagged edges. Do not give nail care to a diabetic resident.
53
How do you properly address a person's weakened side?
It is called the affected side. Never refer to the weakened side as the "bad side" or talk about the "bad" arm or leg.
54
How often should oral care be performed?
At least twice per day
55
What is normal temperature (oral route)?
97.6 - 99.6 F
56
What is the normal pulse rate for an adult?
60 - 100 beats per minute
57
What is the normal respiration rate for an adult?
12 - 20 breaths per minute
58
Why should respirations be counted immediately after taking a pulse?
People may breathe more quickly if they know they are being observed. Do not make it obvious that you are watching the resident's breathing.
59
Know the normal range for an adult blood pressure.
Systolic 100 - 139 and diastolic 60 - 89; high (hypertension) 140/90; low below 100/60
60
What is the most essential nutrient for life?
Water
61
What should be reported to the nurse immediately about IVs?
The tube/needle falls out or is removed. The tubing disconnects. The dressing around the IV site is loose or not intact. Blood is present in the tubing or around the site of the IV. The site is swollen or discolored. The resident complains of pain. The bag is broken or the level of fluid does not seem to decrease. The IV is not dripping. The IV fluid is nearly gone. The pump beeps, indicating a problem.
62
What information can be found on a diet card?
The resident's name and information about special diets, allergies, likes and dislikes and other instructions
63
How can the CNA help prevent dehydration?
Encourage residents to drink every time you see them. Offer fresh water or other fluids often. Record fluid intake and output. Make sure pitcher and cup are near enough and light enough for resident to lift.
64
How many ounces of fluid are needed daily?
64 - 96
65
Know the signs of dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Choking or coughing during or after meals. Watering eyes when eating or drinking. Several swallows needed per mouthful. Frequent throat clearing during and after meals. Shorter more rapid breathing while eating or drinking.
66
Know the facts about providing perineal care for the female resident.
Wipe from front to back. Use a different area of the washcloth for each stroke.
67
What is the best position for a man to urinate?
Standing
68
Know the CNAs role in regards to catheters.
CNAs never insert or remove catheters. You may be asked to provide daily care for the catheter, cleaning the area around the urethral opening and emptying the drainage bag. Observe and report regarding catheters. The drainage bag should always be kept lower than the hips or bladder. If the urine flows backward, it can cause infection. The tubing should be kept as straight as possible and should NOT be kinked. If the resident is sitting on the tubing, it can prevent urine from draining.
69
What are the normal characteristics of stool?
Brown and soft
70
What substances can ruin a stool specimen?
Urine or tissue
71
Which side should you dress first, affected or unaffected?
Affected
72
What should the nursing assistant do during a seizure?
During a seizure, the main goal of the caregiver is to make the resident safe.
73
What factors can cause confusion?
Dehydration, fever, lack of oxygen, medications, infections, illness, loss of sleep or seizures. Do not leave the resident alone. Stay calm. Provide a quiet environment. Do not rush the resident.
74
Know the facts about Alzheimer's Disease (AD).
Skills a person has used over a lifetime are usually kept longer. People with AD will not all show the same symptoms at the same times. Help them to be as independent as possible. AD is not a normal part of aging. Use simple words and short sentences. Use signs, pictures, gestures, or written words.
75
How should the nursing assistant respond to hallucinations?
Ignore harmless hallucinations and delusions. Reassure a resident who seems agitated or worried. Do not argue with a resident who is imaging things. Do not tell the resident that you can see or hear his/her hallucinations.
76
How should the nursing assistant respond to violent behavior?
Remove the triggers. Block blows but never hit back. Try not to take it personally.
77
Know the facts concerning mental illness.
People with mental illness cannot control their behavior. Mental illness is a disease.
78
What can make mental illness worse?
Substance abuse
Weak interpersonal or family relationships
Large amounts of stress
79
Guidelines for communication with someone with mental illness.
Do not talk to adults as if they are children. Use simple, clear statements and a normal tone of voice. Show respect and concern. Sit or stand at a normal distance from the resident. Avoid arguments. Maintain eye contact. Listen carefully.
80
What should you do if you notice that a resident gets upset easily, eyes are always red, decreased appetite, and you smell alcohol on her breath, even in the morning?
Report your observations to the nurse.
81
Know the facts about new ambulatory aids.
Stay close to the resident to make sure they are using these appliances safely. Observe for signs of dizziness. To avoid falls, clear pathway and wipe up spills immediately.
82
Know the facts about range of motion exercises.
Begin at the head and work down the body. Stop the exercises if the resident complains of pain. Report pain to the nurse. You will NOT do ROM exercises without an order from a doctor, nurse or physical therapist. You will repeat each exercise 3 to 5 times, once or twice a day.
83
What is normal blood oxygen level?
95 - 100 %
84
Know the five stages of grief.
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance
Not all residents go through all the stages. Residents may move back and forth between stages during the process.
85
Know the differences between working as a home health aide and working in a long-term care facility.
A home health aide has more independence.
86
Know the facts about homecare.
The HHA (Home Health Aide) should ONLY do tasks that are listed on the care plan. If the client makes an inappropriate request, say "no" and explain that only tasks assigned in the care plan are allowed.
87
What is the proper ratio of bleach to water in a disinfecting solution?
One part bleach to nine parts water
88
Know the five "rights" of medication.
1. The right client
2. The right medication
3. The right time
4. The right route
5. The right amount
89
Know the facts about how HHAs can help clients with self-administered medications.
Remind the client when it is time for medications. Check the five "rights" of medication. Read the medication label for the client. Identify the container and bring it to the client. Provide food or water to take with the medication. Shake liquid medication if ordered by the care plan. Open and close containers. Observe the client taking medications. Document that the client took the medication, the time, and other medications or food taken at the same time. Report any possible reactions to your supervisor. Clean and store or dispose of special medication equipment after use.
90
Know the facts about home health for new mothers.
Many new mothers and their babies are sent home as early as 24 hours after an uncomplicated delivery. Thus new mothers today return home more tired and uncomfortable. They are less confident feeding and handling their babies than women were in the past. Home care helps ease the transition from hospital to home. It allows mothers to rest and recover.
91
Know the facts about normal newborn care.
A baby should be placed on their back or side to sleep.
92
Know the qualities that are needed to manage a home.
Efficiency, planning, knowledge, skills and sensitivity
93
Why must an employer perform a criminal background check on new aides hired?
It is the law. Do NOT take it personally, it is a law intended to protect patients, clients and residents.
