Arizona Nursing Assistant Vocab

hand washing

20 seconds of agitation with warm water and soap

circulatory system

(aka cardiovascular system) works as the transportation highway for the body; consists of the heart, blood, and blood vessels; transports substances such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nutrients in the body.

dependability

able to be trusted or depended on

adaptive

able to change as needed

apnea

absence of breathing

AIDS

acquired immune deficiency syndrome a serious (often fatal) disease of the immune system transmitted through blood products especially by sexual contact or contaminated needles

validation

act of confirming or verifying

elimination

act of removal of materials from the body

ADL(s)

activities of daily living

hazardous substance

any chemical in the workplace that can cause harm

chemical restraint

any drug used to control actions of a resident

reporting abuse

any information about abuse witnessed or suspected that is given to the proper authority

cancer

any malignant growth or tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled cell division

resident identification

any means of determining the residents identity

tendons

attach muscle to bone

urinary bag

bag for urine

bleeding

blood exiting the space it is confined to

systolic

blood pressure in the arteries during contraction of the ventricles of the heart

arteries

blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart

post mortem care

care of the body after death

perineal care

care of the genitals and anal area

toileting schedule

care planned scheduled times to take resident to bathroom as part of intervention to decrease incontinence

negligence

careless neglect, often resulting in injury

bed making

clean wrinkle free bed linens help to promote comfort and a sense of well-being; wrinkled and soiled linen can contribute to skin breakdown and pressure areas

non-verbal communication

communicating without the use of words

skin integrity

condition of the skin

violent behavior

conduct and/or behavior, verbal and non verbal, which includes but is not limited to: verbal and/or physical aggression, attack, threats, harassment, intimidation, or other disruptive behavior in any form, or by any media, which causes or could cause a reasonable person to fear physical harm

bedrest

confinement to bed continuously (as in the case of some sick or injured persons)

disoriented

confused as to time or place; out of touch

scabies

contagious skin disease transmitted by the itch mite

infection

contamination or invasion of body tissue by pathogenic organisms

chronic

continuing for a long time; opposite of acute

converting measures

converting one unit to another (example: 30ml=1oz)

kidney failure

decreased ability to filter waste products

hearing loss

decreased ability to perceive sounds compared to what the individual or examiner would regard as normal

flexion

decreases the angle of a joint

scale

device used for weight

antibiotics

drugs that block the growth and reproduction of bacteria

neglect

fail to care for properly

phobia

fear

Material Safety Data Sheets

forms on which chemical manufacturers and importers identify the hazards of their chemicals

aseptic

free from disease-causing microorganisms

partial assistance

helping a patient who can do some things for themselves

shingles

herpes zoster; infection that involves peripheral nerves; characterized by pain and blisters along dermatomes

disease process

incubation period, prodromal period, illness, decline, convalescence

burns

injury to tissues caused by heat contact

moving

instituting the change

personal care

look and smell clean, brush teeth, comb hair, neat clothing

anorexia

loss of appetite

post-operative pneumonia

may occur after surgery due to anesthesia, pain medications and pain; prevention includes cough and deep breathing exercises, incentive spirometry, and frequent repositioning

measuring temperature

measurement of the hotness of a body relative to a standard scale

restraint alternative

measures used instead of physical or chemical restraints

log roll

method of rolling the body without disturbing the alignment of the body

heart muscle

myocardium

thickened liquids

nectar, honey, pudding

emotional needs

needs that affect your feelings and sense of well-being

urinary tract

organs and ducts responsible for the elimination of urine

cyanotic

pertaining to a bluish or slate-like skin color

respiratory

pertaining to respiration

apical

pertaining to the apex of the heart (as in "apical pulse")

infection control

practices and procedures that prevent the spread of infection

open-ended questions

questions a person is to answer in his or her own words

side rails

rails on the side of the bed used for safety

memory loss

refers to the loss of memories, such as facts, information and experiences

charge nurse

registered nurse or licensed practical nurse; supervises the other nurses for a particular shift

memory

the persistence of learning over time through the encoding, storage, and retrieval of information

overbed table

the resident eats from and/or places their personal things on

resident trust

the resident's firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability, or strength of someone or something

loose teeth

the result of chronic gum disease, gum recession and/or bone loss

privacy

the right of people not to reveal information about themselves

sexual needs

the sexual needs or desires of a resident

terminology

the special words or phrases that are used in a particular field

cultural

the spread of ideas, customs, and technologies from one people to another

physiology

the study of body function

oral temperature

the temperature reading obtained by placing the thermometer in the patient's mouth under the tongue

psychological needs

the urge to belong and to give and receive love, and the urge to acquire esteem

transmission

transfer, such as of a disease, from one person to another

UTI

urinary tract infection; more common in women

accountability

willingness to take credit for actions

trachea

windpipe

afebrile

without fever

breathing rates

Adults: 12-20

semi-Fowler's

30-45 degrees

feeding tubes

G tubes (Stomach) NG tubes (nose to stomach) NJ tubes (nose to small intestine)

HIV

Human Immunodeficiency Virus; a virus that attacks and destroys the human immune system

abduction

Movement away from the midline of the body

heart rates

Normal: 60-100

tub bath

a body cleansing by being immersed in water

resident centered care

a model of long-term care in which elders have the right and ability to determined their own needs and how these should be met

response

a reaction to a stimulus

cardiopulmonary resuscitation

CPR; an emergency procedure for life support consisting of artificial respiration and manual external cardiac compression

cerebral vascular accident

CVA; stroke

wheelchair safety

Check wheel locks; Check for flat or loose tires; Check wheel spokes; Be sure casters point forward for balance and stability; Be sure person's feet are on footplates before pushing or repositioning (feet cannot touch or drag on floor); Push chair forward when transporting person, going backward ONLY through a doorway; Lock both wheels before you transfer person to or from the wheelchair; Follow care plan for keeping wheels locked when not mving wheelchair (locking would keep person from moving or getting out of chair is so desired); DO NOT let person stand on footplates; DO NOT let footplates fall back onto person's legs; Make sure person has needed safety belt, pouch, tray, lapboard or cushions; Remove armrests (if able) when transferring person to bed, toilet, commode, tub, or car; Swing front rigging out of way to transfer to & from wheelchair (some detach); Clean wheelchair according to agency policy; Ask nurse or PT to show you how to propel wheelchair up steps, ramps, and over curbs; Follow measure to prevent equipment accidents

cares

Courtesy, Accountability, Respect, Excellence, Success

Maslow

Humanist psychologist who developed a pyramid representing hierarchy of human needs

observation

Information obtained through the senses

respiration

Inhalation and exhalation of air

developmental disability

Insufficient development of the brain, resulting in some level of dysfunction or impairment

broken equipment

Items that are not working properly

abandonment

Leaving a patient after care has been initiated and before the patient has been transferred to someone with equal or greater medical training

nausea and vomiting

N/V

sharps container

OSHA required receptacle for the proper disposal of sharps

OBRA

Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act a law passed by the federal government that includes minimum standards for nursing assistant training, staffing requirements, resident assessment instructions, and information on rights for residents

PASS

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep

making occupied bed

Supplies: 1 pillowcase, 1 flat sheet, 1 pillowcase, Knock, Introduce, Curtain, Explain 1. make sure bed is flat 2. raise opposite bed rail 3. loosen top linen, have client roll to the bed rail, loosen bottom 4. tuck dirty linen under client, then place clean linen top & bottom 5. raise other bed rail, have client roll to that side 6. remove opposite rail, remove dirty linen, put on other side of clean linen (put dirty linen in hamper) 7. have client hold clean top sheet & remove dirty top sheet (put dirty sheet in hamper) 8. tuck in the foot of bed & fold corners 9. change pillowcase (opening facing away from door) 10. call light, bed locked & lowest position, open curtain 11. wash hands

denture care

Supplies: Tooth brush, tooth paste, gloves, paper towel, small wash cloth, basin, dentures & cup 1. put on gloves 2. line sink w/ wash cloth 3. run luke warm water 4. put tooth paste on tooth brush 5. Brush dentures 6. Rinse cup & fill with water 7. Place dentures in cup 8. Clean up

axillary temperature

Temperature taken at the armpit, least accurate measurement of temp normal adult 96.6-98.6F (35.8- 37C)

documentation

VERY IMPORTANT; documenting procedures that are completed with residents; if it isn't documented; it didn't happen

urinary catheter bag

a bag that is attached to the bed or the patients leg that is used to collect urine from an immobile or incontinent patient

call light

a bedside button tethered to the wall in a patient's room, which directs signals the nursing station

biohazard

a biological or chemical substance or situation that is dangerous to human beings and the environment; must be disposed of properly

cyanosis

a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes

clergy

a body of officials who perform religious services, such as priests, ministers or rabbis

policy book

a book of courses of action that should be taken every time a certain situation occurs

indwelling catheter

a catheter that stays in the bladder for a period of time

abduction pillow

a certain kind of pillow used to immobilize a patient's legs just after hip surgery; made of a large, thick piece of foam shaped like an acute triangle

resident's chart

a chart that must be kept confidential and gives medical history of a particular patient

chemical disinfection

a chemical that destroys, neutralizes, or inhibits the growth of disease-carrying microorganisms

sub acute care

a comprehensive inpatient care program for patients with a serious illness, injury, or disease who do not need intensive (acute care) hospital services

diabetes

a condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin, the hormone required for the metabolism of sugar

osteoporosis

a condition in which the bones become fragile and break easily

congestive heart failure

a condition resulting from the heart's inability to pump out all the blood that returns to it; blood backs up in the veins leading to the heart, causing an accumulation of fluid in various parts of the body

emotional stress

a condition which occurs when a person is under stress affecting their emotions

fractures

a crack or break in a bone

oxygen cylinder

a cylinder filled with oxygen under pressure

fraud

a deliberate deception intended to secure an unfair or unlawful gain

plaque

a deposit of fatty material on the inner lining of an arterial wall

walker

a device used to assist with walking

gait belt

a device, usually a strap of cotton webbing with a buckle, designed to be placed around a patient's waist to assist with transferring and ambulating the patient

clear liquid diet

a diet that consists of foods that are liquid at room temperature and leave little residue in the intestine

visual impairment

a difficulty in seeing that may include blindness or partial sightedness

Parkinson's

a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement, often including tremors

mentally impaired

a disorder that affects a person's mind, causing the person to act in unusual ways, experience emotional difficulties or both

mental illness

a disorder that affects a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors

living will

a document that indicates what medical intervention an individual wants if he or she becomes incapable of expressing those wishes

lift sheet

a draw sheet that is used to help lift or reposition a person who needs assistance with moving in bed

security

a feeling of being free from fear, danger, etc.

well balanced meal

a group of food containing all of the essential nutrients needed for optimal growth, tissue repair, and normal functioning of the organs normally eaten in one sitting

cast

a hard casing to protect broken bones while they heal

hospice

a home providing care for the terminally ill

insulin

a hormone produced by the pancreas or taken as a medication by many diabetics for the metabolism of sugar

impairment

a loss of function or ability

temperature

a measure of how hot or cold something is

weight

a measure of the force of gravity on an object

stethoscope

a medical instrument for listening to the sounds generated inside the body

force fluid

a medical order for a person to drink more fluids

bed cradle

a metal or plastic frame suspended over the hospital bed to keep the weight of the linen off the resident's body

abdominal thrust

a method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of someone who is choking aka Heimlich

isolation precautions

a method of infection control that assumed that all human blood and body fluids were potentially infectious

sputum test

a patient expels sputum by coughing and the sputum is analyzed for bacterial content

cognitively imparied

a person has trouble remembering, learning new things, concentrating, or making decisions that affect their everyday life

dietitian

a person who has a degree in nutrition; plans and manages therapeutic diets

restraint

a physical or chemical way to restrict voluntary movement or behavior

care imparied

a physician or health care worker whose ability to function in his usual role has been reduced or otherwise compromised

foot board

a piece of wood or plastic placed at the end of the hospital bed and used for positioning the resident's feet

task

a piece of work that needs to be done

dialysis

a procedure to remove waste products from the blood of patients whose kidneys no longer function

disinfection

a process that eliminates many or all microorganisms, with the exception of bacteria spores, from inanimate objects

Alzheimer's

a progressive disease that destroys memory and other important mental functions

depression

a prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness, and sadness

water faucets

a regulator for controlling the flow of a liquid from a reservoir

elopement

a resident exiting the facility whose whereabouts are unknown to the staff

threatening resident

a resident who is angered and may or may not become violent

new resident

a resident who is new to the facility

regulation

a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority

Fowler's position

a semi-sitting position; the head of the bed is raised between 45 and 60 degrees

emphysema

a serious disease that destroys lung tissue and causes breathing difficulties

scope of practice

a set of regulations and ethical considerations that define the scope, or extent and limits, of one's job

ramps

a sloping surface that allows access from one level to a higher or lower level, or raises something up above floor or ground level

cell phones

a small telephone you can carry with you that operates through networks of radio antennas or space satellites

sputum specimen

a specimen of expectorant material from the mouth - forcefully expelled from the lungs and placed in a sterile container

burnout

a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion created by long-term involvement in an emotionally demanding situation and accompanied by lowered performance and motivation

standard precautions

a strict form of infection control that is based on the assumption that all blood and other body fluids are infectious

anger

a strong feeling of displeasure

conflict

a struggle between opposing forces

sanitizer

a substance or preparation for killing germs

fluid

a substance that flows

prosthesis

a substitute for a diseased or missing body part, such as a leg that has been amputated

stroke

a sudden attack of weakness or paralysis that occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is interrupted

seizure

a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain that affects how a person feels or acts for a short time

gastrostomy tube

a surgically placed feeding tube from the exterior of the body into the stomach

respiratory system

a system of organs, functioning in the process of gas exchange between the body and the environment, consisting especially of the nose, nasal passages, nasopharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs

tubing

a system of tubes

survey

a technique for ascertaining the self-reported attitudes or behaviors of a particular group, usually by questioning a representative, random sample of the group

catheter

a tube used to drain or inject fluid through a body opening

elastic stockings

a type of hosiery that applies gradient pressure to the legs to prevent excessive blood accumulation in the lower extremities

gifts

a voluntary present of money or some other valuable asset

sitz bath

a warm soak of the perineal area to clean perineal wounds and reduce inflammation and pain

measuring

a way of describing matter using numbers

affected side

a weakened side from a stroke or injury; also called the "weaker" or "involved" side

job description

a written description of the basic tasks, duties, and responsibilities required of an employee holding a particular job

lifting

a. Use the major muscle groups to prevent back strain, and tighten the abdominal muscles to increase support to the back muscles b. Distribute the weight between the large muscles of the arms and legs to decrease the strain on any one muscle group and avoid strain on smaller muscles. c. When lifting an object from the floor, flex the hips, knees and back. Get the object to thigh level, keeping the knees bent and the back straightened. Stand up while holding the object as close as possible to the body, bringing the load to the center of gravity to increase stability and decrease back strain. d. Use assistive devices whenever possible, and seek assistance whenever it is needed.

hypoglycemia

abnormally low level of sugar in the blood

varicose veins

abnormally swollen, twisted veins with defective valves; most often seen in the legs

suprapubic

above the pubic bone

passive

accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance

oriented

adjusted or located in relation to surroundings or circumstances

alternating pressure mattress

air forced through mattress on alternating basis to decrease pressure on body prominences

weak side

also called hemiparesis; muscle weakness on only one side of the body; when hemiparesis happens as a result of a stroke, it commonly involves muscles in the face, arm, and leg

dementia

an abnormal condition marked by multiple cognitive defects that include memory impairment

disease

an abnormal state in which the body is not functioning normally

dehydration

an abnormally low amount of water in the body

tips

an amount paid to an employee by a customer based on how well he or she did a job cannot accept as NAs

prosthetic device

an artificial device used to replace a limb, appendage, or other body part

hearing aid

an electronic device usually worn by a person for amplifying sound before it reaches the receptor organs

pulse oximeter

an external monitor placed on the patient's finger or earlobe to measure the oxygen saturation level in the blood

ostomy bag

an external pouch that collects fecal matter diverted from the colon or ileum through a surgical opening (colostomy or ileostomy) in the abdominal wall

terminal illness

an illness or injury from which the person will not likely recover

amputees

an individual who has had a limb removed

thermometers

an instrument for measuring and indicating temperature

orientation

an introduction to a new situation or environment

paranoia

an irrational suspiciousness or distrust of others

assistive device

an object or piece of equipment designed to help a patient with activities of daily living, such as a cane, eyeglasses, or a hearing aid

responsbilities

an obligatin or duty for which a person is held accountable

pathogen(s)

an organism that causes disease

accidents

an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury

pain

an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage

stealing

any action that unjustly takes away the property or rights of others

microorganism(s)

any organism of microscopic or submicroscopic size

domestic abuse

any physical, verbal, financial, sexual, or psychological behaviors abusers use to gain and maintain power over their victims

warm and cold applications

applications to ease aches

cleaning spills

apply gloves, wipe up immediately (outside to inside), cleaning solution, be careful of sharp objects and if spill gets on you wash immediately tell proper people, wash hands

extremity

arms and legs

positioning

arranging and rearranging a resident to comfortable positions

dentures

artificial teeth

reality orientation

assisting residents to be aware of time, place and person

coronary artery disease

atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries that reduces the blood supply to the heart muscle

physician's authority

authority given to a physician to make decisions

professional boundaries

avoid dual relationships, conflicts of interest, social media contacts

subjective

based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions

pulse

beat of the heart as felt through the walls of the arteries

toenails

become thicker with age; CNA's do not cut toenails; podiatrists do

sundowning

becoming restless and agitated in the late afternoon, evening, or night

unethical behavior

behavior that does not conform to generally accepted social norms concerning beneficial and harmful actions

immune

being resistant to specific invading pathogens

dorsiflexion

bending of the foot or the toes upward

BPH

benign prostatic hypertrophy; enlarged prostate

white blood cells

blood cells that perform the function of destroying disease-causing microorganisms

central nervous system

brain and spinal cord

geriatrics

branch of medicine dealing with older individuals and their medical problems

TED hose

brand name of anti-embolism stocking

digestion

breakdown of food substances into simpler forms that can be absorbed and used

digestive system

breaks down food into absorbable units that enter the blood for distribution to body cells

aspiration

breathing fluid, food, vomitus, or an object into the lungs

palliative care

care designed not to treat an illness but to provide physical and emotional comfort to the patient and support and guidance to his or her family

morning care

care given after or around breakfast; hygiene measures are more thorough at this time

oral care

care of the mouth, teeth, gums, and tongue

holistic care

care that promotes physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual well-being

spore forming bacteria

certain bacteria that have the ability to form protective spores to survive an inactive stage

hormones

chemical messengers that are manufactured by the endocrine glands, travel through the bloodstream, and affect other tissues

angina

chest pain

varicella virus

chicken pox

epilepsy

chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizure activity

COPD

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; often results in dyspnea

rotation

circular movement around an axis

IV care

cleaning around the IV site while refraining from tugging or putting strain on the IV or tubing

mouth care

cleaning the teeth of a person in the morning and at night; also sometimes after eating a meal

pureed diet

clear and full liquids + food and fluids that have been pureed to a thick liquid form

evacuation procedures

clear step-by-step procedures for the rapid, efficient, and safe removal of individuals from a building during an emergency

cataracts

clouding of the lens in the eye impairing vision

legal ethics

codes of conduct governing how lawyers practice law and how judges administer justice

hoarding

collecting and putting things away in a guarded way

cardiac arrest

complete stopping of heart activity

integumentary system

consists of the skin, mucous membranes, hair, and nail; skin is the largest organ in the body

ileostomy

creation of an artificial opening into the ileum

deeper tissue

deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue

swallowing

deglutition

refusal

denial of what is asked

death and dying

denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance

grieving process

denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance

antibacterial

designed to fight against or kill bacteria

abductor wedge

designed to separate the legs of a patient; often used after hip surgery to prevent the new hip from "popping out".

orthopneic

difficulty breathing while lying flat

constipation

difficulty in passing stools

dysphasia

difficulty speaking

dysphagia

difficulty swallowing

reminiscence therapy

discussing past activities and experiences with another individual or group

DNR

do not resuscitate

job application

document that job seekers fill out so employers can use it to screen applicants

medications

drugs that are administered to a patient who is sick or in pain

swelling

edema

preventing injury

efforts to prevent or reduce the severity of bodily injuries caused by external mechanisms

resident independence

encouraging the patient to do ADL on their own

promoting independence

encouraging the person in your care to do as much as they can for themselves

death

end of life

hyperglycemia

excessive sugar in the blood

delusions

false beliefs, often of persecution or grandeur, that may accompany psychotic disorders

hallucination

false sensory experience, such as seeing something in the absence of an external visual stimulus

tachycardia

fast heart rate

urine

fluid wastes removed from the body by the kidneys

thick fluids

fluids that are thick, normally used for individuals who have swallowing problems

vomitus

food and fluids expelled from the stomach through the mouth; emesis

diarrhea

frequent passage of loose, watery stools

anterior

front

resident rights

further protection of rights for residents in nursing facilities that participate in Medicare programs; govern the operation of such facilities

flatus

gas expelled through the anus

oxygen

gas that enters the blood through the lungs and travels to the heart to be pumped via arteries to all body cells

bladder training

goal is to gain control of urination done as directed by nurse and care plan person uses toilet/pan at frequent regular intervals and is slowly increased

body system

group of organs that work together to perform a specific function

health-care team

group of people with different types of knowledge and skill levels who work together to provide holistic care to the patient or resident

resident harm

harming a resident

HAI

healthcare associated infection

hypertension

high blood pressure

nosocomial

hospital acquired infection

water temperature

how hot or cold the water is

bed position

how the bed sits in a given space

responding to resident behavior

how we react to residents and their behaviors

respiratory symptoms

hypoventilation, rapid shallow respirations, increased blood pressure, dyspnea, headache, hyperkalemia, disorientation, increased cardiac output, muscle weakness and hypoxia

aphasia

impairment of language

misconduct

improper behavior

incontinence

inability to control bladder and/or bowels

blindness

inability to see

Foley catheter

indwelling catheter inserted through the urethra and into the bladder that includes a collection system allowing urine to be drained into a bag; the catheter can remain in place for an extended period

medical aspesis

infection-control practices aimed at reducing the number of organisms present and transmissible from a source; also called clean technique

chain of infection

infectious agent, reservoir, portal of exit, mode of transmission, portal of entry, susceptible host

arthritis

inflammation of a joint

osteoarthritis

inflammation of the bone and joint

hepatitis B

inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), which is transmitted sexually or by exposure to contaminated blood or body fluids

I&O

intake and output

peristalsis

involuntary waves of muscle contraction that keep food moving along in one direction through the digestive system

nail care

involves keeping the fingernails and toenails clean and trimmed

seclusion

isolation from others, solitude

resident belongings

items belonging to the resident

personal items

items that are primarily for the comfort of the pt and are not medically necessary

emesis basin

kidney shaped receptacle for fluids

urinary system

kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, urethra

spiritual needs

lack of anything necessary for spiritual health (e.g., meaning and purpose, love and relatedness, forgiveness)

disrespect

lack of respect or courtesy

skin

largest organ of the body

falls

leading cause of unintentional injury death in older adults

eye glasses

lens worn to aid vision

soiled linen

linens that are dirty from bodily secretions

spills

liquid flowing over the edge of its container unintentionally

safety and security need

listed after the basic needs in Maslow's hierarchy of needs; nursing assistants need to follow the policies and procedures that are designed to keep the residents safe, both physical and emotional; an example would be keeping the walker close by or making sure resident has call light

emotional support

listening, affirming, and empathizing with someone's feelings

orthostatic hypotension

low blood pressure that occurs upon standing up

prone

lying face down

supine

lying on the back

oxygen concentrator

machine that collects and concentrates oxygen from room air and stores it for client use

hydration

maintenance of body fluid balance

types of care

many different types: long term, assisted, acute, skilled, etc.

life support

medical equipment that assists or replaces important bodily functions and so enables a patient to live who otherwise might not survive

mucous membrane

membrane that secretes mucus that lubricates the surface of organs and keeps them moist

defense mechanism

mental processes that protect individuals from strong or stressful emotions and situations

measuring height

method used to record the height of a patient; usually recorded in inches or feet and inches

petit mal seizure

milder form of seizure lasting only a few seconds and does not include convulsive movements; also known as absence seizures

cold application

minimizes swelling and reduces bleeding by constricting the blood vessels; should never be done directly to the skin as it will cause cell damage; should never be done for more than 20 minutes as damage may occur

inter-generational care

mixing children and the elderly in the same care setting

vision change

most often the loss of vision over time

oral hygiene

mouth care

breathing

movement of air into and out of the lungs

adduction

movement toward the midline of the body

transfers

moves from one place to another

progressive

moving forward; a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties

reposition

moving to its normal location or other suitable location all or a portion of a body part

sputum

mucous secretion from the lungs, bronchi, and trachea expelled through the mouth

linen

must be disposed of properly from a resident's room

acute

new, usually of rapid onset and of concern; opposite of chronic

non-contagious disease

not readily transmitted from one host to another

unconscious

not within thought; not awake

NPO

nothing by mouth (nil per os)

restorative care

nursing care that is planned to promote residents health and regain as much of their independence as possible

diastolic

occurs when the ventricles are relaxed; the lowest pressure against the walls of an artery

quadrant

one of four sections into which the coordinate plane is divided

cc's in an ounce

one ounce = 30 cc (mL)

withdrawn resident

one that has no interest in activities or being around others

self-esteem

one's feelings of high or low self-worth

military time

operates off a 24-hour clock

oxygen use

oxygen therapy, which is the administration of oxygen as a medical intervention, which can be for a variety of purposes in both chronic and acute patient care

phantom pain

pain or discomfort felt in an amputated limb

quadriplegia

paralysis of all four limbs

hemiplegia

paralysis of one side of the body

droplets

particles of liquids that are sprayed from the nose or mouth when a person sneezes, coughs, sings, talks, or laughs

urinary elimination

passage of urine out of the urinary tract through the urinary sphincter and urethra

listening

paying close attention to, and making sense of, what we hear

PPE

personal protective equipment

gloves

personal protective equipment used to protect skin on hands from harmful germs

tympanic

pertaining to the eardrum

radial

pertaining to the radius

rectal

pertaining to the rectum

urethral

pertaining to the urethra

transporting

physically moving from one place to another

autoclave

piece of equipment used to sterilize articles by way of steam under pressure and/or dry heat

activites

pieces of work that consume time

dying

process of decline in body functions, resulting in death of an organism

transporting food

process of taking food from one place to another

bowel program

program that manipulates factors within a person's control (timing of defecation, exercise, diet) to produce a regular pattern of comfortable defecation without medication or enemas

dressing

protective covering placed over a wound

tube feeding

provision of food to the stomach through a tube

edema

puffy swelling of tissue from the accumulation of fluid

elevate head

raising the head up

insomnia

recurring problems in falling or staying asleep

resident's families

related by birth marriage or adoption as well as extended family and friends of the resident

certification renewal

renewal of certification, often for CPR

types of isolation

reproductive, temporal, behavioral, geographic

fire

requires fuel, oxygen, and heat

wandering resident

resident that wanders, or tries to escape from a facility

aggressive resident

resident who is exhibiting aggressive behavior

combative resident

resident with violent or hostile behavior

appropriate repsonse

response that is appropriate

accountable

responsible

invasion of privacy

revealing personal information about an individual without his or her consent

Resident's Bill of Rights

rights guaranteed under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) to residents in long-term care

basic rights

rights that all people possess because of their very nature as humans; inalienable rights

specimen

sample

bargaining

seeking an agreement to a conflict through direct negotiation between parties

isolation

separation from others; aloneness often for patients who are contagious

telephone etiquette

set of skills and attitudes used when answering the phone that allows the assistant to sound alert, interested, and concerned

unsteady

shaky or not firm

needles

sharp instruments for suturing or puncturing

abbreviations

shortened forms of words

strong side

side of the body not weakened

bacteria

single-celled organisms that are apart of the normal flora of the human body; some can cause disease

high Fowler's

sitting up 90 degrees

interpersonal skills

skills that promote relationships with other people

drowsy

sleepy

stockings

socks

feces

solid wastes; stool

hearing impaired

someone who is hard of hearing or who has no hearing

ombudsman

someone who supports or promotes the needs and interests of another person

decubitus ulcer

sore caused by lying down for long periods of time

adaptive devices

special equipment that helps a person who is ill or disabled to perform ADLs; also called assistive devices

mechanical lift

special equipment used to lift and move or lift and weigh a person; also called hydraulic lift

beliefs

specific ideas that people hold to be true

slander

spoken defamation; inappropriate in a health care setting

germ transmission

spreading germs from one person or area to another; this can be prevented by washing your hands

aggressive behavior

standing up for one's rights in a negative manner that violates the rights of others

immobility

state of being unable to move

antiembolitic

stockings used to prevent blood clots from forming in the legs

extension

straightening of a joint

personal stress

stressors that affect the individual personally

elastic

stretchy

nutrients

substances in food that your body needs to grow, to repair itself, and to supply you with energy

muscle spasms

sudden, painful, involuntary muscle contractions

supplemental feedings

supplying nutrients that are lacking in the regular diet

fire safety

taking precautions to prevent a fire and having a plan when a fire occurs Rescue, Alarm, Confine, Extinguish

body/bodily fluids

tears, saliva, sputum (mucous coughed up), urine, feces, semen, vaginal secretions, and pus or other wound drainage

safety techniques

techniques used for safety

vital signs

temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure, pain

paralysis

temporary or permanent loss of motor control

state tested

tested by the state

HIPAA

the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, a federal law protecting the privacy of patient-specific health care information and providing the patient with control over how this information is used and distributed

empathy

the ability to understand and share the feelings of another

helping residents

the act of assisting residents

admission

the act of being admitted to a health care facility

confidentiality

the act of holding information in confidence, not to be released to unauthorized individuals

clarification

the act of making clear or understandable, an explanation

shaving

the act of removing hair with a razor

smoking

the act of smoking tobacco or other substances

feeding

the act of supplying food and nourishment

bathing

the act of washing yourself (or another person)

religious service

the act of worship according to beliefs

defamation

the action of damaging the good reputation of someone

evacuation

the action of evacuating a person or a place

hair care

the activity of washing, cutting, curling, or arranging the hair

output

the amount of fluid produced by a person

intake

the amount of fluid taken in

body temperature

the amount of heat in the body that is a balance between the amount of heat produced and the amount lost by the body

delegation

the assignment of new or additional responsibilities to others

safety

the condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury

anxiety

the condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen

hyperventilation

the condition of taking abnormally fast, deep breaths

etiquette

the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group

quality of life

the degree of overall satisfaction that a person gets from life

masturbation

the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure

nurse's station

the desk area of a nursing unit

alarm(s)

the first phase of the stress response, in which the person faces a challenge and starts paying attention to it

diet

the foods and beverages a person eats and drinks

basic nutrition

the idea that food and water are essential for life and healthy balance of different types of food is required for a healthy lifestyle

first aid

the immediate, temporary care given to an ill or injured person until professional medical care can be provided

communication

the imparting or exchanging of information or news

lactose intolerance

the inability to completely digest the milk sugar lactose

confused resident

the inability to think clearly., a patient with a distorted mental status

admitting resident

the individual being accepted into a Long Term Care Facility

contamination

the introduction of dangerous chemicals, disease, or infectious materials

hand tremors

the involuntary trembling or shaking of the hands or fingers

bed height

the level of a patient's bed; moved to certain heights for certain situations

chain of command

the line of authority that moves from the top of a hierarchy to the lowest level

height

the measurement associated with an object's top-to-bottom dimension

choking

the mechanical obstruction of the flow of air from the environment into the lungs

physical needs

the most basic human needs, including food, water, clothing, shelter and sleep

respiratory disease

the movement of air or dissolved gases into and out of the lungs causing a sickness

aging process

the natural occurrences in the body that produce the changes associated with growing old

social needs

the need for love, companionship, and friendship- the desire for acceptance by others

urination

the normal process of excreting urine

discharging resident

the official release of a resident from a health care facility to their home; the team helps prepare the resident to leave

reporting

the oral account of care and observations

sensory system

the part of your nervous system that detects or senses the environment

contracture

the permanent tightening of fascia, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or skin that occurs when normally elastic connective tissues are replaced with nonelastic fibrous tissues

lateral position

the person lies on one side or the other; side-lying position

abuse

the physical, mental, emotional, or sexual mistreatment of one person by another

pet therapy

the practice of bringing pets into a facility or home to provide stimulation and companionship

blood pressure

the pressure that is exerted by the blood against the walls of blood vessels

ethics

the principles of right and wrong that guide an individual in making decisions

absorption

the process by which nutrient molecules pass through the wall of the digestive system into the blood

nutrition

the process by which the body takes in and uses food

stress

the process by which we perceive and respond to certain events, called stressors, that we appraise as threatening or challenging

conflict resolution

the process of ending a conflict through cooperation and problem solving

care planning

the process of organizing and documenting the specific goals in the treatment of an individual patient, amending the goals as the patient's condition requires, and assessing the outcomes of care

cleaning

the process of removing dirt, dust, blood, or other visible contaminants from a surface

sterilization

the process that completely destroys all microbial life, including spores

fecal impaction

the prolonged retention and buildup of feces in the rectum

continuity

the property of a continuous and connected period of time

unaffected

the quality of being emotionally unmoved by outside events

range of motion

the range through which a joint can be moved

de-escalation

the reduction or elimination of conflict

mental health

the state of mental well-being in which one can cope with the demands of daily life

anatomy

the study of body structure

gerontology

the study of the aging process in people from mid-life through old age

colostomy

the surgical creation of an artificial excretory opening between the colon and the body surface

resident's environment

the surroundings that best suit a particular resident

musculoskeletal system

the system of bones and skeletal muscles that support and protect the body and permit movement

bath water temperature

the temperature of the water used to give a bath; not too hot and not too cold

chemotherapy

the use of drugs to treat diseases such as cancer

atrophy

the wasting away of a body organ or tissue

behavior

the way an organism reacts to changes in its internal condition or external environment

subjective data

things a person tells you about that you cannot observe through your senses; symptoms

basic needs

things people cannot live without, such as food, clothing, and shelter.

safety precautions

things you can do in advance to protect against possible dangers or accidents

catheter care

thorough cleaning of the perineal area (especially around the urethra) and the catheter tubing that extends outside of the body to prevent infection

mites

tiny, often parasitic arachnids living on animals or plants; can cause scabies

pressure ulcers

tissue damage caused when the skin and underlying soft tissue are compressed between a bony prominence and an external surface for an extended period; tissue ischemia that leads to necrosis

weighing

to determine the weight of by or as if by using a scale or balance

constrict

to draw together or become smaller

dangle

to hang loosely

nursing assistant's role

to help with ADLs and aid the patient with day to day treatment

harm

to hurt

legal responsibilities

to obey local, state, federal, and relevant international laws

transport bag

to prevent contamination if the specimen leaks

reminiscing

to recall past experiences, events

in-service programs

training programs offered at an institution to staff to maintain their knowledge base r/t their profession

in-house transfer

transferring patients to different areas of the building while still in the same facility

respectful treament

treating one with respect

hospice care

treatment of the terminally ill in their own homes, or in special hospital units or other facilities, with the goal of helping them to die comfortably, without pain

disrespectful treatment

treatment that lacks of respect or is rude and discourteous

pronation

turning the palm downward

twice daily

two times a day (BID)

low sodium diet

type of diet is good for those with heart disease or kidney disease

call signal

typically a light to indicate that a patient needs assistance

objective

unbiased; not subjective

dizziness

used to describe feeling faint or lightheaded, to feeling weak or unsteady

heat application

used to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area by dilating the vessels

contact isolation

used when caring for people infected with pathogens that can be transmitted directly or indirectly

workplace violence

verbal, physical, or sexual abuse of staff by other staff members, residents, or visitors

emesis

vomiting

ambulation

walking

frayed cord

wear or tearing in a cord

input and output

what is taken in and expelled from the body

objective data

what the health professional observes by inspecting, palpating, percussing, and auscultating

initial observations

what you observe in a patient the first time you see them

shearing of skin

when skin sticks to a surface while muscles slide in the direction the body is moving causing harm

fluid inbalance

when the amount of fluid inputted into the body does not meet the output

medical record

written account of a persons condition and response to treatment & care

care plan

A plan developed for each resident to achieve certain goals; it outlines the steps and tasks that the care team must perform