CNA Basic Nursing Skills 16
Signs of poor circulation are
Poor circulation is the result of another medical condition. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) causes circulation to be impaired due to narrowed blood vessels in the legs. Without a good blood supply, skin becomes pale and cool to the touch. Edema develops when extra fluid cannot be returned to the heart. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling, pain, and muscle cramps. Other causes of poor circulation are diabetes, obesity, and varicose veins.
The plan, which begins on the resident’s admission and assists when the resident goes home, is called
A good discharge plan allows for continuity of the care that begins on admission. It anticipates possible issues or barriers which the client and their family may encounter, as well as services which will be needed after discharge. All team members can contribute to the plan, based on their interactions with the client.
A sitting or semi-sitting position with the head of the bed elevated is called
Fowler's position is the standard way to position a client to improve oxygenation. There are several types of Fowler's position. In high Fowler's, the client sits upright in bed at a 90 degree angle to allow the chest to expand. Semi-Fowler's position raises the head of the bed at 45-60 degrees, and is used for drainage and comfort after surgeries.
The most important way for the nurse aide to gather information about the safety and well being of the resident is
As the primary staff member who provides hands-on care for the resident, the nurse aide is able to observe the resident's current condition with accuracy. Flow sheets provide information about the resident over time, but the nurse aide is able to assess the situation in real-time.
For most residents, normal respiration ranges between
The normal breath rate for adults is 12-20 times a minute. When measuring a client's respiratory rate, start when the client is at rest. Each inhale and exhale makes up a single breath. Count breaths for 60 seconds when taking a respiratory rate.
The exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place
The lungs are the main organs of the respiratory system. They take in oxygen during inhalation and release carbon dioxide during exhalation. The gases are exchanged in the tiny air sacs of the lungs, called alveoli.
Various factors will change pulse rate. Increased pulse rates can be caused by
The heart rate is lowest when at rest or no physical activity is happening. It increases when there is a need for more oxygen. Exercise always triggers a faster pulse. Other factors that raise the heart rate include pain, anxiety, stress, or too much thyroid medication.
A Hepatitis B vaccination protects the person receiving it against a disease that affects
Hepatitis B is a serious, contagious infection caused by a virus (HBV). Most commonly spread by exposure to body fluids, it can cause both acute and chronic disease. Many agencies and facilities require employees to receive the HBV vaccination series in order to protect themselves and others.
A diabetic resident asks the nurse aide to cut her toenails. The nurse aide should
Because diabetics often have neuropathy, or nerve damage, they are unable to detect if their feet are injured. Even trimming toenails can cause an injury. Diabetics need expert care from a podiatrist or a qualified foot care professional. You could be held liable if the client developed an infection after you cut her toenails.