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.
Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) system causes a stool that is black, tarry, and foul smelling. The bleeding comes from the esophagus, stomach, or small intestine. Immediately report any unusual stools to the nurse.
Aspiration results when food, liquids, saliva, or vomit enter the lungs instead of being swallowed. This is a dangerous situation, because pneumonia can develop.
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.
All documentation must be done in permanent ink. If you make a mistake, follow your facility's policy for correction. Usually it is a single line through the error, with the date, time, and your initials.
Patients who are in traction require full care. Including vital signs, positioning, and bathing. Traction weights are ordered by physicians, so the CNA may not change any weights. If the CNA observes a weight out of place or on the floor, notify the nurse immediately.
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 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.
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.
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.
Any food that is fermented, such as sauerkraut, has a high sodium level. A cup of sauerkraut has over 1,500 milligrams of sodium. This is more than many people are allowed on a low sodium diet.
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 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.
Alcohol is not a sleep aid. It actually disrupts sleep. It interrupts the normal REM sleep cycle. For people with breathing problems or sleep apnea, alcohol worsens symptoms.
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 inner ear is responsible for helping maintain balance. Three tiny fluid-filled tubes, called the vestibular, send impulses to the brain. The brain uses the impulses to adjust the body's position.
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