Less than 90/60 is considered low blood pressure (hypotension). For hypotension to be present, only one of the numbers needs to be lower. Some clients' blood pressure may be in the low range of normal, but if it drops suddenly from the norm, call the nurse right once.
One of the primary responsibilities of a nurse aide is to monitor the client's skin for any signs of breakdown. During baths, dressing, or position changes, inspect the skin for redness, pallor, warmth, or bruising. Reposition at least every two hours, protecting areas that rub together, as well as the bony prominences. Massages to the back and buttocks can promote circulation. Range-of-motion exercises are also helpful. Always report any signs of redness or breakdown to the nurse.
Aphasia occurs after a stroke or injury to the part of the brain that controls language, usually the left side of the brain. Aphasia can affect the ability to speak, understand words, as well as reading and writing. Intelligence is not affected, which can lead to frustration for the person.
Hands that have visible filth on them should be washed with soap and water. The remaining choices are all regarded as scenarios in which an alcohol-based hand cleaner might be employed.
Dietary fiber is found in plants: fruits, vegetables and grains. There is very little fiber in meat and dairy products. Fruit juices have most of their natural fiber removed.
A client with hemiplegia has paralysis on one side of the body. The paralysis can be partial or total. It occurs on the opposite side of the CVA (stroke) or brain disorder. The paralysis occurs on the opposite site of the brain where the brain injury happens. If the injury is on the right side of the brain, the left side of the body is affected.
1000 cc equals one liter. If the patient drinks one liter plus another half, they have had 1500 cc. In medical and pharmacy terms, 1 cc = 1 ml. Mr. Green drank 1500 cc or 1500 ml.
The normal range of heartbeats is 60-100 per minute. A pulse rate below 60 is called bradycardia, and should be reported to the nurse. "Brady" means slow. Bradypnea is a slow respiratory rate.
Patients with diabetes follow a tight regimen for eating and receiving insulin shots. Blood sugar increases after eating, and insulin aids in bringing that sugar into the cells. Without food, the blood sugar lowers sharply, which can be dangerous. It's important to get treated right away. Check the client's blood sugar right away and let the nurse know the results. The customer must have 15 grams of glucose or a simple carbohydrate, such as a tablespoon of sugar or a half-cup of orange juice. To ensure that meals are delivered soon after insulin injections, the nurse's assistant should be aware of which clients have diabetes.
Hypertension is diagnosed when a person has consistent blood pressure measurements of 140/90 or greater. Hypertension has no symptoms as it develops; it can be present for years without a person knowing it.
I/O stands for intake and outflow measurements of all liquids. Only cc or mL should be used to measure liquids. The amount of water in a patient's 4 oz cup is equal to 120 cc or 120 mL when multiplied by 30. 1 oz = 30 mL. To accurately measure urine production, a urometer of some kind or a urine cap should be employed.
Restraints are only applied with a doctor's prescription and only when the resident poses a threat to their own safety or the safety of others. A 24/7 watch schedule or additional employees are probably unmanageable given the number of residents and workers at a care facility, and isolation raises the risk of harm. Given the available options, this is the right response; nevertheless, before using restraints, make sure you are in compliance with state laws in your area. They are not allowed to be used in at least one state.
A medical term that begins with "A" means the absence of. Afebrile means no fever. Other examples: Asystole (no heart beat), apnea (no breathing) and anuria (no urine).
In order to minimize swelling, cold packs are used. Back discomfort is frequently treated with heat compressions. To halt bleeding, apply pressure with a dry bandage, and treat burns with a moist bandage.
Every CNA should know the basic signs of problems of diabetes. Cold, clammy skin is abnormal and should be reported immediately to the nurse. The patient likely has a low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and needs glucose quickly: orange juice, hard candy, or glucagon. Other warning signs of hypoglycemia are shakiness, anxiety, irritability, rapid heart beat, and dizziness.
An open bed is the term used for a bed that is ready for a patient to enter. The sheets are folded back, so that it's easy for the patient to get in. Open beds are for new patients, as well as preparing the bed when patients get up for a short time.