To take an oral temperature, make sure the client has not had anything hot or cold to eat or drink, and has not smoked, for 15-20 minutes. Place the thermometer under the client's tongue. A digital thermometer will beep when it registers the client's temperature. A glass thermometer will have a line that stops moving when it gives the reading. In an adult, a fever is considered to be greater than 38 degrees C (100.4 degrees F). For children, a fever is 37.5 degrees C (99.5 degrees F).
It is important for every health care professional to only perform tasks that are within the scope of practice. As a CNA, you are a valuable team member to contribute to a care plan conference. The other tasks are for the nurse.
A medical chart is a permanent record of a patient's diagnoses, evaluations, treatments, and condition. Each health care team member records their treatment and the patient's response. Including visitor names would be highly unusual.
Range of motion (ROM) exercises provide a way to maintain joint flexibility. In passive ROM, someone moves the joints with no assistance from the client. In active ROM, the client does the exercises alone or with the help of devices, such as a strap. ROM is important to prevent contractures. A contracture is a shortening of muscles, tissues, tendons, and skin at the joints, due to lack of movement and exercise. When joints remain bent over time, they can no longer be straightened.
A primary safety rule in fall prevention is to always return a bed in the lowest position. Residents should be able to touch the floor with their feet so they can stand easily. Bed wheels should be locked and side rails down.
A radial pulse is found at the client's wrist. To locate it, place your index and middle fingers on the hollow area below the thumb. Apply light pressure to feel the pulse. Count each beat for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 to get the pulse rate. If the client has an irregular heartbeat, count for 60 seconds. Record the pulse rate in the client's chart.
The signs and symptoms of pneumonia can range from mild to severe. Besides the those listed, a patient may have shortness of breath, fever, sweating, and chills. The patient may have extreme fatigue and older patients may appear confused.
Fecal incontinence, also called bowel incontinence or accidental bowel leakage, happens when people are unable to control their bowel movements. Stool can leak or ooze from the rectum, sometimes without the person being aware that it's happening. About 45% of nursing home residents have this condition. It's more common in women than men, because of childbirth.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) can cause several important signs and symptoms. The patient may feel an urgent need to urinate, but when on the toilet, actually have a few dribbles of urine. There can be pain, burning, or stinging while trying to urinate. The urine may appear cloudy or even have streaks or spots of blood. Always report any of these to the nurse.
As a CNA, you may be the first person that learns of a client's pain. Report what the client tells you to the nurse. You can try to make the client more comfortable with a position change, arranging pillows, or other supportive measures.
Intake and output measure the fluid balance in the body. To calculate input, add all liquids, plus foods that are liquid at room temperature, such as ice cream, ice pops and jello. Pudding is also included, because it is mostly milk.
The nursing team is made of the staff members with specific training in direct patient care. The team coordinates to provide care according to each person's scope of practice.
Helping residents prepare or be transported to procedures will most often happen on the day shift (7 a.m. -3:30 p.m.). If there is a prep or an order for NPO, another shift may be involved, but the main responsibility is on the day shift.
A patient's ID wristband is the only proper way to identify a patient. The wristband is waterproof and has the patient's name, birthdate, and hospital/patient number. Many facilities also have a bar code on the wristband. Every facility has strict protocols for using the ID wristband to identify a patient before treatments, procedures, medications, tests, and special diets.
A cataract happens when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, causing blurry and poor vision. If untreated, blindness will result. Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness in the world.
Geriatrics, or geriatric medicine, is the branch of medicine specializing in elderly people. The focus is on preventing illness and treating conditions that are common in older people. Medical care can become complex as people age, and a geriatrician can help manage multiple health issues.
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