CNA Flashcards

When a patient who has been dizzy is showering, you should

Answer: sit the patient in a shower chair, and remain nearby.

When a dizzy patient is showering, the safest approach is to have them sit in a shower chair and for the CNA to remain nearby. The shower chair prevents falls due to dizziness or weakness, while the CNA's presence ensures immediate assistance if needed. This prioritizes patient safety and provides necessary support during a potentially risky activity.

The case manager for a client requiring home health care is usually done by

Answer: A registered nurse

A Registered Nurse (RN) typically serves as the case manager for clients requiring home health care. RNs have the comprehensive medical knowledge and clinical judgment to assess patient needs, coordinate services, develop care plans, and communicate with physicians and other healthcare providers. This ensures holistic and effective management of complex care at home.

What does afebrile mean?

Answer: No fever

The term 'afebrile' means without fever. In medical terminology, 'a-' is a prefix meaning 'not' or 'without,' and 'febrile' refers to having a fever. Therefore, an afebrile patient has a normal body temperature and does not exhibit signs of fever, indicating the absence of an elevated body temperature.

Which device does NOT make toileting easier?

Answer: Egg crate toilet cover

An egg crate toilet cover is designed to provide pressure relief and comfort, typically for patients who spend extended periods sitting, but it does not make toileting easier. Elevated toilet seats, grab bars, and bedside commodes directly assist with mobility, balance, and accessibility, thereby facilitating the toileting process for individuals with physical limitations.

You walk into the dining room. The conscious resident has his hands to his throat and is making no sounds. The first thing you will do is...

Answer: Ask, “Are you choking?”

When a conscious person has their hands to their throat and is making no sounds, the first step is to ask, 'Are you choking?' This question helps confirm if they are indeed choking and if their airway is completely obstructed. If they can respond, even with a nod, it indicates some air movement, guiding the next steps for intervention.

How would a nursing aide identify a problem with a diabetic patient?

Answer: Cold, clammy skin

Cold, clammy skin is a classic sign of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in a diabetic patient. Other symptoms can include confusion, shakiness, and increased heart rate. Recognizing this symptom is crucial for a CNA to report immediately, as severe hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, unconsciousness, and even death if not treated promptly.

In the Nursing Care Plan you note it is written; “O2 per N/C @3L, Orthopnea pos. as needed”. As a CNA you know this means

Answer: Resident has oxygen with a nasal cannula on three liters, assist to sit in Fowlers

Understanding medical abbreviations is essential for CNAs to correctly interpret care plans. 'O2 per N/C @3L' means the resident has oxygen delivered via a nasal cannula at three liters per minute. 'Orthopnea pos. as needed' indicates that the resident needs to be assisted to an upright position (Fowler's position) as needed to ease breathing, as orthopnea is difficulty breathing when lying flat.

What is the definition of Aphasia?

Answer: The inability to articulate words or speak

Aphasia is a communication disorder that affects a person's ability to express and understand written or spoken language. It results from damage to the brain, often due to stroke or head injury. This condition can manifest as difficulty articulating words, finding the right words, or comprehending what others are saying, significantly impacting communication.

Who should manage the resident's finances?

Answer: The resident

Residents in healthcare facilities have the right to manage their own finances, as part of their autonomy and personal rights. Unless a legal guardian or power of attorney has been appointed due to incapacitation, the resident retains control over their financial affairs. Healthcare staff should support this right and provide assistance as needed, but not take over management.

The RN, LPN, and CNA are members of the

Answer: Nursing team

The Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) are all integral members of the nursing team. They work collaboratively under a hierarchical structure, with the RN typically leading the team, to provide comprehensive patient care. Each role has distinct responsibilities but contributes to the overall nursing care plan.

Mrs. Johnson, a resident with dementia, loves to wear her favorite blue plaid shirt with her favorite green striped pants. What should you do?

Answer: Respect her choice of clothing.

When caring for a resident with dementia, it is important to respect their choices, even if their clothing combinations seem unusual. Forcing them to change or teasing them can cause distress and agitation. Allowing them to maintain some control over their personal preferences, like clothing, promotes their dignity, autonomy, and overall well-being, even with cognitive impairment.

Of the human needs listed below, which are considered basic?

Answer: All of the above

Basic human needs encompass a wide range of physical, emotional, social, and spiritual requirements for well-being. According to frameworks like Maslow's Hierarchy, these include physiological needs (which cover sexual health), safety, love/belonging (social connection), esteem, and self-actualization (often involving spiritual fulfillment). CNAs must address all these aspects to provide holistic and person-centered care.

Mr. Burns just smoked a cigarette. How long should you wait to take his oral temperature?

Answer: 15-20 minutes

Smoking, eating, or drinking can temporarily alter the temperature of the oral cavity, leading to inaccurate readings. Waiting 15-20 minutes allows the mouth temperature to return to its baseline, ensuring the most precise measurement. This waiting period is crucial for obtaining reliable vital signs that reflect the client's true physiological state.

When helping a resident get out of bed, what should a nurse aide do?

Answer: Use good body mechanics.

Using good body mechanics, such as keeping the back straight, bending at the knees, and using leg muscles, is essential for preventing injury to both the nurse aide and the resident during transfers. This practice ensures a safe and efficient transfer while protecting the aide's musculoskeletal health. While other options like asking for help might be necessary for heavier residents, good body mechanics are universally applied for all transfers.

When interacting with clients, the nurse aide should remember that

Answer: more than half of all communication is non-verbal.

Non-verbal cues, including body language, facial expressions, gestures, and tone of voice, convey a significant portion of a message. CNAs must be observant of these cues, especially with clients who have difficulty speaking, to accurately understand their needs, feelings, and discomfort. Relying solely on spoken words can lead to misunderstandings and inadequate care.

To prevent dehydration of the client, the nurse aide SHOULD

Answer: offer fluids frequently while the client is awake.

Dehydration is a common and serious risk for clients, particularly the elderly. Offering fluids frequently throughout the day while the client is awake helps ensure adequate fluid intake and prevents the negative health consequences of dehydration. This proactive approach is essential for maintaining overall health, kidney function, and preventing complications like constipation or confusion.

Signs of poor circulation are

Answer: paleness, cold skin, edema

Poor circulation indicates that blood flow to tissues is restricted, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. Paleness and cold skin are direct signs of reduced blood supply, while edema (swelling) can occur due to fluid retention when circulation is impaired. Recognizing these signs is crucial for a CNA to report to the nurse, as they can indicate serious underlying health issues.

Elderly residents sometimes appear stooped over and like they have lost height. This is due to

Answer: osteoporosis in the spinal column

Osteoporosis is a condition that causes bones to become brittle and weak, particularly affecting the spinal column. This can lead to compression fractures of the vertebrae, resulting in a stooped posture known as kyphosis and a gradual loss of height over time. It is a common age-related change that impacts skeletal structure.

A patient who is on suicide watch should be allowed to have

Answer: pictures of their family in an album.

For a patient on suicide watch, safety is the highest priority, meaning any items that could be used for self-harm must be removed from their environment. Pictures in an album are generally safe and can provide comfort and a connection to loved ones without posing a risk. Items like belts, mirrors, or glass containers could potentially be used to inflict harm and are typically restricted.

When caring for a home health client, all team members need to

Answer: Communicate frequently with each other.

Effective and frequent communication among all team members is vital for providing coordinated and comprehensive care, especially in a home health setting. Regular updates ensure everyone is aware of the client's current condition, needs, and any changes, leading to better outcomes and preventing errors. This collaborative approach ensures continuity and quality of care.