Free CNA Exam Flashcards

Basic self-care tasks including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, transferring, and continence. CNAs assist residents who cannot perform these independently. Document assistance level: independent, supervised, or total care.

Measurements of body functions: Temperature (97.6-99.6°F oral), Pulse (60-100 bpm), Respirations (12-20/min), Blood Pressure (120/80 mmHg normal). Report abnormal values immediately to the nurse.

Using the body efficiently to prevent injury during movement. Key principles: wide base of support, bend at knees (not waist), keep back straight, hold objects close to body, avoid twisting—turn whole body instead.

Exercises that move joints through their full movement. Types: Active (patient does it), Passive (CNA moves joints), Active-Assistive (patient does with help). Prevents contractures and maintains mobility.

Proper body alignment in bed/chair. Common positions: Supine (on back), Prone (on stomach), Lateral (on side), Fowler's (sitting up 45-90°), Semi-Fowler's (30-45°). Reposition every 2 hours to prevent pressure injuries.

Safety device worn around patient's waist during transfers and ambulation. Provides secure grip for CNA. Apply snugly over clothing at waist level. Never use on patients with recent abdominal surgery, colostomy, or rib fractures.

Infection control practices used with ALL patients regardless of diagnosis. Includes hand hygiene, PPE use, safe injection practices, respiratory hygiene, and proper handling of contaminated equipment. Assumes all blood/body fluids are infectious.

Most important infection control measure. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand rub. Perform: before/after patient contact, after removing gloves, before eating, after using bathroom.

Barriers to prevent infection transmission. Includes gloves, gowns, masks, goggles, face shields. Don order: gown, mask, goggles, gloves. Doff order: gloves, goggles, gown, mask (removing most contaminated first).

Additional measures beyond standard precautions. Contact (gown/gloves for MRSA, C. diff), Droplet (mask within 3-6 feet for flu), Airborne (N95 respirator for TB, measles). Check door signage before entering.

Practices that reduce the number and spread of microorganisms. Includes hand washing, using clean gloves, keeping clean items separate from dirty. Different from surgical asepsis which requires sterile technique.

Six links required for infection to spread: 1) Infectious agent (pathogen), 2) Reservoir (where it lives), 3) Portal of exit, 4) Mode of transmission, 5) Portal of entry, 6) Susceptible host. Break any link to prevent infection.

Fire response protocol: R-Rescue (remove patients from danger), A-Alarm (pull fire alarm, call 911), C-Contain (close doors/windows), E-Extinguish (if small fire, use extinguisher) or Evacuate.

How to use a fire extinguisher: P-Pull the pin, A-Aim at base of fire, S-Squeeze the handle, S-Sweep side to side. Stand 6-8 feet from fire. Know location of extinguishers on your unit.

Measures to prevent patient falls: bed in lowest position, call light within reach, non-skid footwear, adequate lighting, clear pathways, locked wheelchair brakes, use of gait belt, answer call lights promptly.

Devices that restrict movement. Used only as last resort with physician order. Check every 15-30 minutes, release every 2 hours for ROM and toileting. Document behavior requiring restraint and patient response.

Signs: inability to speak/cough, clutching throat (universal sign). For conscious adult: abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). For unconscious: call for help, begin CPR, look for object before giving breaths.

Documentation of any unusual occurrence (fall, injury, medication error). Complete factually without blame or opinions. Report to nurse immediately. Not placed in patient chart—used for quality improvement.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Protects patient privacy. Only share information on need-to-know basis. Don't discuss patients in public areas. Violations can result in fines and job loss.

Objective: measurable facts you observe (vital signs, skin color, behavior). Subjective: what patient tells you (pain level, nausea, feelings). Document both types. 'Patient states...' for subjective.

Report immediately: changes in vital signs, pain, skin breakdown, falls, behavioral changes, patient complaints, abnormal output, refusal of care. Use SBAR format: Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation.

Record care immediately after providing it. Use black ink, be factual and objective. Never erase—draw single line through errors. Sign entries with name and title. If not documented, it wasn't done.

Patient's communication lifeline. Must always be within reach. Answer promptly—never ignore. If you can't help immediately, tell patient you'll return. Check on patients who don't use call light.

Federal protections for nursing home residents under OBRA. Include: dignity, privacy, choice, grievance filing, freedom from abuse/restraints, manage finances, communicate freely, participate in care planning.

Patient's right to receive information about treatment and make decisions. Must understand risks, benefits, alternatives. CNAs don't obtain consent but ensure patient understands and report concerns to nurse.

Legal documents stating healthcare wishes if patient can't communicate. Living Will (treatment preferences), Healthcare Power of Attorney (designates decision-maker), DNR (Do Not Resuscitate). Must be honored.

Intentional mistreatment. Types: Physical (hitting, rough handling), Verbal (yelling, threatening), Psychological (humiliation), Sexual, Financial (stealing), Neglect (withholding care). Report suspected abuse immediately—mandatory reporter.

1987 federal law establishing minimum standards for nursing homes. Requires nurse aide training (75+ hours) and competency testing. Protects resident rights. Facilities must maintain quality of life.

Complete bath for bedbound patients. Work from clean to dirty (face first, perineum last). Change water when cool, soapy, or dirty. Keep patient covered for warmth and dignity. Check water temperature (105-110°F).

Cleaning of genital and anal area. Provide privacy. For females: wipe front to back to prevent UTI. For males: retract foreskin if uncircumcised, clean, replace. Observe for redness, discharge, odor.

Care of mouth, teeth, gums. Brush teeth at least twice daily. For unconscious patients: position on side, use swabs, apply light suction. Dentures: remove, brush, store in labeled cup with water.

Maintain skin integrity. Keep skin clean and dry. Apply lotion to dry areas (not between toes). Inspect for redness, breakdown, bruising. Report changes. Massage around—not over—reddened areas.

Skin breakdown from prolonged pressure. Stages: 1 (redness), 2 (blister/open), 3 (deep crater), 4 (muscle/bone visible). Prevention: reposition every 2 hours, keep skin dry, use pressure-relieving devices.

Care for urinary catheter. Keep bag below bladder level, never on floor. Clean around insertion site daily. Don't disconnect tubing. Report: decreased output, leaking, blood, pain, signs of infection.

Food/liquid entering airway instead of esophagus. Risk factors: dysphagia, decreased consciousness, poor positioning. Prevention: upright position (90°), chin tuck, thickened liquids if ordered, small bites.

Difficulty swallowing. Signs: coughing during meals, wet/gurgling voice, food pocketing in cheeks. May require modified diet (pureed, mechanical soft) or thickened liquids. Speech therapy evaluation.

Measuring all fluids consumed and eliminated. Record in mL. Intake: oral fluids, IV, tube feeding. Output: urine, vomit, drainage. Normal urine output: 30 mL/hour minimum. Report imbalances.

Help patients who can't feed themselves. Sit at eye level, identify foods, offer small bites, allow time to chew/swallow. Alternate solids and liquids. Note percentage of meal eaten. Report poor intake.

Insufficient fluid intake. Signs: dry mouth, decreased urine (dark/concentrated), confusion, sunken eyes, poor skin turgor. Encourage fluids unless restricted. Report signs promptly—can be serious in elderly.

Progressive cognitive decline affecting memory, thinking, behavior. Alzheimer's is most common type. Care: consistent routine, simple instructions, calm environment, redirection (not arguing), ensure safety.

Increased confusion and agitation in late afternoon/evening in dementia patients. Causes may include fatigue, low lighting, disrupted sleep. Interventions: adequate lighting, calm activities, consistent routine.

Communication approach for dementia patients. Acknowledge feelings rather than correcting false beliefs. Don't argue about reality. Use reminiscence, gentle touch, and empathy. Reduces anxiety and agitation.

Common but not normal part of aging. Signs: sadness, withdrawal, appetite/sleep changes, loss of interest, fatigue. May present as physical complaints. Report observations to nurse. Take suicide comments seriously.

Approach for confused patients. Provide current information (date, time, place, names). Use calendars, clocks. Not appropriate for advanced dementia where it may cause frustration. Use with mild confusion.

Comfort care for dying patients. Focus on dignity, pain management, emotional support. Physical signs of approaching death: mottling, irregular breathing, decreased responsiveness. Support family. Honor advance directives.

Care of body after death. Provide privacy, treat with dignity. Position body supine, arms at sides. Close eyes, clean body, apply clean linens. Follow facility policy. Allow family time. Handle belongings carefully.

Process of restoring function after illness/injury. CNAs reinforce therapy exercises, encourage independence, provide emotional support. Goal: maximum function and independence. Document progress.

Monitor for hypo/hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): shaky, sweaty, confused—give juice if conscious. Hyperglycemia (high): thirsty, frequent urination, fruity breath. Inspect feet daily. Report skin changes.

Brain damage from blocked/burst blood vessel. May cause paralysis, speech problems, swallowing difficulty. Position affected arm on pillow. Approach from unaffected side. Allow extra time for tasks.

Legal boundaries of CNA duties. CNAs perform delegated tasks under nurse supervision. Cannot: give medications, perform sterile procedures, diagnose, take verbal orders, do initial assessments. When in doubt, ask the nurse.