Cna Vocabulary Terms

Front 1

Abuse

Back 1

Causing harm to another person by use of any means. Abuse specifically includes the following forms, which are prohibited by law:

Examples:

Physical harm: striking a person, intimidating, threatening, or harassing.

Financial abuse: misuse of a person's trust in relation to money.

Emotional abuse: intimidating, threatening, teasing.
Sexual abuse: misuse of a person in a sexual manner.

Healthcare abuse: Not providing the level of care that should be provided.

Neglect: failure to provide the necessary care to a person.

Front 2

Aiding or abeting

Back 2

Helping, or neglecting to report, someone who is violating the law.

Front 3

Alignment

Back 3

Alignment refers to the position of the body. A caregiver should be aware of a client's body alignment by, for example, making sure the client's body is positioned while in bed in a natural, comfortable line and not twisted.

Front 4

ALOHA method

Back 4

Method of communication with client to assess needs: Ask, Listen, Observe, Help, Ask again.

Front 5

Alzheimer's disease

Back 5

An irreversible, progressive disease of the brain that typically affects the elderly and is characterized by loss of memory, diminished mental ability, and confusion. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Front 6

Authorized dutes

Back 6

Duties that you're allowed to perform by law or by your employer. It is important for you to know what duties you are permitted to do, and what duties must be done by other members of the health care team. Knowing the duties you are allowed to do and not do will help you provide safe, appropriate care to all of your clients.

Front 7

Bedpan

Back 7

Metal or plastic pan used for toileting a client if he or she is not able to get out of bed to a toilet.

Front 8

Bill of Rights

Back 8

A list of an individual's rights. In this case, the Bill of Rights refers to the rights of clients.

Front 9

Blood pressure

Back 9

The pressure of the blood against the inner walls of the blood vessels. This pressure will vary from person to person, in different parts of the body, and different conditions of health, exertion, etc. It is one very good indicator of the heart's health and the person's overall wellness.

Front 10

Care Plan

Back 10

The term "care plan" is used interchangeably with the term "service plan" to indicate the comprehensive plan of care for the client. You may also see the term "plan of care" used to mean the same thing.

Front 11

Caregiver

Back 11

A person who provides regular non-medical assistance to seniors or others who need assistance.

Front 12

Caring team

Back 12

The caring team is the entire team of individuals involved in providing care to a client. This team may extend beyond the typical members of the health care team (doctors, nurses, social workers, therapists and other medical professionals) and include neighbors, friends, family members and the client, too.

Front 13

Catheter

Back 13

Tube inserted into the bladder that is used to drain urine from the body. A Catheters are only used when a person is not able to void (release urine) without help or for a short period of time. Catheters, like anything inserted into the body, may provide a way for bacteria to enter the body, leading to infections and illness.

Front 14

Chemical restraint

Back 14

Any medication that is used to control or subdue a client.

Front 15

Client

Back 15

A person for whom care is provided, such as a senior citizen, disabled person, child or other person receiving care.

Front 16

Code of Ethics

Back 16

A set of principles that can guide you to know what to do in certain situations.

Front 17

Communication system

Back 17

An electronic or manual system that enables the client to call for assistance, typically by pushing a button or ringing a bell. While most care centers have communication systems, many clients being cared for in a home setting may also have some kind of system developed to call for assistance.

Front 18

Confidentiality

Back 18

The principle of keeping spoken or written words or actions in strict privacy.

Front 19

Dementia

Back 19

A loss of brain function that can include personality changes, delusions, hallucinations, memory loss, mental ability, and other symptoms.

Front 20

Dignity

Back 20

The client's sense that his or her rights, wants, and needs are respected.

Front 21

Discrimination

Back 21

Treating someone differently or unfavorably because of their age, race, religion, sex, sexual preference, national origin, or disability.

Front 22

Enema

Back 22

The injection of fluid into the rectum for the purposes of causing a bowel movement.

Front 23

Ethics

Back 23

A set of principles of right conduct- doing the right thing.

Front 24

Exploitation

Back 24

The misuse of a person or of information for your own profit or gain.

Front 25

Financial exploitation

Back 25

Acquiring or using a client's money deceitfully. Financial exploitation is a form of abuse that is specifically prohibited by law.

Front 26

Footboard

Back 26

A small board placed upright at the foot of a bed to hold bed linens off of feet or to allow feet to rest in a flexed (toes pointed up) position.

Front 27

Grievance

Back 27

A complaint.

Front 28

Grooming

Back 28

Simple care needs such as shaving, combing hair, teeth brushing, and even make-up and perfume. Grooming refers to the finishing touches that each person needs to look their best.

Front 29

Health care providers

Back 29

The term "health care providers" is often used interchangeably with the terms "doctor" or "physician." Today, many people receive their primary care by someone other than a licensed doctor (a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant, for example). Anyone with the legal authority to prescribe medication and treatment is considered a health care provider, for the purposes of this course.

Front 30

Health care team

Back 30

Team who provides health care and emotional care services for a client, including chaplain, Certified Nursing Assistant, Dietitian, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, Registered Nurse, Social Worker, Speech Therapist and other health care professionals.