Illinois CNA State Exam Flashcards

Communication and Patient Interaction

• Promote resident communication by asking open-ended questions like "How are you feeling?"
• For a resident needing assistance with the commode, always use a gait belt for safety.
• When a resident with dementia feels agitated, reassure them you will help find their lost items.

Temperature Guidelines

• Tepid bath temperature ranges from 80°F to 93°F.
• Sitz bath temperature should be between 93°F and 106°F, focusing on perineal care.
• Oral temperature normal range is 97.6°F to 99.6°F.

Patient Care Practices

• After a resident uses a urinal, advise them to call for assistance and ensure it is placed securely.
• Maintain a supportive position of legs 12-24 inches apart when applying TED hose, checking every two hours.
• When a patient checks out, ensure to thoroughly disinfect their room.

Isolation and Safety Protocols

• Food trays from isolated residents must be double-bagged before sending to the kitchen.
• For a room with fire, follow RACE: Remove resident, Alarm, Confine, Evacuate.
• Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for contact precautions.

Urine Specimen Collection

• A midstream specimen requires cleaning the perineal area, starting and stopping the voiding, then collecting in a sterile container.
• For a 24-hour urine specimen, begin with an empty bladder and save all subsequent voids.
• Always ensure urine specimens are collected without contamination, especially when testing for stool.

Nutrition and Dietary Considerations

• A diabetic diet requires consistent intake of carbs, protein, and fats at the same time daily.
• Knowledge of calorie content: fat provides 9 calories per gram, while protein and carbohydrates provide 4 calories each.

Mobility and Movement Assistance

• Assist residents with right-sided weakness by walking on their weak side.
• Use an underhand grasp on the gait belt when transferring patients.
• Patients must shift positions every 15 minutes in wheelchairs for comfort.

Vital Signs and Comfort Measures

• Check and report abnormal vital signs, such as a temperature of 101.2°F to a nurse.
• For a patient in shock, elevate their legs while keeping them lying down.
• Observe patients receiving hot/cold applications every 5 minutes for effectiveness and skin condition.

General Care and Observation

• Residents should not be left alone on the commode, especially those with cognitive impairments.
• Observe patients in restraints every 15 minutes and release them every two hours for a 10-minute break.
• Ensure proper hygiene and safety when handling catheters and providing personal care.

Emergency Protocols

• If a patient is combative, exit the room and return when they are calm.
• Establish correct handling procedures for hazardous materials to prevent poisoning within the facility.
• Monitor and report any signs of skin discoloration during cold compress application.

Additional Care Techniques

• Perform back massages for 3-5 minutes as part of patient comfort care.
• Properly position the call light for a quadriplegic patient, ensuring they can call for help if necessary.
• Remind resident patients with blood thinners about safety precautions during personal hygiene tasks like shaving.