Nurse Aide Tasks and Limitations

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Questions and Answers

What are the limitations for a nurse aide in terms of medical procedures?

Not allowed to insert or remove tubes, give tube feedings, change sterile dressing, diagnose illnesses, or prescribe treatment or medications.

Describe some work ethics and behaviors expected from a nurse aide at work.

Dependability, being respectful, maintaining personal hygiene, completing tasks promptly, abiding by facility policies.

What is the goal of rehabilitation and restorative care?

To restore or improve the resident's physical, mental, and emotional capabilities.

What is infection control and its primary purpose?

Infection control is the practice of preventing the spread of infections. Its primary purpose is to break the chain of infection. Signup and view all the answers

Define a Bloodborne Pathogen and give an example of one.

A Bloodborne Pathogen is a microorganism that can be transmitted through blood. An example is HIV (AIDS). Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps for handwashing?

Use enough soap to produce lather, rub vigorously over all surfaces of hands and wrists, rinse thoroughly, dry with a clean paper towel. Signup and view all the answers

What is PPE and when should it be used?

PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment. It should be used during precautions to protect against infection transmission. Signup and view all the answers

What are standard precautions and when are they used?

Standard precautions are infection control practices applied to all residents, regardless of infection status, to prevent disease transmission. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the purpose of using an alcohol-based hand rub.

Alcohol-based hand rub is used to quickly and effectively disinfect hands when soap and water are not readily available. Signup and view all the answers

When should hands be decontaminated by handwashing and when by using alcohol-based hand rub?

Decontaminate with handwashing when hands are visibly dirty or soiled; use hand rub when hands are not visibly soiled. Signup and view all the answers

State the purpose of the Nurse Aide role in ADLS.

To assist residents with Activities of Daily Living. Signup and view all the answers

What are some responsibilities of a Nurse Aide in terms of caring for the resident's living space?

Making the bed, maintaining a safe and clean environment, asking permission to enter, and arranging for comfort and convenience. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are responsibilities of a Nurse Aide in terms of nourishment? (Select all that apply)

Assure each resident receives correct diet Signup and view all the answers

Confidential information about residents can be discussed outside of the facility.

False Signup and view all the answers

Confidentiality in healthcare is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which stands for Health Insurance ______ Act.

Portability Signup and view all the answers

When pushing a resident in a wheelchair down a steep ramp, what is the recommended direction?

Backwards Signup and view all the answers

Why should you glance over your shoulder when moving a resident in a wheelchair?

To check for obstacles behind you Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of using lifts in a healthcare facility?

To assist residents who cannot transfer themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial safety precaution when operating a mechanical lift?

Having at least two people present to assist Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before using a lift to transfer a resident?

Check the weight limit of the lift and the resident's weight Signup and view all the answers

When pushing a resident in a wheelchair into or out of an elevator, what direction should you push the wheelchair?

Backwards Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial safety precaution when using a wheelchair?

Making sure the resident's feet are on the footplates before pushing or repositioning the chair Signup and view all the answers

Why should you check the tires of a wheelchair?

To check for flat or loose tires, as a brake will not lock onto a flat or loose tire Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with the armrests when transferring a resident to or from the bed, commode, tub, or car?

Remove the armrests if they are removable Signup and view all the answers

What should you remind the resident to do when not moving the wheelchair?

Keep the brakes locked Signup and view all the answers

Why should you ensure wheel spokes are intact?

Damaged, broken, or loose spokes can interfere with moving the wheelchair or locking the brakes Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial action to take when pushing a wheelchair?

Push the wheelchair forward Signup and view all the answers

Why should you lock both brakes before transferring a resident to or from the wheelchair?

To prevent the wheelchair from moving during transfer Signup and view all the answers

What type of chairs are not designed to transport a resident?

Geriatric chairs and shower chairs Signup and view all the answers

When using a lift to transfer a resident, what should you do before raising the lift?

Open the legs of the lift to provide a wide base of support Signup and view all the answers

When using a walker, what should you do to ensure proper use?

Stand still and place the walker forward with all four legs solidly on the floor Signup and view all the answers

When assisting a resident with a cane, what should you consider?

The cane should be placed on the strong or unaffected side Signup and view all the answers

When assisting a visually impaired resident to walk, what should you do?

Walk slightly ahead of the resident and allow them to hold your arm Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when assisting a resident to change position?

Move slowly to avoid dizziness and observe for signs of dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What should you use to ensure safety when assisting a resident to walk?

A gait belt Signup and view all the answers

When using crutches, what should you consider?

The crutches should be adjusted to fit the resident's height Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for residents to wear skid-proof shoes when using ambulation devices?

To prevent falls and slipping Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when moving a resident down a steep ramp in a wheelchair?

Take the wheelchair or geriatric chair down backwards Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to glance over your shoulder when moving a resident in a wheelchair?

To prevent collisions and possible falls Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before using a lift to transfer a resident?

Do both A and B Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason to check the wheel spokes of a wheelchair?

To ensure they are intact and do not interfere with moving the wheelchair or locking the brakes Signup and view all the answers

Why should you use the designated wheelchair for a resident?

Because it's the one designed for the resident's specific needs Signup and view all the answers

Why should you remove the armrests when transferring a resident to or from the bed, commode, tub, or car?

To reduce the risk of injury or obstruction during the transfer Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when pushing a resident in a wheelchair into or out of an elevator?

Pull the wheelchair in a backward direction Signup and view all the answers

Why should you check the sling, straps, hooks, and chains on a lift before using it?

To ensure they're in good repair and functioning properly Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before pushing a resident in a wheelchair?

Check that the resident's feet are on the footplates Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when assisting a resident with a walker?

Walk beside the resident and provide support Signup and view all the answers

Why should you ensure the casters point forward on a wheelchair?

To keep the wheelchair balanced and stable Signup and view all the answers

What should you do with the footrests before collapsing a wheelchair?

Remove them to ensure the wheelchair collapses properly Signup and view all the answers

Why should you ensure the wheelchair's brakes are locked before transferring a resident?

To prevent the wheelchair from moving during transfer Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a lift in a healthcare facility?

To transfer residents safely and comfortably Signup and view all the answers

What type of lift should you use when assisting a resident who cannot assist in their own transferring?

Electric lift Signup and view all the answers

Why should you never operate a mechanical lift without assistance?

Because it's safer to have someone assist in case of an emergency Signup and view all the answers

Why should you check the tires of a wheelchair regularly?

To reduce the risk of flat or loose tires, which can affect braking Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider when assisting a resident to walk with a cane?

The resident's height and stride length Signup and view all the answers

Why should you use a walker with a resident?

To reduce the risk of falls and injuries Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before raising a lift to transfer a resident?

Check that the lift is properly positioned and secured Signup and view all the answers

When positioning a resident in a lift, what should be done first?

Position the sling pad even with the back of the resident's knee Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial safety concern when using ambulation devices?

Ensuring the resident wears skid-proof shoes Signup and view all the answers

When using a walker, what should you do to ensure proper use?

Stand still, place the walker forward with all four legs solidly on the floor Signup and view all the answers

When assisting a resident with a cane, what should you consider?

The resident's strong side Signup and view all the answers

When using crutches, what should you consider?

The distance between the top of the crutch and axilla Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial safety precaution when using a lift?

Locking both brakes before transferring the resident Signup and view all the answers

When assisting a visually impaired resident to walk, what should you do?

Walk slightly ahead of the resident and allow them to hold your arm Signup and view all the answers

What should you do when assisting a resident to change position?

Move slowly to avoid dizziness and observe for signs of dizziness Signup and view all the answers

What should you use to ensure safety when assisting a resident to walk?

A transfer (gait) belt Signup and view all the answers

What is a crucial action to take when using a wheelchair?

Locking both brakes before transferring the resident Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nurse Aide Tasks and Responsibilities

Caring for the resident's living space
Maintaining resident's nourishment record
Keeping records and communicating with the team
Promoting resident rights
Maintaining confidentiality
Understanding time management and its importance
Identifying role in resident's safety
Attending in-services and training

Limitations of a Nurse Aide

Not allowed to insert or remove tubes
Not allowed to give tube feedings
Not allowed to change sterile dressings
Not allowed to diagnose illnesses or prescribe treatment or medications
If unsure, do not perform the task

Work Ethics and STNA Behaviors

Dependability: reporting to work on time and keeping absences to a minimum
Keeping promises to residents and others
Completing assigned tasks promptly
Reporting on/off duty and breaks per facility policy
Being respectful: watching tone and avoiding swearing
Maintaining personal cleanliness and neatness

Rehabilitation and Restorative Care

Goal: to help residents regain and maintain their highest level of functioning
Acute Care: goal is to provide temporary care until the resident's condition improves

Nurse Aide Reporting

Reports to the nurse

Communication with Team Members

Communicating resident conditions, changes, and complaints
Communicating urgently when necessary
Considering cultural differences in communication, including language barriers, religion, and personal space

Infection Control

Breaking the chain of infection
Preventing the transmission of bloodborne pathogens

Bloodborne Pathogens

Transmitted through blood
Examples: AIDS, hepatitis

Symptoms and Signs of Infection

Reviewing the elderly and their susceptibility to infections
Understanding the chain of infection:
- Infectious agent
- Reservoir
- Portal of exit
- Mode of transmission
- Portal of transmission
- Portal of entry
- Host

Hand Washing and Gloving

Steps for handwashing:
- Before and after contact with resident
- Using enough soap to produce lather
- Rubbing soap vigorously over all surfaces of hand and wrists
- Holding hands lower than elbows
- Rinsing hands and wrists thoroughly
- Drying hands and wrists with clean paper towel
- Using clean towel to turn off faucet
Steps for using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
- Applying rub to palm of one hand
- Rubbing hands together
- Covering all surfaces of hands
- Rubbing until hands are completely dry
When to use an alcohol-based hand rub:
- When hands are not visibly soiled
- Before direct contact with resident
- After contact with resident's care setting
- After removing gloves
When to handwash:
- When hands are visibly dirty or soiled with blood, body fluids, secretions, or excretions
- Before eating
- After using the restroom

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Using PPE during precautions
Types of PPE:
- Mask
- N95
- Gown
- Gloves
- Face shields
- Goggles
Donning and doffing PPE:
- Putting on and taking off PPE correctly

Isolation Types

Knowing the types of isolation and when each is necessary

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices that apply to care of all residents, regardless of infection status

Role and Responsibilities of Nurse Aide (NA)

Purpose of NA role in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
Responsible for:
- Caring for the resident's living space
- Residents' nourishment
- Record keeping and communication
- Promoting resident rights
- Maintaining confidentiality
- Time management and importance
- Residents' safety
- Attending in-services and training

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)

Dress and undress
Bathe and maintain hygiene
Assist with mobility needs
Assist with elimination needs
Eating and drinking
Bed mobility

Care of the Resident's Living Space

Make bed
Maintain a safe and clean environment
Ask permission to enter
Arrange for comfort and convenience to promote independence
Create homelike environment

Nourishment

Assure each resident receives correct diet
Assist the resident with meals
Fill the resident's water pitcher or assist the resident to obtain water and fluids
Calculate and record meal percentage on dietary record sheet
Assist residents to and from the dining room

Record Keeping and Communication

Record intake and output
Record vital signs
Record weight of resident
Assist in admission, transfer, and discharge of residents
Document care on flow charts or other facility documents
Review the purpose of assignment sheets
Complete assignment or worksheet
Report on/off duty & breaks
Provide input to assessment and care plan

Confidentiality

Definition: privacy of medical and personal information
Confidential information in Long-Term Care Facilities (LTCFs)
Resident care is not discussed outside of the facility
All resident records are confidential
Federal regulation: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Time Management

Organization of work
Prioritizing assignment
Resident/resident safety is main priority of NA
Guard against accidents
Prevent fires and other emergencies
Know what to do in an emergency

In-Service Requirement (Continuing Education)

Each nurse aide is expected to attend in-service as required by their employer (in LTCF)
Current requirement is 12 hours annually

Federal Law: Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA)

Applies to all 50 states
Purpose is to improve the quality of life of nursing home residents
Sets training and competency evaluation requirements for nursing assistants (75 hours minimum with 16 of this as clinical)
Competency evaluation or state testing written & skills
Nursing Assistant Registry

Delegation

Nurse practice acts give nurses certain responsibilities and legal authority to perform nursing tasks
Under the rules of delegation, the nurse may authorize the NA to perform certain tasks
The nurse is legally accountable for the task
Delegated tasks must be within the legal limits of what a NA can do

Five Rights of Delegation

Right task
Right circumstances
Right person
Right directions and communication
Right supervision

Behaviors of NA

Dependability
- Reports to work on time
- Keeps absences to a minimum
- Keeps promises to residents and others
- Completes assigned tasks promptly
- Reports on/off duty & breaks per facility policy
Accuracy
- Follows instructions and steps of procedures according to facility's policy and procedure manual
Sensitivity and respect for the feelings and needs of others
Cooperation with other departments and coworkers
Communication with charge nurse
Honesty
Proper speech and language
Handles personal matters properly
Cell phone and electronic devices use per facility policy
Residents' phone are not used by staff

Appearance

Personal hygiene
Professional uniform
- Proper fit
- Clean and pressed (free from wrinkles)
- Appropriate underclothing: fit, style & color
Fingernails should be short, neat, and clean according to facility policy
No artificial nails or nail jewelry
Hair should be controlled (out of field of work) and of a naturally occurring color - worn according to facility policy
Jewelry and body art should be limited according to facility policy
Comfortable non-permeable shoes with an appropriate style
Facial hair including mustaches and beards should be neat and trimmed
Name tag placed appropriately

Wheelchair Safety

Identify parts of wheelchair: footrests, armrests, seat, brakes
Check brakes, tires, wheel spokes, and casters before use
Ensure resident's feet are on footplates before pushing or repositioning
Push chair forward when transporting resident, lock both brakes before transfer
Remind resident to keep brakes locked when not moving
Do not let resident stand on footplates or let footplates fall back onto legs
Ensure resident has necessary wheelchair accessories per care plan

Removing and Collapsing Wheelchair

Know how to remove footrests and collapse wheelchair
Remove armrests (if removable) when transferring to bed, commode, tub, or car

Lifts: Types and Purposes

Manual or hydraulic lifts, electric lifts, assist to stand lift, and many types of lifts and pads
Lifts are used to move residents who cannot assist in their own transferring and/or are too heavy for staff to lift safely

Lifts: Safety Precautions

Ensure lift works and check weight limit of lift (and resident's weight)
Check sling, straps, hooks, and chains are in good repair
Never operate a mechanical lift without another staff member's assistance
Lock all brakes after positioning lift (if applicable)
Position sling pad (usually even with back of resident's knee) or per directions
Secure resident in straps or slings and ask them to place arms across chest
Raise lift slowly and open legs of lift before transfer (wide base of support)
Reassure resident while transferring

Ambulation Devices: Safety Concerns

Devices used for walking should have skid-proof tips
Residents should wear skid-proof shoes
Follow plan of care to determine which device resident uses
Use resident's personal walker, cane, crutches

Safety Devices: Walker, Crutches, Canes

Walkers: stand still, place walker forward, step forward toward walker, repeat
Crutches: have space between top of crutch and axilla, elbows flexed slightly, weight supported on palms of hands
Canes: many types, quad cane may be more stable, place cane on strong or unaffected side

Safety Techniques

Resident should wear skid-proof shoes when walking
Move slowly when assisting resident to change position to avoid dizziness
Assist on resident's weak side and have them use strong side for holding handrails or cane
When assisting visually impaired resident, walk slightly ahead and allow resident to hold arm
Use a transfer (gait) belt for safety

Wheelchair Safety

Clean the wheelchair according to facility policy.
Keep blankets and tubing away from the wheels.
Push the wheelchair from behind, except when entering or exiting elevators, then pull it backwards.
When moving a resident down a steep ramp, take the wheelchair or geriatric chair down backwards.
Glance over your shoulder to ensure direction and prevent collisions.
Slow down at corners and look before moving the wheelchair to prevent collisions.

Lifts

Types: manual or hydraulic lifts, electric lifts, assist to stand lift.
Purposes: to move residents who cannot assist in their own transferring and/or for residents who are too heavy for staff to lift safely.
Safety precautions:
- Make sure the lift works.
- Check the weight limit of the lift (and the resident's weight).
- Ensure the sling, straps, hooks, and chains are in good repair.
- Never operate a mechanical lift without the assistance of another staff member.
- Lock all brakes after positioning the lift (if applicable).
- Position the sling pad correctly (usually even with the back of the resident's knee).
- Secure the resident in the straps or slings.
- Ask the resident to place their arms across their chest.
- Raise the lift slowly.
- Open the legs of the lift before transfer (wide base of support).
- Reassure the resident during transfer.

Ambulation Devices: Safety Concerns

Devices used for walking should have skid-proof tips.
Residents should wear skid-proof shoes.
Follow the plan of care to determine which device the resident uses.
Use the resident's personal walker, cane, or crutches.

Safety Devices

Walker

Stand still, place the walker forward with all four legs solidly on the floor, step forward toward the walker, and repeat.
Many types of walkers are available for different needs.
Practice:
- Walking.
- Sitting down and standing up from a chair with a walker.
- Assisting another to walk with a walker.
- How to adjust the height of a walker.

Crutches

There should be space between the top of the crutch and axilla.
The elbows should be flexed slightly, and the weight supported on the palms of the hands.
Practice:
- Walking with crutches.
- Adjusting crutches to fit.

Cane

Many types of canes are available.
A quad cane may be more stable for some conditions.
The cane is placed on the strong or unaffected side.
Practice:
- Walking.
- Adjusting the cane.
- In/out of a chair.

Safety Techniques

For walking the resident:
- Wear skid-proof shoes.
- Assist on the resident's weak side.
- Have the resident use their strong side for holding handrails or a cane.
When assisting a visually impaired resident:
- Walk slightly ahead and allow the resident to hold your arm.
- Explain hazards in the path as necessary.
Use a transfer (gait) belt for safety.

Technique when Assisting to Walk

Help the resident stand.
Assist the resident to walk, ensuring safety and support.

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Description

This quiz covers the responsibilities and limitations of a nurse aide, including caring for residents, maintaining records, and promoting resident rights.

Nurse Aide Tasks and Limitations

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

What are the limitations for a nurse aide in terms of medical procedures?

Describe some work ethics and behaviors expected from a nurse aide at work.

What is the goal of rehabilitation and restorative care?

What is infection control and its primary purpose?

Define a Bloodborne Pathogen and give an example of one.

What are the steps for handwashing?

What is PPE and when should it be used?

What are standard precautions and when are they used?

Explain the purpose of using an alcohol-based hand rub.

When should hands be decontaminated by handwashing and when by using alcohol-based hand rub?

State the purpose of the Nurse Aide role in ADLS.

What are some responsibilities of a Nurse Aide in terms of caring for the resident's living space?

Which of the following are responsibilities of a Nurse Aide in terms of nourishment? (Select all that apply)

Confidential information about residents can be discussed outside of the facility.

Confidentiality in healthcare is protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which stands for Health Insurance ______ Act.

When pushing a resident in a wheelchair down a steep ramp, what is the recommended direction?

Why should you glance over your shoulder when moving a resident in a wheelchair?

What is the main purpose of using lifts in a healthcare facility?

What is a crucial safety precaution when operating a mechanical lift?

What should you do before using a lift to transfer a resident?

When pushing a resident in a wheelchair into or out of an elevator, what direction should you push the wheelchair?

What is a crucial safety precaution when using a wheelchair?

Why should you check the tires of a wheelchair?

What should you do with the armrests when transferring a resident to or from the bed, commode, tub, or car?

What should you remind the resident to do when not moving the wheelchair?

Why should you ensure wheel spokes are intact?

What is a crucial action to take when pushing a wheelchair?

Why should you lock both brakes before transferring a resident to or from the wheelchair?

What type of chairs are not designed to transport a resident?

When using a lift to transfer a resident, what should you do before raising the lift?

When using a walker, what should you do to ensure proper use?

When assisting a resident with a cane, what should you consider?

When assisting a visually impaired resident to walk, what should you do?

What should you do when assisting a resident to change position?

What should you use to ensure safety when assisting a resident to walk?

When using crutches, what should you consider?

Why is it important for residents to wear skid-proof shoes when using ambulation devices?

What should you do when moving a resident down a steep ramp in a wheelchair?

Why is it important to glance over your shoulder when moving a resident in a wheelchair?

What should you do before using a lift to transfer a resident?

What is the primary reason to check the wheel spokes of a wheelchair?

Why should you use the designated wheelchair for a resident?

Why should you remove the armrests when transferring a resident to or from the bed, commode, tub, or car?

What should you do when pushing a resident in a wheelchair into or out of an elevator?

Why should you check the sling, straps, hooks, and chains on a lift before using it?

What should you do before pushing a resident in a wheelchair?

What should you do when assisting a resident with a walker?

Why should you ensure the casters point forward on a wheelchair?

What should you do with the footrests before collapsing a wheelchair?

Why should you ensure the wheelchair's brakes are locked before transferring a resident?

What is the purpose of a lift in a healthcare facility?

What type of lift should you use when assisting a resident who cannot assist in their own transferring?

Why should you never operate a mechanical lift without assistance?

Why should you check the tires of a wheelchair regularly?

What should you consider when assisting a resident to walk with a cane?

Why should you use a walker with a resident?

What should you do before raising a lift to transfer a resident?

When positioning a resident in a lift, what should be done first?

What is a crucial safety concern when using ambulation devices?

When using a walker, what should you do to ensure proper use?

When assisting a resident with a cane, what should you consider?

When using crutches, what should you consider?

What is a crucial safety precaution when using a lift?

When assisting a visually impaired resident to walk, what should you do?

What should you do when assisting a resident to change position?

What should you use to ensure safety when assisting a resident to walk?

What is a crucial action to take when using a wheelchair?

Study Notes

Nurse Aide Tasks and Responsibilities

Limitations of a Nurse Aide

Work Ethics and STNA Behaviors

Rehabilitation and Restorative Care

Nurse Aide Reporting

Communication with Team Members

Infection Control

Bloodborne Pathogens