Nursing Assistant Concepts

• Usual oral temperature range is 96.6-98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.

Overbed Table Uses

• Overbed tables can be used for placement of food.

Thermometer Types

• A tympanic thermometer is used to measure temperature from the ear.

Accurate Temperature Site

• Rectal temperature is considered the most accurate.

Handling Dirty Linens

• Dirty bed linens should be rolled up with the dirty side inside.

When to Avoid Oral Temperatures

• Do not measure oral temperature if the person is disorganized or confused.

Placement of Call Lights

• Call light should be placed within the resident's reach.

NA's Role During Admissions

• The NA should introduce the resident by her preferred name to make her feel more comfortable.

Weighing Rectal Temperatures

• The NA must hold onto the thermometer at all times while measuring a rectal temperature.

Usual Pulse Site

• The radial pulse is commonly used for measuring vital signs.

Normal Breathing Rate

• Normal breathing rate for women ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Normal Pulse Rate

• A healthy pulse rate for men is 60 to 100 beats per minute.

Counting Respirations

• Respirations may be counted immediately after taking the pulse, while fingers are still on the wrist, because people may breathe more quickly if aware of being observed.

NA's Role During Transfers

• During an internal transfer of a resident, the NA should pack all of the resident's belongings.

Healthy Blood Pressure

• A blood pressure of 119/75 falls within the normal range.

Hypertension Defined

• Hypertension is high blood pressure.

Recording Blood Pressure

• 120/75 is the correct format to record a blood pressure reading.

Understanding Pain

• Pain is a unique experience for each individual

Measures to Decrease Pain

• Changing positions can help decrease pain.

Non-Sterile Dressings

• Non-sterile dressings cover dry wounds

IV Therapy and NAs

• Nursing assistants observe the IV site for problems.

NAs and Catheters

• Nursing assistants observe and report about catheters.

Catheter Care Guidelines

• Proper catheter care includes keeping the genital area clean to prevent infection.

Tympanic Thermometer Insertion

• A tympanic thermometer should be inserted 1/4 to 1/2 inch into the ear canal.

Urine Specimen Types

• A routine urine specimen does not need to contain the first urine voided

Ounces to Milliliters

• Eight ounces equals 240 milliliters

Converting Ounces

• To convert ounces to milliliters, multiply by 30.

Application of Restraints

• Restraints may only be applied with a doctor's order.

Negative Outcomes of Restraint Use

• One significant problem that can result from restraint use is pressure injuries.

Restraint Alternative

• Providing the resident with a repetitive task is an example of a restraint alternative.

Another Term for Axillary

• Armpit is another word for axillary

Oral Thermometer Colors

• An oral thermometer is usually color-coded green or blue.

Oxygen Concentrator

• An oxygen concentrator changes the air in a room into air with more oxygen.

Types of Catheters

• An indwelling catheter remains inside a person for a period of time.

Scale Position Before Weighing

• Before weighing a resident, the scale should be balanced at zero.

Key concepts for nursing assistants. This includes vital signs, use of overbed tables, handling linens, and accurate temperature measurements. An overview of common procedures is included.