Long Term Care Basics
What type of health conditions do most long-term care residents have?
Chronic conditions (long-lasting sickness).
What law protects a resident's private health information?
HIPAA
What must you wear before cleaning up a spill?
Gloves.
Why do many older adults fall?
Due to muscle weakness.
Which body system includes the lungs?
The respiratory system.
What is the normal pulse rate for an adult?
60–100 beats per minute.
How should you act when you are with a resident who is being combative or aggressive?
Stay calm.
What is the best way to practice hand hygiene?
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Where should a transfer belt be placed on a resident?
Around the waist.
What color is normal, healthy urine?
Pale yellow.
Where do Nursing Assistants find the specific tasks they are allowed to do for a resident?
In the care plan.
What can you place on the floor next to a bed to help prevent a resident from getting hurt if they fall?
Mats.
What dangerous item must always be kept away from a resident who is using oxygen?
Flames.
What kind of water should be used to clean dentures?
Cool water.
Which sense is usually the last one to leave when a person is dying?
Hearing.
Who is allowed to visit a resident in a long-term care facility?
Anyone.
If a resident complains of tingling under a restraint, what should you do immediately?
Report to the nurse.
Why do older adults get infections more easily than younger people?
Because they have low immunity.
When changing a bed, which direction should you roll dirty linens?
Away from yourself.
Where on the body is an axillary temperature taken?
Under the arm.
What does the medical order "NPO" mean?
Nothing by mouth (no food or water).
What is the very first step you should take in any emergency situation?
Check the scene to make sure it is safe.
Where on the body do staph infections mostly occur?
On the skin.
If a resident starts to fall while you are walking with them, what should you do?
Bring them close to your body, but do not try to break their fall; help them fall as safely as possible.
When is the best time to count a resident's respirations?
When the resident is unaware you are doing it.