Chapter 12 (1)
What temperature range for long-term care facilities is required by OBRA?
71 - 81 degrees Fahrenheit
Where should call lights always be placed?
Within the resident's reach.
When should bed linens be changed?
After personal care procedures such as bed baths
Any time bedding or sheets are damp, soiled, or in need of straightening
At least every 2 hours!!!
When bathing a resident, what should the water temperature be?
No higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Why should bath oils, lotions, or powders not be used in showers or tubs?
Because they make surfaces slippery and dangerous.
Which way should pillows face while under residents' heads?
The open end should face away from the door.
List two functions that sleep performs for the body.
3 possible answers...
1. Repairing and renewing cells
2. Processing information
3. Organizing memory
What problems can result from a lack of sleep?
Decreased mental function
Reduced reaction time
Irritability
Decreased immune system function
List two benefits of back rubs.
3 possible answers...
Relax tired muscles
Relieve pain
Increase circulation
Why is preventing pressure injuries EXTREMELY important?
Because breaks in the skin can cause serious, even life-threatening, complications.
Why should hot water not be used on dentures?
Hot water can cause dentures to warp.
Disposable equipment is equipment that is discarded after one use.
It is used to prevent the spread of microorganisms.
How do privacy curtains help protect residents' privacy?
Curtains keep others from seeing a resident undressed or while having care procedures done.
Lowering the bed provides for residents' safety and helps reduce the risk of falls
Why should the nursing assistant wipe from front to back when giving perineal care?
Because it helps prevent infection.
Why should residents, as well as NAs, test the water temperature before bathing?
Because the resident is best able to choose a comfortable water temperature.
Because older skin produces less perspiration and oil. Their skin is more dry and fragile.
What are three ways that nursing assistants can keep the noise level low in facilities?
5 possible answers...
1. Do not bang equipment or meal trays.
2. Keep your voice low.
3. Promptly answer ringing telephones and call lights.
4. Close doors when residents ask you to.
5. Turn off televisions when they are not in use.
What are three ways that nursing assistants can help control odors in facilities?
5 possible answers...
1. Promptly clean up after episodes of incontinence.
2. Change incontinence briefs as soon as they are soiled, and dispose of them properly.
3. Empty and clean bedpans, urinals, commodes, and emesis basins promptly.
4. Change soiled bed linens and clothing as soon as possible.
5. Give regular oral care and personal care to help avoid body and breath odors.
List three reasons why it is important to change bed linens frequently.
1. Sheets that are damp, wrinkled, or bunched up under a resident are uncomfortable. They may prevent the resident from sleeping well.
2. Microorganisms thrive in moist, warm places. Bedding that is damp or unclean encourages infection and disease.
3. Residents who spend long hours in bed are at risk for pressure injuries. Sheets that do not lie flat under the resident's body increase the risk of pressure injuries because they cut off circulation.
List four examples of activities of daily living.
Hygiene and grooming activities
Dressing
Eating
Transferring
Eliminating
Give four examples of how to promote dignity while giving personal care.
7 possible answers...
1. Encourage residents to do as much as they are able to do and be patient
2. Knock and wait for permission to enter the resident's room if the resident is able to give permission
3. Don't interrupt residents while they are in the bathroom
4. Leave the room when residents receive or make phone calls
5. Respect residents' private time and personal things
6. Don't interrupt residents while they are dressing
7. Keep residents covered whenever possible when helping with dressing
What are five observations that a nursing assistant can make about a resident during personal care?
7 possible answers...
1. Skin color, temperature, redness,
2. Mobility
3. Flexibility
4. Comfort level, or pain or discomfort
5. Strength and the ability to perform ADLs
6. Mental and emotional state
7. Resident's complaints
Name all of the standard equipment generally found in each resident's unit.
Bed
Bedside stand
Overbed table
Call light
Privacy curtain
Name the nine main things that can affect a resident's comfort level.
Noise
Odors
Temperature
Lighting
Diet
Medications
Illness
Fear
Anxiety
What is the overbed table used for? Can bedpans and soiled linen be placed on an overbed table?
Meals or personal care
NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
List four examples of positioning devices and explain how they can help.
Backrests...
Bed cradles/foot cradles...
Draw sheet...
Footboards...
Handrolls...
Orthotic device/orthosis...
Trochanter rolls...
Abduction pillows/hip wedges...
How can NAs help prevent aspiration during oral care of residents who are unconscious?
Use as little liquid as possible AND turn the unconscious resident on his side.
Explain why NAs must be careful while giving nail care to residents who have diabetes.
Because if an NA accidentally cuts the skin, poor circulation could lead to infection. For a resident who has compromised circulation due to a disease such as diabetes, an infection can lead to a severe wound or even amputation.