CNA Vocabulary
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24 hr. urine collection- A urine specimen consisting of all urine voiding in a 24- hour
period
Abandonment-Leaving an assignment that has been accepted, without notifying the
appropriate authority and allowing reasonable time for replacement; -leaving your shift
before you are done or refusing to show up for your shift or quitting without notice
Abbreviations- A shortened from of a word or phrase
Abdominal thrust- The method of attempting to remove an object from the airway of
someone who is choking
Abduction- Moving a body part away from the body
Ability- power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, financially,
etc.
Absorption- absorbing nutrients into the cells in the digestive system
Abuse- Purposely causing physical, mental, of emotional pain or injury to someone
Abuse registry- A list any CNA found guilty of neglect, abuse, or misappropriation of a
patient will be placed on; any other certification will be denied
Active assisted range of motion (Arom)- ROM exercises done by the person.
Active range of motion- Exercises to put a joint through its full arc of motion that are
done be a resident alone, without help
Acute- sudden or severe in effect; intense: with a full recovery. Examples: broken arm;
an acute pain
Adaptive devices / Assistive Devices- Special equipment that helps a person who is ill or
disabled perform ADL’s
Adduction- Moving a body part toward the body
ADL’s- Self-care activities a person performs daily to remain independent and function
in society
Adult protective services (APS) -Government agency that oversees the welfare of the
elderly
Advance directive- Written documents or oral statement that allow people to decide
what kind of medical care they wish to have if they are unable to make those decisions
themselves
Alignment- Good posture; part of good body mechanics
Alveoli- Tiny, grape-like sacs in the lungs where the exchange of oxygen and carbon
dioxide occurs
AM care- Routine care done before breakfast; early morning
Ambulate- Walking
Anemia- A condition in which the red blood cells or hemoglobin in red blood cells is
very low
Anorexia Nervosa- loss of appetite and inability to eat
Anus- the opening at the lower end of the rectum. Feces pass out of the body through
the anus.
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Anxiety- a vague, uneasy feeling in response to stress
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Apical- Bottom of the heart, where the beat is found
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Apnea- The absence of breathing
Artery- Vessels that carry blood away from the heart
Asepsis- Producing and maintaining a clean condition; Being free of disease-producing
microbes
Aspiration- Breathing fluid or food into the lungs
Assault- Threatening or threatening to harm or tough a person’s body without the
person’s consent.
Assisted living- A setting for people who require some help with daily care, but who
need less care than a long-term care facility offers.
Atrophy- The wasting away, decreasing in size, and weakening of muscles or organs
from lack of use
Axillary- Related to, or located near the armpit; axillary temperature
Bacteria-unicellular microorganisms
Base of support- The are on which an object rests
Battery- The actual touching of another person without a person’s permission
Bed cradle- Bar or box that keep linens off the feet to prevent foot-drop
Bed pan- a shallow toilet pan for use by persons confined to bed
Belief- Something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion or conviction
Belonging- closeness and affection; meaningful relationships
Bedside commode- A device used for elimination when a person is able to get out of
bed or unable to walk to the bathroom
Bio-hazard - item contaminated with blood, body fluid, secretions, or excretions; bio
means life, and hazard means dangerous or harmful
Bladder- A membranous sac in humans, in which urine is collected for excretion.
Bladder holds the urine.
Bladder retraining- Control of urination is the goal; help persons with urinary
incontinence
Blood clot- a mass of coagulated blood, as within a blood vessel or at the site of an open
wound
Blood pressure- The amount of force exerted against the wall of an artery by the blood
Blood sugar- The concentration of glucose in the blood
Blood-borne pathogens- Microorganisms found in human blood that can cause
infection and disease in humans
Body language- All the conscious or unconscious messages your body sends as you
communicate, such as facial expressions, shrugging your shoulder, and hands gestures.
Body mechanics- The way the parts of the body work together when you move
Bony prominence- Areas of the body where the bone lies close to the skin
Bowel movement (BM)- Process of releasing or emptying the colon or large intestine of
stool or feces
Bowel obstruction- The prolonged retention and buildup of feces in the rectum
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Bowel retraining- Goal is to gain control of bowel movements; develop a regular pattern
of elimination
Brachial artery- Artery inside the elbow; used to measure blood pressure
Bradycardia- A slow heart rate; under 60 beats per minute
Bradypnea- Slow breathing; the respiratory rate is less than 10 respirations per minute
Brain- The part of the nervous system housed in the skull that is responsible for motor
activity, thought, speech, and regulation of vital functions
Briefs- Incontinence product that helps keep the person dry (depends)
Bronchi- Branches of the passages of the respiratory system that lead from the trachea
into the lungs
Bulemia- compulsive overeating usually followed by self-induced vomiting
Call light- A system that allows a patient or resident to call for help, must be within
residents reach
Cane- a stick or short staff used to assist one in walking; walking stick
Carbohydrates- Compounds with relatively small molecules, such as the simple sugars
Cardiac- of or pertaining to the heart: cardiac disease
Cardiac arrest- The heart and breathing stop suddenly and without warning
Care plan- A written plan for each resident created by the nursing staff
Catheter- Tube inserted through the skin or into a body opening; used to add or drain
fluid
Centigrade- Basis of the former temperature scale in which 100 degrees separated the
melting and boiling points of water.
Central nervous system (CNS)- Part of the nervous system made up of the brain and
spinal cord.
Certification- the act of certifying
Chain of infection- Way of describing how disease is transmitted from one living being
to another
Cheyne-stokes- Alternating slow, irregular respirations followed by rapid, shallow
respirations; breathing may stop for 10 to 20 seconds
Choking- Have severe difficulty in breathing because of a constricted or obstructed
throat or a lack of air.
Chronic- ongoing illness or condition, slow or gradual in onset, for which there is no
know cure.
Circumcised- Surgical removal of the foreskin
Civility- formal politeness or courtesy in behavior and speech
Clean- A condition in which an object has not been contaminated with pathogens
Clean catch/midstream- The perineal area is cleaned before collecting a urine
specimen, person starts to void- then stops and now voids into a container to collects
the sample
Clear liquid diet- liquid you can see through; foods liquid at body temperature (jello)
Clergy- religious leaders
Client- A person who is receiving services (customer, patient)
Closed bed- Bed completely made with the bedspread and blankets in place
CNA (certified nursing assistant)- Help nurses with basic nursing care
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Colon- The large intestine
Colostomy- Surgically-created opening into the large intestine to allow feces to be
expelled
Communicable disease- a disease caused by pathogens that spread easily; a contagious
disease
Communication- The exchange of information; a message sent is received and
interpreted
Competency evaluation- Skills test involving performing nursing skills; also a multiple
choice test is included
Condom catheter- A catheter that fits onto the penis
Confidentiality- The legal and ethical principle of keeping information private
Confusion-The inability to think clearly
Consent to release information- Consent is given by the person to release information
Constipation- The difficult and often painful elimination of a hard, dry stool
Contact precautions- Spreading an infections or microbes by coming directly or
indirectly in contact with another person.
Contamination- The process by which an object or area becomes unclean
Contracture- The permanent and often painful shortening of a muscle, usually due to a
lack of activity
Cross contamination- when bacteria comes from one item and is transferred to another
Culture- A set of learned beliefs, values, traditions, and behaviors shared by a social,
ethnic, or age group
Customs- Beliefs passed from one generation to another
Cyanosis- Blue or pale skin and/or mucous membranes due to decrease oxygen in the
blood
Cystitis- Infection of the bladder
Decubitus (Pressure) Ulcer- a serious wound resulting from skin breakdown; A bedsore,
pressure sore, or pressure ulcer
Defamation- Injuring a person’s name and reputation by making false statements to a
third person
Defecation- The process of excreting feces from the rectum through the anus; a bowel
movement
Dehydration- A condition that occurs when a person does not have enough fluid in the
body
Delegation- To authorize another person to perform a task
Delusions: a false belief
Dementia- A serious, progressive loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering,
reasoning, and communicating
Denture- Artificial teeth
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Diabetic diet- a dietary adjustment for patients with diabetes mellitus intended to
decrease the need for insulin and control weight by adjusting caloric and carbohydrate
intake.
Dialysis- A process of that cleanses the body of wastes that the kidneys cannot remove
due to kidney failure
Diaphragm- 1) Large flat surface of the stethoscope. 2) The strong, dome-shaped muscle
that separates the chest cavity from the abdominal cavity
Diarrhea- Frequent elimination of liquid or semi-liquid feces
Diastolic- Phase when the heart relaxes; second measurement of blood pressure
Dietary/ feeding aide- Dietary aides assist cooks with the preparation of meals, help
deliver meals to patients and helps with clean up duties. The dietary departments of
hospitals and long-term care facilities prepare meals for patients.
Dietician- A person who has a degree in nutrition
Digestion – process of preparing food physically and chemically
Digital thermometer- Battery operated; can measure temperatures in a few seconds
Dignity- The state or quality of being worthy of honor or respect. (Need to treating
people with respect)
Disability/disabled- Impaired physical or emotional function
Disinfectants- Anything used to decrease the spread of pathogens and diseases
DNR (Do Not Resuscitate)- An order that tells medical professionals not to perform CPR
Documentation- A written account of care given
DOH (Department of Health)- A government agency for "protecting the health of all
Americans and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least
able to help themselves."
Down drain- To draw off (a liquid) by a gradual process. To use gravity to drain off
liquid.
Drape- To place cloth to surround a part to be examined, treated, or operated upon
Draw/lift/ transfer sheet- An extra sheet placed on top of the bottom sheet; used for
moving residents
Dysphagia- Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing
Dysphasia- Difficulty with speaking or communicating
Dyspnea- Difficult, labored, or painful breathing
Dysuria- Painful or difficult urination
Ear canal- The passage leading inward through the tympanic portion of the temporal
bone
Edema- Swelling in body tissues caused by excess fluid
Emesis basin- A shallow basin, kidney-shaped design, used to collect body fluids. (Vomit)
Empathy- The ability to see things from another person’s point of view
Enema- The introduction of fluid into the rectum and over colon
Epidermis- the outer layer of the 2 main layers of tissue that make up the skin
Epiglottis- The flap of cartilage that covers the opening to the larynx
Erection- The condition of erectile tissue (part of the penis) when filled with blood,
which then becomes hard
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Esophagus- The portion of the alimentary canal between the pharynx and stomach. It is
about 10 inches long
Estrogen- Hormone formed by the ovary, placenta, testes, and possibly the adrenal
cortex, They control the course of the menstrual cycle.
Ethics- Knowledge of what is right and wrong
Excretions- the process of eliminating or expelling waste matter
Exhale- To breathe out
Expectorate- To spit; to eject saliva, mucus, or other fluid from the mouth.
Expire- Cease to be valid, typically after a fixed period of time; Come to an end
Exposure incident- Situation that occurs when a person is exposed to infectious blood
or material
Extension- Straightening of a body part
Fahrenheit- A temperature scale where the boiling point of water is 212 degrees and
the freezing point is 32 degrees
Faith- confidence or trust in a person or thing; belief that is not based on truth
Fallopian tubes- pair of tubes that carry the eggs from the ovary to the uterus called
also uterine tube
False imprisonment- Unlawful restraint or restriction of a person’s movement
Fanfold- Taking the top sheets and folding the sheets back and forth at the bottom of
the bed
Fats- Provides energy; add flavor to food and help the body to use certain vitamins
Fecal impaction- A mass of dry, hard stool that remains packed in the rectum and
cannot be expelled
Feces- Solid body waste excrete through the anus from the large intestine
Fiber- Nutrients in the diet that are not digested by gastrointestinal enzymes.
Flatus- Gas or air in the stomach or intestines
Flexion- Bending a body part
Fluid restriction- Fluids are limited to a certain amount
Foley catheter- Type of catheter that remains inside the bladder for a period of time;
urine drains into a bag
Foot drop- Weakness of muscles in the feet and ankles that interferes with the ability to
flex the ankles and walk normally. When the foot falls down at the ankle.
Footboard- A padded board that is placed upright at the foot of the bed; used to keep
feet in proper alignment
Force fluids- A medical order for a person to drink more fluids
Fowler’s- Position with the person lying on his or her back the head of bed elevated
about 45 to 90 degrees
Fracture pan- A bedpan that is flatter than a regular bedpan; used for small or thin
people or those with injuries making them unable to lift their buttocks onto a regular
bedpan
Fraud- Saying or doing something to trick, fool, or deceive another person
Full liquid diet- A diet consisting of liquids that you can’t see through. Foods that are
liquid at room temperature. Example: cream soups, ice cream, and milk.
Gait- manner of walking
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Gait belt/ transfer belt- A belt used to transfer or move a person
Gastrointestinal- relating to the stomach and the intestines
Gastronomy tube- A tube inserted through a surgically created opening (stomy) into the
stomach (gastro)
Geriatrics- The branch of medicine concerned with the problems and diseases of old
age and the elderly
Glucometer- Checks blood sugar in the blood; blood sugar levels for a person who is
diabetic
Graduate- A calibrated container used to measure fluid
Grooming- Practices to care for oneself, such as caring for fingernails and hair
Hallucinations- an experience involving the apparent perception of something not
present.
Handicap- A physical, mental, or emotional condition that interferes with a person's
normal functioning.
Health care team- A group of workers in the medical field, who work together to
provide health care for patients ad residents
Healthcare Associated Infection/ Nosocomial- An infection acquired in a hospital or any
health facility
Hearing impaired- having reduced or deficient hearing ability; hard-of-hearing
Hemiplegia- Paralysis on one side of the body
Hemorrhoids- Enlarged veins in the rectum that can cause itching, burning, pain, and
bleeding
High Fowler’s- positioning the resident upright at 60-90 degrees
HIPAA- Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Law to protect the privacy
of health information and confidentiality
Hoarding- persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions because of a
perceived need to save them
Holism- A concept that considers the whole person; the whole person has physical,
social, psychological, and spiritual parts that are woven together and cannot be
separated.
Home health- Care that takes place in a person’s home
Hormones- Chemical substances secreted by the glands into the bloodstream.
Regulates numerous body functions
Hospice- Care for people who have 6 months or less to live
Hospital- A health care facility that provides treatment for people with all type of
illnesses or conditions
HS/PM care- Care given in the evening at bedtime
Hygiene- Methods of keeping the body clean
Hypertension- Condition in which the blood pressure consistently measures 140/90 or
higher; high blood pressure
Hypotension- Condition in which the systolic blood pressure is below 90 mm Hg and the
diastolic pressure is below 60 mm Hg
Ileostomy- An surgically created opening (stomy) between the ileum (small intestine)
and the abdominal wall
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Incidence/Event/Ocurance/Accident report- A written report documenting the incident
and the response to the incident
Incivility- rude or unsociable speech or behavior
Incontinence- The inability to control the bladder or bowels, involuntary loss of urine or
feces
Incontinent pad- An incontinence pad is a small impermeable multi-layered sheet with
high absorbency that is used in the health-care industry.
Infection- The state resulting from pathogens invading and growing within the human
body
Inflammation- Swelling in the tissue
Inhale- To draw in breath
Inspiration- Breathing air into the lungs
Insulin- A hormone that converts glucose into energy for the body
Integumentary- A natural outer covering or coat, such as the skin
Intercourse- Sexual relationship between two people
Interdisciplinary- Relating to more than one branch of knowledge. Denoting the
overlapping interests of different fields of medicine and science. Being able to work
together to solve or improve care.
Intravenous (IV)- Fluid administered through a needle within a vein
Inventory/belonging list- A detailed, itemized list, report, or record of things in one's
possession
Irregular- Not even or balanced in shape or arrangement
Isolation- To keep something separate or by itself or contain an infection
Job description- An outline of what will be expected on a job
Joint- The point where 2 bones meet; provide movement and flexibility
Kidney- Two bean-shaped organs in the upper abdomen that forms and excrete urine.
Kidney failure- Inability of the kidneys to excrete wastes or function properly.
Kidney stone- A painful disorder characterized by the formation of clumps of minerals
in the kidney and bladder
Labia- any of the folds of skin bordering the vulva
Large intestine- Divided into cecum, colon, and rectum, and concerned especially with
the reabsorption of water and the formation of feces
Larynx- Voice box; Part of respiratory airway;
Lateral- Position with person on his or her side
Leg bag- Bags worn strapped to the leg to store urine drained from the bladder by
means of a catheter.
Licensed practical nurse (LPN)- Licensed nurse who has completed one to two years of
education; give treatments, pass meds, and supervise daily care of residents
Life support systems- A therapy or device designed to preserve someone's life when an
essential bodily system is not doing so.
Ligament- strong bands of fibrous connective tissue, connect bones and support joints
Living will- Document that states the medical care a person wants, or does not want, in
case he or she becomes unable to make those decisions
Log rolling- moving a person as a unit, without disturbing body alignment
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Long term care- 24-hour skill nursing care, provided in a nursing homes, for people with
ongoing conditions.
Love- closeness and affection; meaningful relationships
Malignant- Describes a cancerous tumor; tending to invade normal tissue and is very
aggressively
Malpractice- Negligence by a professional person
Manic/Depressive- disorder that causes unusual and extreme mood changes.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and adults
Maslow’s hierarchy- Basic needs of life that must be met for a person to survive and
function; physical needs, safety and security, love and belonging, self-esteem, the need
for self-actualization
Masturbation- To touch or rub sexual organs in order to give oneself or another person
sexual pleasure
Mechanical lift- Special equipment used to lift and move or lift and weigh a person
Mechanical soft diet- Semi-solid foods that are easily digested
Medicaid- State-managed health care plan that covers health care services for people
with low income. Sometimes covers older and disabled people
Medical doctor- A person licensed to practice medicine. Medical doctor is concerned
with maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment
of diseases or injury.
Medical record- Written record containing medical information about a patient
Medical terminology- Medical terminology is a vocabulary for accurately describing the
human body and associated components, conditions, processes and in a science-based
manner.
Medicare- Federal government health care plan that pays for health care services for
people over age 65
Menopause- The time when menstruation stops; it marks the end of the woman’s
reproductive years
Mental health- A state of mind in which the person copes with and adjusts to the
stresses of everyday living in ways acceptable to society
Mentally ill- A disturbance in the person’s ability to cope with or adjust to stress;
behavior and functioning are impaired
Message- a communication containing some information, news, advice, request
Metabolism- The burning of food for heat and energy
Microorganism- Tiny living object, sometimes called germs
Mitered corner- A method of folding the sheets at the corners at a right angle that has a
near appearance
Mobility skills- The ability to move
Mottling- A diversifying spot or blotch of color
Mucous membrane- A special type of epithelial tissue that lines many of the ora=gan
systems in the body, is coated by mucous
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Nares- The nostrils or the nasal passages
Nasogastric tube- A feeding tube that is inserted through the nose into the stomach
Neglect- Fail to care for someone or something properly. Examples: not giving food,
clothing, personal care, or medical care and treatment
Nerves- connect parts of the nervous system with the other organs, conduct nervous
impulses, and are made up of axons and dendrites
Non-pathogen- Microbe that does not usually cause an infection
Non-skid soles- A non-skid shoe is one where the sole of the shoe is resistant to water o
oil, reducing slipping or falling.
Non-verbal communication- Communication that does not use words; example:
gestures, posture, facial expressions, and eye contact
Normal flora- Microorganisms that usually live and grow in a certain location and do not
cause harm in a healthy person.
NPO- Nothing by mouth
Nursing team- Individuals who provide nursing care; RN, LPNs, and CNA
Objective assessment- Information that can be seen, heard, felt, or smelled; signs
OBRA: Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987- Laws passed by Congress to improve
the quality of care for nursing home residents and oversee the CNA training programs
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)- unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions)
that lead you to do repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
Occupational safety & health admin. (OSHA)- A federal government agency that makes
rules to protect workers from hazards on the job
Occupational therapist (OT)- assists persons to learn or retain skills needed to perform
activities of daily living.
Occupied bed- A bed that is made while the patient is in it
Ombudsman- Person assigned by law as the legal advocate for residents
Open bed- Top linens are folded back so the person can get into bed. Top linens are
folded to foot of the bed.
Oral- Mouth, teeth, and gums
Ovaries- One of the paired female reproductive organs that produce ova and certain sex
hormones
Pacemaker- An electronic device implanted beneath the skin for providing a normal
heartbeat by electrical stimulation of the heart muscle
Pain- Discomfort
Pallor- Paleness of the skin
Pan/hat specimen- A collection container that is inserted into a toilet to collect and
measure urine and stool
Pancreas- a gland, situated near the stomach, that secretes a digestive fluid into the
intestine; also secretes insulin
Paraplegia- Paralysis from the waist down
Passive range of motion (PROM)- exercises to put a joint through its range of motion
that are done by staff, without the resident’s help.
Pathogen- Disease-causing organisms
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Patient- A person who is receiving health care in a hospital, clinic, or extended care
facility
Patient chart- Documenting a patient’s information; medical records and treatments
Patient rights- Numerous rights defined by OBRA in any medical facility, purpose is to
inform patients and others of their rights within the facility and to provide and ethical
code of conduct for healthcare workers
Pediatric- Branch of medicine concerned with the growth, development, and care of
children ranging in age from newborn to the adolescent
Pediculosis- The infection of lice
Penis- The organ of the male reproductive system through which semen and urine pass
out of the body
Perineal care- Cleansing the genital and anal areas
Perineum- The genital and anal area
Peripheral nervous system- the portion of the nervous system lying outside the brain
and spinal cord
Peristalsis- Involuntary muscle contractions in the digestive system; alternating
contraction and relaxation of muscles; wavelike movement
Personal protective equipment (PPE)- Specialized clothing or equipment worn for
protection against hazards; gloves, gown, mask, goggles, face shield
Phantom pain- Pain felt in a body part that is no longer there
Phobia- an extreme or irrational fear of or aversion to something
Physical- Pertaining to the body
Physical therapist- Help patient relearn skills such as getting out of bed and using things
such as crutches and walkers; focuses in improving large muscle skills
Pivot- Turn on, rotate, or as if on a pivot. Upon and about which something rotates
Pneumonia- Inflammation/ infection of the lungs
Polydipsia- having extreme thirst
Polyphagia- having an extreme appetite
Polyuria- urinating large amounts of urine
Post mortem- After death
Power of attorney- A written document given by one person or party to another
authorizing the latter to act for the former
Pressure ulcer- A bed sore; decubitus ulcer; pressure sore
Prone position- Position with person lying in his or her stomach
Prostate- A chestnut-shaped body that surrounds the beginning of the male urethra at
the base of the bladder controls release of urine, and milky fluid secretion is discharged
during semen emission.
Prosthesis- An artificial replacement for a missing body part
Protected Health Information (PHI)- refers to demographic information, medical
history, test and laboratory results, insurance information and other data that is
collected by a health care professional to identify an individual and determine what type
of care that individual should receive.
Proteins- Most important nutrient; needed for tissue growth and repair
Psychosocial- The interaction between social and psychological factors
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Pulse- The beat of the heart felt at an artery as a wave of blood passes through the
artery
Pulse obliteration- The point where the pressure cuff shut off blood flow so the pulse
can no longer be detected.
Pureed Diet- all food has been ground, pressed and/or strained to a consistency of a
soft, smooth, thick paste
Quadriplegia- Total paralysis from the neck down
Quick release knot- Slip knot used to tie restraints and can be easily taken off
Radial artery- Artery running on the inside of the wrist; thumb side
Rash- A group of skin lesions
Receiver- Someone who is given a message; verbal, written
Recreational Therapist- plans recreation-based treatment programs for people with
disabilities, injuries, or illnesses.
Rectum- The comparatively straight, terminal section of the intestine, ending in the
anus
Registered nurse (RN)- Licensed nurse who plans, coordinates, and supervises patient
care and carries out doctors’ orders
Registry- An official record maintained by the state of the people who have
successfully completed the nursing assistant training program
Regular diet- No dietary limits or restrictions
Rehabilitation- Health care to help people maintain or return to their highest level of
normal activity after illness or injury
Religion- Spiritual beliefs, needs, and practices
Renewal- To make, say, or do again
Reporting- A verbal account of patient or resident care and observations
Resident- A person who is living in a long-term care facility or assisted living
Resident rights- Numerous rights defined by OBRA in long term care facilities, purpose
is to inform patients and others of their rights within the facility and to provide and
ethical code of conduct for healthcare workers
Respirations-The act of breathing air into and out of the lungs. Normal range 10-20
Respiratory arrest- Breathing stops but the heart still pumps blood for several minutes
Respiratory distress- Slow, weak respirations at a rate of fewer than 10 per min.
Respiratory therapist- Performs breathing treatments and procedures
Restoration- A return of something to a former, original, or unimpaired condition
Restorative nursing care- Measures that health care workers take to help a person
regain health, strength, and function
Restraint- Any manual or chemical item or device that restricts a person’s freedom of
movement or body access
Restraint Alternative- any interventions used in place of a restraint or that reduce the
need for a restraint
Reverse isolation- procedure designed to protect a patient from infectious organisms
that might be carried by the staff. Nurse will wear a mask because she is sick.
Reverse trendelenburg- the lower extremities are placed lower than the body and head
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Rigor mortis- The stiffness or rigidity or skeletal muscles that occurs after death
Rotation- Turning a joint
Safety- Being safe; freedom from the occurrence or risk of injury, danger, or loss
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)- Paper work (sheets) that provide information on the safe use,
hazards, and emergency steps to take when using chemicals
Saliva- Liquid in the mouth secreted by the salivary glands, sometimes called “spit”
Sample/specimen- is blood, urine, feces, skin and..... Are collected and tested to
prevent, detect, and treat diseases
Scope of practice- Defines the things that healthcare providers are legally allowed to do
and how to do them correctly
Schizophrenia- a severe brain disorder in which people interpret reality abnormally
Scope of responsibility / Scope of practice- Defines the things that healthcare providers
are legally allowed to do and how to do them correctly within their training
Scrotum- The pouch of skin that contains the testes
Security- Freedom from care, anxiety, or doubt; well-founded confidence
Seizure- A convulsion
Self-esteem- What people think about themselves
Self-care deficit- The inability to care for oneself due to mental or physical problems
Semi-fowler’s position- The head of the bed is raised 30-45 degrees, and the knee is
raised 15 degrees
Sender- Gives or communicates a message; verbal or written
Sexual harassment- Any unwelcome sexual advance or behavior that creates an
intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment
Sexuality- Those physical, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual factors that affect
a person’s feeling and attitudes about his or her sex
Side rails- Prevent hazards; keeps patients from getting out of bed; considered
restraints
Signs- Objective observation. Gathering information by using your senses
Sim’s position- (enema position/semi-prone position) A side-lying position in which the
upper leg is sharply flexed so that it is not on the lower leg and the lower arm is behind
the person
Skilled nursing facility- A health care facility with a full time staff; Nursing care given
every 2-4 hours– 24 hours a day—until they leave the facility.
Small intestine- The part of the intestine that lies between the stomach and colon;
where most nutrients are absorbed
Social worker (SW)- helps resident with social, emotional, and environmental issues
affecting illness and recovery; coordinates community agencies to assist
resident/patient.
Sodium- a white, crystalline, water-soluble solid, in powder or granules. Used for fluid
balance; salt based
Soft Diet- Smooth to the touch; not rough or coarse. a diet that does not require
chewing; advised for those with intestinal disorders
Speech therapist (ST)- Assists patients who have speaking and swallowing disorders
Sperm- Male sex cell
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Sphygmomanometer- The instrument used to measure blood pressure
Spinal cord- The part of the nervous system inside the vertebral canal that conducts
messages to the brain and the body and controls spinal reflexes
Spiritual- Relating to the concerns of the spirit, the sacred, or the soul
Spiritual needs- Religious values that every patient has a right to practice to fulfill
personal needs
Standard (universal) precautions- Precautions that protect you from patients with
known infections and from patients who have infections that they are not aware of
Sterile- The absence of all microorganisms
Stethoscope- An instrument used to listen to the sounds produce by the heart, lungs,
and other body organs
Stoma- Opening
Stool- Feces that have been excreted
Stool/feces/bowel movement- Waste matter discharged from the rectum through the
anus
Straight catheter- A catheter that does not stay inside the person; it is removed
immediately after urine is drained or sampled
Stress- The response or change in the body caused by any emotional, physical, social or
economic factor
Subjective date- That which is reported by a person and cannot be observed by using
the senses; symptoms
Sundowning- Increased signs, symptoms, and behaviors of Alzheimer’s disease during
hours of darkness
Supine position- back-lying or dorsal recumbent position
Supportive devices- Devices used to position a person to help body alignment; helps to
stabilize a week joint or limb
Suprapubic catheter- A urinary catheter that is inserted into the bladder through
surgical incision in the abdominal wall
Symptoms- Subjective data; That which is reported by a person and cannot be observed
by using the senses; symptoms
Systolic- The amount of force it takes to pump blood out of the heart into the arterial
circulation. Active part of the heart
Tachycardia- A rapid heart rate; heart rate is over 100 beats per minute
Tachypnea- Rapid breathing; respiratory rate is usually greater than 20 respirations per
minute
Temporal Thermometer- thermometer that measures the heat of the skin over the
temporal artery
Temperature- Degree of hotness or coldness measured on a definite scale
Tendon- Tough fibrous bands that connect muscle to bone
Terminal illness- An illness or injury for which there is no reasonable expectation of
recovery. Most likely the person is going to die.
Terminally ill- An illness from which recovery is not expected; will eventually cause
death
Testes- The male gonad or reproductive gland
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Testosterone- Sex hormone secreted by testes
Thermometer- A device used for measuring the degree of heat or cold
Thyroid- A gland that makes and stores hormones that help regulate the heart rate,
blood pressure, body temperature, and the rate at which food is converted into energy.
Tow tuck (pleat)- A 3-4 inch fold in the top covers across the foot of the bed that allows
patients to freely move their feet under the top covers
Total hip replacement- A surgery that replaces the head of the femur where it joins the
hip
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)- The intravenous infusion of nutrients in a basic form
that is absorbed directly by the cells, bypassing the digestive tract
Trachea- Passage that carries air from the larynx down into the lungs; windpipe
Trapeze bar- A bar hung above the patient’s bed to assist the person with moving in the
bed
Trendelenberg- The head of the bed is lowered, and the foot of the bed is raised.
Example shock position
Trochanter roll- rolled towels or blankets used to keep a residen’ts hips from turning
outward
Tympanic- Relating to or resembling a drum of the ear
UNAR (Utah Nursing Assistant Registry)- Oversees the CNA training programs in the
state of Utah and renewal of CNA licenses
Uncircumcised penis- The foreskin of the penis is not surgically removed.
Unconscious- Not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception;
not knowing or perceiving; not aware.
Ureters- Small tubes that connect the kidney to the urinary bladder
Urethra- A small tube that drains urine from the bladder
Urinal- A plastic container used by men to urinate
Urinalysis- Analysis, testing and detect of the urine
Urinary incontinence- The inability to control the passage of urine from the bladder
Urinary meatus- The opening of the urethra ion the surface of the body
Urinary tract infection (UTI)- An infection in the urinary system
Uterus- A hollow muscular organ in pelvic cavity of females; where the fertilized egg
implants and develops
Vagina- Canal in a female that leads from the uterus to the vulva
Values- relative worth, merit, or importance
Veins- A blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart
Verbal communication- Communication that uses the written or spoken word
Virus- One-celled microorganisms that is much smaller than a bacterium
Vital signs- Temperature, pulse, perspiration, and blood pressure
Vomiting/emesis- To eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth
Voucher- A receipt. A small printed piece of paper that entitles the holder to a discount
or that may be exchanged for goods or services. Need to take the state CNA test.
Walker- An enclosing framework on caster or wheels for supporting a weak or disabled
person
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