Cell, tissue, organ, organ system, and organism.

Epithelial, connective, muscle, and nervous.

A tissue is a group of cells working together; an organ contains multiple tissue types performing specific functions.

Epithelial tissue.

Connective tissue.

Right side.

Left side.

Receive blood returning to the heart.

Pump blood out of the heart.

Right atrium → right ventricle → lungs → left atrium → left ventricle → body.

Arteries carry blood away from the heart; veins return blood to the heart.

Capillaries.

Red blood cells using hemoglobin.

Help form blood clots to stop bleeding.

Systole is ventricular contraction; diastole is ventricular relaxation and filling.

Increased arterial stiffness, reduced cardiac reserve, and less efficient blood pressure regulation.

A drop in blood pressure when standing or becoming more upright.

Plaque buildup in arterial walls that can restrict blood flow.

CAD restricts coronary blood flow; a heart attack causes heart muscle injury from prolonged ischemia.

The heart cannot pump or fill effectively enough to meet the body's needs without elevated pressures.

An irregular heart rhythm that increases the risk of blood clots and stroke.

Activate the facility's emergency response and summon immediate help.

Cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance.

Lower blood volume can reduce venous return and cardiac output.

Heart rate × stroke volume.

Blood ejected by one ventricle per beat.

Too little ventricular filling can lower stroke volume.

Resistance increases.

Arterial pressure generally increases.

Arteriolar diameter and tone.

Break down food, absorb nutrients and water, and eliminate undigested waste.

Continuous digestive tract extending from the mouth to the anus.

Salivary glands, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.

Chewing food into smaller pieces.

Coordinated, wave-like muscle contractions that move material through the digestive tract.

Helps protect the airway as food passes toward the esophagus.

Partially digested food mixed with gastric secretions.

Duodenum, jejunum, and ileum.

Small intestine.

Increase surface area for nutrient absorption.

Absorb water and electrolytes and form feces.

Ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid colon.

Liver.

Store and concentrate bile, releasing it during digestion.

Produce digestive enzymes and bicarbonate for the small intestine.

Reduced mobility, medication effects, and inadequate fluid or fiber intake.

A mass of hardened stool lodged in the rectum or colon.

Reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus causing symptoms or complications.

Diverticulosis is the presence of pouches; diverticulitis is inflammation of them.

Summon immediate nursing help and follow emergency-response procedures.

Produce hormones that regulate body functions through chemical signaling.

Chemical messengers that act on cells with appropriate receptors.

Hypothalamus.

It releases hormones that regulate several other endocrine glands.

Pineal gland.

Thyroid gland.

Increase blood calcium levels.

Epinephrine and norepinephrine.

Help regulate metabolism and the body's stress response.

Promote sodium retention and potassium excretion to regulate blood volume.

Insulin lowers blood glucose; glucagon raises blood glucose.

A response that counteracts a change to maintain homeostasis.

Oxytocin amplifies uterine contractions during childbirth.

Hormone secretion and tissue sensitivity may change, including reduced insulin sensitivity.

Type 1 causes autoimmune insulin deficiency; type 2 involves insulin resistance and inadequate secretion.

Sweating, shakiness, hunger, weakness, and confusion.

Excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.

Too little thyroid hormone versus excessive thyroid hormone activity.

Activate emergency response and never give food or liquids by mouth.

Regulation of water and electrolytes within the body.

Intracellular fluid and extracellular fluid.

Movement of water across a selectively permeable membrane toward greater effective solute concentration.

Kidneys.

It increases water reabsorption, reducing water loss through urine.

Promotes sodium retention and potassium excretion, influencing extracellular fluid volume.

Reduced venous return can decrease stroke volume and cardiac output.

Dehydration is a body-water deficit; hypovolemia is reduced circulating extracellular fluid volume.

Yes. Fluid can accumulate in tissues while effective circulating volume remains inadequate.

Intake, output, weight changes, swelling, dizziness, and changes from baseline.

Epidermis and dermis.

Provide a protective, water-resistant barrier.

Blood vessels, nerves, sensory receptors, hair follicles, and glands.

Insulation, cushioning, and energy storage.

Keratin.

Melanocytes.

Evaporation of sweat removes heat from the body.

Produce sebum to lubricate the skin and hair.

UVB exposure initiates vitamin D synthesis.

Skin may become thinner, less elastic, and slower to heal.

Separation of skin layers caused by friction, shear, or trauma.

A bruise caused by bleeding beneath the skin.

Sustained pressure or pressure combined with shear.

Reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus.

Ensure resident safety, document observations, and report promptly; follow abuse-reporting requirements if suspected.

Fluid balance, immune defense, and dietary fat absorption.

Interstitial fluid that has entered lymphatic vessels.

Collect excess tissue fluid and return it to the bloodstream.

No. Lymph moves through muscle activity, breathing, vessel contractions, and valves.

One-way valves in collecting lymphatic vessels.

Filter lymph and provide sites for immune responses.

Neck, armpits, and groin.

Filter blood, remove aged red blood cells, and support immune defense.

Support T lymphocyte maturation.

Produce blood cells and support B lymphocyte development.

B cells support antibody production; T cells coordinate immunity or destroy infected cells.

Innate immunity responds rapidly and broadly; adaptive immunity is antigen-specific.

Redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and loss of function.

Specialized intestinal lymphatic capillaries that absorb dietary fats.

Age-related changes in immune function.

Swelling caused by impaired lymphatic drainage.

Lymphadenopathy is abnormal lymph nodes; lymphadenitis is node inflammation.

Less muscle activity reduces assistance to venous and lymphatic fluid return.

Report promptly and summon urgent nursing assessment.

Axial and appendicular skeletons.

Skull, vertebral column, ribs, and sternum.

Upper and lower limbs, shoulder girdle, and pelvic girdle.

Skeletal, smooth, and cardiac.

Tendons connect muscle to bone; ligaments connect bone to bone.

Provide smooth surfaces and cushioning to reduce friction.

Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal.

7 cervical, 12 thoracic, and 5 lumbar.

Produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

Muscle contractions generate heat, including through shivering.

Reduced muscle mass, strength, flexibility, and bone density.

Osteoarthritis is a joint disease; rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease.

A sprain injures ligaments; a strain injures muscles or tendons.

Persistent tightening of tissues that restricts joint movement.

Do not attempt to stand or transfer them; summon nursing help immediately.

Central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS).

Brain and spinal cord.

Conscious thought, memory, sensory interpretation, and voluntary movement.

Coordination, balance, posture, and motor learning.

Breathing, heart rate, consciousness, and other involuntary functions.

Sensory nerves carry signals toward the CNS; motor nerves carry commands away.

Sympathetic supports fight-or-flight; parasympathetic supports rest-and-digest.

Insulates axons and speeds nerve impulse transmission.

Chemical messengers that transmit signals between cells.

A rapid, often automatic response to a stimulus.

Reaction times may slow, and some sensory and balance functions may decline.

Delirium develops acutely and often fluctuates; dementia usually develops gradually.

Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Stroke causes brain infarction or hemorrhage; TIA causes transient ischemic symptoms without acute infarction.

Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services.

Loss of dopamine-producing neurons and movement difficulties.

Damage to peripheral nerves causing sensory changes, pain, or weakness.

Protect from injury, time the event, summon help, and never restrain or place objects in the mouth.

SCI damages spinal nerve pathways; TBI damages the brain.

Summon emergency help and avoid unnecessary movement unless required for immediate safety.

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Building, maintaining, and repairing body tissues.

A, D, E, and K.

B vitamins and vitamin C.

Tissue repair requires adequate energy, protein, and nutrients.

Document observations and notify the nurse.

Produce reproductive cells and hormones and support reproduction.

Testes.

Ovaries.

Testosterone.

Estrogen and progesterone.

Production of sperm in the testes.

Epididymis.

Transport sperm from the epididymis toward the ejaculatory ducts.

Produce fluid that contributes to semen.

Produce fructose-rich fluid that nourishes sperm.

Transport the oocyte; fertilization usually occurs there.

Support implantation and fetal development during pregnancy.

Vagina is the internal muscular canal; vulva refers to external genital structures.

Luteinizing hormone (LH).

Prepare and maintain the uterine lining for pregnancy.

Prolactin stimulates milk production; oxytocin causes milk ejection.

Permanent end of menstrual periods, typically confirmed after 12 months without menstruation.

Noncancerous enlargement of the prostate that may restrict urine flow.

Descent of pelvic organs due to weakened supporting tissues.

Report promptly to the nurse for further assessment.

Supply oxygen to the blood and remove carbon dioxide.

Filter, warm, and humidify inhaled air.

Across the alveoli and surrounding pulmonary capillaries.

It contracts and moves downward, increasing chest cavity volume.

It relaxes and moves upward as air leaves the lungs.

Ventilation moves air; gas exchange transfers oxygen and carbon dioxide between alveoli and blood.

Move mucus and trapped particles toward the throat for removal.

Hemoglobin in red blood cells.

Reduced chest-wall flexibility, respiratory reserve, and airway clearance.

Chronic bronchitis involves airway inflammation and excess mucus; emphysema damages alveolar walls.

Airways narrow due to inflammation and tightening of surrounding smooth muscle.

Through airborne particles released by a person with infectious TB.

Inflammation and fluid or other material in the alveoli interfere with oxygen transfer.

Respiratory viral infections.

Activate the facility's emergency response and summon immediate help.

Sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch.

Refracts incoming light to help focus it on the retina.

The iris controls pupil size; the pupil is the opening that admits light.

Converts light into neural signals.

Rods support dim-light vision; cones support color and sharp detail.

Carries visual information from the retina to the brain.

Outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.

Malleus, incus, and stapes.

Converts sound vibrations into nerve signals.

Connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and equalizes pressure.

The vestibular system.

Sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami.

Smell contributes significantly to flavor perception.

Touch, pressure, vibration, temperature, and potentially damaging stimuli.

Age-related difficulty focusing on nearby objects.

Cataracts cloud the lens; glaucoma damages the optic nerve.

Central vision.

Age-related hearing loss, commonly affecting high frequencies.

Impaired sound transmission versus inner-ear or auditory nerve damage.

Heat, pressure, and other harmful stimuli may go unnoticed.

Kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Filter blood, remove wastes, and regulate fluid and electrolyte balance.

Kidneys → ureters → bladder → urethra.

The functional unit of the kidney responsible for forming urine.

Glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, and tubular secretion.

Transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Store urine until urination.

Smooth muscle in the bladder wall that contracts to expel urine.

Internal is involuntary; external is under voluntary control.

Bladder stretch receptors signal the nervous system as the bladder fills.

Increase water reabsorption by the kidneys.

Stimulate red blood cell production in bone marrow.

Activate vitamin D into calcitriol, helping intestinal calcium absorption.

Reduced filtration reserve, concentrating ability, and medication clearance.

AKI develops suddenly; CKD is persistent kidney impairment.

Retention is incomplete emptying; incontinence is involuntary leakage.

Leakage during coughing, laughing, sneezing, or exertion.

Leakage associated with a sudden, compelling urge to urinate.

Leakage associated with an inadequately emptied bladder.

Inability to reach or use the toilet in time due to functional barriers.

An infection involving part of the urinary tract.

An infection of kidney tissue, often caused by an ascending UTI.

Prolapse of the bladder into the vaginal wall due to weakened pelvic support.

Report immediately and summon urgent nursing assistance.

Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

Activate emergency response for possible stroke.

Chronic deficits differ from sudden changes needing escalation.

The resident's own report.

No pain.

Grimacing, guarding, and moaning or restlessness.

Airway, breathing, circulation.

Activate emergency response, notify the nurse, assist within training.

Balance, Eyes, Face, Arms, Speech, Time.

Activate emergency response immediately, even if symptoms resolve.

Rhythm, depth, effort, and signs of distress.

A meaningful change may occur within a typical reference range.

Symptoms, context, and relevant changes from baseline.

Accurate, factual, timely, complete, and confidential.

No. Chart promptly according to facility policy.

No. Chart only care actually provided.

Follow the approved correction procedure; never erase or conceal the entry.

Through the authorized correction or addendum process.

No. Relevant resident care must still be charted.

No. Record observable facts and relevant direct statements.

Care offered, resident's response, and actions taken.

Call for help and apply firm direct pressure, with PPE.

Tissues receive inadequate perfusion.

Induce vomiting.

No; agonal gasps are abnormal breathing.

Activate emergency response, begin trained CPR, obtain an AED.

No. Follow the emergency protocol and promptly involve licensed staff.

Do not initiate CPR; summon help and provide appropriate supportive care.

Inability to cough effectively, speak, or breathe.

Encourage coughing and monitor.

Blind finger sweeps.

Begin CPR with chest compressions; check for a visible object before breaths.

Rescue, Alarm, Contain, Extinguish or Evacuate.

Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep.

Only when trained, safe, and with a clear escape route.

Restrain movements or place objects in the mouth.

Five minutes or longer for a convulsive seizure.

Duration, movements, responsiveness, and injuries.

Resident, diet, allergies, texture, liquids, and feeding precautions.

To permit safe chewing and swallowing.

No. Follow the individualized swallowing plan.

Stop feeding, observe safety, and obtain nursing help.

Preserve independence, comfort, and dignity.

The weak or affected side.

The strong or unaffected side.

Condition, cleanliness, power, fit, and comfort.

They can damage the device.

Diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy can increase injury risk.

Between the toes.

It can spread contamination.

The resident remains in the bed during occupied bedmaking.

Bed low as appropriate, resident safe, call light accessible.

It supports comfort, oral health, and infection prevention.

Handle gently, clean as directed, and store safely in a labeled container.

No. Follow the individualized oral-care plan without violating intake restrictions.

Avoid oral rinsing and follow the prescribed aspiration-safe oral-care procedure.

Front to back to reduce contamination.

Report to the nurse.

Perineal cleansing.

Moisture and friction can cause irritation or breakdown.

Respect refusal, explore needs, and report as appropriate.

Protect the wound, manage drainage, and support healing.

Foam or calcium alginate, depending on the wound.

Add moisture to relatively dry wounds.

It absorbs fluid and forms a gel.

A superficial wound with little drainage.

A form of mechanical debridement.

No. It requires appropriately authorized clinical personnel.

No. Follow the prescribed wound-care plan.

New pain, redness, swelling, bleeding, unusual drainage, or odor.

No. Appropriate authorization and care-plan instructions are required.

Hydrogel dressing.

Foam dressing.

Calcium alginate dressing.

Transparent film dressing.

Non-adherent pad.

Gauze sponge.

Wet-to-dry gauze dressing.

Contaminated surfaces can transfer organisms to skin or clothing.

Hand hygiene.

Before and after contact, before clean procedures, after bodily-fluid exposure, after gloves, and between dirty and clean tasks.

Alcohol-based hand rub.

When hands are visibly dirty, after restroom use, before eating, and when required by infection-control protocols.

At least 20 seconds.

Thumbs, fingertips, between fingers, and around nails.

Gloves can become contaminated, and hands may be contaminated during removal.

Use the recommended amount, cover all hand surfaces, and rub until dry.

No. Allow it to dry completely.

Follow facility-specific hand hygiene requirements, including when soap and water is indicated.

No. Gloves never replace hand hygiene.

Report the issue and follow approved skin-care or occupational-health guidance.

Most routine care when hands are not visibly soiled.

At least 20 seconds.

No; clean hands at indicated times including after glove removal.

Immediately perform appropriate first aid and report the exposure.

Time-sensitive medical assessment and post-exposure measures may be needed.

Systolic pressure.

Diastolic pressure.

Incorrect positioning can distort the reading.

Consistency helps distinguish real change from measurement variation.

Measured intake minus measured output.

30 mL.

No; breathing and sweating may be unmeasured.

Inability to empty the bladder completely or at all.

Check recording accuracy, observe for problems, and promptly report to the nurse.

The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen.

No. Symptoms and clinical condition must also be considered.

Movement, poor circulation, sensor placement, nail polish, and skin pigmentation.

No. Report the finding and follow authorized emergency procedures.

On the thumb side of the wrist.

Index and middle fingers.

One complete rise and fall of the chest or abdomen.

Rhythm, depth, effort, and distress.

Conscious attention can change breathing patterns.

Expected readings and accuracy differ by route.

Recent eating, drinking, smoking, or exercise.

Different routes may produce different values.

Care plan, assistance level, weight-bearing status, and tolerance.

New dizziness, weakness, pain, or instability.

Staffing, transfer method, equipment stability, and restrictions.

To observe tolerance to upright positioning and dizziness.

Assist to a safe position and notify the nurse.

Stop, maintain support, assist to a safe lying position, and summon nursing help.

Keep head, trunk, and hips aligned during turning.

Force a joint past resistance or cause pain.

To avoid injury while supporting mobility.

To reduce friction, shear, and unsafe lifting.

The individualized care plan, tolerance, and skin risk.

Required assistance and weight-bearing ability vary.

If the resident cannot participate safely as expected.

No.

Abdominal wounds, tubes, ostomies, or other restrictions.

Lift, sling, attachments, weight capacity, and resident needs.

No.

Resident participation and device-specified weight bearing.

No; they serve different transfer needs.

During stationary transfers and positioning.

Footrests, arms, alignment, brakes, and route safety.

They can create pressure or impair proper fit.

The prescribed care plan and clinical orders.

Compression may worsen impaired circulation.

Stop application or remove as appropriate and notify the nurse promptly.

Privacy, safe positioning, call light access, prompt hygiene.

Skin changes, discomfort, and time or temperature limits in the care plan.

Temperature injury or contraindications may occur.

Preserve dignity, prepare the body, and support respectful transfer.

The appropriate authorized staff member under facility policy.

No.

No. Follow authorization and facility procedures.

Medical examiner, donation, autopsy, or legal requirements.

No. Respect preferences and follow facility policy.

Standard Precautions and any additional required infection-control measures.

Correct identification, required documentation, authorization, and transfer instructions.

Correct resident, specimen, container, label, and transport.

No; follow test-specific storage instructions.

Sputum comes from the lower respiratory tract after coughing.

Airborne precautions, approved collection location, and required respiratory protection.

No. It requires authorized personnel and appropriate infection-control procedures.

No; it impairs language abilities.

Short clear speech, extra time, and appropriate communication aids.

It may be a sign of stroke requiring emergency response.

Compensatory increased heart rate and vasoconstriction.

Hypovolemic shock from reduced circulating volume.

New watery diarrhea and abdominal discomfort.

Appropriate contact precautions and facility hand-hygiene protocols.

Uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can invade tissues and spread.

Benign tumors do not invade or metastasize; malignant tumors can.

Spread of cancer from its primary site to distant tissues or organs.

Metastatic breast cancer.

Cancer originating in epithelial tissue.

Cancer originating in bone or connective and supportive tissues.

Cancer generally originating in blood-forming tissue, often the bone marrow.

Cancer originating in lymphocytes.

Malignancies originating in brain or spinal cord tissues.

An agent capable of causing cancer.

Chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C infections.

Persistent high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection.

Screening looks for possible disease; diagnostic testing investigates or confirms it.

Removal of cells or tissue for diagnostic examination.

Tumor, Nodes, Metastasis.

Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.

Stage describes extent; grade describes cellular characteristics.

Drug treatment that kills or inhibits cancer cells.

Treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer.

An abnormally low neutrophil count, increasing infection risk.

Care focused on symptom relief, comfort, and quality of life.

Yes. Palliative care can begin at diagnosis and continue during treatment.

A deficit of body water.

Thirst, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, or reduced urine output.

The thirst response may become less reliable with age.

New confusion, fainting, absent urination, or signs of shock.

No.

Delirium is usually acute and fluctuating; dementia often develops gradually.

Report promptly; do not assume it is usual dementia.

Impaired pumping or filling of the heart that can cause inadequate circulation or congestion.

Difficulty breathing while lying flat.

Sudden breathlessness that awakens a person from sleep.

Increased venous pressure and fluid retention cause swelling.

Fluid shifts into circulation when lying down, increasing nighttime urine production.

It may indicate worsening fluid retention.

Breathing, edema, weight, intake and output when ordered, and activity tolerance.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

HIV is the infection; AIDS is its most advanced stage.

CD4 T lymphocytes.

Below 200 cells/mm³.

Yes. Effective treatment can prevent progression.

Blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk.

No. HIV is not transmitted through casual contact.

No. HIV is not an airborne infection.

Time between exposure and when a test can detect infection.

Medication that suppresses HIV replication.

Maintained viral suppression prevents sexual HIV transmission.

Medication taken before potential HIV exposure to prevent infection.

Medication started after potential HIV exposure to prevent infection.

As soon as possible, no later than 72 hours after exposure.

Perform appropriate first aid, report immediately, and obtain urgent evaluation.

Often no; it can be asymptomatic.

Heart, brain, kidneys, eyes, and blood vessels.

Blood pressure abnormally low for the person's circumstances.

Insufficient blood flow to the brain.

Involuntary leakage of urine.

Skin moisture damage and loss of comfort or dignity.

Hives, wheezing, breathing problems, or anaphylaxis.

Irritant dermatitis is not itself an immune allergy.

A microorganism resistant to multiple antimicrobial drugs.

They can spread in healthcare settings and complicate treatment.

At least 20 mmHg systolic or 10 mmHg diastolic within 3 minutes upright.

Help the resident safely sit or lie down and report symptoms.

Colostomy diverts colon output; ileostomy diverts small-intestine output.

Diverting urine through a surgically created opening.

Large fluid and electrolyte losses.

A stoma becoming dark purple, gray, or black.

Intact skin with nonblanchable erythema or a comparable change in darker skin.

Depth is obscured by slough or eschar.

Qualified licensed clinicians, not CNAs independently.

The prescribed oxygen flow rate.

Redness, swelling, leakage, bleeding, or pain.

Stop potentially disruptive care, protect the tubing, and notify the nurse promptly.

No. Refer feeding-tube administration to authorized clinical personnel.

Support comfort, safety, dignity, independence, and individual goals.

Persistent exhaustion that may not improve fully with rest.

Observe, report promptly, and follow prescribed comfort measures.

Inflammation or sores affecting mucous membranes, often after cancer treatment.

An abnormally low neutrophil count, increasing infection risk.

It may indicate a life-threatening infection.

A low platelet count that increases bleeding risk.

Reduced red blood cells or hemoglobin, potentially impairing oxygen delivery.

Nausea, taste changes, mouth sores, and poor appetite.

Allow rest, assist with activities, and encourage permitted independence.

Relieve suffering and improve quality of life.

Yes. It can begin at any point during serious illness.

Hospice focuses on end-of-life comfort when cure is no longer the goal.

A legal document describing healthcare wishes or designating a decision-maker.

Report promptly to the nurse and follow the individualized care plan.

Refer medical prognosis questions to authorized clinicians.

Provide respectful, individualized, nondiscriminatory care.

No. Standard Precautions apply unless another condition requires additional precautions.

No. HIV status is confidential medical information.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Report the discriminatory behavior according to facility procedures.

Negative attitudes or discriminatory treatment toward people living with HIV.

Person living with HIV or AIDS.

No. Gloves are based on exposure risk, not HIV status alone.

Protect confidentiality and do not confirm or disclose the diagnosis.

Perform appropriate first aid, report immediately, and obtain urgent evaluation.

Face them, reduce noise, speak clearly, and use aids.

Use short statements and confirm comprehension.

Ask the individual rather than making assumptions.

Remain calm, listen, reduce stimulation, and maintain safety.

Unmet needs such as pain, fear, toileting, or overstimulation.

They may reduce confusion and distress.

It may indicate delirium, illness, or another acute change.

Use clear language, simple steps, and adequate response time.

Active listening and acknowledgment without dismissing concerns.

Dignity, symptom comfort, preferences, and family support.

No. Grief is individual and does not follow a predictable sequence.

Cycles of changing breathing depth with periods of apnea.

Noisy breathing caused by pooled respiratory secretions near death.

Irregular breathing, mottled skin, reduced alertness, and decreased intake or urine output.

No. Follow resident wishes, swallowing safety, and the care plan.

Report the symptoms promptly and follow the comfort-care plan.

Respect their beliefs and arrange requested support through the nurse.

Respect refusal, ensure safety, and report per policy.

No; respect resident rights and escalate concerns appropriately.

Respect consent, summon urgent help, and follow emergency procedures without independently overriding refusal.

They encourage the resident to express concerns in their own words.

No. Intellectual ability varies independently of movement difficulties.

A neurological condition characterized by a tendency to have recurrent seizures.

Tremor, rigidity, slowed movement, and walking difficulties.

Use clear communication, allow time, and adapt to the resident's needs.

Protect the resident from injury and follow the seizure response protocol.

No. Support consent, dignity, and individual decision-making.

Difficulty swallowing.

Food, fluid, or other material entering the airway below the vocal folds.

Aspiration without obvious signs such as coughing.

No. They do not eliminate aspiration risk.

Authorized clinical staff through an individualized care plan.

Blood, inability to void, severe pain, or major pattern changes.

Interventions depend on individual needs, orders, and care plan.

Prompt cleansing, drying, and approved skin protection.

No. Toileting schedules are individualized according to the care plan.

It limits irritation and moisture-associated skin damage.

Unusual color, bleeding, pain, leakage, or changes in output.

Below bladder level and off the floor.

Maintains a closed system and reduces contamination risk.

Encourage the resident to do whatever they can safely do.

Massage may worsen tissue damage.

Immobility, pressure, shear, moisture, and friction.

Mobility, cognition, medications, and environmental risks differ.

Previous falls are a strong predictor of future falls.

No. Obtain nursing assessment and follow the approved recovery procedure.

Skin breakdown, weakness, stiffness, and deconditioning.

Fit, skin pressure, discomfort, and care-plan instructions.

Stop or defer use as appropriate, report the concern, and obtain guidance.

The authorized rehabilitation or prosthetic care team.

Maintain or improve function and independence.

Information reported by the resident about their own experience.

Information that can be directly observed or measured.

The pain is subjective; the exact statement can be documented as a quote.

To recognize meaningful changes in condition.

No. Report urgently and activate emergency procedures when indicated.

Resident, concern, time, observations, actions, and response.

Notify the nurse and request clarification.

No weight bearing on the affected limb.

Weight bearing as tolerated according to the order.

Chest pain, breathing difficulty, significant bleeding, or acute changes.

New one-sided leg swelling, pain, warmth, or discoloration.

Sudden breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, or coughing blood.

No. Follow the individualized care plan and assigned schedule.

No. Diet progression depends on the procedure and prescribed orders.

No. Follow the prescribed diet order.

Supporting a surgical incision with a pillow or folded blanket during coughing or movement.

Promptly notify the nurse; avoid massaging the limb or continuing ambulation until evaluated.

To help expand the lungs and reduce postoperative respiratory complications.

Activity restrictions, weight-bearing status, surgical drains, tubing, and medical equipment.

Stop the activity, protect the area, and summon nursing help immediately.

To support circulation, recovery, and reduce complications such as blood clots.

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, and tolerance of the prescribed diet.

Report the change to the nurse and document observations according to facility policy.

Changes may indicate problems with hydration, kidney function, or urinary retention.

To encourage slow, deep breaths and help expand the lungs.

Individual function, safety needs, and the care plan.

An often unconscious strategy for coping with anxiety or distress.

Reduced muscle strength, sensory changes, and dizziness may affect stability.

Skin may be thinner and more fragile, while reduced mobility increases pressure exposure.

Reduced respiratory reserve can limit the ability to compensate.

No. These changes require appropriate evaluation.

Their current condition versus their usual baseline.

To recognize related risks and provide safer, individualized care.

1,000 mL.

30 mL.

Decreasing the angle at a joint.

Movement away from the body's midline.

Supine is lying on the back; prone is lying face down.

A semi-upright to upright position with the head of bed raised.

Supporting daily activities and functional independence.

Mobility, strength, balance, and movement.

Skin softening and breakdown from prolonged moisture.

Redness of the skin.

Support individualized medical and nutritional needs.

Wheat, barley, rye, and triticale.

Nothing by mouth unless explicitly authorized.

Enteral uses the GI tract; parenteral delivers nutrients intravenously.

No. Follow the prescribed diet and nursing direction.

Notify the nurse promptly and follow the care plan.

60–100 beats per minute.

About 12–20 breaths per minute.

Symptoms, baseline, and ordered thresholds can differ.

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

Contaminated sharps, mucous membranes, or nonintact skin exposure.

To interrupt transmission to a susceptible host.

Reduce spread of certain MDROs during high-contact resident care.

Medical reduces organisms; surgical seeks to maintain sterility.

All patients, regardless of known infection status.

Before care, based on expected contact with blood, fluids, or infectious materials.

Contact, droplet, and airborne.

Certain organisms need extra measures based on their transmission route.

Prevent airborne infectious particles from escaping into surrounding areas.

From the hallway into the patient room.

Airborne Precautions.

Airborne Infection Isolation Room.

To maintain controlled airflow and help contain infectious particles.

No. Required respiratory PPE must still be worn.

Negative pressure contains airborne infection; positive pressure protects vulnerable patients from outside contaminants.

Excessive, increased, or above normal.

Below normal or deficient.

Slow.

Fast.

Many or multiple.

Difficult, impaired, or abnormal.

Without or absence of.

Away from.

Near, closer to.

Two.

Around.

After.

Before.

Under.

Inflammation.

Surgical removal.

Surgical incision.

Study of.

Disease or disorder.

Blood condition.

Urine or urination condition.

Tumor.

Disease or condition.

Abdomen or abdominal.

Activities of Daily Living.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Above-Knee Amputation.

Ambulation or ambulate.

Active Range of Motion.

Twice daily.

Below-Knee Amputation.

Bowel Movement.

Body Mass Index.

Blood Pressure.

Bathroom Privileges.

Cancer or calcium, depending on context.

Cubic centimeter; equal to 1 mL.

*Clostridioides difficile*.

Congestive Heart Failure.

Certified Nursing Assistant.

Complains of.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

Cerebrovascular Accident (stroke).

Discontinue or discharge; ambiguous.

Discontinue or discharge; ambiguous.

Do Not Resuscitate.

Date of Birth.

Director of Nursing.

Diagnosis.

Emergency Room.

Fracture.

Gastrointestinal.

Hour.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Head of Bed.

At bedtime.

Intake and Output.

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living.

Licensed Practical Nurse.

Licensed Vocational Nurse.

Medical Doctor / Physician.

Myocardial Infarction (heart attack).

Milliliter.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Nasogastric.

Night shift.

Nothing by mouth.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug.

Nausea and Vomiting.

Oxygen.

Oxygen Saturation.

Obstetrics.

Out of Bed.

Operating Room.

Occupational Therapy or Occupational Therapist.

By mouth / orally.

As needed.

Passive Range of Motion.

Physical Therapy or Physical Therapist.

Patient.

Every.

Every day; avoid and write "daily."

Every hour.

Every night at bedtime.

Four times daily.

Every other day; avoid and write it in full.

Registered Nurse.

Range of Motion.

Shortness of Breath.

Peripheral Oxygen Saturation measured by pulse oximetry.

Speech Therapy or Speech Therapist.

Temperature.

Transient Ischemic Attack.

Three times daily.

Total Parenteral Nutrition.

Temperature, Pulse, Respiration.

Treatment.

Urinalysis.

Upper Respiratory Infection.

Urinary Tract Infection.

Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci.

Vital Signs.

Wheelchair or "with," depending on context.

Within Normal Limits.

Weight.

They can cause misinterpretation and medical errors.

Ask for clarification instead of guessing.

Protect safety and promptly report via required channels.

No. Mandated-reporting duties are individual.

No. Reasonable suspicion is sufficient.

No. Reasonable suspicion can trigger a reporting duty.

No. External reporting may also be required.

No. Reporting duties are individual.

Protect immediate safety and summon help without putting anyone at further risk.

No. Report observations and leave formal investigation to authorized personnel.

Immediately or as soon as practicable, no later than 2 hours, with specified exceptions.

Immediately, no later than 2 hours, to the administrator and required authorities.

No.

Seek clarification and decline unsafe or unauthorized performance.

No; CNAs observe, perform authorized tasks, and report.

To protect resident privacy and trust.

Report promptly and follow exposure-control procedures.

Provide nursing and rehabilitation services requiring skilled personnel.

An informed, voluntary decision by an authorized person.

Yes, subject to applicable legal and clinical processes.

Privacy, dignity, preferences, and autonomy.

Advocate for residents' rights and help address complaints.

Yes. Residents have the right to raise concerns without retaliation.

Appropriate information and a voluntary decision by the person authorized to consent.

Yes. The Privacy Rule protects qualifying oral, written, and electronic information.

They restrict rights and pose physical and psychological risks.

Individualized nonrestrictive safety alternatives.

To reduce injury risk for residents and staff.

Ensure safety and follow the facility response plan.

Clutter, wet floors, poor lighting, and equipment hazards.

Immediate safety, alerting others, and following facility emergency procedures.