Certified Nurse Assistant Module 9: Patient Care Procedures

Section 1: Define Key Terminology

• Objective: Review, spell, pronounce, and use terms correctly.

Section 2: The Nurse Assistant's Role in Specimen Collection

Sputum Specimens

• Purpose: Diagnose respiratory disorders.
• Collection:
  • Best collected in the early morning.
  • Rinse mouth with water, avoid mouthwash.
  • Maintain patient privacy; use standard precautions.
  • Label with full patient details; document collection.

Urine Specimens

• Purpose: Laboratory examination for diagnosis or treatment evaluation.
• Collection Methods:
  • Midstream, clean catch, 24-hour specimens.
  • Standard precautions and accurate labeling required.
  • Document collection and any issues.

Stool Specimens

• Purpose: Check for blood, fat, microorganisms, etc.
• Collection Rules:
  • Maintain privacy; ensure no urine or tissue contamination.
  • Label and store as required; document collection details.

Section 3: Bedmaking and Body Mechanics

Bedmaking

• Importance: Affects patient comfort and mental state.
• Procedure:
  • Keep linens wrinkle-free; use mattress pads if ordered.
  • Maintain cleanliness and repair of the bed.
• Body Mechanics:
  • Use proper technique to prevent injury.
  • Keep back straight, knees bent, and feet apart.

Section 4: Types of Beds and Bed Positions

• Hospital Beds: Manual and electric.
• Side Rails: Use requires consent; frequent checks needed.
• Bed Positions: High, low, Fowler's, Semi-Fowler's, Trendelenburg, Reverse Trendelenburg.

Section 5: Maintaining Patient/Resident's Environment

• Ensure comfort, privacy, and safety in patient rooms.
• Arrange furniture and belongings for convenience and safety.

Section 6: Administering an Enema

• Purpose: Stimulate bowel movement or cleanse bowel.
• Types: Cleansing, oil retention, commercial mixtures.
• Procedure:
  • Follow safety precautions and ensure supervision.

Section 7: Administering a Suppository

• Purpose: Stimulate bowel evacuation.
• Procedure:
  • Follow facility policy; only non-medicated suppositories.

Section 8: Use of Gastrointestinal Tubes

• Types: Nasogastric, gastrostomy tubes.
• Care: Maintain hygiene and ensure tubing is secure.

Section 9: Major Nursing Care for Feeding Tubes

• Care Routines: Oral hygiene, tube security, and activity encouragement.
• Positioning: Ensure head elevation to prevent reflux.

Section 10: Nursing Care for IV Therapy

• Purpose: Provide body with essential nutrients/meds.
• Responsibilities: Observe IV flow, ensure proper placement, and patient comfort.

Section 11: Assisting with Fluid Balance

• Importance: Maintain health through balanced fluid intake/output.
• Procedures: Encourage or restrict fluid intake as ordered; monitor intake/output.

Section 12: Measuring Fluid Intake and Output

• Purpose: Evaluate fluid balance and kidney function.
• Procedure: Accurate measurement and documentation required.

Section 13: Use of Bandages, Binders, Dressings

• Purpose: Control bleeding, swelling, and support.
• Procedure: Apply bandages as instructed; observe and report issues.

Section 14: Anti-Embolic Hose and Elastic Stockings

• Purpose: Increase circulation and prevent embolism.
• Procedure: Apply before getting up, check for proper fit.

Section 15: Care for Skin Conditions

• Conditions: Report serious conditions; apply non-prescription treatments to intact skin.
• Application: Follow general rules for applying ointments, lotions, powders.

Section 16: Admission of a Patient/Resident

• Process: Collect baseline info, orient to facility, care for belongings.

Section 17: Transferring a Patient/Resident

• Process: Inform and orient the patient to new surroundings.

Section 18: Discharge of a Patient/Resident

• Process: Collect personal items, assist to vehicle, and ensure all belongings are accounted for.