Certified Nursing Assistant Examination (CNA) Role of the Nurse Aide and Legal/Ethical Foundations Flashcards

24 sample cards from the Role of the Nurse Aide and Legal/Ethical Foundations deck

Sampled from the end of the deck, so these are different cards from the ones shown on the syllabus page.

1. What is false imprisonment in health care?

   Unlawfully restraining or restricting a person's freedom of movement, including improper use of restraints or confining a resident against their will.

2. Define informed consent.

   Permission given by a resident for care/treatment after being fully informed of the procedure, its risks, benefits, and alternatives.

3. What is defamation, and how do libel and slander differ?

   Defamation is harming someone's reputation with false statements. Libel is written defamation; slander is spoken defamation.

4. What is the difference between ethics and law?

   Ethics are moral principles/standards of right and wrong that guide behavior; laws are rules enforced by government with legal penalties. Ethics guide conduct beyond what law requires.

5. Name the core ethical principles in health care.

   Autonomy (self-determination), beneficence (do good), nonmaleficence (do no harm), justice (fairness), and fidelity (faithfulness/keeping promises); plus veracity (truthfulness).

6. What are professional boundaries for a nurse aide?

   Limits that keep the caregiver-resident relationship professional — e.g., not accepting gifts/tips or money, not borrowing/lending, not becoming over-involved personally, and not discussing personal problems with residents.

7. Why should a nurse aide not accept tips or gifts from residents?

   It violates professional boundaries and ethics, can be seen as accepting payment for care that should be given equally to all, and may lead to favoritism or exploitation.

8. What are the two main types of communication?

   Verbal communication (spoken or written words) and nonverbal communication (body language, gestures, facial expressions, tone, eye contact, and touch).

9. List the basic parts of the communication process.

   A sender, a message, a receiver, and feedback (a response confirming the message was understood).

10. What is active listening?

    Focusing fully on the speaker, giving full attention, providing feedback, not interrupting, and clarifying to ensure the message is understood.

11. Give three examples of positive nonverbal communication.

    Maintaining eye contact, smiling, leaning in/facing the resident, nodding, relaxed posture, and appropriate, gentle touch.

12. What is the difference between an open-ended and a closed-ended question?

    Open-ended questions invite a detailed response (cannot be answered with yes/no), encouraging conversation; closed-ended questions can be answered with a single word like 'yes' or 'no.'

13. How should a nurse aide communicate with a hearing-impaired resident?

    Face the resident, speak clearly at a normal pace, reduce background noise, get their attention first, ensure hearing aids are in/working, use gestures/writing, and don't shout.

14. How should a nurse aide communicate with a visually impaired resident?

    Identify yourself when entering and announce when leaving, explain what you're doing, face the resident and speak normally, describe surroundings, and don't move belongings without telling them.

15. How should a nurse aide communicate with a resident who has aphasia or difficulty speaking?

    Be patient, allow plenty of time to respond, ask simple yes/no questions, use gestures and communication boards/pictures, and don't rush or finish their sentences.

16. How should a nurse aide communicate with a resident who has dementia/confusion?

    Use a calm, reassuring tone; speak slowly with short simple sentences; approach from the front; use the resident's name; give one direction at a time; and avoid arguing or correcting.

17. What is the difference between objective and subjective observations (reporting)?

    Objective (signs) are observable, measurable facts you see/hear/feel/smell (e.g., temperature, a rash). Subjective (symptoms) are what the resident reports/feels and cannot be observed (e.g., 'I have a headache').

18. What does it mean to report 'objectively'?

    Reporting only the facts you observe, without adding opinions, conclusions, or interpretations.

19. What is the difference between reporting and recording (documenting)?

    Reporting is communicating information orally to the nurse/team; recording (charting) is writing the information in the resident's medical record.

20. What are key rules for accurate documentation/charting?

    Be timely, accurate, objective, and legible; document only what you did/observed (never in advance); never erase or use white-out — correct errors per policy; sign with your name and title.

21. What should a nurse aide report to the nurse immediately?

    Any sudden change in a resident's condition, signs/symptoms of illness or injury, falls, refusal of care, complaints of pain, abnormal vital signs, or anything unusual.

22. What is the purpose of the medical record (chart)?

    To provide a permanent, legal record of the resident's condition and care, ensure continuity of care among the team, and serve as a communication and legal document.

23. What is the 'chain of command' and why is it important?

    The line of authority/order in which staff report (e.g., aide → nurse → charge nurse → DON); it ensures proper communication, accountability, and that issues reach the right person.

24. How should a nurse aide handle communication with a resident's family?

    Be courteous, respectful, and supportive; maintain confidentiality (do not share medical information beyond your role); refer medical questions to the nurse; and report family concerns to the nurse.

What this deck covers

Role of the Nurse Aide and Legal/Ethical Foundations flashcards FAQ