CNA Vocabulary & Abbreviations

Cards · 70

ADLs

Activities of Daily Living; routine self-care tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting.

Amb

Ambulatory or ambulate; the ability to walk independently or with assistance.

BM

Bowel Movement; the excretion of solid waste (feces) from the digestive tract.

BP

Blood Pressure; the force exerted by circulating blood on the walls of blood vessels.

BRP

Bathroom Privileges; permission for a patient to use the restroom independently.

c/o

Complains Of; refers to a resident or patient reporting symptoms or discomfort.

DNR

Do Not Resuscitate; a medical order instructing staff not to attempt CPR if breathing or heartbeat stops.

Dx

Diagnosis; identification of a disease or condition by a physician.

f/u

Follow-up; subsequent examination or care related to a specific condition.

Fx

Fracture; a broken bone.

HOB

Head of Bed; the elevated upper section of a hospital bed.

I&O

Intake and Output; measurement and documentation of all fluids taken in and excreted.

NPO

Nil Per Os (nothing by mouth); medical order withholding all food, fluids, and medications orally.

OOM

Out of Bed; resident is cleared or assisted to be out of bed.

PRN

Pro Re Nata (as needed); given or performed only when required rather than on a schedule.

q2h

Every 2 hours; frequently used for repositioning schedules to prevent pressure injuries.

qd

Every day / once daily.

bid

Bis in die; twice a day.

tid

Ter in die; three times a day.

qid

Quater in die; four times a day.

ROM

Range of Motion; exercises moving joints through their full natural movement.

SOB

Shortness of Breath; difficulty breathing or dyspnea.

STAT

Statim; immediately, with high urgency.

TPR

Temperature, Pulse, and Respiration; three fundamental vital signs.

VS

Vital Signs; objective baseline measurements (BP, pulse, respirations, temperature, oxygen saturation).

W/C

Wheelchair; mobility device used to transport patients.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment; specialized clothing/gear like gloves, gowns, and masks to prevent infection.

HAI

Healthcare-Associated Infection; an infection acquired while receiving care in a healthcare facility.

Asepsis

The absence of disease-producing microorganisms (pathogens).

Pathogen

A harmful microorganism capable of causing infection or disease.

Standard Precautions

Infection control practices used for all patients regardless of suspected or confirmed diagnosis.

Dysphagia

Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing.

Aspiration

Inhalation of food, fluid, or foreign material into the lungs and trachea.

Incontinence

Involuntary loss of control over urination or bowel elimination.

Cyanosis

Bluish or grayish discoloration of the skin, nail beds, or lips caused by lack of oxygen.

Edema

Swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in body tissues, commonly in feet or legs.

Erythema

Redness of the skin caused by increased blood flow or irritation.

Tachycardia

An abnormally rapid resting heart rate, typically over 100 beats per minute.

Bradycardia

An abnormally slow resting heart rate, typically under 60 beats per minute.

Hypertension

Chronically high blood pressure measuring 130/80 mmHg or greater.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure, generally below 90/60 mmHg.

Tachypnea

Rapid breathing, typically exceeding 20 breaths per minute in adults.

Bradypnea

Abnormally slow breathing rate, typically under 12 breaths per minute in adults.

Apnea

Temporary or periodic cessation of breathing.

Fowler position

A semi-sitting bed position where the head of the bed is elevated between 45 and 60 degrees.

Supine

Lying horizontally on the back, face upward.

Prone

Lying horizontally face down on the abdomen.

Sims position

A left side-lying position with upper leg bent, commonly used for administering enemas.

Lateral position

Side-lying position used to relieve pressure on the back and sacrum.

Logrolling

A specialized technique to turn a resident while keeping the spine in strict alignment.

Pressure Injury

Localized damage to skin and underlying tissue, usually over a bony prominence, due to prolonged pressure.

Shearing

Force applied when skin remains stationary against a surface while underlying bone moves.

Contracture

Permanent shortening and tightening of muscles, tendons, or ligaments causing joint stiffness.

Atrophy

Wasting away, thinning, or decrease in the size of a muscle or bodily tissue.

Perineal Care

Cleansing the genital and anal areas of a resident.

Catheter

A sterile flexible tube inserted through the urethra into the bladder to drain urine.

Ostomy

A surgically created opening from an internal organ to the body surface.

Stoma

The visible artificial opening on the abdominal wall connecting to an ostomy.

PVD

Peripheral Vascular Disease; circulatory disorder narrowing vessels outside the heart and brain.

CVA

Cerebrovascular Accident; a stroke caused by disrupted blood flow to the brain.

TIA

Transient Ischemic Attack; temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, often called a mini-stroke.

MI

Myocardial Infarction; a heart attack caused by blocked coronary blood flow.

CHF

Congestive Heart Failure; chronic inability of the heart to pump blood effectively.

COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; progressive lung conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.

UTI

Urinary Tract Infection; infection of any part of the urinary system, commonly the bladder.

Sundowning

Increased agitation, confusion, and restlessness in late afternoon and evening in dementia patients.

Restraint

Physical or chemical device restricting a resident's freedom of movement or access to their body.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act; federal law protecting patient health data privacy.

Ombudsman

An independent legal advocate assigned to protect resident rights in long-term care facilities.

MDS

Minimum Data Set; standardized clinical assessment tool used in nursing facilities.