General Discussion

🧑‍⚕️ CNA Roles & Ethics

• CNAs provide basic care, ensure patient safety, and uphold ethical standards.

• Core values: Respect, confidentiality, compassion, accountability

• CNAs must report changes, protect patient dignity, and follow facility protocols.
  

🩺 Vital Body Systems Overview

SystemKey Functions & NotesNervousBrain, spinal cord, nerves. Controls movement, memory, and reflexes. CVA (stroke) affects oxygen delivery to brain.RespiratoryLungs and airways. Enables breathing and gas exchange. COPD affects airflow.CardiovascularHeart and vessels. Circulates blood and oxygen. MI (heart attack) and CHF are common issues.ImmuneDefends against pathogens. Includes WBCs, antibodies, and lymphocytes.RenalKidneys filter waste. CKD leads to fluid retention and dialysis.DigestiveBreaks down food for energy. Small intestine absorbs nutrients.EndocrineHormones regulate metabolism, growth, and sugar levels. Includes pancreas (insulin).

🦠 Infection Control & Prevention

🔗 Chain of Infection (6 Links)

1. Infectious Agent – e.g., COVID-19 virus

2. Reservoir – e.g., lungs of infected person

3. Portal of Exit – coughing, sneezing

4. Mode of Transmission – touch, air

5. Portal of Entry – mouth, nose, wounds

6. Susceptible Host – patients, healthcare workers

🛡️ Easiest to Break: Mode of Transmission — thanks to PPE

🧼 Precautions & Hygiene

🧍‍♂️ Standard Precautions

• Handwashing

• PPE use

• Covering nose when sneezing

• Social distancing

🧬 Transmission-Based Precautions

TypeDiseasesProtectionAirborneMeasles, Chickenpox, TBN95 mask + goggles/face shieldDropletFlu, Pertussis, DiphtheriaSurgical mask + gogglesContactC. difficile, infected woundsGown + gloves

🧴 Soap Type:

• Liquid soap preferred

• Mild soap for routine use

• Antibacterial soap for surgical settings (can cause dryness/resistance)

🖐️ Hand Hygiene:

• Soiled hands: Soap + water (40–60 sec)

• Clean hands: Alcohol rub (20–40 sec)

• Most important step: Friction rub

🏥 Common Hospital Conditions

🧠 CVA – Stroke

• Brain artery blocked → neuron death

• Act within 3 hours

• Signs:

• Facial drooping

• Arm weakness

• Speech difficulty

• Time to call help

❤️ MI – Heart Attack

• Blocked coronary artery → heart muscle damage

💔 CHF – Congestive Heart Failure

• Heart can't pump effectively → fluid buildup

🩸 CKD – Chronic Kidney Disease

• Kidney damage → reduced urine output, edema, dialysis

🧫 Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

InfectionDescription

CAUTICatheter-associated UTI

SSISurgical site infection

VAPVentilator-associated pneumonia

CLABSICentral line bloodstream infection

🔍 CNAs monitor for: Redness, swelling, pain, fever