What is Etch and Roll?

As you walk into Mr. Henderson’s room to help him with breakfast, you notice his stroke-affected hand is resting comfortably on a pillow, cupped around...

Understanding Healthcare Directives: What They Mean and Why They Matter

You’ve likely heard a family member ask, “Does Mom really want to go back to the hospital if she stops breathing?” or seen a specific...

What is Echemiparesis?

As you help Mr. Henderson get dressed for the day, you notice he struggles to pull his shirt over his left arm, while his right...

What is Hemiplegia?

You’re helping Mr. Henderson get dressed after a stroke, and you notice he cannot move his left arm or leg at all, while his right...

What is Angina?

You are helping Mr. Henderson down the hall to the dining room when he suddenly stops, clutches his chest, and tells you he feels like...

What is an Antibody?

You are reviewing the care plan for a new admission and see a note about the resident having a compromised immune system due to low...

What is Antiseptic?

You’re preparing to perform a fingerstick blood glucose check on Mr. Henderson, and you grab an alcohol wipe to clean his fingertip. That small wipe...

What is Aorta?

You know that rhythmic “thump-thump” you feel when checking a radial pulse or helping a resident relax? That energy starts in the heart and travels...

What is Aphasia?

Imagine you are trying to help Mr. Jones with his lunch, but despite his best efforts, he cannot seem to find the words to tell...

What is an Apical Pulse?

You’re preparing to administer a cardiac medication to Mr. Henderson, but before you do, you need to verify his heart rate. Instead of checking his...