ADL Principles
Welcome to ADL Principles, a key CNA exam topic. This lesson covers safety, independence promotion, and proper techniques essential for quality care. Let’s build the skills to succeed!
ADL questions typically make up 22% of your exam. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know:
Core ADL Categories:
- Personal hygiene
- Dressing/undressing
- Eating/feeding
- Toileting
- Transferring/mobility
- Bathing
- Grooming
Independence Promotion:
- Encouraging self-care
- Maintaining dignity
- Respecting preferences
- Supporting independence
- Proper assistance levels
- Safety measures
Basic ADL Assessment:
- Level of assistance needed
- Physical capabilities
- Mental status
- Safety considerations
- Environmental factors
- Equipment needs
Personal Hygiene Skills:
- Oral care
- Hair care
- Nail care
- Skin care
- Perineal care
- Hand hygiene
- Bathing techniques
Mobility and Transfers:
- Body mechanics
- Gait belt use
- Transfer techniques
- Positioning
- Range of motion
- Fall prevention
- Assistive devices
Nutrition and Hydration:
- Feeding assistance
- Diet types
- Fluid intake
- Positioning for meals
- Swallowing precautions
- Food preferences
Toileting Assistance:
- Privacy measures
- Proper technique
- Safety considerations
- Skin care
- Documentation
- Incontinence care
Documentation Requirements:
- Level of assistance
- Resident participation
- Completion status
- Refusals
- Changes observed
- Special needs
Key Exam Focus Points:
Safety Considerations:
- Fall prevention
- Proper body mechanics
- Equipment use
- Environmental safety
- Infection control
- Resident capabilities
Resident Rights During ADLs:
- Privacy
- Dignity
- Choice
- Independence
- Preferences
- Cultural considerations
Quality Care Indicators:
- Proper technique
- Time management
- Communication
- Safety measures
- Infection control
- Documentation
Remember These Important Points:
- Safety comes first
- Promote independence
- Maintain dignity
- Document accurately
- Report changes promptly
The Exam Will Test Your Ability To:
- Perform ADLs safely
- Promote independence
- Maintain dignity
- Follow proper procedures
- Document accurately
- Recognize changes
Critical Concepts to Master:
- Safety measures
- Proper techniques
- Independence promotion
- Privacy protection
- Documentation requirements
- Communication skills
Special Considerations:
- Cultural preferences
- Religious beliefs
- Physical limitations
- Cognitive status
- Environmental factors
- Equipment needs
This overview covers the fundamental ADL concepts you’ll encounter on the CNA exam. Questions will often present scenarios requiring you to demonstrate your understanding of proper techniques, safety measures, and resident rights during ADL care.
Great work! You’ve completed ADL Principles. Up next: Common Mistakes Students Make in the ADLs Section of the CNA Exam. Let’s learn how to avoid them!