Axillary temperature is the reading taken in the armpit. This method is safe, noninvasive, and commonly used by CNAs when other routes aren’t practical (such as with children or residents who can’t cooperate or when the mouth or rectum isn’t accessible). It tends to be slightly less accurate than rectal or oral measurements because it reflects skin temperature influenced by the environment and sweating. For a reliable axillary reading, ensure the armpit is dry, place the thermometer in the center of the armpit, and keep the arm pressed snugly against the body for the full measurement time. Use this method consistently to track temperature trends over time.

Constipation is the term for having trouble passing stool: infrequent, difficult, and often painful elimination of a hard, dry stool. This is common in residents, especially older adults, because the gut slows with age and factors like dehydration, low fiber, certain medications, and reduced activity can contribute. Signs to watch for include fewer bowel movements than usual, stools that are hard and dry, and straining during elimination. In a CNA role, respond by promoting hydration and fiber as ordered, supporting a regular toileting routine, and reporting ongoing or worsening symptoms to the nurse. Do not force a stool or administer laxatives unless a nurse orders it. Constipation can lead to complications such as fecal impaction if not addressed. The other terms do not describe bowel elimination: confused residents is about mental state, constrict means to squeeze, and conduct relates to behavior.

Discharging residents is the process of releasing a resident from care at a facility to go home or to another setting. This involves planning with the care team, ensuring the resident is stable, arranging transportation, and providing home-care instructions, medications, follow-up appointments, and any safety checks for the home. As a CNA, you help by preparing the resident’s belongings, making sure they’re dressed and safe, communicating updates to the nurse, and ensuring the family understands what to do after discharge. This is different from disease (an illness), dirty linen (laundry), or dysphagia (swallowing difficulty), none of which describe leaving the facility.

Ownership of items means naming the specific things that belong to someone. A personal belonging directly points to an item that belongs to that person, highlighting the ownership of that particular object. Personal property, while related, is a broader term used in legal or formal contexts to describe all movable property someone owns, not necessarily focusing on individual items. Belongings and possessions are common everyday terms for the items a person owns, but they usually refer to the whole set rather than a single item. So, when describing items that belong to the person in a singular sense, personal belonging fits best. In everyday language you’d often hear personal belongings to refer to all such items together.