CNA Abuse, Neglect, and Mandatory Reporting

Question 1

A nurse aide witnesses a coworker yelling at a resident and calling them insulting names. This is an example of:

Accepted Answer

Verbal or emotional abuse

Answer

Verbal or emotional abuse includes yelling, threatening, insulting, humiliating, or demeaning a resident. It causes psychological harm and is prohibited under federal law regardless of whether physical contact occurs.

Question 2

As a nurse aide, you are a mandatory reporter. This means you are legally required to report:

Accepted Answer

Any suspected or witnessed abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a resident, regardless of who committed it

Answer

Mandatory reporters must report any suspected, witnessed, or disclosed abuse — whether committed by staff, family, other residents, or anyone else. Waiting for supervisor approval or limiting reports to visible injuries violates mandatory reporting laws.

Question 3

A nurse aide notices a resident has unexplained bruises in various stages of healing and becomes very anxious when male staff enter the room. The nurse aide should:

Accepted Answer

Document the observations and report them to the charge nurse or supervisor immediately

Answer

Unexplained injuries and behavioral changes consistent with fear are red flags for abuse. The nurse aide's obligation is to document and report observations immediately — not to investigate, confront staff, or wait for more evidence. The nurse aide is not responsible for proving abuse, only reporting suspicion.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes neglect in a long-term care setting?

Accepted Answer

Failure to provide necessary care such as food, hygiene, positioning, or medical attention

Answer

Neglect is the failure — intentional or unintentional — to provide care that meets a resident's basic needs, including nutrition, hygiene, repositioning, or medical follow-up. It differs from physical abuse (hitting) and financial exploitation (stealing).

Question 5

A resident tells a nurse aide, 'My daughter took all the money from my wallet last week and won't give it back.' The nurse aide should:

Accepted Answer

Report the disclosure to the charge nurse immediately, as this may be financial exploitation

Answer

Taking a resident's money or property without permission is financial exploitation — a form of abuse. The nurse aide must report this disclosure immediately to the charge nurse. Family relationship does not exempt someone from abuse reporting requirements.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Abuse, Neglect, and Mandatory Reporting