CNA Ethics and Professionalism

Question 1

A resident asks a CNA not to tell anyone about a personal problem they shared. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Explain that some information must be shared with the care team but will be kept professional

Answer

CNAs must maintain appropriate confidentiality but cannot promise absolute secrecy. If a resident shares information that affects their safety or health, it must be reported to the nurse. The CNA should explain that some information must be shared with the care team for the resident's well-being.

Question 2

Which behavior best demonstrates professionalism for a CNA?

Accepted Answer

Reporting to work on time, dressed appropriately, and treating everyone with respect

Answer

Arriving on time, wearing appropriate attire, treating residents and colleagues with respect, and maintaining confidentiality are all hallmarks of professionalism. CNAs represent the facility and the nursing profession through their daily conduct.

Question 3

A CNA witnesses a co-worker being verbally abusive to a resident. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Report the incident to the charge nurse or supervisor immediately

Answer

Witnessing abuse or neglect creates a mandatory duty to report. The CNA must report the incident to the charge nurse or supervisor immediately. Failing to report abuse makes the CNA complicit and is also a violation of professional and legal obligations.

Question 4

What is the ethical principle that refers to a patient's right to make their own healthcare decisions?

Accepted Answer

Autonomy

Answer

Autonomy is the ethical principle recognizing each person's right to make informed decisions about their own care. CNAs support autonomy by respecting residents' choices, offering options when possible, and not imposing personal opinions on residents.

Question 5

A CNA is offered money by a resident's family member as a personal gift in exchange for extra care. What should the CNA do?

Accepted Answer

Decline and explain that personal gifts are against policy

Answer

Accepting personal gifts from residents or families is typically against facility policy and professional ethics. It can create real or perceived favoritism, compromise care objectivity, and may constitute misappropriation. The CNA should politely decline and explain the policy.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Ethics and Professionalism