CNA Legal & Ethical Behaviours 1

Question 1

You observe your co-worker verbally abusing a resident. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Report it to the charge nurse.

Answer

Verbal abuse of a resident is a serious form of elder abuse and a direct violation of professional ethics and resident rights. CNAs have a legal and ethical obligation to protect residents from harm. Reporting the incident immediately to the charge nurse, who is the direct supervisor, ensures that the situation is addressed promptly and appropriately through the proper chain of command.

Question 2

You observe your charge nurse holding a resident’s nose to get him to take his medications. You should

Accepted Answer

report the incident immediately to the D.O.N.

Answer

Forcing medication by holding a resident's nose is a form of abuse and a violation of their rights, specifically the right to refuse treatment and freedom from abuse. When a supervisor, like a charge nurse, is involved in such an act, reporting it to the next level of authority, the Director of Nursing (D.O.N.), is crucial. This ensures the incident is investigated and appropriate action is taken to protect residents.

Question 3

You don't answer a call light because the patient is always hitting it accidentally. No responding is considered to be

Accepted Answer

neglect or abuse.

Answer

Failing to respond to a patient's call light, regardless of perceived frequency or reason, is considered neglect. Patients rely on call lights for essential needs, safety, and comfort. Deliberately ignoring a call light deprives the patient of necessary care and attention, which can lead to harm, distress, or injury, thus constituting neglect or a form of abuse.

Question 4

After the end of the shift, some nurse aides go to a restaurant. Acceptable topics of conversation would include

Accepted Answer

the weather.

Answer

Discussing patients, their medical conditions, or sensitive hospital politics outside of a professional setting violates patient confidentiality (HIPAA) and professional ethics. CNAs have a legal and ethical responsibility to protect patient privacy. Acceptable topics of conversation among colleagues outside of work should be general and not involve any protected health information or confidential workplace details.

Question 5

The nurse aide reports directly to the

Accepted Answer

licensed nurse.

Answer

In most healthcare settings, the nurse aide works under the direct supervision of a licensed nurse (RN or LPN/LVN). The licensed nurse is responsible for delegating tasks, overseeing patient care, and ensuring the nurse aide performs duties within their scope of practice. This chain of command ensures proper patient care, accountability, and adherence to facility policies.

CNA Practice Test

CNA Practice Test

CNA Legal & Ethical Behaviours 1