CNA Resident Rights and Communication 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident who is alert and oriented informs the CNA that he wishes to participate in a new experimental research study being conducted at the facility. Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the CNA?
- Discourage the resident by explaining potential unknown risks.
- Inform the charge nurse of the resident's expressed wish to participate. (Correct answer)
- Tell the resident's family they should talk him out of it.
- Sign the consent form as a witness for the resident.
Correct answer: Inform the charge nurse of the resident's expressed wish to participate.
Residents have the right to refuse or participate in experimental treatment or research. The CNA's role is not to influence this decision but to communicate the resident's wishes to the licensed nurse, who can then ensure the resident is fully informed and that proper protocols are followed.
Question 2: A resident's daughter, who has power of attorney, is upset about the care her mother is receiving and verbally threatens to sue the facility. When communicating with the daughter, the CNA should:
- Defend the facility's actions and explain why she is wrong.
- Suggest she file a formal complaint using the facility's grievance procedure. (Correct answer)
- Immediately cease communication and report her to the administrator.
- Agree with her complaints to de-escalate the situation.
Correct answer: Suggest she file a formal complaint using the facility's grievance procedure.
Residents and their representatives have the right to voice grievances without fear of reprisal. The appropriate response is to guide the family member toward the formal process established for resolving complaints, which respects their rights and ensures the issue is properly documented and addressed by the facility.
Question 3: A resident receives a package in the mail that appears to contain fragile items. The resident has severe arthritis and asks the CNA to open it for her. What is the CNA's best course of action?
- Open the package for her immediately in the hallway.
- Refuse, stating that opening mail is a violation of privacy.
- Take the package to the resident's room and open it in her presence, as requested. (Correct answer)
- Leave the package at the nurse's station for the charge nurse to open later.
Correct answer: Take the package to the resident's room and open it in her presence, as requested.
Residents have a right to privacy in sending and receiving mail. However, if a resident requests assistance due to a physical limitation, the CNA can help. The key is to do so in a way that respects privacy and the resident's wishes, which means opening it in front of them in their private space.
Question 4: A new resident's admission agreement includes a clause stating that their child, who is handling the admission, is the 'responsible party' for all payments. According to federal law, which statement is true?
- The child must sign as the responsible party for admission to be completed.
- This clause is legal only if the resident is incompetent.
- The facility can require a third-party guarantee of payment.
- Requiring a third-party guarantee for payment is illegal. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Requiring a third-party guarantee for payment is illegal.
The federal Nursing Home Reform Act prohibits facilities from requiring a third party, such as a child or friend, to personally guarantee payment for a resident's care as a condition of admission or continued stay. A person may sign as a representative to manage the resident's funds, but not to become personally liable.
Question 5: A resident with expressive aphasia can understand language but struggles to speak. The resident becomes visibly frustrated while trying to communicate a need. Which communication strategy should the CNA try FIRST?
- Speak louder and more slowly to the resident.
- Ask a series of simple 'yes' or 'no' questions. (Correct answer)
- Finish the resident's sentences to help them.
- Encourage the resident to write it down on a piece of paper.
Correct answer: Ask a series of simple 'yes' or 'no' questions.
For residents with expressive aphasia, who understand but have difficulty speaking, asking simple 'yes' or 'no' questions can be highly effective. This reduces frustration by allowing them to respond with a nod or a simple word, whereas asking open-ended questions or waiting for complex responses can increase their distress.
Question 6: A resident, who manages his own finances, reports that $20 is missing from the wallet he keeps in his unlocked bedside table. What is the CNA's primary responsibility in this situation?
- Advise the resident to keep his wallet locked up in the future.
- Conduct a search of the room and question the roommate.
- Document the resident's report and inform the charge nurse immediately. (Correct answer)
- Tell the resident the facility is not responsible for personal property.
Correct answer: Document the resident's report and inform the charge nurse immediately.
Residents have the right to manage their own financial affairs and have their property protected from theft. While advising the resident on safety is helpful, the CNA's immediate and primary duty is to report the resident's concern to the nurse according to facility policy. This ensures a proper investigation can be initiated and the resident's right to have grievances addressed is upheld.
CNA Resident Rights and Communication 2
A resident who is alert and oriented informs the CNA that he wishes to participate in a new experimental research study being conducted at the facility.
Which of the following is the most appropriate action for the CNA?