CNA Resident’s Rights 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient tells a nurse aide that the foods on her tray conflict with her religious beliefs. The nurse aide should
- take the tray away and notify the charge nurse. (Correct answer)
- tell the patient's family to bring in food.
- leave the tray there in case she changes her mind.
- tell the patient that nothing else is available
Correct answer: take the tray away and notify the charge nurse.
Residents have the right to receive care that respects their religious and cultural beliefs, including dietary restrictions. If a resident states their food conflicts with their religion, the CNA must immediately remove the tray and inform the charge nurse. The nurse can then work with dietary staff to provide an appropriate meal that aligns with the resident's beliefs.
Question 2: A nursing assistant closes the door, pulls curtains between beds, and covers the resident with a bath sheet when giving a bath. This is an example of maintaining a resident's
- choice.
- confidentiality.
- privacy. (Correct answer)
- protection.
Correct answer: privacy.
Closing the door, pulling curtains between beds, and covering a resident with a bath sheet when giving a bath are all actions taken to protect the resident's privacy. These measures ensure that the resident's body is not unnecessarily exposed and that their personal space is respected, which is a fundamental right and promotes their dignity.
Question 3: A client wakes up during the night and asks for something to eat. The nurse aide SHOULD
- check client’s diet before offering nourishment. (Correct answer)
- tell the client nothing is available at night.
- tell the client that eating is not allowed during the night.
- explain that breakfast is coming in three hours.
Correct answer: check client’s diet before offering nourishment.
Before offering any food or drink to a client, especially outside of scheduled meal times, the nurse aide must always check the client's diet orders. Clients may have specific dietary restrictions (e.g., NPO, diabetic, thickened liquids) or allergies that could be harmful if not followed. This ensures patient safety and adherence to medical orders.
Question 4: A nurse aide reclines a resident in a geri-chair so the resident cannot attempt to stand. This is a violation of
- the resident’s right to be free from restraints. (Correct answer)
- the resident’s right to cooperation.
- the nurse aide to practice safety for the resident.
- the resident’s right to walk without assistance.
Correct answer: the resident’s right to be free from restraints.
Reclining a resident in a geri-chair specifically to prevent them from standing, without a physician's order, constitutes a physical restraint. Residents have a fundamental right to be free from restraints unless medically necessary and ordered by a doctor. This action restricts their freedom of movement and is a violation of their rights, as restraints should only be used as a last resort for safety.
Question 5: It is appropriate for a nurse aide to share the information regarding a client’s status with
- the client’s roommate.
- the staff on the next shift. (Correct answer)
- the client’s family members.
- social media friends.
Correct answer: the staff on the next shift.
Sharing client information with the staff on the next shift is appropriate because it ensures continuity of care and allows the healthcare team to provide consistent, informed support. This is a professional exchange within the healthcare setting, unlike sharing with unauthorized individuals like roommates, family without consent, or social media friends, which would violate patient confidentiality (HIPAA).
Question 6: Mr. Smith has started yelling after being in a restraint for about two hours. The CNA should
- release the restraint, offer toileting, and then reposition him. (Correct answer)
- threaten him to be quiet or leave the common area.
- confine him into his room, to not to disturb other residents.
- reinforce the restraint.
Correct answer: release the restraint, offer toileting, and then reposition him.
When a resident in restraints shows distress, such as yelling, the CNA's priority is to ensure their safety and comfort. Releasing the restraint, offering toileting, and repositioning addresses basic needs and potential discomfort that could be causing agitation. Restraints should be used for the shortest time possible, and threatening or reinforcing them is inappropriate and potentially abusive.
Question 7: When getting ready to dress a client, the nurse aide SHOULD
- give the client a choice of which outfit to wear. (Correct answer)
- choose clothes that the nurse aide personally likes.
- see if the clothes the client wore the day before are still clean.
- get the first clothes the nurse aide can reach in the closet.
Correct answer: give the client a choice of which outfit to wear.
Giving a client a choice of which outfit to wear respects their autonomy and promotes dignity, which are fundamental rights for residents in long-term care. This approach allows the individual to maintain a sense of control over their personal preferences and daily life. Choosing clothes for them or using previously worn items without their input disregards their right to choose.
Question 8: What happens to the resident's personal possessions in a long-term facility?
- Residents may keep and use personal possessions. (Correct answer)
- Possessions are not permitted because of liability.
- Possessions are put into the facility's storage.
- The resident may bring items for the bedside table.
Correct answer: Residents may keep and use personal possessions.
Residents in long-term facilities have the right to keep and use personal possessions. This helps them maintain a sense of identity, comfort, and familiarity, making their living space feel more like home. Denying this right or restricting possessions would negatively impact their emotional well-being and sense of belonging.
Question 9: The nurse aide notices that a client’s mail has been delivered to the client’s room. The nurse aide SHOULD
- open the mail and leave it on the client’s table.
- read the mail to see if it contains upsetting news.
- open the mail and read it to the client.
- give the client the unopened mail and offer help as needed. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: give the client the unopened mail and offer help as needed.
Residents have the right to privacy and to open their own mail. The nurse aide should respect this right by delivering the mail unopened. Offering assistance as needed is appropriate, but the decision to accept help with opening or reading the mail rests solely with the client.
Question 10: In a public space, 2 individual residents are cuddling. The CNA must:
- Escort them to one of the resident's private rooms.
- Separate them.
- Allow them to enjoy each other's company. (Correct answer)
- Notify their families.
Correct answer: Allow them to enjoy each other's company.
Residents have the right to personal relationships and intimacy. As long as their behavior is consensual, appropriate for a public space, and not disturbing other residents, the CNA should respect their autonomy and allow them to enjoy each other's company. Intervening unnecessarily would infringe upon their rights and dignity.
Question 11: Residents are entitled to social interaction with neighbors. Any health-related worries regarding a resident should be reported by CNAs. Any worries a CNA may have concerning a resident's safety should be reported. A CNA is asked by another CNA to assist in lifting a resident off the floor without being informed of what occurred. The CNA ought to:
- Don't ask because everyone should respect patient confidentiality.
- Wait until the end shift and ask the other CNA.
- Ask the resident what happened.
- Help the other CNA report the event to a supervisor. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Help the other CNA report the event to a supervisor.
If a resident is found on the floor, it indicates a potential fall or injury, which requires immediate attention and reporting. The CNA's primary responsibility is to ensure the resident's safety and report the incident to a supervisor, who can assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Lifting a resident without knowing the cause or extent of injury could cause further harm.
Question 12: If a resident asks the CNA to sign their will, the CNA should:
- Arrange for case management to assist the resident. (Correct answer)
- Get another person to sign at the same time so there are two witnesses.
- Decline and notify the family.
- Agree, but refuse any compensation.
Correct answer: Arrange for case management to assist the resident.
CNAs should not sign legal documents like wills for residents to avoid potential conflicts of interest or accusations of undue influence. Instead, the CNA should facilitate access to appropriate professional assistance, such as case management or social services, to ensure the resident's legal rights are protected and the process is handled properly.
Question 13: When a CNA discovers some unlabeled medications in a nightstand, they should
- Notify the nurse immediately. (Correct answer)
- Leave them alone to respect patient confidentiality.
- Discard them.
- Provide water and insist the resident take them as soon as possible.
Correct answer: Notify the nurse immediately.
Unlabeled medications pose a significant safety risk because their identity, dosage, and expiration are unknown. A CNA's scope of practice does not include identifying or administering medications. Therefore, the nurse must be notified immediately to assess the situation, ensure resident safety, and prevent potential harm.
Question 14: The room of a resident is messy, and the resident won't clean it up. The CNA must:
- Notify the resident's power of attorney.
- Let the resident know that some of the things are safety hazards and help them relocate the items. (Correct answer)
- Insist the resident pull all the things away or they will be thrown away.
- Clean the room while the resident is at an appointment.
Correct answer: Let the resident know that some of the things are safety hazards and help them relocate the items.
Residents have the right to their personal space and possessions, but safety is paramount. If a messy room creates safety hazards, the CNA should respectfully communicate these concerns to the resident and offer assistance in organizing or relocating items. This approach balances the resident's autonomy with the need to maintain a safe environment.
Question 15: One of the residents claims they wish their lives to end. The CNA is aware of:
- The resident needs help even if they don't mean it. (Correct answer)
- Residents have the right to harm themselves if they want.
- It is impossible to harm oneself in a long-term care facility.
- Elderly people say thigs like that and don't mean it.
Correct answer: The resident needs help even if they don't mean it.
Any statement indicating a desire to end one's life, even if seemingly casual, must be taken seriously. It could be a sign of depression, distress, or suicidal ideation. The CNA's immediate responsibility is to report this to the nurse or supervisor so the resident can receive a professional mental health assessment and appropriate support.
Question 16: The nursing aide SHOULD provide care in accordance with the Resident's Bill of Rights.
- Open the resident’s mail without permission.
- Prevent the resident from complaining about care.
- Use the resident’s personal possessions for someone else.
- Provide privacy during the resident’s personal care. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Provide privacy during the resident’s personal care.
Providing privacy during personal care, such as bathing or dressing, is a fundamental right outlined in the Resident's Bill of Rights. This action respects the resident's dignity, modesty, and personal space. The other options listed are violations of a resident's rights.
A patient tells a nurse aide that the foods on her tray conflict with her religious beliefs.
The nurse aide should