CNA Working as Part of a Healthcare Team 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A new CNA joins the team. An experienced CNA notices the new hire uses a slightly different, but still safe, technique for transferring a resident. What is the best initial action for the experienced CNA to take to promote teamwork?
- Immediately correct the new CNA's technique in front of the resident.
- Report the different technique to the charge nurse as a potential problem.
- Privately and respectfully ask the new CNA about their technique, mentioning, 'I see you do that a bit differently, I'm just curious about your method.' (Correct answer)
- Ignore the difference as long as the resident is not in immediate danger.
Correct answer: Privately and respectfully ask the new CNA about their technique, mentioning, 'I see you do that a bit differently, I'm just curious about your method.'
This approach fosters a positive, non-judgmental, and collaborative environment. It opens a dialogue for mutual learning, respects the new hire's previous training, and builds rapport. Confronting them publicly or reporting them can create defensiveness and damage team morale. A simple, curious inquiry allows for a teaching or learning moment for both CNAs.
Question 2: A physical therapist (PT) has implemented a new, specific turning and repositioning schedule for a resident at high risk for pressure injuries. The PT briefly explained it, but the CNA finds it conflicts with the resident's preferred napping times. What is the CNA's most appropriate initial action?
- Follow the PT's schedule exactly as written to ensure clinical protocols are met.
- Ask the resident to change their napping schedule to accommodate the new turning regimen.
- Request a meeting with the PT and the charge nurse to discuss integrating the new schedule with the resident's established routine. (Correct answer)
- Adjust the turning schedule independently to align with the resident's naps and document the changes.
Correct answer: Request a meeting with the PT and the charge nurse to discuss integrating the new schedule with the resident's established routine.
Collaborative problem-solving is key. While the PT's orders are important, so is resident-centered care. The CNA's role includes observing and reporting conflicts between the care plan and the resident's preferences. Initiating a discussion with the licensed staff (PT and nurse) allows the team to find a solution that is both clinically effective and respects the resident's quality of life.
Question 3: During a resident's care plan meeting, the social worker discusses discharge planning. Which of the following observations from a CNA would be most valuable for the team to consider?
- The resident's family members seem stressed during visits.
- The resident consistently struggles to open their milk carton and juice container during meals. (Correct answer)
- The resident prefers to watch television in the afternoon.
- The resident's roommate snores loudly at night.
Correct answer: The resident consistently struggles to open their milk carton and juice container during meals.
This specific observation about fine motor skills (opening containers) directly relates to the resident's ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) independently and safely at home. This is crucial information for the occupational therapist, social worker, and nurse when planning for necessary support and equipment upon discharge.
Question 4: A CNA is part of a hospice care team for a non-verbal resident. The CNA notices the resident consistently grimaces and becomes restless when their left leg is moved during personal care. How should the CNA best contribute this information to the team?
- Document 'resident was uncooperative' in the daily chart.
- Wait for the next team meeting to bring up the observation.
- Verbally report the specific non-verbal cues (grimacing, restlessness) associated with the specific action (moving the left leg) to the hospice nurse immediately. (Correct answer)
- Ask the resident's family if this is normal behavior for them.
Correct answer: Verbally report the specific non-verbal cues (grimacing, restlessness) associated with the specific action (moving the left leg) to the hospice nurse immediately.
In hospice care, managing pain and providing comfort is a top priority. For a non-verbal resident, non-verbal cues are the primary method of communicating pain. Reporting these specific observations promptly to the nurse is crucial for a timely pain assessment and intervention. This demonstrates the CNA's vital role in observation and communication within the palliative care team.
Question 5: A charge nurse gives a CNA a directive that the CNA believes is unsafe for the resident based on their current condition. Which of the following demonstrates the most professional and appropriate response?
- Refuse the task and state that it is unsafe in front of the resident.
- Carry out the directive but complain about it to other CNAs later.
- Ask another CNA to perform the task instead.
- Privately and respectfully voice the specific safety concern to the charge nurse, explaining the observation that led to the concern. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Privately and respectfully voice the specific safety concern to the charge nurse, explaining the observation that led to the concern.
This approach demonstrates professional accountability and effective conflict resolution. By addressing the concern privately and respectfully, the CNA avoids undermining the nurse's authority in front of others while still advocating for resident safety. It opens a dialogue for clarification and collaborative problem-solving, which is essential for a healthy team dynamic.
Question 6: A speech-language pathologist (SLP) is working with a resident on swallowing strategies. To best support the SLP's plan of care, what should a CNA focus on during meal times?
- Encouraging the resident to eat as quickly as possible.
- Cutting the resident's food into large, easy-to-handle pieces.
- Observing for and reporting specific issues, such as coughing after swallowing, pocketing food, or a gurgly voice. (Correct answer)
- Engaging the resident in a lively conversation throughout the entire meal.
Correct answer: Observing for and reporting specific issues, such as coughing after swallowing, pocketing food, or a gurgly voice.
The CNA is the team member who most frequently observes residents during meals. Their ability to notice and report specific signs of dysphagia (swallowing difficulty) like coughing, pocketing, or vocal changes is critical information for the SLP. This feedback allows the SLP to assess the effectiveness of the prescribed strategies and make necessary adjustments to the care plan.
CNA Working as Part of a Healthcare Team 2
A new CNA joins the team.
An experienced CNA notices the new hire uses a slightly different, but still safe, technique for transferring a resident.
What is the best initial action for the experienced CNA to take to promote teamwork?