Legal & Ethical Behaviours Flashcards

A resident tells you they want to refuse their scheduled bath today. What is the most appropriate action?

Answer: Honor the refusal, document it, and notify the nurse

Competent residents have the legal right to refuse any care, and CNAs must document and report refusals to the nurse.

Which action by a CNA would constitute false imprisonment?

Answer: Locking the exit door to prevent a resident from leaving

Locking a door to prevent a resident from leaving without legal authority constitutes false imprisonment.

A CNA witnesses a co-worker stealing a resident's money. What should the CNA do?

Answer: Report the incident to the charge nurse or supervisor immediately

Theft from a resident is a form of abuse that must be reported immediately to the charge nurse or supervisor.

What does the legal term 'scope of practice' mean for a CNA?

Answer: The specific tasks a CNA is legally authorized to perform

Scope of practice defines the specific tasks and responsibilities a CNA is legally permitted to perform based on training and state law.

A family member asks a CNA to share details about another resident's condition. How should the CNA respond?

Answer: Decline and explain that resident information is confidential

HIPAA requires CNAs to protect the confidentiality of all residents' information; sharing it with unauthorized individuals violates the law.

Which of the following is an example of a CNA acting as a resident advocate?

Answer: Reporting to the nurse that a resident's call light was ignored for 30 minutes

Advocacy includes speaking up for residents' needs, such as reporting when their call for assistance has been neglected.

A CNA is asked by a nurse to perform a sterile wound dressing change. What should the CNA do?

Answer: Refuse and explain it is outside the CNA's scope of practice

Sterile wound dressing changes are not within the CNA's scope of practice; performing them could cause harm and legal liability.