CNA Communication And Interpersonal Skills 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A resident who speaks limited English becomes frustrated during care. What is the BEST first action for the CNA?
- Speak more slowly and use simple words or gestures (Correct answer)
- Ask a family member to translate all conversations
- Document that the resident is uncooperative
- Proceed with care without attempting communication
Correct answer: Speak more slowly and use simple words or gestures
Speaking slowly, using simple language, and gestures can bridge language barriers until a professional interpreter is available.
Question 2: Which behavior by a CNA demonstrates professional boundaries with residents?
- Sharing personal relationship problems to build rapport
- Accepting small gifts such as candy from residents (Correct answer)
- Visiting a resident at home on days off
- Lending money to a resident who asks for help
Correct answer: Accepting small gifts such as candy from residents
Accepting small token gifts like candy is generally acceptable, while sharing personal problems, home visits, or financial transactions violate professional boundaries.
Question 3: A resident tells the CNA, 'I feel like nobody cares about me.' The BEST therapeutic response is:
- 'That's not true — your family visits all the time.'
- 'I understand you're feeling lonely. Tell me more about that.' (Correct answer)
- 'You shouldn't feel that way; the staff works very hard.'
- 'I'll let the nurse know you said that and she'll talk to you.'
Correct answer: 'I understand you're feeling lonely. Tell me more about that.'
Acknowledging the feeling and encouraging the resident to elaborate shows empathy and opens therapeutic communication.
Question 4: When documenting a resident's behavior, which entry is MOST appropriate?
- 'Resident was angry and difficult during morning care.'
- 'Resident refused bath, stating he was tired; reported to nurse.' (Correct answer)
- 'Resident seemed depressed and uncooperative today.'
- 'Resident acted strange and would not cooperate.'
Correct answer: 'Resident refused bath, stating he was tired; reported to nurse.'
Objective documentation records specific observable behaviors and the resident's own words rather than subjective interpretations.
Question 5: A hearing-impaired resident uses a hearing aid. Before speaking, the CNA should FIRST:
- Speak loudly directly into the resident's ear
- Ensure the hearing aid is in place and turned on (Correct answer)
- Write all communication on a notepad
- Ask the charge nurse to handle all communication
Correct answer: Ensure the hearing aid is in place and turned on
Verifying the hearing aid is properly placed and functioning ensures the resident can hear before communication begins.
Question 6: A resident's family member demands to read another resident's chart. The CNA should:
- Allow it since family members have broad access rights
- Decline and explain that resident information is confidential (Correct answer)
- Allow it only if the charge nurse is nearby
- Provide a summary of the other resident's condition
Correct answer: Decline and explain that resident information is confidential
HIPAA protects each resident's health information; CNAs must refuse to share another resident's records with unauthorized individuals.
Question 7: During a care conference, the CNA's PRIMARY role is to:
- Lead the discussion and direct the care plan
- Share observations about the resident's daily functioning and preferences (Correct answer)
- Remain silent unless directly asked a question by the physician
- Represent the family's concerns only
Correct answer: Share observations about the resident's daily functioning and preferences
CNAs spend the most time with residents and contribute valuable firsthand observations about daily functioning and preferences to the care team.
CNA Communication And Interpersonal Skills 5
A resident who speaks limited English becomes frustrated during care.
What is the BEST first action for the CNA?