Free CNA Ethics and Professionalism Questions and Answers 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient offers a CNA a $20 tip for excellent care. What should the CNA do?
- Accept the tip to avoid offending the patient
- Politely decline the tip and explain that you cannot accept gifts (Correct answer)
- Accept the money and give it to your supervisor
- Take the money and thank the patient
Correct answer: Politely decline the tip and explain that you cannot accept gifts
CNAs must adhere to ethical guidelines, which prohibit accepting gifts or money from patients. Accepting tips can be seen as unprofessional and could lead to conflicts of interest. The CNA should politely decline the offer and explain that it is against policy to accept tips or gifts.
Question 2: What is the primary responsibility of a CNA when caring for a patient who has made a personal health decision you disagree with?
- Persuade the patient to make a different decision
- Respect the patient's decision and provide care as directed (Correct answer)
- Report the patient’s decision to the family without the patient’s consent
- Refuse to care for the patient if you disagree with their decision
Correct answer: Respect the patient's decision and provide care as directed
As a CNA, it's important to respect a patient’s autonomy and their right to make personal health decisions, even if you disagree with those decisions. The CNA’s role is to provide care according to the patient’s wishes and care plan, without imposing personal beliefs. Always maintain professionalism and prioritize the patient's choices.
Question 3: Confidentiality is a major aspect of a CNA’s job. Which of the following actions violates a patient’s right to privacy?
- Sharing patient information with the healthcare team
- Discussing a patient’s condition with their family without the patient’s consent (Correct answer)
- Keeping the patient’s medical records in a secure location
- Reporting changes in a patient’s condition to the nurse
Correct answer: Discussing a patient’s condition with their family without the patient’s consent
Patient confidentiality is protected under HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). CNAs must not share patient information with anyone who is not directly involved in the patient’s care, including family members, without the patient’s consent. It is important to protect the privacy of all patient health information.
Question 4: A CNA overhears another staff member making fun of a patient’s condition in the break room. What should the CNA do?
- Join in to avoid conflict with coworkers
- Ignore the comment and leave the room
- Report the behavior to a supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Tell the patient about the staff member’s comment
Correct answer: Report the behavior to a supervisor immediately
It is the ethical responsibility of a CNA to report any unprofessional or inappropriate behavior, especially if it involves the mistreatment or disrespect of a patient. Making fun of a patient’s condition is both unethical and unprofessional, and such behavior should be reported to a supervisor to ensure it is addressed.
Question 5: A CNA notices that a patient is refusing to eat due to religious fasting. What is the best course of action?
- Respect the patient’s decision and inform the nurse (Correct answer)
- Encourage the patient to eat to avoid becoming weak
- Report the patient to their family for not eating
- Persuade the patient to eat small amounts of food
Correct answer: Respect the patient’s decision and inform the nurse
Respecting a patient’s religious beliefs is an important part of providing ethical and compassionate care. If a patient is fasting for religious reasons, the CNA should respect their choice and notify the nurse to ensure the patient’s condition is monitored appropriately. Never force or coerce a patient into eating if it goes against their personal beliefs.
A patient offers a CNA a $20 tip for excellent care.
What should the CNA do?