General CNA Practice Patient Rights and Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A resident with dementia becomes agitated and calls you by the name of their deceased spouse. Which of the following actions best demonstrates respect for the resident's rights and dignity?

Accepted Answer

Responding calmly and reassuringly without correcting them, then redirecting their attention.

Answer

This approach, often called validation therapy, acknowledges the resident's reality without lying or causing further distress. It is a respectful and effective way to manage dementia-related behaviors, focusing on reassurance and emotional comfort rather than factual accuracy.

Question 2

You overhear a coworker in the breakroom discussing a resident's recent diagnosis with another CNA who is not involved in that resident's care. This action is a violation of which federal law?

Accepted Answer

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Answer

HIPAA's Privacy Rule establishes national standards to protect individuals' medical records and other personal health information. Discussing a resident's protected health information (PHI) with anyone not directly involved in their care is a clear violation of this law.

Question 3

An alert and oriented resident informs you they do not want to take their scheduled shower today. What is the CNA's most appropriate response?

Accepted Answer

Respect their decision, document the refusal, and report it to the nurse.

Answer

Competent residents have the right to refuse care and treatment under the Patient Self-Determination Act and OBRA regulations. The CNA's role is to respect this right, ensure the refusal is properly documented, and communicate the information to the nurse for follow-up.

Question 4

Which of the following scenarios constitutes financial abuse of a resident?

Accepted Answer

Persuading a resident to buy you a gift card while you are helping them shop online.

Answer

Financial abuse, or exploitation, involves the illegal or improper use of a resident's funds, property, or assets. Persuading a resident to purchase something for the caregiver's benefit is a form of exploitation and a violation of ethical boundaries.

Question 5

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA '87) established a set of standards to protect the rights of residents in long-term care facilities. Which of the following is a key provision of OBRA?

Accepted Answer

The right to be free from physical and chemical restraints used for discipline or convenience.

Answer

OBRA '87 specifically protects residents' rights to be free from any physical or chemical restraints imposed for purposes of discipline or convenience and not required to treat the resident's medical symptoms. This is a fundamental right to ensure safety and dignity.

General Practice Test

General Practice Test

General CNA Practice Patient Rights and Ethics Questions and Answers