STNA Resident Rights and Safety 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which scenario describes neglect by a nursing assistant?
- Reporting a resident's complaint of pain to the nurse
- Failing to reposition a resident who cannot move independently (Correct answer)
- Offering a resident a choice of beverages with meals
- Notifying the nurse before leaving the unit for a break
Correct answer: Failing to reposition a resident who cannot move independently
Failing to turn and reposition an immobile resident is neglect that can result in pressure injuries and other harm.
Question 2: A resident's call light has been on for 20 minutes. The CNA is assigned to another resident. What is the best action?
- Finish the current task completely before responding
- Alert another staff member to respond while completing the current task (Correct answer)
- Ignore it since the resident calls frequently without urgency
- Turn off the call light and check on the resident after the shift
Correct answer: Alert another staff member to respond while completing the current task
Call lights must be answered promptly; if the CNA cannot respond immediately, another staff member must be notified to assist.
Question 3: What is the role of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman?
- To inspect facilities for infection control compliance
- To advocate for the rights and welfare of nursing home residents (Correct answer)
- To manage staffing schedules at long-term care facilities
- To audit billing practices of Medicare and Medicaid
Correct answer: To advocate for the rights and welfare of nursing home residents
The ombudsman is an independent resident advocate who investigates complaints and works to resolve problems in long-term care facilities.
Question 4: A resident's religious dietary restrictions are not being followed by the kitchen. What should the CNA do?
- Tell the resident to accept what is served
- Report the issue to the nurse or dietary supervisor immediately (Correct answer)
- Bring in food from outside without telling anyone
- Document it in the chart and wait for the next care conference
Correct answer: Report the issue to the nurse or dietary supervisor immediately
Residents have the right to have their religious and cultural preferences honored, and the appropriate supervisor must be notified promptly.
Question 5: Which action protects a resident's right to receive information about their care?
- Discussing the care plan only with family at monthly meetings
- Explaining procedures to the resident before performing them (Correct answer)
- Posting care information on the hallway bulletin board
- Providing written care summaries to the charge nurse only
Correct answer: Explaining procedures to the resident before performing them
Residents have the right to be informed about all aspects of their care before and during procedures.
Question 6: A resident who is normally talkative suddenly becomes withdrawn and tearful. What should the CNA do?
- Leave the resident alone to respect their privacy
- Report the change in behavior to the nurse and document observations (Correct answer)
- Assume the resident is tired and check again the next day
- Contact the family immediately without telling the nurse
Correct answer: Report the change in behavior to the nurse and document observations
Sudden changes in a resident's mood or behavior are significant clinical observations that must be reported to the nurse promptly.
Question 7: A resident asks the CNA to witness their signature on a legal document. What should the CNA do?
- Sign as a witness since the resident trusts them
- Decline and refer the resident to the charge nurse or social worker (Correct answer)
- Sign only if the document is a simple personal letter
- Ask another CNA to witness it instead
Correct answer: Decline and refer the resident to the charge nurse or social worker
CNAs should not witness legal documents as this creates conflicts of interest and liability; the charge nurse or social worker should handle such requests.
STNA Resident Rights and Safety 5
Which scenario describes neglect by a nursing assistant?