Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

If a resident newly admitted is sitting in a chair and requests help to go to the bathroom, how should a nurse aide respond?

1. Assist the resident immediately without checking

2. Ask the charge nurse for instructions on what assistance the resident needs

3. Tell the resident to wait

4. Guide the resident based on previous experience

The correct answer is: Ask the charge nurse for instructions on what assistance the resident needs

The choice to ask the charge nurse for instructions on what assistance the resident needs is the most appropriate response, particularly when dealing with a newly admitted resident. This approach ensures that the nurse aide provides the right level of care tailored to that specific resident’s needs. The charge nurse is familiar with the protocols and the resident's medical history or specific care plan, which can give important context for how to assist the resident properly. Consulting with the charge nurse aids in ensuring safety and providing appropriate assistance according to any special considerations that may be necessary for the resident due to their health status or mobility issues. This response emphasizes the importance of teamwork and communication in healthcare settings to provide effective and safe patient care. Immediate assistance without checking may overlook potential risks or specific needs of the resident, while merely telling the resident to wait could lead to discomfort or distress. Guiding the resident based solely on previous experience might not account for specific conditions or limitations that the new resident may have, which makes the charge nurse's insight invaluable.