Arizona Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Practice Test

What is the best approach for a nurse aide when assisting a resident who is hesitant to interact?

1. Ignore the resident's reluctance

2. Use non-verbal communication

3. Encourage the resident to share their feelings

4. Take a step back and reduce the interaction

The correct answer is: Encourage the resident to share their feelings

Encouraging the resident to share their feelings is the best approach in this situation because it opens the door for communication and shows that the nurse aide is interested in the resident's thoughts and emotions. When a resident is hesitant to interact, they may have underlying concerns or feelings that need to be expressed. By facilitating a dialogue, the nurse aide can help the resident feel heard and supported, which may encourage further interaction and build trust. This approach fosters a therapeutic relationship, as it empowers the resident to articulate their feelings, which can be crucial for their emotional well-being and overall care experience. It also provides the aide with valuable information on how to best assist the resident moving forward, creating a more personalized care plan that considers the individual needs and comfort levels of the resident. Using non-verbal communication can be helpful, but it may not directly address the resident's feelings or concerns in a way that is as effective as encouraging open dialogue. While taking a step back may help reduce the resident's anxiety temporarily, it may not promote interaction in the long-term. Ignoring the reluctance can lead to feelings of isolation for the resident, which could exacerbate their hesitancy to communicate.