CNA Resident’s Rights 1 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: Which of the following statements about aging is true?

Most older people are alert and oriented. (Correct answer)
Most older people live in nursing homes.
Most older people are sick and helpless.
Most elderly people are confused.

Correct answer: Most older people are alert and oriented.

While some older adults may experience cognitive decline, the majority remain mentally alert and oriented throughout their lives. Stereotypes often portray the elderly as confused or helpless, but this is inaccurate and can lead to ageism. CNAs should approach each resident as an individual, recognizing their cognitive capabilities.

Question 2: Residents have the right to

ask about their roommate's status.
smoke in any area of the facility.
have access to a telephone. (Correct answer)
go anywhere in the facility.

Correct answer: have access to a telephone.

Residents in long-term care facilities have the right to communicate privately with people outside the facility, which includes access to a telephone. This right is crucial for maintaining social connections and personal autonomy. The other options are either not universal rights or are generally restricted for safety and privacy reasons.

Question 3: Which statement is TRUE concerning sexuality in the elderly?

Sex and intimacy are not important.
Elderly people can be attracted to each other. (Correct answer)
Elderly women are not interested in sex.
Elderly people are only focused on their health.

Correct answer: Elderly people can be attracted to each other.

Sexuality and the capacity for attraction do not disappear with age. Elderly individuals retain their human need for intimacy, companionship, and sexual expression. It is important for CNAs to recognize and respect this aspect of residents' lives, challenging ageist stereotypes that suggest otherwise.

Question 4: Mr. Smith, a 72-year-old male Alzheimer’s patient, has been stopped several times today while wandering from unit. He is ambulatory, but confused and combative. The CNA would first

redirect the resident or provide alternative activity. (Correct answer)
immediately notify the charge nurse.
place the resident in a wheelchair with a soft waist restraint.
Call the physician for a restraint order.

Correct answer: redirect the resident or provide alternative activity.

For a confused and agitated Alzheimer's patient, the first and least restrictive intervention is to attempt redirection or offer a calming alternative activity. This approach prioritizes the resident's dignity and safety by trying to de-escalate the situation verbally before resorting to more restrictive measures like restraints or immediately involving the nurse.

Question 5: Which of the following is a right of residents in a nursing facility?

Refusing treatment ordered by the doctor (Correct answer)
Taking a sleeping pill at night
Smoking in their room
Making as much noise as they want

Correct answer: Refusing treatment ordered by the doctor

Residents have the fundamental right to make informed decisions about their own healthcare, including the right to refuse any treatment, even if ordered by a doctor. This upholds their autonomy and self-determination. The other options are generally not rights, as they could compromise safety, health, or the rights of other residents.

Question 6: Which of the following statements about nursing home admissions is false?

Family members may be unable to care for elderly relatives at home.
Most families prefer to care for elderly relatives at home.
Most people prefer to put elderly relatives in a long term care facility. (Correct answer)
Half of elderly people are unsafe at at their relatives' home.

Correct answer: Most people prefer to put elderly relatives in a long term care facility.

The false statement is that most people prefer to place elderly relatives in long-term care. In reality, most families prefer to care for their elderly relatives at home, and nursing home admission is often a last resort when home care is no longer feasible or safe. This reflects a common societal preference for aging in place.

Question 7: When assisting a client in resolving grievances, the nurse aide should report the grievance to the

family.
nurse in charge. (Correct answer)
doctor.
administrator.

Correct answer: nurse in charge.

When a resident has a grievance, the CNA's role is to report it to the nurse in charge. The nurse is the appropriate person to address resident concerns, investigate the issue, and initiate the proper channels for resolution within the facility's policies. CNAs do not typically handle grievances directly with families, doctors, or administrators.

Question 8: You observe two adult residents sharing the same bed after lunch. You know these residents are capable of exercising their own rights. This means

they are free to make decisions.
they have the right to privacy.
they are probably seeking intimacy.
all of the above. (Correct answer)

Correct answer: all of the above.

If two capable adult residents choose to share a bed, it reflects their right to make personal decisions (autonomy), their right to privacy in their intimate relationships, and their natural human need for intimacy. As long as it's consensual and doesn't harm others, these actions are protected under resident rights.

Question 9: A family member asks the nurse aide what medication the client is receiving. The nurse aide should

give the family member the client’s chart.
refer the family member to the nurse. (Correct answer)
allow the family member to read the client’s medication list.
tell the family member what medications are given.

Correct answer: refer the family member to the nurse.

CNAs are not authorized to discuss a client's medical information, including medications, with family members due to privacy regulations (HIPAA) and their scope of practice. The nurse is the appropriate healthcare professional to provide such information, as they have the comprehensive knowledge and authority to do so.

Question 10: Mr. Brown has been a resident in your facility for two years. His wife has broken her hip and will soon be a resident, too. What is the policy for married couples?

Residents with a spouse or partner can share a room. (Correct answer)
Couples can be together for meals and activities.
The administrator determines room assignments.
Roommates are matched by gender.

Correct answer: Residents with a spouse or partner can share a room.

Federal regulations, such as those under OBRA '87, protect the rights of married couples in long-term care facilities, allowing them to share a room if both are residents and they both consent. This promotes their marital relationship and emotional well-being, recognizing the importance of maintaining family ties.

Question 11: A resident refuses lunch, but about two hours later decides she would like a snack. What is the nurse aide's best response?

"The kitchen is cleaning up now and doesn't have time to make anything."
"Sure. Let me just check your diet and then I'll bring something to you." (Correct answer)
"Residents are not allowed to eat between meals. Besides, you had your chance."
"Do you think you can wait a few more hours? Dinner will be ready then."

Correct answer: "Sure. Let me just check your diet and then I'll bring something to you."

This response respects the resident's autonomy and addresses their current need while ensuring dietary restrictions are followed. Residents have the right to make choices about their food, and offering a snack when hungry, within their diet plan, demonstrates person-centered care and flexibility.

Question 12: Which of these statements about sexuality and elderly residents is TRUE?

After menopause, women lose interest in sex.
A man cannot have an erection as he gets older.
Sexuality can be important to the elderly. (Correct answer)
As people age, they are not able to be sexual.

Correct answer: Sexuality can be important to the elderly.

Sexuality, including intimacy and physical affection, remains an important aspect of human life regardless of age. It contributes to emotional well-being, self-esteem, and quality of life for many elderly individuals. CNAs should acknowledge and respect this, rather than assuming a lack of interest or capability.

Question 13: A new resident refuses to wear a clothing protector at lunch. The nurse aide SHOULD

Report the resident to the nurse in charge
Respect the resident’s wishes (Correct answer)
Tell the resident that he must wear it
Put the clothing protector on the resident

Correct answer: Respect the resident’s wishes

Residents have the right to make choices about their personal care and preferences, as long as it does not endanger themselves or others. Refusing a clothing protector is a personal choice that should be respected, even if the CNA believes it's beneficial. The CNA's role is to provide care, not to force compliance on non-essential items.

Question 14: Which of the following is a right of residents in a nursing facility?

Smoking in their room
Making as much noise as they want
To take all the drugs they want
Refusing treatment ordered by the doctor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Refusing treatment ordered by the doctor

Question 15: In giving care according to the Resident’s Bill of Rights, the nurse aide SHOULD

Prevent the resident from complaining about care
Provide privacy during the resident’s personal care (Correct answer)
Use the resident’s personal possessions for someone else
Open the resident’s mail without permission

Correct answer: Provide privacy during the resident’s personal care

The Resident's Bill of Rights guarantees the right to privacy, especially during personal care activities like bathing, dressing, and toileting. Ensuring privacy respects the resident's dignity and promotes a sense of security and comfort. The other options violate resident rights or professional conduct.

Question 16: Restraints are used for all of the following EXCEPT

To protect the person from harming themself or others
To prevent falls from a bed or wheelchair
To allow staff to take care of other patients (Correct answer)
To prevent the patient from pulling out tubes or lines

Correct answer: To allow staff to take care of other patients

Restraints are a last resort and are only used to protect the person from harming themselves or others, or to prevent interference with life-sustaining medical treatment. Using restraints for staff convenience, such as to allow staff to care for other patients, is a violation of patient rights and is considered false imprisonment. This practice restricts a person's freedom for an improper reason and is strictly prohibited.

CNA Resident’s Rights 1

Which of the following statements about aging is true?