Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

What should a nursing assistant do if a resident becomes agitated during personal care?

1. Increase their speed of care

2. Calmly talk to the resident and reassure them

3. Ignore the resident's agitation

4. Ask the resident to leave

The correct answer is: Calmly talk to the resident and reassure them

When a resident becomes agitated during personal care, the most appropriate action is to calmly talk to the resident and reassure them. This approach acknowledges the resident's feelings and helps to create a sense of safety and trust. By engaging in calm conversation, the nursing assistant can help to alleviate the agitation, allowing the resident to feel more comfortable and cooperative during personal care tasks. Building a rapport and offering reassurance can often diffuse a tense situation. It’s important for the nursing assistant to maintain a composed demeanor, as their actions and tone can significantly impact the resident's response. Compassionate communication is vital in clinical settings, especially when working with individuals who may feel vulnerable or anxious. Increasing the speed of care might further distress the resident, whereas ignoring their agitation can lead to increased frustration and potential behavioral issues. Asking the resident to leave is not an appropriate response, as it does not address the underlying emotions and could exacerbate feelings of rejection or anxiety. Hence, engaging in calm, reassuring dialogue is the most effective strategy in such situations.