Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Which approach is most effective when providing comfort to a distressed resident?

1. Offering distraction through entertainment.

2. Validating their feelings and providing reassurance.

3. Redirecting them to another topic immediately.

4. Avoiding personal engagement to respect their privacy.

The correct answer is: Validating their feelings and providing reassurance.

Validating a resident's feelings and providing reassurance is the most effective approach when offering comfort to someone who is distressed. This method involves acknowledging the person's emotions, which helps them feel understood and accepted during a difficult time. Providing validation can enhance the emotional connection between the caregiver and the resident, fostering a sense of trust and safety. Reassurance helps to alleviate anxiety or fear by letting the individual know that their feelings are normal and that support is available. This approach prioritizes emotional support, which is crucial in comfort care. Distressed individuals often require a compassionate response that recognizes their emotional state and creates an environment where they can express their concerns without fear of judgment. This not only assists in calming them down but also encourages open communication, allowing caregivers to better understand and address the underlying issues contributing to their distress.