CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalEasy
A resident who is alert and oriented refuses to take a shower today. The nurse aide has already explained the importance of hygiene. What should the aide do next?
- AGive the resident a shower anyway while explaining it is for their own good
- BAsk a family member to convince the resident to comply
- CInsist the resident shower because it is part of the care plan
- DDocument the refusal, notify the nurse, and offer the shower again later
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Document the refusal, notify the nurse, and offer the shower again later
Competent residents have the right to refuse any care or treatment. The aide must respect this right, document the refusal, inform the nurse, and offer the care again later rather than forcing it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Proceeding despite refusal is a form of abuse (forced treatment).
- B. Pressuring through family members disrespects the resident's autonomous decision.
- C. Forcing care violates the resident's right to refuse treatment.
Right to Refuse Treatment
Competent residents have the legal right to refuse any care, treatment, or medication offered to them.
- Applies even if refusal may harm the resident's health
- Aide must document and report refusals to the nurse
- Refusing care is not the same as neglect by staff
Memory trick: 'My Body, My Choice' — document, don't force.