CNA Certification (Written Exam)Communication and Psychosocial NeedsMedium
A nurse aide wants to encourage a resident to express feelings about an upcoming procedure. Which statement is the best example of an open-ended question?
- AAre you in pain?
- BDid you sleep well last night?
- CDo you want some water?
- DHow are you feeling today?
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. How are you feeling today?
Open-ended questions invite residents to elaborate and express feelings in their own words, rather than answering with a simple yes or no. 'How are you feeling today?' encourages fuller expression compared to closed yes/no questions.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This is a closed question with a yes/no answer.
- B. This is a closed question limited to a yes/no response.
- C. This is also a closed question requiring only yes or no.
Open-Ended Questions
Questions that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no and encourage residents to share more detail about their feelings or experiences.
- Begin with words like 'how' or 'what'
- Encourage therapeutic communication
- Closed questions limit responses to yes/no
Memory trick: Open the door, not just yes or no — ask 'how' and 'what' to let feelings flow.