CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalMedium
A bedbound resident develops a stage 3 pressure ulcer after staff repeatedly failed to reposition them as scheduled in the care plan. This situation is best classified as:
- ANeglect
- BInvoluntary seclusion
- CPhysical abuse
- DFinancial exploitation
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Neglect
Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, such as scheduled repositioning, resulting in harm like a pressure ulcer. Unlike abuse, neglect does not require intent to harm, just a failure to meet a resident's care needs.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Involuntary seclusion involves isolating a resident against their will, unrelated here.
- C. Physical abuse involves intentional infliction of injury, not omission of care.
- D. Financial exploitation involves misuse of a resident's money or property.
Neglect vs. Abuse
Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care or services that results in harm, while abuse is an intentional act causing injury or distress.
- Neglect can be unintentional but is still reportable
- Pressure ulcers from missed repositioning are a classic neglect example
- Both neglect and abuse must be reported immediately
Memory trick: 'Neglect = Not doing; Abuse = Doing harm.'