CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalMedium
A resident's son insists that his mother should not be allowed to have visitors other than himself. The resident is alert, oriented, and wants to see her friends. What should the nurse aide do?
- ASupport the resident's right to choose her own visitors and inform the nurse of the conflict
- BAllow the son to make the decision since he may be paying for care
- CDeny all visitors until the situation is clarified with the family
- DFollow the son's wishes since he is the closest family member
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Support the resident's right to choose her own visitors and inform the nurse of the conflict
A competent, alert resident has the right to decide who may visit her, regardless of family members' preferences. The nurse aide should support the resident's autonomy and inform the nurse of the conflict so it can be addressed appropriately.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Financial responsibility does not grant decision-making authority over visitors.
- C. Blanket denial violates the resident's right to visitors.
- D. Family wishes cannot override a competent resident's own choices.
Right to Choose Visitors
Competent residents have the right to decide who may visit them, and this right cannot be overridden by family members unless the resident is legally incapacitated.
- Resident autonomy takes precedence over family wishes
- Applies to all visitors, including friends
- Conflicts should be reported to nursing staff
Memory trick: Her choice, her door—family doesn't decide anymore.