CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalMedium
A nurse aide notices a family member removing a resident's jewelry from the bedside table without the resident's knowledge, claiming they will 'keep it safe.' What is the nurse aide's best action?
- AReport the incident to the nurse or supervisor immediately
- BSay nothing, as personal property is not the aide's concern
- CConfront the family member and demand the jewelry back
- DAllow it since family members are usually trustworthy
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Report the incident to the nurse or supervisor immediately
Residents have the right to keep and use personal possessions, and any removal without the resident's consent may constitute exploitation or theft. The nurse aide should report this to the nurse or supervisor so it can be properly investigated, not confront the family member directly.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Personal property rights are within every staff member's responsibility to protect.
- C. Confrontation could escalate the situation and is outside the aide's scope.
- D. Trust does not override the resident's right to control their own property.
Right to Personal Property
Residents have the right to keep and use personal possessions, and these cannot be taken without the resident's consent.
- Removing items without consent may be exploitation
- Staff must report suspicious removal of belongings
- Aides should not confront family members directly
Memory trick: It's their stuff—report, don't confront.