CNA Certification (Written Exam)Resident Rights and Legal/EthicalHard
A nurse aide observes a coworker regularly leaving a resident's room without responding to their call light, even when the resident is visibly distressed. This behavior should be reported as:
- AAbuse, because it causes emotional distress.
- BA personal conflict between the coworker and the resident.
- CA minor infraction that can be handled by speaking to the coworker directly.
- DNeglect, as the resident's needs are not being met.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Neglect, as the resident's needs are not being met.
Neglect is the failure to provide goods or services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish, or illness. Repeatedly ignoring a distressed resident's call light, thereby failing to meet their basic needs or provide comfort, constitutes neglect and must be reported immediately.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. While it causes emotional distress, it's primarily an act of omission (failure to act) rather than a direct act of commission, making neglect the more accurate classification.
- B. This dismisses the seriousness of the situation; it's a professional failing, not a 'personal conflict.'
- C. Ignoring call lights, especially when a resident is distressed, is a serious issue that goes beyond a 'minor infraction' and is a form of neglect.
Neglect vs. Abuse
Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, supervision, or services, resulting in harm or risk of harm. Abuse is any intentional act or series of acts that causes harm or serious risk of harm to a vulnerable person.
- Neglect is typically an act of omission (not doing something).
- Abuse is typically an act of commission (doing something harmful).
- Both must be reported to the nurse immediately.
Memory trick: See something wrong? Report it strong!