Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

What is the best way for a nursing assistant to respond to a combative resident?

1. Remain calm and lower the tone of her voice

2. Yell to assert authority

3. Ignore the resident's behavior

4. Leave the room immediately

The correct answer is: Remain calm and lower the tone of her voice

Remaining calm and lowering the tone of your voice is the most effective way for a nursing assistant to respond to a combative resident. This approach helps to de-escalate the situation and can create a more soothing environment. By maintaining a calm demeanor, the assistant can help alleviate the resident’s agitation, as a soothing voice and composed presence often encourage the individual to also calm down. Moreover, responding in such a manner demonstrates empathy and respect for the resident, which can help to build trust. It allows for open communication and gives the resident a chance to express their feelings without feeling threatened or further provoked. Creating a non-confrontational atmosphere is essential in healthcare, especially when dealing with individuals who may be feeling frightened or confused, which may lead to combative behavior. In contrast, yelling to assert authority may escalate the situation further and induce fear or aggression from the resident. Ignoring the resident's behavior can be seen as dismissive, which may exacerbate their feelings of frustration. Leaving the room immediately can also intensify the resident's distress or may be interpreted as abandonment, leading to further agitation. Thus, staying calm and using a lowered tone is the most appropriate and caring strategy in such scenarios.